Written by Lauren Bucher
Longtime communications professor Pat Garner, Ph.D., announced to his classes with characteristic openness that he has prostate cancer.”This is a lesson to us all to say that we are all mortal,” Garner said.”We aren’t given any particular amount of time. It’s part of living; recognizing that.”During the first part of December, Garner found that his prostate-specific antigen score had gone up, a red flag for cancer. A follow-up biopsy was taken at the end of December, and on Jan. 3, the results confirmed that Garner did indeed have cancer. According to test results, the cancer has not metastasized, Garner said.Garner is dealing with the illness with directness.”The major reason I am being so open about it is because that is just the way my wife and I are,” Garner said. “Secondly, there is no way this isn’t going to affect my classes, and to me, it is only fair to talk about it with my students from the get-go. I’ve had to take phone calls from doctors during class. I have to explain to people, ethically and professionally, what I am doing and why I am doing it.”Garner is not taking a leave of absence this semester. He said he might have to cancel classes occasionally to see various doctors,and depending on the treatment he decides to undergo, he may Skype his classes for a few class sessions if necessary.”There is no clear road [as far as treatment goes],”Garner said. “I plan on teaching my classes like I always have.”This semester, Garner is teaching Human Situation II, Interpersonal Communication, Debate and Persuasion.Garner is researching treatment options. There are various options, and each treatment type has specific and differing side effects and all appear to be relatively effective.”I used it as a perfect example of ambiguity in my class; we talk a lot about technology and how it will solve all our problems, and I’m telling you, it doesn’t,” Garner said. “The technology does not solve it all. It’s helpful,but it’s ambiguous. There aren’t clear answers on most things, especially with stuff like this.”If he opts for surgery, Garner said he estimates that he will be back in class in 10 days. Other treatments have even less downtime.”You reach a point in your life when you realize your body is flawed, that it’s fallen,” Garner said. “Diseases happen. Illnesses happen. I have no issues with God about it. It is part of the human state. I just feel like God will work through it however he chooses.”Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer for American men. The most common type of cancer for American men is skin cancer. Incidences of prostate cancer increase with age, and approximately one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.Garner’s teaching ability combined with his openness and positive outlook about the whole situation have engendered respect from students.”He is a fantastic teacher. He always brings humor and insights to all his classes,” senior Calea Bakee said. “He told us the first day of class and was really positive. I admire he isn’t letting this slow him down and is affecting his teaching as little as possible.
