Episode 39: Gary Young – Survivor of “Mother of All Surgeries”

In Episode 39 of the 🎙️ Interesting Humans Podcast, host Jeff Hopeck engages in a profound conversation with Gary Young, a resilient cancer survivor who underwent an extraordinarily complex surgery. Gary shares his harrowing journey through diagnosis, extensive surgery, recovery, and his unwavering faith that fueled his survival. This episode not only highlights Gary's personal triumph but also underscores his dedication to helping others facing similar battles.

1. Introduction & Initial Diagnosis

The episode begins with Jeff introducing Gary, emphasizing the uniqueness of his cancer story and the complexity of the surgery he endured.

Gary Young: "I had started having some stomach challenges, and it's like cramping once in a while... finally get to a doctor that knew what it was after a series of tests."
[00:31]

Gary recounts experiencing intermittent stomach cramps, leading to a six-month period of misdiagnosis. Initial diagnoses ranged from ulcers to bacterial infections, delaying the discovery of his rare appendiceal cancer.

Gary Young: "I sat across from a doctor at Emory University who proceeded to tell me that I've got a rare stage 4 cancer of the abdominal cavity, Appendiceal cancer... they probably had less than a year left to live."
[00:31]

2. Discovering HIPEC Surgery

Unwilling to accept the grim prognosis, Gary and his wife Amy embarked on a relentless search for alternative treatments, uncovering a radical procedure known as HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) combined with CRS (Cytoreduction Surgery).

Gary Young: "Amy went on the mad search to find out that there's a pretty radical surgery called HIPEC."
[02:03]

This search led them to Dr. Sardi in Baltimore, a renowned specialist in this rare and aggressive treatment, enabling them to schedule the surgery within 30 days—a remarkable feat given the typically slow medical processes for rare cancers.

3. The "Mother of All Surgeries"

Gary describes the surgery as the most intricate he has ever undergone, lasting 14 hours and involving the removal of multiple organs and significant tumor mass.

Gary Young: "They took out my spleen, my gallbladder, they took out my appendix... and then proceed to shake you like a paint can for two hours."
[05:30]

The procedure included:

• Cytoreduction: Removal of as much tumor mass as possible.
• HIPEC: Infusion of heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity to target remaining cancer cells.

Gary endured 18 pounds of liquid tumor spread throughout his abdominal cavity, making the surgery not just extensive but also highly risky.

Gary Young: "There was 18 pounds of tumor spread throughout the abdominal cavity... It's a liquid type tumor."
[08:57]

4. Post-Surgery Recovery & Complications

Post-surgery, Gary faced intense pain, swelling, and a grueling recovery period, including seven days in the ICU and three weeks in the hospital. Despite initial success, the cancer recurred twice, necessitating further surgeries and intensive treatments.

Gary Young: "I spent seven days in ICU and then went on to spend an additional three weeks in the hospital."
[08:14]

His second surgery went smoothly, but complications arose leading to severe infections and a near-fatal sepsis, adding layers of difficulty to his recovery.

Gary Young: "I got septis and came really close to dying... it was a miserable, terrible, very painful level of suffering during that time."
[15:32]

5. Faith and Personal Transformation

Throughout his ordeal, Gary credits his unwavering faith in God for his resilience and positive outlook. His belief provided him with peace and purpose, even in the most challenging moments.

Gary Young: "I think there's a God that still does miracles... I know who brings the future."
[16:07]

Gary discusses how his faith transformed his perspective on life, emphasizing hope, joy, and the importance of living an abundant life as promised by his beliefs.

Gary Young: "Romans 15:13 became my life verse... May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so you may overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
[24:49]

6. Advocacy and Abdominal Cancers Alliance

Deeply moved by his own experiences, Gary became actively involved in Dr. Sardi’s Abdominal Cancers Alliance. The organization aims to raise awareness about appendiceal cancer, reduce misdiagnoses, and provide support to patients navigating their cancer journey.

Gary Young: "Our goal is to get the word out to the medical community, but to really to patients to help them in their journey."
[03:47]

He emphasizes the importance of education and support, striving to ensure that patients do not feel alone and have access to the best possible care.

7. Legacy and Future Endeavors

Gary envisions his legacy as one of faith, mentorship, and community support. He is involved in various projects, including a ministry called Cloud Walk and the development of God’s Home, a prayer sanctuary on his property.

Gary Young: "My mission in life is to be a shepherd of hope and to come alongside and shepherd people in a way that provides encouragement and hope into their life."
[24:49]

Additionally, Gary enjoys personal hobbies such as car restoration, fly fishing, and skiing, which he often shares with his family, integrating his passions with his commitment to mentoring and community building.

Gary Young: "I love to hang out with my family, my nephews... I love to ski. I got a group of college buddies I ski with."
[62:51]

8. Personal Life and Mentorship

Gary highlights the importance of relationships and mentoring in his life. He mentors his nephews and participates in retreats that focus on spiritual growth and community building.

Gary Young: "She's experienced that kind of resurrected or reoriented life that I talk about... to watch my sons change and to grow into the men that they're growing into by experiencing this with me."
[46:55]

Through his Reveal Group, Gary fosters deep, meaningful relationships that emphasize spiritual discernment and mutual support.

Gary Young: "It's the difference of what we've done in the Reveal group... truly knowing him, ourselves and getting our answers that way."
[52:37]

9. Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Hope

Gary discusses the mental and emotional challenges of living with cancer, stressing the importance of not letting the diagnosis consume his spirit. His approach focuses on maintaining joy, peace, and an abundance mindset despite ongoing health battles.

Gary Young: "Life is short, but the mission is too critical... How am I going to bring that hope into people's lives?"
[59:35]

He emphasizes living intentionally to help others, transforming personal struggles into opportunities to provide hope and support.

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with Gary reflecting on his journey, the importance of faith, and his commitment to mentoring others. Jeff encourages listeners to subscribe to the podcast to support and stay connected with such inspiring stories.

Jeff Hopeck: "If this had impact on you, hit that little subscribe button and get notifications. It helps us, and then it helps everybody listening."
[74:14]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Gary Young: "I was diagnosed with a rare stage 4 cancer of the abdominal cavity, Appendiceal cancer. It's a silent killer."
  [00:31]

• Gary Young: "Amy went on the mad search to find out that there's a pretty radical surgery called HIPEC."
  [02:03]

• Gary Young: "They took out my spleen, my gallbladder, they took out my appendix... and then proceed to shake you like a paint can for two hours."
  [05:30]

• Gary Young: "There was 18 pounds of tumor spread throughout the abdominal cavity. It's a liquid type tumor."
  [08:57]

• Gary Young: "I think there's a God that still does miracles... I know who brings the future."
  [16:07]

• Gary Young: "Romans 15:13 became my life verse... May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so you may overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."
  [24:49]

• Gary Young: "Our goal is to get the word out to the medical community, but to really to patients to help them in their journey."
  [03:47]

• Gary Young: "My mission in life is to be a shepherd of hope and to come alongside and shepherd people in a way that provides encouragement and hope into their life."
  [24:49]

• Gary Young: "I love to hang out with my family, my nephews... I love to ski. I got a group of college buddies I ski with."
  [62:51]

• Gary Young: "Life is short, but the mission is too critical... How am I going to bring that hope into people's lives?"
  [59:35]

Tune in to hear Gary Young’s inspiring story of survival, faith, and his unwavering commitment to helping others navigate the complexities of rare cancers.