Rick’s Story

Site created on November 1, 2019

What we thought was a simple allergy changed our lives forever!! A little cough and shortness of breathe turned to the doctor telling us.. “you have lung cancer”! We had a small glimpse of hope since it was diagnosed as stage 3b.. not stage 4.. we can beat this!!! He went through chemotherapy & 30 proton radiation treatments! CT scan showed the tumors were shrinking.. yes!!!! But.. he got a headache?? MRI of the brain showed 2 tumors in the cerebellum.. but.. we can get those with gamma-knife radiation treatments.. still hopeful!! Then it was said out loud.... the cancer got to your brain through your bloodstream.. it’s now stage 4!! 😥 PET scan was ordered after gamma-knife radiation... more cancer.. right side near backbone. I tell him... it’s time to fight!!!!! We are now in ICU at MD Anderson, he has pneumonia!! Prayer warriors have been requested... again!! Fight!!!! We can beat this!!!! As of today.. he’s on many meds & breathing through a BiPAP.. trying everything NOT to intubate. I show him how much I love him.. and loved by many.. please.. I beg.. FIGHT!!!! 🙏❤️

Newest Update

Journal entry by Tom Shanahan

I believe I saw that Rick's service is at Resurrection Catholic Church this coming Wed at 10 am. Terri, correct this if I'm wrong. 
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Rick Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Rick's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top