Patient Testimonial - "I Have Realized the Importance of the 3 F's"

NOVEMBER 2019: Francis, “Fran,” Palmersheim has been fortunate to do a lot in his life. “I’ve used my knowledge and abilities to help people,” says the 74-year old Sioux City man who started two local businesses and until recently, served on the Sioux City Parks and Recreational Board. “This keeps me sharp and I’ve gotten to know a lot of people.”

Fran has not let pancreatic cancer stop him. It started as severe stomach pain last March. Over-the-counter medications for reflux did not help and his daughter insisted he go to the doctor and follow up until they learned what was causing the pain. He was referred by his local surgeon to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) for special imaging this past July which showed pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

The first step was “whipple surgery,” an operation to remove the head of the pancreas, the first part of the small intestine (duodenum), the gallbladder (which he had already had removed more than a decade previously) and the bile duct. Fran, who also has COPD, asthma and sleep apnea, had this high-risk surgery at UNMC which took longer than 10 hours and then required a 26-day stay in the hospital.

Fran’s next step was 6 months of chemotherapy that started in October. Fran receives his chemo treatment every other week at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center (JENCC), and each session takes a minimum of 5 hours. Fran is a very social patient, the JENCC staff laugh. He also enjoys keeping staff on their toes – giving a made-up last name when he checks in at the front desk or a birthdate in the 1800’s when he needs to give his verification information.

“The people at JENCC are just great,” he says. “They are so supportive, friendly and helpful. And knowledgeable – they really acclimate quickly to the needs of each patient.” Fran also adds that the physicians and staff at the Cancer Center understand how vital communication is.

He said he has 44 different doctors and specialists on his care team and at one time it was as high as 64. “The June E. Nylen Cancer Center is important to have in this community.”

Fran will continue to see his JENCC medical oncologist, Dr. Horowitz, through the end of his chemotherapy treatments. He is then due for a follow up CT Scan to determine next steps or future check-ups. He looks forward to feeling better so he can work in his 5-tier flower garden next Spring and Summer.

While Fran has always been optimistic and had strong faith, he says that cancer has taught him the importance of love with your family. He goes on to add he is more open in frequently telling his 3 grown sons and daughter that he loves them.

“I have realized the importance of the 3 Fs – Family, Friends and Faith. I have enjoyed what I have done in my life and I am going to keep enjoying whatever I have left. And I will keep on planning projects and helping others."