Tracy Hackney - “Just Enjoy Every Day”

Tracy Hackney, Carrboro, NC

Four days after paramedics rushed Tracy Hackney to UNC Hospitals during a heart attack in January 2007, doctors diagnosed him with inoperable stage three non-small cell lung cancer.

The UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center responded to Hackney’s cancer with six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Throughout the therapy, the cancer shrunk. However, Hackney’s body became weak and no longer could withstand treatment.

Hackney said dealing with the cancer has been difficult for him because he cannot be as active as he was before the cancer. He must spend a lot of time in his home because the treatment has weakened his body.
 
“It’s a long process and you have to not get discouraged. It really does knock you back and drain you,” Hackney said.

Hackney’s children, friends and sister check on him frequently throughout the day and are key supporters. “It’s nice to have that support group of people who check on you,” said Hackney.

To help cope with the cancer and relax, Hackney paints abstract acrylic paintings. “If you want to paint a flower, you could take a picture, but if you do an abstract there’s nothing like it,” Hackney said.

Jewelworks, a shop in the Car Mill Mall of Carrboro, displays Hackney’s artwork. “It makes no difference to me whether people buy it or not – I’ll still paint anyway. I love it,” he said.

Hackney said he also enjoys watching the people and events of Carrboro from his home.

Because Lineberger oncologist Mark Socinski is the principal investigator of a worldwide clinical trial for a lung cancer vaccine called Stimuvax®, doctors asked Hackney to participate in the trial. Stimuvax® is a targeted vaccine therapy for patients like Hackney who have inoperable stage three non-small cell lung cancer. The drug began the first phase III clinical trial to determine the effectiveness on cancer patients in early 2007. The vaccine is intended to stimulate the patient’s immune system to attack cancer cells. The results of the study have not been published yet because the study is ongoing.

His cancer has stabilized since he stopped the chemotherapy, but the tumor is still there. Hackney said he read that patients in his condition usually live for two years, but he remains optimistic for his future.

Hackney said, “Only my God knows my future! No man really knows and should not give you a time limit to life. Think positive and surround yourself with positive people.” “There are exceptions to all rules and I’m going to be one of them. … You have to give it all you got and fight. Just enjoy everyday,” he said.

Tracy died from his illness in February of 2008.