Warren Farwell

You have six months to live. What will you do? For 72-year-old Warren Farwell, the decision was easy: pack up your wife and a couple of friends from Europe and head to Yellowstone on a hiking trip.

Twelve years ago, Farwell developed a dark spot in one eye. His ophthalmologist sent him to Mayo Clinic where he learned he had ocular melanoma (cancer of the eye). Farwell opted to join a research trial comparing radiation treatment of this type of cancer to enucleation (removal of the eye). Participants in the study were randomly assigned to either radiation or enucleation. Farwell had his eye removed.

As part of the study, Farwell had yearly check-ups to see if the cancer recurred. After 10 years, he was considered to be completely cancer-free. Then, in the summer of 2002, the physician found a spot on Farwell's lung during a routine physical exam. CT scans and biopsies revealed that Farwell had cancerous tumors on his liver and one lung, which can be terminal within six months.

When asked how Patricia, his wife of 49 years, and his three children reacted to the news, Farwell said, "Family and friends came close, but we're old New England stock; we don't show much emotion. I was still expected to do my share of household chores."

Farwell met with Svetomir Markovic, M.D., Ph.D., an oncologist at Mayo Clinic, and decided to try another experimental treatment. His treatments consisted of about 40 infusions from August 2002 until April 2003. During that time, the tumor did not grow or change, nor has it done so since the treatments ended.

"The nurses who administered my treatments are the finest group of people I've ever known," says Farwell. "I fell in love with the bunch of them and could never thank them enough for all they have done for me."

One can't help but be impressed by Farwell's positive attitude. Perhaps his years as a Navy pilot or the time he spent living abroad in Australia, or maybe the extensive hiking trips in Scotland, New Zealand, the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska and other places, have left him with an outlook on life that few people achieve. "I haven't lost a minute's sleep over this. I'll take whatever comes, thank you very much," says Farwell concerning his latest cancer ordeal.

Farwell's doctors are more than satisfied with his progress, which is beyond their expectations. Farwell's friends have their own opinion of why he has done so well. "They say it's due to my cussedness," he laughs.

Farwell is thankful for his experience at Mayo Clinic. "I'm continually amazed by Mayo Clinic's ability to deal with a mass medical practice, but keep it on a personal level. Every person I dealt with was unfailing in their courtesy and support and gave me straightforward answers to my questions. I've been involved with Mayo Clinic over 11 years and I'm totally impressed."