Latin Notes: Stricken with cancer, Jordan fighting on

Saluté owner Azeneth Dominguez is asking for patience and prayers from patrons coming out Friday night to see conjunto star Esteban "Steve" Jordan.

"The man with the plan" is ailing, his longtime residency shaken to the core because his liver cancer has spread to his pelvis, causing him severe pain.

Jordan did his best to hide it at the Tejano Conjunto Festival at Rosedale Park last month. Ask him how he's feeling, and he'll tell you, "Oh, hay va" (so-so).

But he's missed his last two Friday night gigs. The one before that, he barely managed an entire set. He acknowledged Tuesday that he's been feeling like hell and spending a lot of time in bed.

"I might be able to play," said Jordan, 70. "More than likely I will because they're giving me a (heavier treatment) para el dolor (for the pain). But everything is fine."

It's a brave face from one of the toughest musicians who has ever lived. There is no cure, but Jordan fights on despite pain that makes it difficult to walk and stand for long periods.

Feisty as ever, Jordan claims the music does not suffer.

"I was born with that (expletive), bro," said Jordan. "Eso no se olvida, eso se parquéa en la mente. Todavia tengo mucha jalea por todo ese pedo (You don't forget that. It's parked in my mind. I still have the juice for all that stuff)."

But will he be there Friday night?