Greg Stokes
When Greg Stokes heard the word “cancer,” everything changed. It marked the beginning of a long journey filled with surgeries, setbacks and moments of doubt. But it also became a story of resilience, powered by faith, family and a groundbreaking treatment called histotripsy.
“I first heard the word cancer in 2013,” Greg says. “I’ll be honest — I knew right away it wasn’t the end of my story. It was just another chapter.”
Greg’s journey started with upper gastrointestinal pain and an ultrasound on his liver. Nothing looked concerning at first, but during that test, Dr. B. William Ginsberg at Mid-America Surgery Institute, part of HCA Midwest Health, noticed something unusual on the tail of Greg’s pancreas. That led him to Dr. Joe Cates at Kansas City Vascular and General Surgery. After a biopsy, Greg underwent a pancreas resection and had his spleen removed.
“Dr. Cates became more than just my doctor — he became a true friend,” Greg says. “He guided me through this difficult road with hope and confidence.”
Over the years, Greg underwent multiple procedures, including pancreatic surgery, liver resections and, most recently, a new treatment called histotripsy.
Histotripsy is a noninvasive procedure that uses high-frequency ultrasound to break down tumors. It’s unbelievably precise — targeted to the millimeter.
“I was in and out of the hospital the same day and back to my normal life within days. Compared to past treatments, it felt like a breeze.”
Despite his long journey of treatment and recovery, Greg refuses to be defined by cancer.
“To my 11 grandkids: I’m not going anywhere. I'm still the same Papa who wants to teach you how to cook, who wants to go on fishing trips and who has big plans for our future.”
For those diagnosed with cancer, Greg offers this advice:
“Keep moving forward. Don’t get stuck in ‘why me’ thinking. Every challenge is a chance to grow, and there are doctors and researchers working miracles every single day. Trust your doctors, lean on your support system and never stop living. You never know when the next breakthrough will be yours.”
Comprehensive liver cancer care in the Kansas City area
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you don’t have to face it alone. The oncology team at HCA Midwest Health, part of the Sarah Cannon Cancer Network, provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services tailored to your unique needs. Learn more about our liver cancer program.