- CHRISTMAS DAY 2009 Jerry looks a bit jaundiced and feels like he has the flu, but it all goes away. Maybe he’s just sick of the sister-in-law?
- JANUARY 1st, 2010 Jerry has full blown jaundice, more yellow than Bart Simpson.
- JANUARY 8th,2010 Jerry is admitted to Naniamo Hospital. Gallstones? An Ulcer? Let the tests begin.
- FEBRUARY 1st, 2010 Jerry is transported by ambulance from Naniamo Hospital to Vancouver General Hospital for surgery. After 12 hours in emergency, he gets a room on 9A.
- FEBRUARY 4th, 2010 Jerry undergoes 4.5 hours of surgery. He comes through surgery okay, but Dr. B tells us that it is pancreatic cancer, that the cancer is extensive and couldn’t be seen on the image studies. Dr. B tells us that the surgery was aggressive, that he removed all the cancer that he could, but that he wasn’t able to get it all. The surgery was not curative. The cancer is too close to major blood vessels, there are small spots of cancer on the liver, and cancer in the lymphatic system. We were not expecting this news. Dr. B shakes our hands. His hand is small, delicate, warm, and softer than any hand I’ve ever felt before. We have no choice. We must trust him.
- 20 MINUTES out of surgery, Jerry wakes up and Dr. B. tells him the bad news. The nurse says,”Do you know where you are, Mr. Paquette?” “Prince George?” he jokes. “I’ve been to Prince George”, the nurse says. “So have I,” says Jerry. “These coincidences are uncanny.”
Hey Jerry! Thinking about you a lot, and praying for a complete recovery. Your strong spirit will get you there! Lots of people love you and thank you for everything that you have given to the musical community in Nanaimo and on our Island.
By: Shirley Whitelaw on March 15, 2010
at 8:04 am
Jerry, I just want to say Hi and let you know I’m thinking about you, praying for healing & strength everyday. I just discovered Shelley’s Blog on facebook and will keep an eye on your progress. I was the first one at 256 Legion to get tickets for the concert, luckily as they sold out fast. It’s going to be great. A lot of people are pulling for you and it’s a wonderful testimony to your character that you have so many friends who love you dearly. I’m just one of them. Getting a little airplay on my CD and keeping the band playing lots. Hope you’re home soon. Glen
By: Glen Foster on March 16, 2010
at 8:06 am
Hi Jerry
I’ve been thinking about you lately. C’mon home! We miss you! Woofy says “Woof Woof!”
Brent Lindsay Boehler
By: Brent Lindsay Boehler on March 17, 2010
at 11:32 am
Hi Gerry. I just wanted to say hi and that we are praying for you. I missed out on getting tickets for the jam. It wasn’t that I waited too long, it’s just that you are a very popular guy and those tickets went fast. I hope you’re back in Nanaimo soon, and when it’s convenient, I’ll drop over.
See you then. John.
By: John Gillis on March 25, 2010
at 3:39 pm
Hello Gerry. Like my friend John Gillis, I was also not quick enough to get tickets for the jam. From what I am reading, your health is improving and I am glad to hear it. Anyway, I am coming to Vancouver on April 15th and hope to see you then.
You are in my thoughts every day.
Fred
By: Fred Geater on March 25, 2010
at 11:28 pm
Hi Jerry I have been thinking a lot about you.
I really loved recording my cd and getting to know you.You are such a patient man.
Looking forward to working with you again.
Norman
By: norman foote on March 30, 2010
at 5:20 pm
Hey Jerry…. Very glad to hear that you’re plugging along. You have a few months until Light Up 2010 (NOv. 25th) so you can surely take your time and get better. Our whole committee is concerned and sends their best wishes. You are one of the cornerstones of Ladysmith’s Light Up. We thank you for your participation over the years and look forward to more. Take care, get better…. and thanx again… “how’s Gabriols?”
Duck Pateson
By: Duck Paterson on March 31, 2010
at 10:06 am
Hi Jerry, it’s Bill here, the fellow who invited you to come and participate in the Daily News’ “Give and Go Nanaimo” SallyAnn fundraisers. You were fantastic at these events and really contributed to the party atmosphere. You also made an appearance at the Nanaimo Yacht Club’s SIN regatta. Again, your performances were first rate. Thanks for your selfless contributions; they made all the difference.
By: Bill Jones on April 14, 2010
at 4:11 pm
Hi Jerry, this is one heck of a way of finding out where you are and how you are doing. Len Smith and I had been talking about you a year or so agoand so had Kirk Peck, our old buss driver, and I but no-one knew where you were. I will tell the others and my wife and I will be preying for you. All the best, Bob Johnston 250-746-4305
By: Bob Johnston on April 15, 2010
at 3:23 pm
Brian here,
Dad advised me of your move in care.
I will be coming up to Nanaimo tomorrow & will pop in… if you are taking visitors.
Jerry, I will always be charmed by your music, warmed by memories of the Wash ‘em up Blues, remembering my Dad romancing with Geraldine to Magnolia during your shows at the Bluenose.
You have been woven as a vital thread in the fabric of so may peoples’ lives. Your strengths will live on in that weave, as does music printed on a page.
With love, Brian
By: Brian Crown on April 16, 2010
at 6:44 pm
hi jerry , some mountains are hard to climb, but you always do. please hold on, we think always of you , We enjoy seeing you on the videos. also a great big hello to all your family. Bob and Laurie Hiebert
By: Bob & Laurie Hiebert on April 27, 2010
at 4:26 pm
Raincoast Man Raincoast Man…ya He’s the Raincoast Man…showered down with everybody’s love…That’s the Raincoast man…Faith risin’ high from the rain of love…Everybody loves the Raincoast Man..Jumpin up and down in the puddles of love. love for the Raincoast Man…
By: Gerry Barnum on May 22, 2010
at 11:37 am