HEAL Living Well After Cancer  

 
         
 

SPRING 2008 / V2N1
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John Plumb Sr. was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2000.
John Plumb Sr. has devoted his time as a pancreatic cancer survivor to helping other survivors.
Photo by Bobbi Brinkman

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PEOPLE / SURVIVOR STORY

Surviving With a Plumb

BY JEAN NASH JOHNSON

Seven-year pancreatic cancer survivor John Plumb Sr. connects survivors wherever and however he can

As soon as he could after surgery for stage 4 pancreatic cancer, John Plumb Sr. wheeled himself around the corridors of Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, combing bulletin boards searching for support groups.

“There aren’t any support groups for pancreatic cancer because patients don’t usually live,” he was told. A stunned Plumb, at age 60, decided to create his own.

Only months into recovery in spring 2001, Plumb founded the Tri-County Cancer Support Group and his radio show, Surviving Cancer, is past mid-point in its fifth year. Plumb is particularly thrilled when he can help listeners who are going through pancreatic cancer. 

Advances in treatment of cancers such as breast and colon in the last 10 years happened because of the persistence of those impacted, Plumb says. “I’m not a medical expert, but I do know it’s better to talk about it.’’ ...

[THIS STORY APPEARS IN FULL IN THE SPRING 2008 ISSUE OF HEAL]

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