PETE
NOVEMBER 20, 2015
Pete and his wife, Kathy
|
Jen's Editing Note: My trip to Safeway is always special whenever I get to see Pete. He's our beloved friend, a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and all-around great guy.
A while back, members expressed how much they love Pete. So, I thought it only fitting that we feature him around Thanksgiving. I'll admit, I was in tears the day he said he had to take some time off for cancer surgery. And so were all the people in line behind me. I hope you enjoy finding out more about Pete and his journey to beat cancer. Be sure to stop in his lane the next time you see him at Safeway! |
Q. Please tell me where you're from and how you decided on moving to the West Valley.
A. My wife Kathy and I grew up in Phoenix. I was born in Kansas she in upstate New York. Our parents relocated here in the 40s. In 2000, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Neither one of us ever doubted that she would beat it. It was a yearlong battle but as she got a steadily better I told her that I would build her her dream home just as soon as she was strong enough to begin the process. After another year of looking at models, subdivisions and lots, we decided that we liked the far west valley as it was quiet with lots of green farm fields and wildlife.
A. My wife Kathy and I grew up in Phoenix. I was born in Kansas she in upstate New York. Our parents relocated here in the 40s. In 2000, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Neither one of us ever doubted that she would beat it. It was a yearlong battle but as she got a steadily better I told her that I would build her her dream home just as soon as she was strong enough to begin the process. After another year of looking at models, subdivisions and lots, we decided that we liked the far west valley as it was quiet with lots of green farm fields and wildlife.
Q. Can you tell me a little bit about your family?
A. I have been married to Kathy for almost 50 years. Kathy retired from her Educational Designer position at ASU last year. We have three daughters Katie, Shannon and Kari, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
A. I have been married to Kathy for almost 50 years. Kathy retired from her Educational Designer position at ASU last year. We have three daughters Katie, Shannon and Kari, four grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Q. You have a great following of fans in the Estrella community. How long have you been working at Safeway?
A. I have worked at Safeway for 21 years.
A. I have worked at Safeway for 21 years.
In the recovery room he told me that I needed to get a biopsy as s soon as I could get it done. We did it in his office a week later. That was November 7, 2013. I wasn’t worried about cancer as my PSA tests were 1 or less for years. Kathy and I spent the week talking about the possibilities. It simply couldn’t be. On November 14th I got a call to come into his office ASAP and “bring your wife”. I should have remembered that Kathy’s surgeon said the same thing to her about me.
|
Q. Your story of cancer survival is quite inspiring. Can you tell us about what led up to your diagnosis?
A. I have had degenerative disc disease for about 20 years and sometimes severe back pain is part of living with it. My lower back started hurting severely in the late summer of 2013. I just thought another surgery or maybe some steroid shots would relieve it. I procrastinated for a couple of weeks and then, on a late Sunday night, I simply had to find some relief. We packed up and went to Banner Estrella E.R. They diagnosed the pain as a great big kidney stone and gave me pain medication which really helped. They referred me to a very well-known and respected urologist. In the next couple weeks, I underwent a couple Lipotripsy procedures to dislodge the kidney stone, but it was not successful. Next step was laser surgery and stents. While the team was performing this, my urologist noticed that my prostate, bladder and surrounding tissue did not look normal. In the recovery room, he told me that I needed to get a biopsy as soon as I could get it done. We did it in his office a week later. That was November 7, 2013. I wasn’t worried about cancer as my PSA tests were 1 or less for years. Kathy and I spent the week talking about the possibilities. It simply couldn’t be. On November 14th I got a call to come into his office ASAP and, “bring your wife." I should have remembered that Kathy’s surgeon said the same thing to her about me. As we sat there and listened to the doctor spell it out - I kept thinking it can’t be that bad. We had three choices, radiation which is not as effective as a first treatment and it would make follow up treatment or surgery very difficult because it damages the tissue. We could simply just do nothing and just watch it for several months and chart its growth, but that would decrease my chances of surviving if it grew quickly - and it could kill me doing that. |
The PSA test may help detect prostate cancer in its earliest stages. However, Mayo Clinic says because prostate cancer progresses slowly over many years, a man may have prostate cancer that never causes symptoms or becomes a medical problem during his lifetime. Talk with your doctor about the benefits of testing for your individual needs.
|
I chose the most surefire method to live. I wanted to cut the cancer out. We talked for a long time with the doctor about every facet of radical surgery. By that time we were finished talking I just wanted the cancer out of me and everything that it had metastasized into.
I knew that this was best for me and us as a couple. I never doubted that I would beat it. My father, a very wise man, always told me that whatever I believed, that whether I could or couldn’t do something, I was right. I wasn’t going to be defeated. I knew I could win this one.
My glass has always been half full in every undertaking I have done. And now that I was fighting for my life - that thought was going to get me through it. I still had a lot to accomplish and Kathy and I had many plans for our retirement. I promised her a long time ago that I would nerve leave her alone in life and I meant it.
I knew that this was best for me and us as a couple. I never doubted that I would beat it. My father, a very wise man, always told me that whatever I believed, that whether I could or couldn’t do something, I was right. I wasn’t going to be defeated. I knew I could win this one.
My glass has always been half full in every undertaking I have done. And now that I was fighting for my life - that thought was going to get me through it. I still had a lot to accomplish and Kathy and I had many plans for our retirement. I promised her a long time ago that I would nerve leave her alone in life and I meant it.
In my own battle, the prayers of family friends and all those in my Estrella Ranch family lifted me and helped me to overcome the worst.
Q. Where did you choose to seek treatment?
A. I followed my doctor’s recommendations as to where to have it done and who should be involved in my follow-up care for chemo and radiation. My doctor recommended the robot surgery equipment at Banned Estrella Hospital.
A. I followed my doctor’s recommendations as to where to have it done and who should be involved in my follow-up care for chemo and radiation. My doctor recommended the robot surgery equipment at Banned Estrella Hospital.
|
The American Urological Association developed a guideline for detecting prostate cancer early. Be sure to ask your doctor for more information.
|
Q. Can you share with us your experience?
A. I was sure that I was going to be around for many, many years once this ordeal was over was very nervous as the day approached. Fear of the unknown made me somewhat apprehensive. The morning of the procedure started at 3:30. I did not sleep well the night before. I just wanted to get in there and get it over with. It was December 13 and Christmas was a coming. I wanted to be up and around and enjoy the family and resume my life. As I walked into the hospital to check in I was really actually feeling afraid of not being in control. As I approached the desk I saw a familiar face it was one of my regular customers who greeted me and said that she was expecting me. I knew that I was going to be among my other family and friends and I felt relief. Surgery preparation is long and sometimes painful. The staff and doctors were wonderful. Everyone came in and explained what was going to happen and lauded me on my choice of a surgeon. There were many nurses and technicians in and out of my little cubicle drawing blood, starting IVs, bathing me and helping me pull on those nylon anti stroke socks for the third time in a month and asking 10,000 questions. Finely after about 2 hours Kathy was allowed in to be with me. I was so glad to see her face and feel her touch. The surgeon and the anesthesiologists came in and said it was about time to start. In the prior procedures of the past month with the stones I was wheeled out and down the hall. It was a long lonely trip to the room where I observer all the tools of the trade. It was unsettling. As they came in to take me for the big show the anesthesiologists said I could kiss my wife as I did the anesthesiologists gave me a great big shot in my IV. I was out in a half a second. |
I woke up so foggy but I remember my wife bending over and kissing my forehead and I knew I was OK. The surgery was over. The truism that the cure was worse than the disease began to manifest itself. My doctor said that he did his best to get it all but only time would tell.
The tubes and wires, drains of which I lost count of got in the way of everything. My food choice was which flavor of jello was on the cart. I was awakened every hour for vitals and then told to get some sleep because I needed my rest.
Kathy spent every moment with me for those three days. Kathy spent all three days at my bedside. For that I am eternally grateful to her. Before I could leave the hospital I had to demonstrate that I was ready by walking around the entire top floor. With Kathy’s help I finely made it on day 2. I walking and she pushing the IV stands. I was ready for my own bed and familiar surroundings.
After two weeks at home I returned to the doctor’s office for a progress checkup. I was doing well. Things were normal for two weeks out. A few weeks later the catheter was removed and the reality of the diapers, smaller bladder and loss of other “man parts” and functions became part of my life. Chemo and Radiation came next. The treatments were long and very very tiring. But as each session was over I was one more step on the recovery road. It took a lot longer for the bones to heal. I couldn’t set on anything without six pillows for almost a year. That was the most bothersome part of the healing process. I see my urologists every three months for tests.
The tubes and wires, drains of which I lost count of got in the way of everything. My food choice was which flavor of jello was on the cart. I was awakened every hour for vitals and then told to get some sleep because I needed my rest.
Kathy spent every moment with me for those three days. Kathy spent all three days at my bedside. For that I am eternally grateful to her. Before I could leave the hospital I had to demonstrate that I was ready by walking around the entire top floor. With Kathy’s help I finely made it on day 2. I walking and she pushing the IV stands. I was ready for my own bed and familiar surroundings.
After two weeks at home I returned to the doctor’s office for a progress checkup. I was doing well. Things were normal for two weeks out. A few weeks later the catheter was removed and the reality of the diapers, smaller bladder and loss of other “man parts” and functions became part of my life. Chemo and Radiation came next. The treatments were long and very very tiring. But as each session was over I was one more step on the recovery road. It took a lot longer for the bones to heal. I couldn’t set on anything without six pillows for almost a year. That was the most bothersome part of the healing process. I see my urologists every three months for tests.
I wasn’t going to be defeated I knew I could win this one. My glass has always been half full in every undertaking I have done and now that I was fighting for my life that thought was going to get me through it.
Q. What is your prognosis?
A. My prognosis is good. As small occurrences come up we treat them with radiation. I do feel strongly that the healing process physically and especially mentally and emotionally goes on for a lifetime.
A. My prognosis is good. As small occurrences come up we treat them with radiation. I do feel strongly that the healing process physically and especially mentally and emotionally goes on for a lifetime.
Q. What is your advice for patients just finding out about a cancer diagnosis?
A. Learn all you can about your cancer. Ask lots of questions. Trust you doctors. Most important, keep a positive bent to beating the disease. If you believe you can, you will. Seek the comfort and strength of your family and friends.
Cancer is not a death sentence. It is a battle to be fought and won. In my own battle the prayers of family friends and all those in my Estrella Ranch family lifted me and helped me to overcome the worst. Never say why me.
Things happen in our lives to make us stronger. Surviving gives us new prospective on the importance of our own life and that what and who we are matter to others in our daily lives. Winning this is not just for you. It is for everyone who loves you and needs you.
A. Learn all you can about your cancer. Ask lots of questions. Trust you doctors. Most important, keep a positive bent to beating the disease. If you believe you can, you will. Seek the comfort and strength of your family and friends.
Cancer is not a death sentence. It is a battle to be fought and won. In my own battle the prayers of family friends and all those in my Estrella Ranch family lifted me and helped me to overcome the worst. Never say why me.
Things happen in our lives to make us stronger. Surviving gives us new prospective on the importance of our own life and that what and who we are matter to others in our daily lives. Winning this is not just for you. It is for everyone who loves you and needs you.
No life is wasted. I am positive that I am using the tools I was given to fulfill my purpose, passing out smiles, a good thought and plenty of that grand fatherly advice. I truly feel that I am the luckiest man on the earth every day of my life. I beat cancer and I have a second chance to “go forth and do good works”.
Q. You have such a positive attitude every day. What keeps you going?
A. My grandfather instilled in us from a young age that every day we live is a bonus. Each new day gives us new opportunities to serve our fellow man. I really enjoy passing on a smile, or a positive thought and just being there when needed. I believe that each and every person born on this earth has purpose.
No life is wasted. I am positive that I am using the tools I was given to fulfill my purpose, passing out smiles, a good thought and plenty of that grand fatherly advice. I truly feel that I am the luckiest man on the earth every day of my life. I beat cancer and I have a second chance to “go forth and do good works”.
A. My grandfather instilled in us from a young age that every day we live is a bonus. Each new day gives us new opportunities to serve our fellow man. I really enjoy passing on a smile, or a positive thought and just being there when needed. I believe that each and every person born on this earth has purpose.
No life is wasted. I am positive that I am using the tools I was given to fulfill my purpose, passing out smiles, a good thought and plenty of that grand fatherly advice. I truly feel that I am the luckiest man on the earth every day of my life. I beat cancer and I have a second chance to “go forth and do good works”.
Q. What do you like to do in your spare time?
A. I enjoy reading especially history, politics and current events.
A. I enjoy reading especially history, politics and current events.
PSA TESTING
THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RECOMMENDATIONS HERE
MAYO CLINIC INFORMATION ABOUT PSA TESTING PROS AND CONS HERE
CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA INFORMATION ABOUT PSA TESTING HERE
