Peter Parsons - his story

I live in Chester with my wife, four wonderful daughters ranging in ages from 18 to 33, and my little beagle, Milo. Both my wife and I have worked at Bonny Lea Farm, a facility for challenged adults, since the early 70s. I enjoy going to the beach and this summer am looking forward to camping in my new "boler" trailer. I love music, especially jazz and blues. I play piano and guitar and have played in several bands in the past. I now play for fun and with my brother for special events, one being the Annual Craigs Cause Fundraiser at Porters Lake.

In Dec.2005 at the age of 54, I was not feeling well and by Jan.2006 started exhibiting symptoms such as tiredness, then extreme itching and then juandice. In early February 2006, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I spent two weeks in the QEII hospital after undergoing major surgery, the Whipple procedure. I was fortunate enough to have had Dr. Michelle Molinari, a brilliant surgeon, a wonderful man and a great friend.

After my stay in the hospital, I returned home to recuperate. After a few weeks I was well enough to undergo chemotherapy. I went into the city weekly and this continued for 6 months. Then I returned to

work, first part time and eventually back to full time. I have been cancer free since January 2006 and after five years of follow up appointments, I have finally "graduated" !!

I will be forever grateful for the love and support from both family and friends. And for the excellent care, kindness and support from the nurses and doctors at both the QEII and the Dickson Center. We are extremely fortunate in NS to have such highly skilled medical professionals who work so hard every

day caring for the sick and saving lives