In 1996 he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. At that time, brachytherapy (aka “seed therapy”) was relatively new, and Kaiser flew him to Seattle to undergo this treatment. He successfully beat this cancer through brachytherapy and dietary changes, eliminating red meat from his diet and starting each morning with an anti-oxidant-filled fruit smoothie.
In 2006, at the age of 71, he underwent knee replacement surgery with the goal of being able to continue to play tennis, but without pain. Post-operatively they noted that his lab work was “off,” suggesting anemia. After an upper endoscopy to rule out a GI bleed, it was discovered that he had esophageal adenocarcinoma (despite no risk factors, no history of reflux or Barrett’s esophagus, no drinking or smoking). He underwent an esophagectomy and subsequent oral chemo and radiation therapy, with the typical side effects that each of those treatments presents. He of course had to modify his diet even more, as well as his eating habits, but settled at a new weight point (his college weight, as opposed to his married weight), and continued to enjoy life with his 10 grandchildren. He made it to his 5-year post-op mark with flying colors…except for that pesky labwork.
Whether or not the original anemia was the first tip, or the chemo is what induced it, it doesn’t really matter. He was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Treatment was palliative, with periodic blood and platelet transfusions. He continued to live as full a life as possible, including celebrating the 65th anniversary of his bar mitzvah, flying in multiple small planes and gliders (he always wanted to be in the Air Force but had lousy vision), and his crowning achievement, getting a cell phone tower built in his condominium complex which not only provided improved cell phone coverage, but also a regular income to the homeowner’s association from the cell phone companies; this required years of working with the City of Cupertino, Sprint, Verizon, and the HOA—not an easy task!
A mere two weeks after the dedication ceremony, he began bleeding and chose to stay at home rather than pass in the hospital. He set an example of how to die with dignity, as he knew his time was limited, and he made an effort to meet with each child, grandchild, and close friend in the weeks prior to his passing. He made sure my mother was taken care of financially, as he patiently taught her how to manage the various brokerage and checking accounts and pay quarterly taxes (she was a bride of the 1950’s and that was not in her wheelhouse).
This July it will be 5 years. My husband Louis rode AMBBR the summer before he died (in his honor) and all the subsequent summers afterwards. It took me almost two years before I could get on the bike and even consider riding for him, as I would dissolve into tears (and one tends not breathe well when one is crying...). So I finally did AMBBR at the 3 year mark, and supported Louis once again at the 4 year mark.
While I have participated in TNT in various capacities over the past 16 years (2 marathon teams, 2 triathlon teams, 1 cycle team—to get my triple crown, “Dr. Larry’s Team”, and now Pac Crest to renew my triathlon skills), only the last two (AMBBR and Pac Crest) are in his honor, as I ride for MY dad.
-- Deborah H. Gonzalez | Ride for Dads Team Member
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