In March of 2013, after becoming ill on a family vacation, Wayne Preston Jr. followed up with his doctor over persistent stomach issues. A referral to the Gastroenterologist led to an endoscopy and ultimately, words that nobody wants to hear, “You have cancer.” Fortunately for Wayne, the cancer was a very treatable form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma referred to as B-Cell Lymphoma or Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma. Evidence of the Lymphoma was found in Wayne’s stomach and his right lung. Wayne underwent treatment for the Lymphoma in his stomach in the summer of 2013.
In January of 2014, unexpected findings in biopsies would mean good news and bad news for Wayne. Doctors found evidence of a new cancer in Wayne’s stomach called “Adenocarcinoma.” This meant Wayne now had “Stomach Cancer.” Wayne was determined to be a candidate for surgery called a Gastrectomy to remove the Stomach Cancer. In February of 2014, Wayne underwent a partial-gastrectomy.
During the staging process of Wayne’s Stomach Cancer, Doctor’s saw a “spot” on Wayne’s Thyroid. Biopsies revealed that in addition to the Lymphoma and the Stomach Cancer, Wayne also had Thyroid Cancer. Wayne recuperated from the gastrectomy in the weeks that followed and in April of 2014, had a Total Thyroidectomy to remove the Thyroid Cancer along with radiation therapy specific to the Thyroid Cancer. Wayne completed his treatment for those cancers in the summer of 2014 and got to take the rest of the year off with no treatment, only surveillance.
Wayne was blessed with no significant cancer treatment in 2015 and his Stomach Cancer was deemed to be officially in remission in June. Although in remission, exhaustive surveillance was conducted to get a jump on any recurrence of his now, three, primary, unrelated cancers.
In January of 2016, Wayne had a PET/CT Scan. There was activity again in his stomach and the lung mass had grown and was more active on the PET/CT Scan. Wayne would be scheduled for another EUS to get a good look around inside his stomach and several biopsies would be taken.
Again, good news, “no worrisome findings” in the stomach. His Stomach Cancer remained in remission, however Wayne’s lung mass had caused him a cough and some shortness of breath. Oncologists suggested it was time to “go after” the lung mass. This meant chemotherapy followed by some radiation. Having faced each diagnosis head on over the last three years, Wayne chose to do the same with the Lymphoma in his lung.
On February 24, 2016, Wayne started a regimen of chemotherapy to deal with the lung mass and upon completion, is following up with radiation therapy.
On the face of things, Wayne’s situation may seem like he was dealt a “bad hand.” But, Wayne thinks that is the furthest from the truth. Wayne’s oncologists think that Lymphoma may have “saved his life,” by how it led doctors to discover the Stomach Cancer at a point where it could be attacked with a “curative intent.” If you met Wayne for the first time, you wouldn’t think he was a man dealing with 3 cancers. Wayne’s attitude remains upbeat and he even continues to work a full time job in between various treatments and appointments. Wayne’s mental resolve due to his Faith in God have enabled him to treat cancer as only an inconvenience, not an insurmountable hurdle.
Wayne has been married to his wonderful wife, Rocky Preston, for almost 27 years. They have 3 amazing children, Briahna (23), Dallas (21), and Mya (13). It doesn’t take long before a conversation with Wayne leads to a story about one of the kids or Rocky. Wayne and Rocky are proud parents and fully involved with each of their kids. You may see on social media Wayne and the kids at a concert (Wayne loves music), or at a horse event (Rocky & the girls love horses) or some other post involving the Prestons as a family.
Wayne’s sense of humor and countless pranks can cause times of stomach pain for others (no pun intended) from laughing so hard. He pulls pranks around the office that lighten the mood and make you realize your job is important but you can have a good time doing it. Those of us that have worked with Wayne are fortunate to have been around such a great leader, not only in the workplace but in life. He’s selfish in the sense that he helps so many, but never seeks the help of others. Wayne is highly involved in his church and despite his busy schedule he always makes time to provide a listening ear, give advice, or provide spiritual ministry to those in need.
My friends, having one cancer incurs an enormous cost. Wayne has three! It’s time we help a man who has helped so many and expects nothing in return. While the Stomach Cancer and Thyroid Cancer remain in remission, the expenses from doctor visits, tests, labs, scans, prescriptions, surveillance and this latest treatment are unrelenting. This year alone, Catastrophic Limits for his health insurance were increased by nearly 58%, combined with weekly travel costs and often daily trips to Tucson from Yuma. We’d like to help him not have any unnecessary stress worrying about mounting expenses. Please contribute to Wayne's Cancer Crusade.
"When your heart is full of Faith, there is no room for worry."
In January of 2014, unexpected findings in biopsies would mean good news and bad news for Wayne. Doctors found evidence of a new cancer in Wayne’s stomach called “Adenocarcinoma.” This meant Wayne now had “Stomach Cancer.” Wayne was determined to be a candidate for surgery called a Gastrectomy to remove the Stomach Cancer. In February of 2014, Wayne underwent a partial-gastrectomy.
During the staging process of Wayne’s Stomach Cancer, Doctor’s saw a “spot” on Wayne’s Thyroid. Biopsies revealed that in addition to the Lymphoma and the Stomach Cancer, Wayne also had Thyroid Cancer. Wayne recuperated from the gastrectomy in the weeks that followed and in April of 2014, had a Total Thyroidectomy to remove the Thyroid Cancer along with radiation therapy specific to the Thyroid Cancer. Wayne completed his treatment for those cancers in the summer of 2014 and got to take the rest of the year off with no treatment, only surveillance.
Wayne was blessed with no significant cancer treatment in 2015 and his Stomach Cancer was deemed to be officially in remission in June. Although in remission, exhaustive surveillance was conducted to get a jump on any recurrence of his now, three, primary, unrelated cancers.
In January of 2016, Wayne had a PET/CT Scan. There was activity again in his stomach and the lung mass had grown and was more active on the PET/CT Scan. Wayne would be scheduled for another EUS to get a good look around inside his stomach and several biopsies would be taken.
Again, good news, “no worrisome findings” in the stomach. His Stomach Cancer remained in remission, however Wayne’s lung mass had caused him a cough and some shortness of breath. Oncologists suggested it was time to “go after” the lung mass. This meant chemotherapy followed by some radiation. Having faced each diagnosis head on over the last three years, Wayne chose to do the same with the Lymphoma in his lung.
On February 24, 2016, Wayne started a regimen of chemotherapy to deal with the lung mass and upon completion, is following up with radiation therapy.
On the face of things, Wayne’s situation may seem like he was dealt a “bad hand.” But, Wayne thinks that is the furthest from the truth. Wayne’s oncologists think that Lymphoma may have “saved his life,” by how it led doctors to discover the Stomach Cancer at a point where it could be attacked with a “curative intent.” If you met Wayne for the first time, you wouldn’t think he was a man dealing with 3 cancers. Wayne’s attitude remains upbeat and he even continues to work a full time job in between various treatments and appointments. Wayne’s mental resolve due to his Faith in God have enabled him to treat cancer as only an inconvenience, not an insurmountable hurdle.
Wayne has been married to his wonderful wife, Rocky Preston, for almost 27 years. They have 3 amazing children, Briahna (23), Dallas (21), and Mya (13). It doesn’t take long before a conversation with Wayne leads to a story about one of the kids or Rocky. Wayne and Rocky are proud parents and fully involved with each of their kids. You may see on social media Wayne and the kids at a concert (Wayne loves music), or at a horse event (Rocky & the girls love horses) or some other post involving the Prestons as a family.
Wayne’s sense of humor and countless pranks can cause times of stomach pain for others (no pun intended) from laughing so hard. He pulls pranks around the office that lighten the mood and make you realize your job is important but you can have a good time doing it. Those of us that have worked with Wayne are fortunate to have been around such a great leader, not only in the workplace but in life. He’s selfish in the sense that he helps so many, but never seeks the help of others. Wayne is highly involved in his church and despite his busy schedule he always makes time to provide a listening ear, give advice, or provide spiritual ministry to those in need.
My friends, having one cancer incurs an enormous cost. Wayne has three! It’s time we help a man who has helped so many and expects nothing in return. While the Stomach Cancer and Thyroid Cancer remain in remission, the expenses from doctor visits, tests, labs, scans, prescriptions, surveillance and this latest treatment are unrelenting. This year alone, Catastrophic Limits for his health insurance were increased by nearly 58%, combined with weekly travel costs and often daily trips to Tucson from Yuma. We’d like to help him not have any unnecessary stress worrying about mounting expenses. Please contribute to Wayne's Cancer Crusade.
"When your heart is full of Faith, there is no room for worry."
Organizer and beneficiary
Jessica Williamson Harvick
Organizer
Wellton, AZ
Wayne Preston Jr
Beneficiary