Lee Jarvis

When Lee Jarvis turned 16, he participated in a Future Farmers of America (FFA) project involving three ewes. It was the beginning of a lifelong pursuit and passion. Today, he’s 87 and caring for a herd of 2,000 sheep. He also cares for his wife of 67 years, Joan, their six children, 20 grandchildren and 70 great-grandchildren. He has many and much to live for.

Yet, Lee felt like his run on earth might be up when he learned he had prostate cancer.

“My first answer to finding out I had prostate cancer was, I don’t think I’ll do anything about it. I’ve had a good life, and I knew a lot of people who didn’t have success with prostate treatments. So, I decided to do nothing,” Lee said.

Then Dr. John Keith Hayes, radiation oncologist at Timpanogos Regional Hospital, taught Lee about developments in and treatments for prostate cancer care in a manner that would resonate.

Two fields collide – the sheep field and the medical field.

Dr. Hayes had recently treated a patient from Idaho who also worked with sheep, had prostate cancer and underwent the treatment regimen recommended for Lee. So, Dr. Hayes arranged a phone conversation allowing Lee to talk with the patient, ask questions and hear about the man’s experience with cancer care at Timpanogos Regional Hospital Care.

“This sheep man had the same thing I did and the same treatment, and he was really happy with it. He thought Dr. Hayes walked on water. That call made a difference for me,” Lee said. “And you know, I don’t think many doctors would go to that length. That’s real personal care. Dr. Hayes helped me talk with someone who knew about me and what I was going through.”

Two reasons for Timpanogos Regional Hospital

After Dr. Hayes’ creative way of teaching Lee about the cancer care available at Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Lee began his treatment. During that experience, he was won over by the hospital staff and physicians.

“There are two reasons I’d say, ‘Take me to Timpanogos Regional Hospital again’ – their punctuality and personal care. Because it’s a little smaller hospital, they give more personal care and yet still have all the amenities I needed. I also appreciate a place that is punctual. I hate waiting around for things, and they kept their schedule on time.”

Lee spent an entire day – from morning to evening – undergoing two rounds of brachytherapy at Timpanogos Regional Hospital. Brachytherapy is a form of internal radiation therapy, conducted by placing radiation therapy “seeds” inside the prostate to emit radiation at a short distance.

“That part was not fun, but it wasn’t really bad,” Lee said. “They put a piece of radiation equipment up your rectum that’s the size of a flashlight, and that was uncomfortable. The nurses checked on me all the time. They were attentive and often asked if I needed anything. The only thing I needed was that radiation to come out. Thankfully, it did its job.”

Today, Lee’s cancer free.

Lee has been cancer free for several years now. He maintains a close association with Dr. Hayes, returning for blood work and routine follow-up appointments. Lee says his family (and sheep) are delighted that he received such excellent care and results. 

“They’re all tickled that I’m ok. I guess they still like to see me around,” Lee said.