Country music is in Bob Mages’ blood, and he will be sharing his passion Friday at the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center.
The Panama, Iowa, native has been playing country music with his family for decades — including his daughter, Becky Pieken, and son, Randy Mages.
Music has always been therapeutic for Mages, but recently, it’s taken on an elevated role. He was diagnosed with cancer in his small bowel, which spread to his peritoneal. After consulting with doctors at several other hospitals, he was referred to Jason Foster, M.D., a surgical oncologist at Nebraska Medicine.
“We went to Minnesota and the physician told me, ‘Why are you here? Go back to Omaha and see Dr. Foster — he trained me,'” Mages said. “I thought to myself, ‘Why have the student when you can have the teacher!'”
So far, Mages has had a good response to chemotherapy and will soon proceed with cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC); a lengthy procedure with the goal of removing and killing any remaining small tumor nodules and microscopic cells. Nebraska Medicine is one of a few health care networks in the country to offer this type of therapy.
“It will be about a 10-hour surgery, but I’m ready for it,” says Mages. “I trust Dr. Foster.”
Before his surgery, Mages and two of his children will perform some of their favorite country music songs in the lobby of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center on Friday, March 23, at 1 p.m. Mages is honored to take patients, staff and visitors down his cancer journey on a country road.
Bob and his music are such a blessing! Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family as he battles cancer.
Wonderful man that plays awesome music with his family. Good luck n prayers.
Praying for speedy & complete recovery
I had an uncle that played in a band with Bobs dad. Great music.
Bob is an awesome guy and a very talented musician! Prayers continue for him as he battles this wicked disease!
Bob and I were classmates and I have enjoyed Bob's music at many a barn dance. Will be praying for strength and faith for all and that Bob makes a speedy recovery without complications. Prayers for his surgical team and caregivers during this time. Linda Koch Brandenburg
Keeping you and your family in our prayers!