10/15/2026
Hello everyone,
So, there's an old samurai maxim that states, “When startled by an attack, MOVE FORWARD!”
That means if someone, or something, jumps out and attacks you, don't fall back, don't cringe away, don't try to hide or run from it. Immediately, ‘fall forward’ toward the attack.
You can't afford to give the enemy the ‘element of surprise.’ You don't have time to go through the stages of grief… no time for Shock, Anger, Denial, or Bargaining. Go directly to Acceptance and HIT the bu**er back!
Over the summer, I began to notice my heart rate increasing for unknown reasons. I would also have horrible symptoms where I would feel nauseous, have chest pains, and start shaking with chills. I knew SOMETHING wasn't right.
Twice, I ended up in the ER, afraid that I was suffering a heart attack. I ended up seeing a cardiologist, had multiple heart scans, wore a heart monitor, and even took a stress test.
I was in constant pain, weak, and no longer able to do my favorite thing... teach the karate classes. 😒
It turned out that I had a heart arrhythmia that caused my heart to race. I was prescribed beta blockers to slow the heart rate, but otherwise my heart was fine.
Still, I continued to have chest pains, nausea, chills, and severe abdominal pain. Then my urine started to turn dark orange. (Sorry TMI?😏)
I ended up back at the ER earlier this month, unable to eat and in excruciating pain. The doctors at Sherman hospital were amazing; multiple blood tests, ultra sound, MRI imaging… the works!
They found a mass in my pancreas which was blocking a bile duct, preventing digestion and causing the pain. A surgeon was able to put a tube down my throat to reach the mass, remove it, and place a stint so that I could eat once again.
After a few days in the hospital, I was cleared to go home and feeling much better. But unfortunately, the biopsy of the mass came back malignant. - I have pancreatic cancer.
There's plenty to be hopeful about. The cancer cells appear to be isolated to the pancreas and in an area away from blood vessels, where they should be able to be removed.
I'm set up with an oncologist, who I spoke with both at the hospital and in his office today. He has me scheduled for a PET/CT scan next week to be sure the cancer hasn't spread.
I'm meeting with a highly recommended surgeon on Monday, who specializes in the Whipple surgery that will be needed to clear the pancreas.
This has been a shock to myself and my family. Nobody's ever prepared for this kind of diagnosis but we're “falling forward, into the attack.”
There's no time for self pity or depression, just a focus on recruiting a qualified team to kick this cancer’s butt!
I want everyone to know that we're doing as well as can be expected. Over the weekend my daughters visited. Sara flew in from New York and Anika, came home from UW Madison. We spent cherished time together as a family, joking around the dining room table, watching movies, and supporting one another. Yeah there were some tears, but also laughs and hugs!
My wife, Natasa has been incredible. She was with me in the hospital, has been my Uber to doctors appointments, my nutritionist, and nurse; All while taking care of her Real Estate business and also being there for our daughters. ❤️
I'm nowhere near out of the woods yet, but we're doing everything we can for a positive outcome. I'm looking forward to a full recovery, returning to work, and teaching karate once again! 👊
My students hold a special place in my heart and I'm very sorry that you've all missed valuable training time while I get this health problem worked out.
I'd like to thank everyone for their love and support during this difficult time. It's true what they say, "If you want to know who your real friends are, just get sick!” 😃
We appreciate you all and will keep you all updated as we know more.
With love,
Rick Fryer(aka Sensei Fryer 🥋)
