#Support #ShinFamily - Jane and Deb

Hi Everyone,

As reluctant as I am to share my family’s grief to our community, my family and I am grateful for all the love and support we have been receiving, and I think it’s time we open our hearts and share what’s been happening.

There are those who have known my dad since their childhood, through the pictures/stories I’ve posted, and some who may not have even known him at all. He’s a man of integrity, a believer of Jesus Christ, and loyal to his family as a father and husband. My family was struck with his diagnosis on July 13, 2019. He’d been experiencing pain in his abdomen a month prior and the doctors performed a biopsy of a mass they found in his liver. Before the results came out, I was certain that whatever it is, it would be treatable. I mean... MY DAD? CANCER? No way. He has so much to live for.

Indeed, the test results confirmed he had liver cancer with the tumor as big as 12cm. And to make matters worse, cancer spread to his lungs and bones, and disqualified him as a candidate for any treatment due to size and progression. No transplant. No chemo. No radiation. Cancer took its course and two weeks later, he couldn’t walk. Cancer fractured his hip. Despite his condition, my dad was still trying to work. He would insist my mom/brother to drive him to work and then limp around his construction site with a fever. His priority was to provide for his family until his body finally gave up.

On August 5, about 3 weeks after his diagnosis, our family was gathering around the table for dinner at home, but my dad wasn’t able to join us. He was in too much pain from the cancer and started experiencing a very high fever. We rushed him to the UCLA Emergency Room and he was admitted that night.

He hasn’t been discharged yet, and my mom has been sleeping at the hospital every night. She nurses him around the clock and keeps a diary of every medicine, scan, blood draw, symptom my dad has. She took a leave of absence from her job to take care of my dad. I work remotely from the hospital to support my mom and spend the time with dad. My sister commutes from UCSD while juggling her classes, and submits her assignments at the hospital. My sister will will be moving back home from SD next week. My brother spent his first summer back home from college supporting mom and helping dad with his work.

According to the doctors, my dad’s prognosis is few weeks at most. We do believe miracles happen and our family is blessed with all the love and prayers sent our way: During this time, we thank you and appreciate any type of support.

THANK YOU
Love, Jane