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John Keane will celebrate Father’s Day at his Lyndhurst home with his four adult children and six grandchildren, a family he thought he might never have due to his battle with cancer.
Keane, a two-time cancer survivor, faced testicular cancer nearly four decades ago, which initially threatened his plans with his wife, Dina, to have children.
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Seven years ago, Keane faced a diagnosis of esophageal cancer, a type often associated with poor survival rates, making him uncertain if he would live to see his grandchildren.
This Father’s Day will be particularly poignant for Keane amidst the barbecues and gift-giving as he reflects on his journey.
Reflecting on his trials, Keane said with emotion, “It’s overwhelming whenever I think about it. There was a time when I didn’t think I could ever have kids. And then there was a time I didn’t think I’d ever see them have their own kids.”
Growing up in Lyndhurst, Keane pursued a career as an electrician after graduating from Queen of Peace High School. His local reputation helped him build a successful business.
Encountering Testicular Cancer at 20
In 1985, at the age of 20, Keane experienced severe pain while working on a job site. Subsequent tests revealed he had testicular cancer.
Following chemotherapy and surgery to remove his right testicle, Keane underwent a second surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering for further assessment, which fortunately showed no spread of the cancer.
Given the challenges of conceiving after his procedures, Keane had a heartfelt conversation with his then-girlfriend, now wife, about their future family.
Keane recalled her response, “She said, ‘I’m not going anywhere, and we’re going to have kids.'”
Married in 1987, the couple welcomed four children – Michael, Tara, Johnny, and Noelle – within a short span of five years, defying the odds predicted by medical professionals.
Attributing their blessings to divine intervention, Keane described their journey as guided by higher forces.
Navigating parenthood in Lyndhurst while in their early 20s, Keane and his wife enjoyed outdoor activities with their kids and saw their electrical business thrive as their children pursued their own paths in adulthood.
Confronting Esophageal Cancer: “Like lightning struck me twice”
At 52, Keane faced dizziness and persistent heartburn, leading to a diagnosis of esophageal cancer in 2016. The news hit him hard, feeling like a second blow after his prior cancer battle.
With over 22,000 new esophageal cancer cases anticipated in the U.S. this year, Keane’s early detection proved crucial in his treatment.
After intensive treatment including chemotherapy, radiation, and a complex 11-hour surgery, Keane received care at Hackensack University Medical Center, effectively addressing the cancer.
Keane’s resilience and support from family and medical professionals have been instrumental in his successful battle against cancer.
A life-saving procedure changed the way Keane eats. He mentioned, “Basically I have no stomach anymore and food just goes to the intestines.”
It was a tough adjustment for Keane as he went from 195 pounds before the surgery to a low of 141 in six months.
Despite the weight loss, Keane remained resilient and determined. He expressed, “When I was losing the weight like that, I felt like I was losing my grip on life. There was a time when I just wagged my finger at the devil and said ‘You’re not getting me. Not this time. Not now.'”
Keane has regained some weight but still follows strict eating protocols. Due to his altered stomach function, he can only consume about half the amount of food as before, cannot drink while eating, and must ensure he chews his food thoroughly.
With seven years passed since his surgery, the risk of cancer recurrence for Keane is low. Dr. Rizk stated, “At this point, there is a strong likelihood that he’s cured.”
Despite his battle with cancer, Keane continues to work daily with his crews at various job sites across North Jersey. He also aims to collaborate with Hackensack doctors to raise awareness about cancers, particularly esophageal cancer which is often diagnosed in later stages.
As Father’s Day approaches, Keane plans to celebrate with his children and grandchildren, grateful for his life’s outcome. He reflected, “When I was diagnosed, I just kept saying, ‘God, keep me here long enough to see just one grandkid.’ And now I have six coming over to play in the pool.”
