More than two years after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Mecklenburg commissioner Neil Cooksey is also continuing his fight.
Cooksey has declared that he is “cancer free.” But in December, he says he was diagnosed with a blood clot in the vein leading to his liver that hurt his body’s ability to take in nutrients.
On Saturday, Cooksey underwent surgery to insert a feeding apparatus that would bypass his stomach to ensure he received nutrients. He said Monday the surgery went well and he was recovering in the hospital. (He requested people not try to call or visit.)
Cooksey previously had surgery to remove the malignant tumor in his pancreas, gallbladder and portions of his lower intestine. He says he’s outlived most patients who have had the operation to treat pancreatic cancer. Cooksey, who has served as a commissioner since 2008, spoke of his ordeal at Carmel Presbyterian Church in November and has discussed it at commissioners meetings.
As they fight pancreatic cancer, County Manager Harry Jones and Cooksey have become good friends. The two share the same oncologist.
In appearances with Jones, Cooksey has told people they are “looking at two miracles.”
Jones says he respects Cooksey’s fighting spirit. “He’s done a heck of a job.”
For his part, Cooksey says he plans to keep fighting. “That’s the only way to beat it,” he says. April Bethea
