Healing Gifts Spring 2014 - A Second Chance | Page 2

Throughout Jose’s hospital stay, he came to appreciate
not only the clinical expertise, but also the kindness of
his surgeon. “Dr. Maker would come into my room to talk
with me. He expressed genuine concern and answered
all of my questions, whether it took 10 minutes or an
hour,” Jose says.
Although he was required to walk twice a day, Jose
chose to push himself with a personal goal of six times a
day. But he was still on strong medications and hooked
up to an IV—and too weak to walk alone.
Fortunately, the nursing staff at Illinois Masonic Medical
Center responded cheerfully to requests for walking
assistance any time of day or night. Jose says, “They
were all just great—and so supportive.”

Good news at last
After several days, Dr. Maker reported that the pancreatic
tumor was, indeed, cancerous. Although this was hard to
hear, there was also some good news: All of the cancer
was removed surgically and no chemotherapy or radiation
was required. It was a slow-growing type of tumor, so

periodic scans would show whether any further
treatment was needed.

A changed life
Determined to get well and stay well, Jose got on with
his life. Just a year after the surgery, he and Rosemary
were given a trip to Italy for their 40th anniversary, and
he felt well enough to enjoy the attractions of Venice,
Florence, Cinque Terre, Siena, Rome and Sicily. Over
the winter of 2014—one of the harshest on record—
he kept busy driving a snow plow!
Without a gallbladder or a spleen—and only part
of his pancreas—Jose must follow certain dietary
restrictions (no sugary or greasy foods) and take some
special precautions to protect his immune system. But
he regards that as a small price to pay for his health.
Grateful to be alive, Jose says of his scare, “It changed
my life, but it also gave me a second chance. I feel
pretty healthy, pretty good.” ■

Spring 2014 – healing gifts – 7