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Dave’s Story

Site created on July 26, 2019

Hello friends and family!
Thank you for stopping by the site and taking the time to stay updated on dad's journey. I will do my very best to keep everyone as up to date as possible.
For those of you that don't know, dad was diagnosed with an aggressive and fast growing late stage lung cancer last week. This is a metastasis from his late stage bladder cancer from last year. The lung cancer was found at his 3 month follow up scan after being given the all clear from the bladder cancer. To say this news was disheartening is an understatement. After meeting with dads oncologist, we learned that surgery, chemotherapy and radiation are no longer options at this point. We learned that this cancer is one that can only be slowed down (hopefully) and not put into remission. Since chemotherapy and radiation are not effective, our last hope and prayer is to start a 3 month course of infusions called Keytruda. This drug will hopefully work with dads natural immune system to slow the progression of the cancer. After 3 months at the end of November, we will do another scan to see how the cancer is responding. If the tumor/mass is responding and not growing, then I believe he can continue with the Keytruda therapy for the duration of his life. If the mass isn't responding, then I think we start talking about how dad can live out the rest of his days the best he can.
We did discuss the possibility of getting a 2nd opinion at Mayo Clinic. Dad's records and results were sent to an Oncologist at Mayo in Rochester and a conference call was done between dad's Oncologist here and the Mayo doctor. The conclusions were the same and since it can take a while to get into the Mayo clinic - he opted to forego the 2nd opinion and not waste precious time only to be told the same thing in the end. It's a decision that I think is wise and will be best for him in the end.

Treatment will begin this week. He will get infusions every 3 weeks for 3 months with a repeat scan end of November. As of right now...we wait. And pray.
Dad is in pretty good spirits and takes each day as it comes. I am beyond proud to be this man's daughter. The strength and grace in which he handles all of this amazes me. No matter what happens, he is well loved. Thank you for support and prayers. We are grateful.

Much love to you all,

Kate - Dave's favorite (only) daughter

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Newest Update

Journal entry by Kate Dossett — Apr 22, 2020

Hello all!

I’m hoping this finds you all doing well and hanging in there during this crazy time of COVID-19. The world feels upside down and I know it’s uncomfortable for a lot of us.

I’m sorry I haven’t updated in a while. Life has been crazy for many different reasons. But I thought it was time now that we have news to report.

Dad has been undergoing chemo for the past 5 months. He’s had good days and bad days and continues to be a trooper. He had a scan yesterday and a virtual visit with his oncologist. It shows that this new chemotherapy drug is not working. If dad continues on the current course of treatment, the chemo will start attacking his internal organs and he will just get sicker and sicker. So we are at a point of deciding on longevity vs. quality of life. Dad has decided to do two more treatments to see how he feels, but the doctor said even with that, we are looking at 4-6 months at best.

So that is where we are at. He is a fighter. We just ask for prayers that dad would be able to live out the rest of his time feeling well enough to enjoy the days as much as possible. We appreciate the love and support.

All my best,

Kate

Read More of the journal titled "April 22, 2020"

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