Subject: My Oldest Brother Doug
From: "Todd Sherbacow" <[email-masked]>
To: "Todd Sherbacow" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 7 Nov 2011 21:22:48 -0500

First my apologies for not sending out an update in a long while.  News has been up and down all year and I never knew when to contact you.

I've added some new names and I'm saddened to share that my brother Doug was diagnosed last fall with a very rare cancer, Mucosal Melanoma.  It's a tumor in the nose that is diagnosed only 400 times annually. 

The last time I wrote, Doug had found out that after successfully removing the nasal tumor the cancer had spread to his liver in an advanced stage.  He had painful surgeries called Chemoembilization this winter and spring where one of the two arteries to his liver was shut down while chemotherapy was injected into the liver.  The blood supply is cut off solely to the cancer cells as the tumors are poisoned.  The science is simply incredible.  

Our family has made many visits to Orlando which Jack just loves.  Sometimes Doug was in too much pain to leave the house and yet during one man's trip Jack and I were escorted to Disneyland and Gatorland by Uncle Dougie, Aunt Stephanie, Sydney, Sam and Saige.  They were remarkable days and a real celebration of family.

A few weeks ago Doug was tested for progress.  The news was only partially favorable.  From the neck down he is in great shape with his liver going from stage four to functioning as well as yours or mine.   The terrible news that followed was that while they had focussed on his liver the nasal cancer had spread to his brain.  The growths are new and small.

Doug started radiation the next day and chemotherapy pills and has completed those 15 days of treatment last week.  My sister-in-law Stephanie is an angel.  She's doing so much for my brother while caring for their three children.  She talks with cheer in her voice so I just follow.

It was a tremendous sign on Friday when Doug called me to check on a golf trip that was delayed.  I've grown so close to Doug he inspires me.  His mental state has improved tremendously and he's been blessed with quality days to enjoy his children, Stephanie and peace.  

My brother is a private person but who doesn't love a nice card?  If you would like to send some cheer and support I'll add his address below and I will forever be grateful.  Humor, prayer whatever you're comfortable with.  Call him Doug or Sherby but don't call him down for the count!  He's tougher than he ever knew and I know these small tumors don't have a chance.  Doug and these medicines are fighters!

Thank you to the many friends and family members who have who have helped Doug and the entire Sherbacow family as we face uncertainty.  Tonight, hug your kids tighter, kiss your spouse with meaning and say a little prayer for Doug.  He's golfing in 10 days so he needs all the love he can get.

Thank you, 

Todd

Doug Sherbacow
111 E Osceola Street
Minneola FL 34715

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