This past week we found out that Dave (
https://www.facebook.com/dr.duvy?__tn__=%2CdK-R-R&eid=ARBp_aTMDraZ6fyxVU7EHnv1ViSY7uvhyjXiSoKd7hYYuglU9J07ZxJrx0hHUHscz-zHnZuaDphX1_Aq&fref=mentions) has esophageal cancer and it rocked our world. But then again has anyone ever been told they have cancer and it not bring you to your knees?
In the 6 days since we got the diagnosis we have experienced so many emotions. Shock, grief, terror, anger, nausea, pain, acceptance, peace, and anxiousness are just a few words to describe the roller coaster so far.
But the one thing above everything else has been Love. The kindness, prayers, concern and want to help from those who are framily, family, friends, co-workers, Dave's athletes/students and just people we have interacted with in our lives has been positively overwhelming. We have cried both sad and happy tears over this week as we try to wrap our minds around this beast. But above all else we know one thing.....
Dave will beat this! He will fight with everything he is and our boys and I will be there to fight right along with him every step of the way!!! God has a plan and our family is ready to rise to the challenge.
So far the scans show that the cancer is localized to his esophagus, stomach, a small portion of the Aorta and local lymph nodes. It does not appear to have spread to his liver or other organs. The cancer is labeled as Stage 3.
We met with his doctors today and he will do a few more tests/appointments this week to determine if he will just do chemotherapy or a combination of chemo and radiation. At least the chemo will start next week and if they add radiation it will begin the following week and he will do both at the same time. After that the current plan is to surgically remove the tumor and other infected areas.
The rest of this week we are working to get Dave used to using a feeding tube and upping the amount of “food” he takes in. The biggest thing I have learned so far is there is a BIG reason that I am not a nurse.
Thank you each for your love, prayers, positive vibes and support!
