Helping dad's fight: A journey of hope and healing

It is with a heavy heart to inform you that our wonderful Dad, Pat Lippincott, was diagnosed with advanced Stage 4 Metastatic Prostate Cancer. Thinking he had a bad groin injury from a hunting fall, he began to experience severe pain which progressed until even walking, standing or sitting became too intense to bear. Needing pain relief and answers, our mom took him into the ER where they did a CT scan of his pelvis. The results showed not a groin injury, but bone cancer and a small pelvic fracture. Cancer was the last thing Pat and Linda thought would be causing his pain. From there, everything was marked urgent and the following weeks were full of bone scans, CT scans, biopsies of the prostate and bone and PET scan. By Christmas the results showed Pat had Advanced Stage 4 Metastatic Prostate Cancer. On the Gleason Scale, it was a 9 out of 10. Primarily in the pelvic bone, with a rare and aggressive squamous carcinoma mixed with the prostate cancer cells.

Squamous cell carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of the prostate that comprises only .05 - 1% of all prostate cancer lesions. Because it is so rare and unknown to our doctors here in Walla Walla, we were referred to Fred Hutch, University of Washington, in Seattle. All the information, tests, pathology and scans were sent. After that, they scheduled a 5-hour meeting with Pat and Linda sharing their diagnosis and recommendations for treatment. Once again, this amazing team of doctors told us this is so rare there is no definitive treatment. So rare, they asked Pat if he would let them use these rare cells for research at Fred Hutch in hope of finding how to treat it. So now to add to Pat's long list of life adventures, he will be in the research books at Fred Hutch.

Pat's treatment is a triple therapy with shots, oral medicines, and chemotherapy starting January 18th. Then, new tests and scans will be made to evaluate where his health is and how well his cancer is responding to treatment.

Most of you know Pat never sits still and is always working on something! Whether it's their beautiful home, yard or other projects his hands never stay idle. Former colleagues and students know Mr. Lippincott was equally industrious during his 30 plus teaching career. 10 years in Lake Chelan, and 20 years here in Walla Walla. Pat’s classes ranged from PE, Math and Science, all the way middle school shop, which was his favorite. Pat always went above and beyond to connect with his students, while making fun and cool projects for all of them to enjoy!

Pat loves to spend his time outdoors. His favorite being camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting! When he's not out scouting, he thoroughly enjoys spending time with family. This includes his wife Linda, his 4 children, and his 6 grandchildren!

We welcome and appreciate your prayers for our Dad and family, as we are still in shock with this diagnosis. Any donations will be used towards medical bills, medications, and help with hotels and transportation to attend Dr. appointments and treatments.

Thank you again for reading this, and we will keep you updated on Pat's progress. The Lord has his hand on Pat and this journey. We greatly appreciate anyone who has reached out, and are keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. We continue to rally around Dad and keep his spirits high and love on him!