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Brennan's cancer battle inspires staff

http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2011/07/20/brennans-cancer-battle-inspires-staff.html?sid=104

A touching story of a Stage IV patient in the NCI sponsored Phase II Reolysin+CarboTax Pancreatic trial.

Brennan's cancer battle inspires staff

Wednesday, July 20, 2011 08:42 AM
By JEFF DONAHUE
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
When Bexley Mayor John Brennan announced in February that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, a pall fell over city council chambers.

"I'm going to fight this," he said at the time. "I'm going to get through this."

Brennan has lived up to his word.

After enrolling in an aggressive, experimental treatment program at the James Cancer Center at the Ohio State University Medical Center, Brennan struggled, losing more than 30 pounds and most of his hair due to the intensity of his treatment regimen.

A familiar face at virtually every community event and city meeting, he had to curtail both his business and social schedule to deal with his sudden loss of energy. Those closest to him feared the worst.

"Although the outlook upon learning of the news of his cancer seemed poor, this is not the situation now," Bexley city attorney Lou Chodosh said. "John has been undergoing treatment that has been working. He stated early on he was going to fight this, and he has done so.

"John asked his doctor whether he could run for mayor again, and the doctor's response was, 'Why not?' The tumors have shrunk, and he has been told they will continue to do so.

"His optimism is contagious. I meet with the mayor regularly to keep him up to date with legal issues, new ordinances, and resident issues that have come to my attention. Over the last six weeks, he has gotten stronger, and continues to do so, Chodosh said.

"Everywhere I go in Bexley someone tells me to wish John well, and to tell him he is an inspiration," he said.

Over the Fourth of July weekend, Brennan said, he visited 19 block parties and still had the energy to take part in all of the city-sponsored holiday events.

"It's been great to see John's energy picking up and his spirits increasing over the past few months," Chodosh said.

"His turnaround has been remarkable and his tenacity and determination are impressive."

City council member Ben Kessler said he has been struck by Brennan's dedication.

"City council and the city directors have rallied behind John and helped him as he's needed it, but despite being in aggressive treatment, he's been staying on top of city business and fulfilling his duties admirably," Kessler said. "With his energy up and his scans showing positive signs of recovery, I'm looking forward to many more years of John's friendship and leadership."

City council member Jed Morison agreed.

"John and his family have been remarkable throughout this entire time," he said. "He sets a great example for all of us and proves that a positive attitude has great healing power. We are so happy he is doing well."

City council member Mark Masser said he sees no reason why Brennan shouldn't run for re-election in November.

"John is undergoing treatment for his cancer and has been given encouraging reports from his doctor," Masser said. "He is fulfilling his duties as mayor now, and I am confident that he will continue to do so if he is re-elected."

Brennan said he is one of a select group of patients in the United States involved in a clinical trial for the drug Reolysin, discovered in Calgary in 2005 and tested in England in 2008.

Reolysin is currently being evaluated in phase II clinical trials for treating melanoma, pancreatic, lung, ovarian, and colorectal cancers and in a phase III trial in head and neck cancer. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Reolysin may have activity across a variety of cancer types when administered alone and in combination with other cancer therapies.

"If it gets into Phase III, they could probably make it available with the results they are having," Brennan said. "I would invest money in it. It has actually shrunk my pancreatic tumor and the liver tumor somewhat and a couple of little spots I had are gone."

Part of his therapy involves the injection of a living flu virus that attacks the cancerous cells. Unfortunately, that means with each treatment, he has to endure the symptoms of the flu, including chills and fever.

"But, I know now that every Tuesday, I'm going to have that reaction and you fight through it," he said.

Brennan said there has been much more than just medicine involved in his comeback.

"The nurses at The James have all been great," he said. "The volunteers, the doctors, everyone is just wonderful. It's just uplifting.

"It's a great place," he said. "I'd like to do a public service announcement for them. Anybody who has any kind of cancer that's severe, that's where they need to be. We're really lucky to have it here."

Brennan said his doctor gave him the OK to run for re-election in November.

"He told me there is no reason I shouldn't be even better in August and September," Brennan said. "He said, 'There's no reason you can't throw your hat in the ring and run.' So, I've been circulating my petitions and I'll be turning those in in a week or so."

Brennan said this will be his last run for the mayor's office.

"Hopefully, I'll get re-elected," he said. "I just want to do four more years. I won't go beyond that. I think eight years would be plenty. Who knows what will happen in the future, but I'm assuming I'm going to get good results. The doctor said there may even be some form of remission in the next year."

Brennan said a positive attitude has been vital to his recovery.

"Ninety percent of it's having a sense of humor and being optimistic," he said. "A lot of people just don't want to do the chemo and give up. Anybody can get through it if you put your mind to it.

"People told me to meditate and read cantor books. What I do is tape Letterman and Jimmy Fallon or Comedy Central and watch those when I need a laugh. I try and stay real upbeat. I've had very few low days."

Debbie Maynard, Brennan's assistant at City Hall, shakes her head in wonder when asked about Brennan's comeback.

"It's just a miracle," she said. "What a blessing."

An older story appears below, apparently he started in the last week in Feb 2011 so he has been enrolled for almost 5 months.

Bexley mayor announces cancer diagnosis, Re-Election bid

http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2011/07/20/brennans-cancer-battle-inspires-staff.html?sid=104

Wednesday, February 23, 2011 10:25 AM
By JEFF DONAHUE
ThisWeek Community Newspapers
Bexley Mayor John Brennan announced Tuesday, Feb. 22, that he will be fighting two battles this year -- and intends to win them both.

Brennan told Bexley City Council that he has been diagnosed with cancer and that he will seek a second term in office in November.

"Last week I had gallbladder surgery and during the surgery, they found some cancer in my body," Brennan said. "I'll be starting treatment next week. I had a scan today. I'll get the results tomorrow. I'm going to The James (Cancer Center) on Monday to consult with a doctor there and probably within a week or so, I'll be starting my first treatments."

Brennan said the diagnosis led him to move up the announcement that he will seek re-election in November.

"I was going to announce at the State of the City on March 15 that I am seeking a second term as mayor, but instead of waiting that long, I'd like to announce that tonight," he said. "I'm going to fight this. I'm going to get through this.

"I appreciate everybody's prayers and support," Brennan said. "This has been an eye-opening experience. There are so many good people here in this community. It's just amazing."

Brennan said he has been doing some work from home and has been putting in a couple of hours a day this week at City Hall.

Council President Jeff McClelland said the community is behind Brennan in his battle against cancer.

"I know that I, as well as all the council members, have been bombarded with questions about how the mayor is doing and it's because people care so much," McClelland said. "You know that you have our full and complete support, collectively and individually.

"This is great news to hear you announce your candidacy for a second term," McClelland added. "You're going to fight this thing. We will support you in your fight and we're going to beat this thing."