GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — For many people, this Thanksgiving has been far from traditional. It’s no different for one Gaston County doctor -- he spent the day in the hospital, away from his family, as he battles cancer.
Dr. Jay Petruska is typically the one caring for others. This Thanksgiving, he was in the hospital getting a stem cell transplant as he fights against a rare form of leukemia.
“We're all dealt a certain hand and you just play it,” said Dr. Petruska on a Zoom call before he was admitted to the hospital.
And although it seemed like the deck was stacked against him when he was diagnosed with plasma cell leukemia in June, he hasn’t given up hope. He was originally given seven to 12 months to live.
“I’ve responded so well to the treatment, now we're not thinking about that,” he said.
Dr. Petruska has been in family medicine in Gaston County for 25 years. His diagnosis forced him to take his first-ever sick day.
His employees have been showing their love and support and the community has been rallying around him and his family, sending dozens and dozens of well-wishes his way.
"It really means a lot just knowing that there’s folks out there that care and are thinking about you,” Petruska said.
All of this happened during the pandemic, so he’s done doctor's appointments and hospital stays alone. His family has been supporting him from a distance, holding up signs and waving to his hospital windows.
“It’s hard," his wife Cindy said. "I sit in the car in the parking garage for all of his appointments, it's hard to be there, you want to wrap your arms around him and hold his hand."
They may have spent this holiday apart, but have faith it will be worth it.
Friends, family and community members waved to him from outside the hospital as he was being treated. Petruska got the stem cell transplant Friday and told WCNC Charlotte he feels great.
“There’s so many advances in blood cancers and multiple myeloma and leukemia that are coming out right now and in the next few months, and that gives me a lot of hope that I didn't have right off of the bat,” said Dr. Petruska.
He said what he misses most is treating his patients in his new office in Cramerton. He is hoping to be back soon.