John’s Story

Site created on July 19, 2021

Late last January and early February I started having some concerning health symptoms. These were shortness of breath, lack of energy, chest pains, coughing, weak voice and swallowing issues. I did not share this with anybody including my wife, Sally. Once we were back in Minnesota in April, these symptoms persisted and got worse. I shared this with Sally and we decided that I should see my cardiologist, Dr. Wade Schmidt, out of Centra Care in Saint Cloud. Dr. Schmidt said that we needed to do an angiogram to start with, so we did this on May 25th. After the angiogram, Dr. Schmidt told us he had some good news and some bad news. The good news was that my previous stents were working wonderfully on the right side of my heart. The bad news was that there are three blockages on the left side of my heart that were in too dangerous of a spot to stent, so I needed bypass surgery. He set me up with a heart surgeon, Dr. Daren Danielson, out of Centra Care in Saint Cloud to do my bypass surgery. Sally and I met with Dr. Danielson on June 2nd. Both he and Dr. Schmidt wanted to move forward with the bypass surgery, but were concerned about my other symptoms, especially the coughing. They wanted me to see an ENT specialist, Dr. Truitt, also out of Centra Care in St. Cloud. We met with him on June 4th and had a laryngoscopy on that same day. The results showed that I had some significant infection and swelling in the upper throat area, so they put me on a number of medications to address those issues. They also wanted me to get an endoscopy to check out the lower part of my esophagus and stomach. They wanted to see if the medications were going to help the coughing, weak voice and swallowing, so the endoscopy was scheduled for July 9th. On July 9th, Dr. Bednarz, at Saint Cloud Hospital, did the endoscopy. She came into the room after the procedure to tell Sally and me `that I have esophageal cancer. She told me she would recommend me to an esophageal cancer specialist at the University of Minnesota Hospital. She also said they would like to do a CT scan from my neck down to my pelvis with contrast to see if the cancer has spread anywhere else. We did that the same day and anxiously awaited the results. During that weekend we got results that the cancer has not spread at this point anywhere else. However, because I was showing symptoms they feel that the cancer has advanced. To say that Sally and I were shocked and devastated would be an understatement. As a matter of fact, for three days or so I did not want to see or hear from anyone except our children and grandkids. However, I am now past the poor me, pity party and now in my fighting mode against this nasty disease. We also know we need to take care of the cancer before we do the bypass surgery. We are now sharing our journey with everyone and have been humbled and overwhelmed by the love, support and prayers of many people. We have an appointment on Tuesday, July 20 with a G.I. specialist at Mayo Clinic. We also have an appointment on Wednesday, July 21 with a G.I. specialist at the University of Minnesota Hospital. My close friend, Jon Stolski, has put me in touch with a cardiologist at Mayo Clinic, who is a good friend of Jon’s. That cardiologist has been extremely helpful with our Mayo information. As a matter of fact, all of the medical personnel so far have been outstanding with their care and concern. 

The family will update when they need support, meals and help. For now we are asking for your prayers and love. Making a tribute or donation via Caring Bridge donates money to Caring Bridge and not John.

Newest Update

March 16, 2024

Journal entry by John Ward —

It has been over 2 months since I have checked in. Much has happened to me,  but I have been thinking a lot about others I know that are going through tough times and need our prayers. My heart aches so much when we lose one of the folks that are battling the beast. I also hurt so much when others have passed from any tough deal or are suffering from physical, emotional, spiritual  or any kind of trouble in their life. We need to also continue to pray for their souls. I will likely miss some folks but here is a list of those I continue to ask for prayers for;
Aleigha M, Theo W, Shannon W, Kirsten O, Mary Anne B, Bill D, Mary G, Cindy C, Kathy S, Mary Ann S, Tom H, Chris C, Angie C, Sue Z, Susie R, Cherie B, Shannon D, Linda W, Barb N, Don S, Rick H, Phil H, Joey H, Jen S and anyone else you have on your prayer list. The need is great, but as we all know, prayers are remarkably powerful and I do believe in miracles. My Uncle Tom taught me long ago to Let Go and Let God. Some of the best advice I have ever gotten, even though I forget it sometimes.

Sally and I have had a great winter in our FL home, which is 99% repaired. We still need a new roof that we should be getting very soon. Some of the pictures indicate some of our family company. I have not been able to golf bowl due to my by pass surgery. I also could not go in the pool for a while, but I can now and it is great. We have gone to many musical shows and plays. Going to some Twins games. We have gone to the beaches several times. We have taken 3 boat cruises with our park friends and our family. We have participated in many of our park activities. My brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Linda G, now live across the street from us and have joined us for many of our activities.  We had a blast with Ryan, Wyatt and Hadley. Also had lots of fun with Amy, Jake, Jewell and Anika. Our nephew Nickoli G  his wife Sweet T also joined us down here on there extended vacation for some fun. We have been watching the weather back home and are amazed at how nice the temps have been with no snow. Sally and I are very blessed in many ways. 

While it has been a great winter, I have had a few “ bumps” in the road. I am in cardiac rehab down here and that has gone well. However,  I got pneumonia and ended up in the hospital down here for 3 days. Shortly after that my sweet heart, who shares everything with me shared her covid with me. She got meds and was not that sick. I could not have the meds and was pretty sick for a number of days. Then this week, while Ryan and his kids were here, I had a medical episode while we were all in the pool. It was very scary for me but Ryan and Sal really helped me out. An ambulance was called and I was taken to the hospital where I was admitted and went through a barrage of test. My heart enzyme, troponin, was elevated but I had also demonstrated stroke symptoms. They diagnosed me with having a TIA, which I guess is a mini stroke. Spent one night in the hospital and got out late the next day. More meds prescribed and I am feeling tired but well. I think having these medical episodes is going to be part of my life for now on, but I am thankful to the Lord for each and every day. So should you.

Many have asked how Theo is doing. Thank you for having him in your thoughts and prayers. He is doing well right now. I believe he has a heart check this month and we will find out more information then. I have included a picture of that special little guy, but then again, ALL of the grandkids are special, right grandma’s and grandpa’s? 

I leave you with this thought.

BRING LOVE, WHEREVER YOU GO
SHINE LIGHT WHEREVER IT IS DARK
LEAVE BLESSINGS WHEREVER YOU’VE BEEN
BE KIND WHEREVER YOU ARE.
LIVE, LAUGH. LOVE
John
 

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