We're back!

After a couple month hiatus The Dad's Doomsday Guide returns.

Tim was absent from this episode as he just had a baby, and is busy not sleeping during this lovely and peaceful time.

Two main points were addressed in this episode. Our dad's battle, and ultimate passing from cancer, and the Coronavirus.

Over the past year our dad had struggled with an undiagnosed illness, progressively getting worse until a diagnosis was made a day after Christmas. It was heartbreaking, frustrating and led us to question the entire cancer industry and how it operates. While we believe there are many good people trying the best they can to cure this dreadful disease, it is ultimately controlled by money. While this isn't a bad thing (as money can help fuel the desire to find a drug that can stop cancer), it begins to poison the search for a cure when alternative possibilities are ignored due to the lack of financial gain. I believe we directly experienced this, and it was the most painful process of our lives.

I think the biggest lesson here (and survival tip) is to be your own advocate. Trust your gut, and don't become discouraged when doctors serve you bad news, but fail to offer or entertain any alternative treatment. Your life is on the line, and we can tell you from experience, no one will ever be looking out for you more than yourself and your family. To survive something like this, surround yourself with people you trust, who love you, and that will give you the support you need. You deserve nothing less.

► Check out Jane McLelland's book, How to Starve Cancer (I misspoke during the podcast regarding the title).

Second on the list was Coronavirus. It is something we should pay attention to, and prepare for in a responsible way. That is not being done by many people. There is a panic in the air, I believe due to the crazed media coverage, and also the fear of the unknown (since this is a new virus). The vast majority of us will be fine, but the behavior of some (hoarding food and supplies, ignoring self-quarantines, ignoring social distancing) are putting those at risk in far greater danger.

We all have people close to us who are elderly or have underlying health conditions, and we must think things through before giving into fear or knee-jerk reactions. The goal is to slow the spread of the virus, mitigate the impact we all have on medical facilities, and make sure those at risk are first in line. I think that's totally possible. If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed or on the verge of a panic attack, turn off the news for a bit, take a deep breath and relax.

► Get up to date info through the CDC.

Above all everyone, be smart, stay safe, and give your loved ones a huge hug. I can speak for my whole family when I say, life is precious, it can be gone in an instant, and we should never take today for granted.

Talk to everyone soon.

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