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began to experience loss of appetite, weight loss, and the onset of
jaundice. On July 18, 1988, he was admitted to Cedars Sinai
Hospital in Los Angeles and was diagnosed as having pancreatic
cancer. Four days later his pancreas, spleen, gall bladder, and a
portion of his stomach were surgically removed. He remained in the
hospital until September 30, 1988, undergoing additional surgeries
and medical procedures, including radiation therapy. Upon release,
he returned to his home in Hawaii, where he had full-time private
duty nursing. Throughout this period, Mr. Mitchell continued his
roles as the JPMS creative force, company spokesman, and executive.
Following his hospitalization, Mr. Mitchell was required to
take insulin to control diabetes. In October and November 1988, he
consulted with and received treatment from doctors in Hawaii, Los
Angeles, and New York. Although he continued experiencing bouts of
nausea, his medical condition improved, and he gained weight. Mr.
Mitchell began receiving acupuncture treatments, keeping his
medication intake at a minimum. Although follow-up tests revealed
no evidence of metastasis, a November 1988 blood test raised a
possibility of a recurrence of cancer but was inconclusive.
Mr. Mitchell's medical condition prevented him from working or
performing at hair shows until approximately January 1989, when he
performed at a hair styling show in New York City and participated
in the JPMS distributors meeting in Vail, Colorado. During this
time, he also continued his role in product development, meeting
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