Farmy Joe
11-11-2008, 11:46 AM
http://www.jackgartside.com/wordpress/?p=169
A few of you may know (though most probably don’t) that Jack was hospitalized last week. The diagnosis is small-cell lung cancer. Not something you want to have. Right now he’s undergoing an aggressive course of chemotherapy and radiation.
When you hear a friend has cancer the ground drops from under your feet. You picture your friend diminished by disease, a whisper of his or her former self. You feel helpless, kicked in the gut (at least, that’s how I felt).
All I can say is that cancer has never butted heads with the irresistible force that is Jack Gartside before.
He’s in amazing spirits–laughing and joking. His second day in, as doctors entered the room, serious, conferring, they burst out laughing at the site of Jack and all his visitors all wearing these goofy coke bottle eyeglasses Katie Lavelle had brought over. With an unfamiliar stretch of the Charles River flowing by his hospital window, Jack convinced Dale Linder and Dave Skok to bring their rods and fish it on their next visit so he can know what’s in there.
Just as amazing has been the outpouring of support from Jack’s friends, acquaintances, and people who just admire his work. There have been calls, cards, and emails (I’ll post a few of them below) from all over the world. Fishing companions, fellow fly tyers, family, fans, dance partners, old friends and new. Jack’s been truly touched and inspired to have so many people wish him well. Strange though it may sound, he is just loving life right now. He told me tonight “Tell people I’m going to be back in that bellyboat catching pickerel as soon as I can.”
Another thing Jack has been really touched by (so much so the he asked me to mention it) is the quality of care he’s receiving at the veteran’s administration hospital. The other night on the phone he couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful everyone has been–the doctors, nurses, and staff. He told me that after he thanks a staff person for something it’s common for them to reply, “No. Thank YOU for your service.” Simply outstanding. (It’s the VA in West Roxbury, MA, by the way.)
How long Jack will be in the hospital we don’t know yet. He could be home as early as next week. It all depends on how his system responds to the treatment. Outpatient or inpatient, the treatment will take several months.
Lastly, if you’re wondering about whether now is the right time to place an order on Jack’s web site, the answer is an emphatic “Yes.” Books are in stock, as are thousands of flies, prints, and other things. While Jack is in the hospital, I and a few other friends are filling his orders.
A few of you may know (though most probably don’t) that Jack was hospitalized last week. The diagnosis is small-cell lung cancer. Not something you want to have. Right now he’s undergoing an aggressive course of chemotherapy and radiation.
When you hear a friend has cancer the ground drops from under your feet. You picture your friend diminished by disease, a whisper of his or her former self. You feel helpless, kicked in the gut (at least, that’s how I felt).
All I can say is that cancer has never butted heads with the irresistible force that is Jack Gartside before.
He’s in amazing spirits–laughing and joking. His second day in, as doctors entered the room, serious, conferring, they burst out laughing at the site of Jack and all his visitors all wearing these goofy coke bottle eyeglasses Katie Lavelle had brought over. With an unfamiliar stretch of the Charles River flowing by his hospital window, Jack convinced Dale Linder and Dave Skok to bring their rods and fish it on their next visit so he can know what’s in there.
Just as amazing has been the outpouring of support from Jack’s friends, acquaintances, and people who just admire his work. There have been calls, cards, and emails (I’ll post a few of them below) from all over the world. Fishing companions, fellow fly tyers, family, fans, dance partners, old friends and new. Jack’s been truly touched and inspired to have so many people wish him well. Strange though it may sound, he is just loving life right now. He told me tonight “Tell people I’m going to be back in that bellyboat catching pickerel as soon as I can.”
Another thing Jack has been really touched by (so much so the he asked me to mention it) is the quality of care he’s receiving at the veteran’s administration hospital. The other night on the phone he couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful everyone has been–the doctors, nurses, and staff. He told me that after he thanks a staff person for something it’s common for them to reply, “No. Thank YOU for your service.” Simply outstanding. (It’s the VA in West Roxbury, MA, by the way.)
How long Jack will be in the hospital we don’t know yet. He could be home as early as next week. It all depends on how his system responds to the treatment. Outpatient or inpatient, the treatment will take several months.
Lastly, if you’re wondering about whether now is the right time to place an order on Jack’s web site, the answer is an emphatic “Yes.” Books are in stock, as are thousands of flies, prints, and other things. While Jack is in the hospital, I and a few other friends are filling his orders.