EPP Ruled Out for 70-Year-Old Boiler Tender. Battle Creek, MI

Albert Tkac is a seventy (70) year old retired boiler tender from Battle Creek, Michigan. Mr. Tkac proudly served his country during The War as a boiler tender in the United States Navy. He received the Korean Service Medal and the K-9 Star National Defense Service Medal.

Albert first began to have pain in his back and chest in mid-August of 1998. He had been previously diagnosed with Paget's disease (skeletal disease of the elderly with chronic inflammation of bones resulting in thickening and softening of bones, and bowing of long bones). Albert went to Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland where the doctors treated him for Paget's disease. When his symptoms did not improve, he went back home to Battle Creek, Michigan and made an appointment with doctors at the University of Michigan Medical Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. A chest film and CT scan revealed extensive pleural thickening as well as a suspected paratracheal mass. Albert's breathing became labored and he was put on oxygen.

The doctors at the University of Michigan performed a fine needle biopsy on December 30, 1998. The results were inconclusive. A thoroscopy was attempted but the paratracheal mass prevented the procedure. On January 12, 1999, Dr. Michael S. Mulligan, thoracic surgeon, performed a transbronchial biopsy. The pathologists examined the tissue and diagnosed mesothelioma. Dr. Mulligan recommended Dr. Harvey Pass, Chief of Thoracic Oncology, at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit, Michigan for a second opinion. Dr. Pass is a surgical oncologist whose reputation in the medical and scientific circles as a mesothelioma expert is well known.

Albert met with Dr. Pass on January 28, 1999. After Dr. Pass' examination, it was established that because of an axillary node and because of the type of mesothelioma, Albert was unfortunately not a good candidate for an extra-pleural pneumonectomy (EPP). Albert and his family then focused on a non-surgical approach to the treatment of his mesothelioma. Dr. Pass counseled Albert and his family regarding the Alfacell Adriamycin/Onconase protocol. This type of treatment interested Albert. Albert was given an informed consent and blood was drawn potentially for randomization in the study. He was scheduled to begin Adriamycin/Onconase treatments on February 18, 1999. The Onconase/Adriamycin chemotherapy will be essentially an eighteen (18) week course with six (6) doses of Adriamycin or eighteen (18) weeks of Onconase.

Albert is in a great deal of pain and has been prescribed methadone. He is also a patient at the Pain Management Group at the University of Michigan Medical Center. This is what we hate most about this disease. Here is a man who has fought for his country, served his country, provided for his family, contributed to his community and now he is stricken with a terrible tumor. Each waking second is reminder that the tumor is relentless. He cannot breathe without supplemental oxygen and peace comes only through narcotics. We need to find a cure for this dread disease.

We are talking to Dr. Pass about the creation of the Mesothelioma Research Foundation, which will be dedicated to raising funds to provide research grants to top notch scientists who can pool their expertise in the common fight to prevent and/or cure this despicable disease. How many more Albert Tkacs must suffer before we get serious about mobilizing against this malevolent malignancy?

Albert and his wife of forty-three (43) years, Evelyn make their retirement home in Battle Creek, Michigan. Together Albert and Evelyn have three children - two (2) sons and one (1) daughter. Jeffery and Dana both live in California. Jaye Tkac is a firefighter.

*** POSTED MARCH 24, 1999 ***

August 13, 1999

Albert fought to the end, which came on July 26. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Tkac Family. As Albert's son Jaye so poignantly stated:
"My father entered into rest on July 26,1999 after battling this god awful disease for nine months. He died at home with my Mom and us kids by his side just the way he wanted it. He was such a fighter, he lasted much longer then Dr. Pass thought he should have, he went down swinging. Thank you so much for all the help you have given us, keep up the great work."

God Bless
Jaye A. Tkac