....and the cat came back... so does cancer apparently.

Every few months Dad has had to go in for a series of tests to make sure that the cancer hasn't come back and that everything is ok.  Well, last month the tests came back and showed some cancer cells in his esophagus.  Having the cancer come back, specifically this type of cancer, was very likely and it was something that while we hoped we wouldn't have to deal with, were aware it was a high possibility.

It is important to point out that Dad does not have any tumors, only cancer cells were found.  This is good because it means that he doesn't need to do radiation (as there is not anything to shrink) and does not have to do chemotherapy at this time.  This is really good news.  What they did instead was basically scrape and burn out (sounds awesome, huh?) the inner lining of the area of his esophagus that was showing up as cancerous to take away the cells infected.  It was a one day, in and out procedure that was fairly non-invasive.  For a few weeks he has/will have some discomfort with some foods but that should be all the effects that he feels.

With any luck this will completely do the trick and it will never come back!  But likely this will have to be repeated fairly regularly as new cells appear. 

I told dad that he did this to himself because he was starting to gain some weight and his clothes were starting to get snug and so he needed a new way to diet... He didn't really respond, just gave me this look that I knew was saying "Yes Erin, I willed the cancer to come back to lose weight".  It was the same look he gives me every time I say something stupid like that.

We have wondered lots of things since this happened... mostly treatment options and why they are doing this and not that or that.  For now, Dad is ok with the course of treatment and so I think we are all ok with it and hope for the best.  For me, I don't find this news devastating but more annoying that we are continuing to have to think about this cancer thing again.  The emotional toll this takes on you is much worse than the physical... well, easy for me to say, Dad is the one who has dealt with all the physical stuff, but still. 

Again, I don't think my dad's recovery has been any less of a miracle now than I did before.  He really has had a much easier time than most and we are all blessed for that.  I will keep everyone posted as we know more, but for now, that's what's going on!