Couple endures through mutual battles with cancer

Jess and Kathy Garner have many reasons to be grateful for their successful marriage of more than 40 years. But the one that stands out is their ability to support one another when they both faced diagnoses of cancer.

They said that having each other, and taking turns being the caretaker through the past three years of their shared battle against cancer, was essential in them both being survivors and not casualties of the disease.

In 2011, Jess received a diagnosis of prostate cancer, and has been able, with dietary and lifestyle adjustments, to keep his numbers within an acceptable range to avoid surgery or other types of treatment. Jess's continued health became even more important when, in May of 2013, Kathy was diagnosed with stage III C cancer of the ovaries, uterus, lymph nodes and other tissues.

"We had to reverse roles with that new diagnosis, and we just decided we weren't going to let this get us, that we were going to fight together," said Kathy. "Having that strong connection with Jess was so important to me, I don't know what I would have done without him. Nucor [where Jess is employed] was so kind to let him attend all my treatments, and he kept me laughing all the time."

Kathy underwent heavy doses of chemotherapy for several months, in order to reduce her tumors enough that they could be removed by surgery. During the surgery, she received another chemo port and continued to take treatments until January of this year.

"The medication available these days is so awesome," she said. "It helped me so much and kept me from feeling sick. I did lose my hair and eyelashes and eyebrows, that's a very emotional and tough experience. My hair has started to grow back now but I'm still not really comfortable even at home without at least a hat."

In January, Kathy was pronounced cancer-free, and said she asked herself why she was so lucky, but feels that the prayers and support of her family and friends, along with Jess's, were what made the difference.

"So many people reached out to us when they heard," said Jess. "It was unbelievable, the amount of support."

"After the prayers of so many people from coast to coast, God heard them all and has given me more precious time on this Earth, and I am so grateful," said Kathy.

The two are now focusing on their future together. While Jess is still working, Kathy is retired and plans to soak up all this summer has to offer with her children and grandchildren -- last summer her treatments required that she avoid the sun. A trip to visit her family in Oregon is also in the works.

To anyone facing the struggle of a cancer diagnosis, they both said that the most important thing is to stay positive, adding that they observed many cancer patients begin to lose their battles when their attitudes went downhill.

"My doctor said when he saw our attitude that he knew I would make it," said Kathy. "You can give in but you can never give up."

Jess and Kathy, along with other cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle with cancer, will be honored at the 2014 Relay for Life event, which takes place this weekend on the Arkansas Aeroplex.

sharris@blythevillecourier.com