John’s journey

On October 27th, after going in for a routine thyroidectomy, life changed dramatically.  Rather than removing part of the thyroid as planned, we got the news that my dad had cancer, and a fast growing type. It was originally told to us that he had anaplastic thyroid cancer, which is fatal. Over the next few days there were many more tests and appointments to see what the best plan for treatment would be. We then learned that thankfully this was not the fatal cancer they originally thought it was but rather a non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Later to find out specifically a diffuse large B cell lymphoma which Dr. Weber, the oncologist, is hopeful will be curable.  Treatments will include several chemotherapy treatments  every 3 weeks along with high doses of steroids. So far my dad has had 1 chemo treatment/steroid course and is doing fairly well aside from being pretty tired most of the time. We have even noticed a difference in his voice which was previously hoarse due to size and location of the mass of his thyroid.  

Throughout my dads treatments, for the next  5 plus months, he will not be able to work which believe me when I say he is super dedicated to his job and those he works with so not being there throughout this all will be difficult for him.  My mom will also be taking intermittent time off to help care for my dad and transporting him to and  from chemo treatments and doctor appointments along the way. 

I have always seen my parents as such giving individuals and always willing to help anyone in need and now they are in need of some help.  Neither of my parents of them would ever want to ask for help so that is why I am starting this go fund me for them to try to provide a sense of comfort and support for them during these stressful few months. Any money donated will be used to help pay bills and other expenses while my dad is out of work during his treatments and recovery.

We appreciate all the thoughts and prayers so far as dad battles this cancer. It makes it easier going through this all knowing we have all this love and support