back to dedications

Name: James Jack Age: 41
Seattle, WA
Type of Cancer: Bladder & Prostate

Diagnosed 11/20/01, 8 hours of surgery 12/20/01 to remove bladder,lymps & prostate and build a new bladder using Jim’s small intestine. Full recovery, no chemo & has been clean at each 6 month interval since. Next milestone will be 08/03 which will be at the 1.5 year mark of the 5 year testing.

Highlights: (Memorable moments, turning points, favourite memories)
Surgeon sending word out of the OR that they were continuing the surgery as the pathology report reading for the lymps was a low grade of cancer.
Seeing Jim in his room after the surgery. He was still with us!

Lowlights: (Moments of courage, digging deep within)
Diagnosis was like getting hit by a bus. We were both only 39 and expecting our 2nd son in 4 months. Our 1st son Beau was 7 and had lost 2 grandparents to cancer in the past 2 years. Cancer only meant 1 thing to him and we both decided we would not tell him that Daddy had it. This could not really be happening to our family. Many feelings of dis-belief. Our families were our strength leading up to the 20th. In particular, Dawn & Bruce, Ellie & Doug.

Current Status:
1.5 years – no sign of cancer anywhere!

Favourite Activity(s) now:
Skiing, boating, walking, skateboarding & family. Total miracle – Jim looks & feels great.