Stories of Perseverance: Lyle Gentry

Each year leading a handful of those in the community going through a cancer journey themselves or with a loved one share their story.  These are the people the efforts of Pink Arrow help in the community.  They’re friends and neighbors.  You may not even know how cancer has touched them.  This series of stories are written by the person you will read about or by someone on their behalf.  We thank them for sharing their story and the courage to battle cancer in some way.

If you are interested in volunteering for any upcoming Pink Arrow events please visit these sign-ups and claim a spot or two.  Help sell shirts at Peptalk sign up here.  To help at Community Day on August 17 sign up here.  Volunteer to sell shirts on game day September 8 by signing up here.  And if you’re interested in signing up to donate blood on Community Day select your spot here.  

Photo courtesy of Heather Eveland and is used with permission.  You can visit her photography website and Facebook page for more information.

Meet Lyle Gentry who, in his 90s, is on a cancer journey of his own.  It hasn’t stopped him from moving forward and living.  His daughter tells his courageous story.  

My dad, Lyle Gentry, opted for me, his daughter, Debby, to tell his story. How would I describe my dad? He is one of the friendliest guys I know. If you go to Meijer and you see a man in a Navy veterans cap with white hair peeking through, talking just as friendly as can be to clerks, another veteran, anyone; it might be my dad. He is a people person.
He has worked hard his whole life, growing up doing farm work (not easy chores), then, working in the fields for Del Monte in the Rochelle, Illinois area. He and his friend hitchhiked (a common practice back then, not recommended today) to join the navy. His friend went to Great Lakes, he went to Farragut, Idaho. Dad went to gunnery school and taught night vision to identify Japanese ships on the horizon. He was put on a tanker but was taken off, due to the Sullivan Brothers Law. His brother had been killed in the Battle of the Bulge and another brother was fighting in the Pacific. Dad finished his military career in Algiers, Louisiana. Dad has always been proud that he served his country. Proud of his family, as well. He had two uncles in WWI and a nephew in Viet Nam. Strong stock, patriotic to their core.
After the service, dad worked for Standard Oil and moved from Illinois to Michigan and back to Illinois again, three more moves. He married his soul mate, Ethel, had three children, Debby, Doug and David. He had a strong work ethic, which he shared with his children. Down the line, he and mom had seven grandchildren and then, three great-grandchildren. Proud grandparents!
He and my mom packed up their belongings and moved to Lowell, Michigan, nine years ago this fall. My brother, Doug and his wife, Waverly, live there. Dad loves cutting the grass on his riding lawn mower, taking care of the flowers and garden, fishing, golfing, enjoying the birds, and building bird houses. He loves to tinker and fix things. He has a new hobby, reading. He is ninety-one years old.
One fall day, dad told my mom, “For the first time in my life, I feel old.” She said, “It’s about time!” He sat down on the steps, after mowing. Mom had noticed bruises on his arms. (She called them “blood spots.”) Dad prolonged a visit to the doctor, saying he had an appointment coming up. He had a blood test and his white blood cell count was seven times what it should have been. An IMMEDIATE visit to the hospital was called for! They thought he had leukemia and worked on getting his platelets, white cells and red cells back to normal before starting treatment. He was in the hospital two weeks and chemo began a few days before going home. The chemo did NOT work. They reevaluated dad and diagnosed his condition as MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome). Due to dad’s age, he could not have a bone marrow transplant; he could only have chemo treatments to manage this blood disease. Dad began a series of chemo shots seven times a month. He did not lose his hair and thanks to an anti-nausea drug, an hour before treatment, he does not get sick. He forgot the pill ONCE, got sick and he never forgot THAT PILL again!
Dad continues to amaze the doctors and nurses. One nurse said, after dad had a low count, “I would be on the floor with a count like that!” He has done so well, they only give him five shots a month now.
He never complains, just goes to the doctor and hospital when he has to go, gets the job done and he’s home. He praises his doctors and nurses who have been very good at their jobs, are always personable, with good bedside manner and he has met many incredible staff members, also amazing patients fighting cancer. Dad had no immune system to speak of, so he had to stay away from germs and wore a mask whenever he went out. It was tricky at Christmas, dodging sniffles and colds, so people stayed away. Now, dad’s immune system is doing well, no mask unless dad feels the need for it. Dad is looking forward to ninety-two!
Now, while battling MDS, which seems to be managed, Dad has been taking over all duties inside the home, as well. He is caregiver to my mother, recently diagnosed with congestive heart failure, until she gets back on her feet. He cooks, cleans, bakes, does everything for my mom. I was in Michigan to help for the month of May, after mom was diagnosed and was in the hospital. I had the privilege of being there when Teresa Beachum presented dad with the gift cards from Meijer. What an honor to be presented such a thoughtful community gift! My mom, who was still weak and recuperating, had a big smile of pride for my dad.
If I could offer any words of wisdom to anyone, I would recommend going IMMEDIATELY to the doctor, DON’T wait, if you have symptoms or health issues come about suddenly. EVEN if you have an appointment down the road, cancel it and go right away to seek medical attention. It could mean your life!
Thank you, again, Teresa and Pink Arrow for such a lovely gesture. Thanks to the community for being there for my dad (and mom). That you care for those in crisis or illness situations is a blessing. What a wonderful world it would be if we all looked out for each other in this way! We thank you very much!

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