Alan Kolb Updates on Alan

Welcome, family and friends!

As we hope most of you know, our dad, Alan Kolb, was diagnosed with extensive small cell lung cancer in October 2013. The initial news was discouraging, to say the least, as we were told that his cancer had already metastasized to his brain and, while there are treatment options, there is currently no known cure. The treatment course for this type of fast-growing cancer typically includes aggressive therapy, with intermittent periods of remission, with the primary goal of buying as much time as possible. As soon as he was diagnosed, his oncologist informed us that aggressive treatment, including a combination of radiation and chemotherapy, is the treatment of choice in cases like his. Never one to back down from a challenge, Dad didn't waste any time, and he has since been fighting this son of a bitch with everything he's got...and scoffing at all of the negative life-expectancy statistics along the way!  

This has been, by far, the most important event that has happened in our family. As time goes on, as his cancer progresses, as his treatment course changes, and our family struggles with balancing hope and acceptance, one thing remains constant: Dad continues to make the choice to fight and hold out for as much time as he can possibly get. His personal motto has always been quality over quantity; and, since being diagnosed, he has continually followed through with his intention to enjoy every moment of this amazing life.

We've chosen to create this CaringBridge site now, particularly because Dad's cancer is progressing more rapidly than before. Just in the last couple of weeks, Dad has experienced more changes to his health, and our family has received more difficult news, than we have since he was initially diagnosed. As a result, it has become increasingly difficult and stressful for Mom, the go-to messenger of our family, to keep everyone that we love aware and informed. In anticipation of more rapid changes ahead, and in an attempt to reduce stress where we can, we've created this site so that we can quickly and efficiently notify everyone of Dad's treatment course and prognosis.

We hope y'all will find this site helpful and will utilize it (as opposed to phone calls, texts, and emails) as a way to stay connected with Dad and our family. We appreciate all of your support, words of hope and encouragement, positive vibes, and/or prayers more than you know. And, by all means, we are always open to suggestions, recommendations, and personal testimonies if you or someone you know has also been touched by cancer.

Please stay tuned, as we will include more details related to his current health status and treatment course very soon. Love to all! 




P.S. We know that some CaringBridge sites are created to encourage donations for a cause, but this is not one of them. So, if prompted, please DO NOT make a donation. Thank you!