by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Lou Frost walked into the Morocco Shrine Center one night last week carrying a look of disbelief. Still recovering from his uphill battle with stomach cancer, the retired Public Defender was greeted by hundreds of friends, admirers and former colleagues.
“This is so wonderful,” said Frost, who after more than 36 years as Duval, Clay and Nassau County’s Public Defender, retired last year. “I had nothing to do with it, but they did a really nice job.”
Over 300 turned out to honor Frost and the gathering included almost every leader in the local legal community (more page, 3.) The party was organized by a committee that included lawyers and judges and was supposed to taker place prior to his retirement earlier this year, but had to be delayed due to his treatments for the disease.
Frost’s frail appearance may have concerned those who had not seen him since he underwent surgery to remove an abdominal tumor 11 months ago, but he said he feels better every day.
“Everything is great, wonderful right now,” said Frost. “I’m in remission and there have been no reoccurrences since my surgery.”
However, his outlook was not always so sunny. Having to endure 25 chemotherapy sessions nearly killed him, he said. It was during those treatments that an already-trim Frost dwindled to a sparse 105 pounds.
“Yes, it was difficult. The chemo really knocked me down,” he said, “but I guess they almost have to kill you before you can start in your recovery.”
Frost is back up to 120 pounds and he said he’s made a commitment to take advantage of his ever-increasing appetite.
“I’m blessed,” said Frost, scanning the room, filled with people eating and drinking. “I’m surrounded by the people I love.”