The following is from Diane Verola, concerning John Zimmerman 212th 66-67. I am a a lost of words. All I can offer is please keep John and Diane in your prayers and thoughts.
I just wanted you to let you know that John’s cancer came back. If you remember, he got hit last year around this time. As a matter of fact, he had surgery to remove the tumor on his birthday, July 31. Last year the doctors found a tumor called a plasmacytoma pressing on his spine and he had the surgery to remove it. That tumor is the multiple myeloma tumor.

He was doing really well since then; the scans and blood work were clean until the end of June. The last pet scan showed some abnormalities and they did a bone marrow biopsy that confirmed it.

John started treatment this past week. It’s going to be a long road, but God willing the treatment will send him into remission. He has to take one drug by mouth every day for 14 days and then stop for 7. In addition he has to take a baby aspirin and an anti viral drug every day. Once a week he has to have a shot and a dose of steroids. Then, once a month he has to take another drug via a drip in his arm. In October, they will harvest his stem cells and the treatment will continue.. In January, he goes to the hospital and they will give him a heavy duty dose of chemotherapy and implant the stem cells. He will have to be in the hospital for about three weeks for this. After that, he will have to be very careful for a few months because his immune system will be very weak. Again, God willing, this will send him into remission and he will be good as new.

I know it has only been one week, but so far so good. You know John, he’s a fighter and his spirits are good, but I’m sure he’d love to hear from you, so if you get a chance, please give him a call.
John. 516-431-5245. Home
516-578-8017. Cell

In the meantime, I will be in touch. Hope all is well with you and your families. It sure was a good time in San Antonio. Take care,

Love,
Diane
Home: 631-587-2033
Cell: 631-383-2695

PS: Please pass this on to anyone else that you think should know. I have been in touch with Lee Ruth and Rhaunal Williams via their wives, but I don’t have contact information for anyone else. You guys all seemed so close, so I’ll leave it at that. Thanks.