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Dennis’s Story

Site created on May 31, 2020

Good morning,
Our family received some devastating news yesterday. Pops/Dad/Deno/Dennis was told he has stomach cancer. I guess he has been uncomfortable the past few months. He and mom were at the cabin this past week and on Friday he was in so much pain he had mom drive him back to Minneapolis where, because of COVID, he went by himself to the VA Hospital. He was admitted over night. They ran several tests to include a COVID Test, CT scan of his abdomen and blood work. COVID test came back negative. The CT scan showed a large mass in his stomach. Blood work indicated that a blood transfusion was necessary. He received 3 liters of blood. He received a few antibiotics to kill an infection they found in his intestine.

He's at home today, but will be back at the VA tomorrow, Monday, by himself to get a scoping procedure done. The doctor told my mom it should take about 3-4 hours. After completing the scope, they will determine what stage of cancer he has and appropriate next steps.

For now we are praying this has been caught in the early stages. Stomach cancer symptoms are common everyday symptoms (burping, acid reflux, constipation, etc.).

Due to a Pandemic, family is not allowed to be at the hospital with my dad. Laughing hard right now, but yes, he still carries a flip phone. We are going to order him an iPhone so he can facetime with us and play around on the internet if he requires a longer stay at any point.

Please keep Dad in your thoughts and prayers as he navigates what is out of his control. Every day is a gift. I'll continue to post updates as we receive them.

Newest Update

Journal entry by Lisa Dittberner — Dec 17, 2020

Please think of my Dad today as we have a non-traditional funeral service at 2pm. It will be myself, my Mom, my sister and the Color Guard. We wish all his friends and family could be there in person but due to Covid it’s just not possible.

Thank you for being such wonderful friends and family. We will miss my Dad more then words can describe.

As my Dad would say, “make it a great day!!!”

Lisa

Read More of the journal titled "December 17, 2020"

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