Jimmy's Journey

Jimmy’s Journey

In March, 2016 my younger brother, Jimmy Bagnall, was diagnosed with colon cancer. At the age of 45, younger than the recommended age for routine colonoscopy, our family was faced with this devastating news.  We unfortunately are not new to the shock of a cancer diagnosis. Just 4 short years ago our Dad/Husband lost his courageous battle with cancer leaving us with inexplicable emptiness and sadness that each of us struggle with every day of our lives. The news of Jimmy’s colon cancer brought a flood of memories of Dad’s difficult fight with this terrible disease. We tirelessly pray for a better outcome. There has to be a better outcome! 

So the fight begins. A six hour surgery was successful in removing a large tumor from Jimmy’s colon. A few days later, however, he developed a systemic infection requiring another surgery followed by a lengthy hospital stay. The revision surgery necessitated a temporary colostomy and the placement of several drains. With the help of a home nurse and my Mom’s unwavering support, Jimmy is beginning to get used to a very overwhelming new way of life. He will soon begin the next phase of his treatment. He will undergo six weeks of bi-weekly chemotherapy followed by six weeks of daily chemotherapy and radiation. This will then be followed by four months of biweekly chemotherapy. The idea of six months of this grueling treatment regimen is daunting but very necessary.

Now a few words about Jimmy...those who know my brother, know his laugh... that infectious laugh that you cannot help giggle when you hear. His laugh is unchanged. Surgery, anesthsesia, colostomy,  drains, ports, whatever...bring it on...Jimmy's laughing.   Now the need for a fundraising campaign. Jimmy is a self-employed single Dad.  Ashley is his 21 year old daughter who is a college student and the epitome of Daddy’s little girl. Brandon is 7 years old and is truly my brother’s biggest fan. Being separated from his Dad while he was hospitalized was extremely difficult for this little boy. His attachment to my brother cannot be described. Jimmy is his best friend, his hero, literally his everything. The three of them live in a shore town in New Jersey. Jimmy is a house remodeler, providing home improvements to customers throughout N.J. The problem here is the self-employed part. If he does not work he does not get paid. This may be the most overwhelming part of this whole ordeal for my brother. It seems that each visit to a doctor results in appointments to 3 more doctors. The number of appointments to specialists, coupled with the daily regimen of chemo and radiation makes for a very busy schedule. Jimmy’s response to it all… I’ll do it, but I have to work! That is truly his intention and in fact it’s his reality. He needs to make money to keep his household running, care for his children and pay for the mounting medical bills. Knowing Jim’s work ethic I am sure he will work throughout this daunting treatment, but likely not at his usual capacity. My hope for my brother is that your support, be it financial or spiritual, sustains him and encourages him and his family though this challenging time in their lives.