Here we go again....



For all that followed my Dad's cancer battle a few years ago I am not happy to say that we are once again in the battle.

My Dad had a pretty rare cancer a few years back.  He had two tumors removed from his upper thigh area and went through Radiation treatment.  As directed, he followed up on all of PET Scans and Dr.'s appointments after that and we were all pleased to see that there was no cancer!

Dad went in for his routine PET scan a few weeks ago.  He received a call back stating that they needed to do a follow up MRI scan as well.  As you can imagine we all were sitting on pins and needles wondering why they needed a follow up.  My Mom had been in California as her Aunt had passed away and she was tending to all that was needed there.  I told Dad that although she was out of town he needed to get in NOW and not to wait one minute longer.   My Mom didn't know what was going on but managed to get an earlier flight so she could be at the appointment.  As soon as she saw me walking in with Dad she knew something was up...we were busted!

I of course am his daughter and worry about him way more than I let on. He is not only my Dad but he is my Boss and the one I lean on the most!  I spend 5 days a week with him and experience a side of him that not many children get to see. Let me say...sometimes it's not pretty! I see a business side of my Dad that still, to this day leaves me in awe of him. Oh, don't get me wrong...he drives me nutso most of the time (well about 95% of the time) but it is incredible to see a man that has survived one of the biggest economic depressions that this country has seen in years and still has a thriving business. He has managed to keep ALL of his employees working and bringing home a paycheck even if it means (to my Mom's dismay) using personal funds to get us through.  He should be so proud of himself as he started Sonoran Products, Inc. by himself using a card table as his desk.  He was the salesman, delivery driver and custodian for many months until he hired others.  Although I don't tell him enough, my Dad is my "Superman."

Back to important issues...He had a biopsy done on his thigh and it came back malignant.  The MRI also showed that he had some spots on his lung that hadn't been there on the last scan.  There were, I believe two spots on his other lung that had been there for awhile but had not grown or changed.  The other spots were new however and the others had grown slightly. 

From what we know right now, he will have the tumor removed surgically and follow up with radiation.  They need to do a biopsy on his lungs but from what I understand they are more than likely Sarcomas as well.  He is looking at Chemo for his lungs and may have to be on it for the rest of his lifetime.  From what I understand (and believe me...I am NOT a Dr.) this type of cancer is brutal and they cannot detect it on a PET scan until it is about the size of a pea.  He may have dozens of cells that are just waiting to grow therefore the lifetime Chemo, to try and keep it from making it's way to a tumor.

For all of you that know my Dad Jerry, I will try and keep everyone updated through this blog.   For those of you that know my Dad WELL, you know that he is a huge Dirty Harry fan.  For those that are staunch Democrats (or Republicans for that matter) that have something to say about Clint Eastwood's appearance at the Republican National Convention this is not the venue for comments.  This is my Dad's blog and my Dad happens to think that Clint Eastwood ROCKS!!  He has his new and improved "Cancer Binder" that says:

"You've got to ask yourself one question: 'Do I feel lucky?' 

Well, do ya cancer?"