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Don Guthrie, wife weathering his cancer with strength
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Don and Debbie Guthrie are “thrilled” to be with their family for Christmas this year. Last year at this time, Don began showing the symptoms of pancreatic cancer.
EDITOR’S NOTE — As 2014 winds down, The Vindicator is taking a daily look back at the people and events that made this year unforgettable. “The Vindicator Rewind” will highlight and update a memorable story from 2014.
By JEANNE STARMACK
starmack@vindy.com
AUSTINTOWN
Don and Debbie Guthrie have a routine.
Two weeks of chemotherapy just on Wednesdays, and one week off.
Acupuncture in Canton once a week that they swear by — “It’s amazing,” said Debbie, because Don’s strength, appetite and energy are up despite the stage 4 pancreatic cancer he’s battling.
Guthrie, who was WKBN-TV Channel 27’s longtime weatherman, was diagnosed in April, but it actually was a year ago this weekend that he began showing the symptoms that ultimately would lead to that diagnosis.
His stomach started bothering him. Then, the weekend after New Year’s, he began having back pains.
Debbie, who is a nurse, began to suspect pancreatic cancer. But it was not until Don began losing weight, too, that he was able to get the more sophisticated PET scan that would reveal it.
The Guthries remained as positive as they could. Don left his job but kept his ties with the community.
Debbie’s co-workers arranged a spaghetti dinner in September that raised money for a scholarship for a communications major at Youngstown State University in honor of Don’s career.
And the people who felt they knew Don from watching his weather forecasts every night didn’t forget him. They sent cards, money and food.
They continue to support him.
“I just happen to do the weather on TV, but I guess when you come into people’s homes, they think you’re family,” he said recently from his and Debbie’s living room, graced by a tall, beautifully decorated Christmas tree.
They’re looking forward to spending Christmas with their family this year.
“We didn’t think he’d be here for Christmas this year, so we’re just thrilled,” Debbie said.
Don is doing remarkably well. His tumor is not as active as it was, and a spot on his liver is now gone.
He’s gained weight, up from 126 pounds in September to 130. When he got sick, he was 170.
He even drove — four miles from Boardman to his Austintown home.
“We’re not sitting around crying these days,” Debbie said. “We’re enjoying the good times now.”