I am Rich’s daughter, Meranda. My dad and I have been each other’s support system for years, more so since my grandmother passed in 2015 and then with the addition of my daughter, his one and only grandchild, that same year.
As some of you already know, my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell carcinoma of the esophagus. This is an aggressive form of cancer, so the doctors must take action swiftly. He has found eating to be most difficult and has lost a lot of weight and strenght. He definitely has the will to fight through this. Good news is the cancer usually reacts well to the treatment. Bad news, there is a good chance it will return. Rich is due to start chemotherapy treatments next week, June 10th.
If anyone knows my dad, he has worked hard for most of his life to make a decent living for himself and me as I was growing up. He was raised greatly knowing the value of a dollar. With that being said, at this point, I don’t even think the cancer itself is bothering him as much as how all of this is going to cost him and how everything he has worked hard for is going to be diminished.
I will be taking on most of the responsibilities of getting him to and from all appointments, trying to find foods high in protein and calories that he is actually able to eat, and keeping track of appointments—the where, the when, and the whom. Helping him keep up on treatment costs is the part that will need a little extra hand with. Anything you could help with would be greatly appreciated.