Douglas County Administrator Diagnosed With Cancer

Douglas County’s administrator announced this week that he was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

Andy Lisak, 54, said he found out he had squamous cell carcinoma after visiting the doctor to check out a lump on his neck earlier this month.

“According to my physician with it having spread from my neck into my lungs, the treatment options right now are somewhat limited,” he said. “The intent right now is to undergo chemotherapy to try to slow the growth of the cancer to try to provide me with a decent quality of life and try to extend my life as much as possible.”

He said about 90 percent of people diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma live about one to four years.

“I have hope that I want to be one of those that are sort of the outliers and outlive the average,” he said. “That’s what we’re shooting for.”

He said he plans to continue serving as the county administrator.

“I’m still waiting to see what the impact of the cancer and the chemo will have on my body,” he said. “I’ve been in communication with the county board, especially Chair Mark Liebaert, letting him know how I’m doing. He’s been great at calling me, seeing how I’m doing and providing his support. As we go down this road, being able to continue to work as long as I’m able to work and as long as I’m able to perform at a level that I think the county board and residents of Douglas County expect from their administrator.”

Lisak considers the illness a journey that he plans to address with the support of his faith, family and friends.

“What might seem like a battle to some people might just be a voyage for others,” he said.

Lisak is undergoing his second round of chemotherapy on Friday. He encourages others to seek a professional opinion if they encounter anything out of the ordinary with their health.