My dad is fighting his second battle with cancer.  This is a struggle that has been going on for years.  There is no easy way to cheer on a loved one through this diffcult journey.

Years ago his medical check up revealed elevated PSA readings.  Further tests led to a treatment regimen to battle his first encounter with cancer.  Both chemotherapy and radiation were utilized.

Over time both treatments were “successful.”  Our whole family breathed a sigh of relief.  Had we beaten cancer?

On a regular scedule my dad went in for check ups.  Each time the results were encouraging.  He seemed to be cancer free.

With each successive good report we all began to relax a little more.  It wasn’t being careless with our feelings, but the respite of concern was a boon for us all.  Unfortunately, that rest came to an end last year.

Spots appeared on the test pictures of a scan.  Cancer had come back.  This time it was in my dad’s bones.

For months now, the frequent tests and treatments have been showing little success.  Spots are growing darker and larger.  Conversations with the medical personnel are becoming more and more professional.

I travelled across the country to spend some time with my dad.  He is uncomfortable.  For all of the years that I have known him he was NEVER a complainer.  So to hear him express his personal discomfort means that he is seriously hurting.

He is wearing a chest brace to give him some relief.  In the middle of his routine pain there were flashes of smiles and quiet laughter.  After an early morning fishing trip, I brought home the first Brown Trout that I have ever caught in my life. 

The thrill of that special moment was one that brought a smile to my dad’s face.  He helped set up the display for the necessary pictures.  My dad of very few words were, “You’ll have to move back here and repeat this just to prove that it wasn’t an accident.”  Those words were the best invitation to come home that my dad could have ever spoken.

Since those special days my brothers and sister and I have been keeping up with each other by email.  The latest medical tests on my dad are covered in detail.  The battle rages.  Cancer is an ugly word.  There is nothing redeeming about it.

photo credit: Bruce Fong Photography