Richard’s Story

Site created on June 29, 2018

This is probably the hardest story I've ever had to write. I really don't even want to be writing it, but in fairness to all the people that love my dad, I feel the need to keep you all informed. When I say "dad", that is not a word I use lightly because for those of you who know our family dynamic, he is legally my "step-dad". I don't consider Dick my "step-dad". He has been a dad to me for my entire life. He has always been there for me and has taught me all the lessons I needed to learn to become a loving, productive member of society. That's what dads do for their children.They are there for them.

Well, now it's my turn. I am here for you, Dad.

Dick was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma (Pancreatic Cancer) in early June. Since then, we have been trying to get his course of treatment started and have run into road block after road block. His first road block began this past week with a trip to the Emergency room for continuous vomiting. After CT scans, chest X-rays, and blood work, it was discovered that the cancerous tumor had grown large enough to be pressing on the duodenum (that is a passageway from his stomach to his small intestine) so nothing was getting past his stomach. It was all trapped there.

They kept him in ER overnight at Strong and finally today (June 29) they were able to attempt surgery to open that passageway from his stomach to his intestine. Once this happens and he can finally eat, then chemotherapy will be able to start for him. That is the goal. Well, today's surgery was unsuccessful. So we now move on from here. Our hope is to first fix the blockage and then Kick Cancers Ass!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Amie Preston

Its been three weeks tonight since my Dad passed away. These past three weeks have been an indescribable emotional roller coaster. From feelings of sadness and grief to solace and relief. Our family has been enduring such a sense of loss and yet comforted by the fact that my Dad is no longer suffering in pain. The two weeks before he passed away were the most difficult weeks as we watched him deteriorate significantly and my mom become his caregiver, meeting his every need. We knew the day was coming and we were preparing, but I don’t think you can ever really be prepared for that actual moment. It was devastating. For all of us. His passing will continue to bring us a sense of loss for a long time, but there is also, admittedly, a sense of relief now. When I say that it makes me feel guilty in a way, but I know that my mom (and the rest of us) can now begin to heal.  This healing would never be even close to possible without the love, support, and caring from so many friends, family, and neighbors.  Your support and contributions at the funeral and reception are appreciated more than you will ever know!  Thank you for your donations to the pancreatic cancer fund! I hope someday lives are changed or saved because of donations like these. But most of all, thank you for being there for my mom. She is a beautiful soul and deserves to have a full happy life. Thank you will never be enough.
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