Supervisor battling cancer, seeks second medical opinion

By By Chris Allen Baker/staff writer
Feb. 6, 2002
Lauderdale County Supervisor Q.V. Sykes plans to seek a second medical opinion today as he maps strategy for fighting lung cancer.
Sykes, who represents District 4, said Tuesday he was diagnosed with a cancerous lump on his left lung. Sykes said tests were initially run to find the source of a lingering cough and hoarse throat.
Sykes said he sought medical attention after several days of a hoarse throat that continued after a course of antibiotics.
He said the condition has not slowed him down, but he missed a regular meeting of the board of supervisors Monday. Supervisors have approved naming a new sports complex at Lover's Lane for Sykes, a longtime coach.
Tests indicated the cancer has not shown signs of spreading, Sykes said, adding that he knows the lump has existed less than a year.
Sykes said he quit smoking 20 years ago after smoking cigarettes in college and during military service.
Four hospitals are on Sykes' list as options to treat his condition. Sykes said his daughter wants him to visit the University of California-Berkeley, while his brother-in-law suggested Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland.
Sykes said he also wants to explore M.D. Anderson in Houston, Texas, and the medical center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Ready to get back to normal life, Sykes said he is planning to participate in his high school class reunion this summer. Sykes is a graduate of Montgomery County High School in Duck Hill.