Endres family big supporter of Relay for Life
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
The family of the late George Endres and his wife Marjorie of Marion have firsthand experience in confronting the challenges of cancer.
Ever since Marjorie was diagnosed with lung cancer 12 years ago, the Endres and their seven grown children have been enthusiastic supporters of Marion County's Relay for Life, which raises money for cancer research.
Lori Kirkpatrick of Peabody, the youngest daughter, shared experiences the family has had.
George died from lung cancer in February 2002 at the age of 75 after a three and one-half year battle.
The doctor gave him six months to live, but Lori credits research and the development of new technology with making it possible for him to live longer.
She said her father was the first one to use a new radiation machine at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, which pinpointed the rays more narrowly to the site of the cancer, reducing damage to good cells.
"He thought he should get to carve his initials into the machine," Lori said, a natural thought for someone who was a wood carver.
George also received chemotherapy treatments. He was able to remain active, and he and Marjorie did some traveling before his death.
Marjorie is a cancer survivor. When she was diagnosed with lung cancer, half of her left lung was removed.
She was cancer-free until last February, when a tumor developed in the space between her lungs and attached itself to them.
She has been on a protocol of experimental drugs and treatment.
During one five-week period she went through a harsh regimen of daily doses of radiation, chemotherapy, and repeated radiation. The treatment left her weak and burned her esophagus, making it difficult to eat or drink without pain. She became dehydrated and was hospitalized several times.
Although the regimen was very difficult to endure, Lori said Marjorie believes all the pain was worth it. She received a CT scan July 14, and the prognosis is good. The doctor said the tumor had shrunk considerably and she had responded to the treatment just as he and pharmaceutical companies had hoped.
She continues to take chemotherapy treatment. In two or three weeks, she will receive a radiation treatment to the brain, Lori said. According to the doctor, the treatment is an attempt to prevent the cancer from spreading to the brain.
Lori said her mother is feeling better now, and can eat and drink. She said she is happy she took part in the experiment.
"It has worked wonderfully well," Lori added. "It's all in the research."
The pharmaceutical companies involved in the experiment will follow Marjorie for five years. They don't know her name, but she has an assigned number.
Lori said her three boys, Jared, 17, Matthew, 14, and Michael, 10, were touched by their grandparents' problems. She said Michael is especially glad to see his grandmother's hair growing back.
Two of the Endres' daughters also are cancer survivors. Lori's oldest sister, Sharon Andes, had breast cancer seven years ago and underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy.
Another sister, Ruth Smith, was diagnosed with cervical cancer, but it was caught in its earliest stages. A hysterectomy took care of it, and no other treatment was necessary.
The family believes cancer research is essential to the development of new and better drugs and treatment.
"Cancer is indiscriminate and can touch anyone," Lori said.
