Jack’s Story

Site created on March 1, 2018

As some of you know, our dad has recently been diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. ...non-small cell (adenocarcinoma) to be exact.  This diagnosis came as a huge surprise, as our dad isn't a smoker.   He's just extremely unlucky (though not in cards...he'll sweep the house...ask anyone who's been in a game with him!).   

This all started end of January when he went in for treatment of a persistent cough.  He was diagnosed with pneumonia, took the prescribed antibiotics, and felt better for a couple weeks.  Then the bad cough was back, and this time the x-ray looked more suspicious.   A CT-scan, later followed by a pet-scan, confirmed the Stage IV diagnosis.   While the cancer is contained within the chest cavity, it's tragically in both lungs, very widespread and in the lung lining, pleural fluid and mass of lymph nodes.  It's inoperable and aggressive.   His lungs operate at just 60%, so he's on constant oxygen with additional breathing treatments as needed.   In addition to this, his heart goes in and out of AFib, and the pleural fluid can continue to build up putting additional pressure on the lungs, to the point where another drainage procedure may need to be done (he's had one done already as his breathing got more difficult).

He's currently at Marshfield Medical Center, where chemo treatments are just beginning.  While remission isn't an option at this point, our dad has lots of life left that he wants to live, keeping up his hopes that he'll be back at the poker table and on the golf course soon.

Please pray for him and for our family...for strength, for continued hope, for the success of chemo treatments, for peace within our hearts and minds, and for moments of light and laughter to shine through as we continue on this unfathomable journey.  

If you wish to help, cards would be most welcome...with words of support, hope and encouragement.   Please send them to our mom's house and she'll bring them to the hospital for our dad to read.  Her address is:
Phyllis Gardner
3030 15th Street South
Wisconsin Rapids, WI  54494

We will keep you up-to-date on his progress, and will let you know if/when a time for visits is permissible.   Thank you.

Newest Update

Chemo - Round 4 - May 3rd

Journal entry by phyllis gardner —

Journal entry by Phyllis Gardner

We met with Dr. Onitilo, Jack's oncologist, last Thursday.  He had a CAT scan taken a week prior and we got the results.  He compared the CAT scan taken April 26 to the one taken Feb. 25 and there is significant improvement.  Jack is responding to the chemo at a 90% level.  That is to say he is in a so-called "very good remission".  Although remission doesn't mean no more cancer, the doctor ordered 3 more rounds of chemo to kill more of the existing cancer cells. He had the 4th treatment that same day and after the next 2 treatments (three weeks apart), another CAT scan will be taken and we'll go from there.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.  Again, please keep them coming!
Read More of the journal titled "Chemo - Round 4 - May 3rd"
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Jack Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Jack's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Leave a comment of support for Jack

Did you know? A quick comment, no matter the situation (positive or negative), can boost morale by 28.2%.

Comments Hide comments

Load more comments
Read More Journal Entries

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

Personal Fundraiser
Support Links
Helpful Requests
Go to Ways to Help
SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top