NM deputy faces another cancer battle

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A sheriff's deputy, who had a well-publicized bout with cancer six years ago, has learned that the cancer has come back.

"He didn't give up last time, he won't give up this time,” Sid Covington said.
   
Sid Covington says his brother-in-law, Shannon Key, is a fighter.
    
In 2007 KRQE News 13 covered Key's his first battle with brain cancer  as the community rallied around the Bernalillo County sheriff's deputy and raised money for him.

"The first time they told him he had three to six months to live so that's what he was told…They told him go home, enjoy the rest of your life you don't have very long to live,” Covington said.
    
It's a prognosis Key would not accept.
   
After surgeries and intensive treatment, he was declared cancer free in 2008 and went back to work. However, two weeks ago a regular doctor’s visit revealed the cancer had come back with a vengeance.

"He found out that he had 14 tumors instead of just one tumor like he had last time,” Covington said.
    
At this point his doctors say surgery is not an option. Key is being treated at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles.
    
His brother in law says it's mostly experimental and expensive.

"It’s a research hospital so a lot of the expenses aren't covered by insurance because they're experimental drugs and things like that,” Covington said.
    
Already coworkers, friends and community organizations are stepping up to help the family out with travel expenses and more.
    
Covington says while the cancer's return is weighing heavy on the close-knit family and the influx of support is a big help.  

"It makes it easier knowing that people care that they are willing to assist in whatever way…Sometimes its just simply a hug or, we're praying for you. We're thinking about your family,” Covington said.

Deputy Key's family says he will begin a new intensive treatment Monday.
    
Key has been a deputy for about 14 years, working in the SWAT and K-9 units.