Superhero dad Juan Molina treasures time on the soccer and football fields with his kids, but was sidelined after a cancer diagnosis in 2015.
What was originally diagnosed as kidney stones turned out to be renal cell carcinoma. Juan originally sought treatment from two doctors, including one in Houston, which required him to make frequent trips for treatment. However, once his cancer progressed, he was referred to Dr. Jeff Yorio of Texas Oncology-Austin Central.
Under Dr. Yorio’s care, Juan’s treatment has evolved, and has included some of the newest and most innovative forms of treatment, including immunotherapy drugs.
“I think [Juan] is a great example of benefiting from brand new treatments that have come out in the past several years,” said Dr. Yorio. “Many of the medicines that he has had weren’t even treatment options when he was originally diagnosed.
In addition to the convenience of getting care close to home, Juan said that the team at Texas Oncology provides a collaborative and caring environment for him and his family during his fight against cancer.
“The team is great,” said Juan. “They communicate. The doctors, the nurses, the people doing the chemotherapy, they all wanted to make sure everything was fine. I’m happy we’re with them.”
While it’s difficult to face, Juan is battling cancer with a toughness and determination best described as heroic.
For Juan, the source of his courage comes from his family – the people counting on him. Juan says it’s his love for his wife and children that keep him going.
“I see my kids’ faces and I’m kind of like a superhero to them, like Superman,” said Juan. “So, it helps me to keep fighting, for my family. I wear a Superman shirt all the time. I’m their superhero.”
Juan added that he’s not letting cancer get him down or stop him from doing what he loves. In heroic fashion, he understands what he’s up against, and with the support of his team, he’s bravely fighting his battle every day.
“You’ve got to take a look at what you’ve got in life, and just keep going,” said Juan. “You just stay strong and don’t let cancer beat you. I’m going to try to beat cancer, and fight it as long as I can.”