Fighting for Team Richard

On July 3rd 2017 our Dad went to the Dr because he was having pains in his belly when he ate and black stool.  He was immediately sent to the ER to be checked for internal bleeding. The bloodwork came back and our Dad and Mom were told that our Dad had a mass on his pancreas and his liver enzymes were very high and he was being admitted to the hospital for further testing. On July 4th an Oncologist came to see my Dad and explained that the mass was blocking the bile ducts and backing up his liver and he would need a stent put in and he would most likely be transferred to an Orlando hospital. By July 5th our Dad was jaundice and transferred to Orlando to receive the stent, the Dr explained to our Mom and Dad that the mass was cancer and he would need to see an oncology surgeon and oncologist for treatment right away. After many hours of waiting and praying, several different Drs came in telling us many different things and causing confusion for our us and our Mom. The decision was made that we would just wait to hear it from the surgeon. On July 6th we received the official word that yes our Dad has Pancreatic cancer, that at this time it is not operable because of the location of the golf ball size mass being against the main artery of the liver. We were informed that ALL preliminary reports show and there is no indication that the cancer has spread to any other organs, however his blood markers are extremely high. The treatment plan is to try to shrink the tumor away from the wall so they can go in and remove it. This will require aggressive chemo treatment! Our Dad will have two ports put in and chemo for the next two to three months. They will re-evaluate and see if the tumor is operable at that time. Both of our parents are retired and on a fixed income, Dad receives several pensions and VA benefits but as with any cancer treatment the cost is overwhelming for them.  Our parents have been married for 48 years have 4 daughters and 3 sons-in-law, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.  Our Mom has just been told that the love of her life has cancer and she is holding up well, our Dad had always handled everything for our family and has been her rock through all!! He is concerned about their financial stability as I am sure you can understand.  If you can help them in any way it will be forever appreciated.  Through the years we watched as both our parents lead by example of helping out whenever someone was in need. All funds raised will go directly to Dad's medical expenses while he continues to fight to beat this cancer so he can enjoy the rest of his retirement with our Mom. Thank you all in advance for your love and support during this difficult time for our family.