Almost two years ago, I noticed that my dad was not as active as usual. He was not eating as much and eventually started complaining about stomach pain. I begged him to tell his doctor, because I knew it was not normal. He is pretty stubborn and does not even like to go to the doctor, but thankfully he did. His blood work did not look good, so he was sent to a specialist. And so it began, the endless appointments and the unanswered questions.
For months he suffered through test after test, and the pain was more unbearable with each passing day. I could not understand why we weren't getting any answers, and I could not stand seeing him suffer. After many months, we were told he had Stage IV stomach cancer. Stage IV! We all know that at that stage the odds of beating it are pretty slim. I did not ask how long he had and neither did he. The doctor told him he could start chemotherapy or jut go home. My dad decided to fight, and he has been fighting ever since.
My dad is the most courageous man I know. He has endured several treatments- from chemotherapy to radiation and now immunotherapy. He has lost so much weight, and is not as physically strong as he used to be, but he is brave. He is still fighting the good fight. Due to COVID-19, he missed many appointments, so now it feels as if he is starting over, but he is still going. He never complains, and he tries to be as active as he can under the circumstances.
Some days I am saddened by what is happening to my precious father but at the same time, I am proud to be his daughter. He is someone my children and I admire. He is a perfect example of resilience and strength. Yes, there are days when he feels weak, when he can barely eat, and stays in bed all day, but the next day he gets up. He is my hero, my very own Superman.
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