Jim Countryman back on his cattle farm in Ontonagon celebrating his 83rd birthday after battle with rare lung cancer

After black out spells led to the discovery of cancer one year ago, Ontonagon resident Jim Countryman found himself up against the battle of his life. It was Dr. Zuhair Ghanem who diagnosed Jim with a rare form of non-small cell lung cancer and began specialized treatment right away. Jim had immediate results – his breathing was restored and he was back to doing farm work. But he wasn’t out of the woods yet, as the treatment eventually began to attack his digestive system. After a trip to the Emergency Department at Aspirus Ontonagon Hospital, doctors referred him to more specialized care at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. After surgery, Jim was recovering and on the mend. Days later he was back on his cattle farm “getting stronger” and “doing a little more” every day. Not only did Jim return home cancer-free, he made it there in time to celebrate his 83rd birthday with his special friend Agnes.

“We have had the opportunity to sample Aspirus at every location, and in several departments. We have found them without exception to have extremely capable, professional people who were friendly and patient-oriented. Dr. Ghanem literally saved my life. We can’t say enough about Aspirus and its system.”

Pictured at Tolfree Farms in Ontonagon are Jim Countryman and Agnes Sparpanic.