I have been putting this post off for a while because I guess writing it is as hard as saying it. There are no right words to say when you are told your fathers' cancer has metasticized and his prognosis is 4-6 months.
My parents were in Las Vegas in October of '06 when they were on an escalator and the woman in front of my father fell and my father, attempting to assist her, did as well. He hurt his back and ribs and upon their return home, he went to the ER to get checked out. It went to the ER for rib pain and left with a "suspicious growth" later diagnosed as bile duct cancer. He had no "symptoms" so we always referred to the lady who fell as an angel in disguise. Although bile duct cancer can be an aggressive cancer, it was in an early stage. He underwent surgery to have the cancer removed and had chemo treatments for almost a year. Scans, blood work and such every 2 months since the end of chemo have all been clear. These past few months however have been rough on my dad. He had several lumbar fractures (due to osteoporosis from the chemo) and had 2 surgeries to repair the damage and at least alleviate the pain. After his recovery, my parents went to Europe for their 45th wedding anniversary. From the begining of the trip my dad wasn't "feeling well". They decided to cut their trip short and once again came home to the ER. A new scan now showed a growth in his stomach. A new growth and a new diagnosis: Peritoneal Carinomatosis. Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a term which means extensive, or very widespread, metastasis of cancerous tumors onto the inside surfaces of the abdomen.
For those of you who don't personally know my father, you should know he is a fighter. He has a great sense of humor. A little dirty at times, but always trying to be the funny guy. He is a wonderful father, always supporting me and my siblings in our life decisions. As my sister once said, "he is the go-to man". He is not afraid to show his feelings, always ending a conversation with a "love you" or "take care of yourself". I can, and have, talked to my father about anything. Although he is the one who is struggling with cancer, he is always concerned about how we feel, how we are doing. He loves his family and his grandchildren more than anything which is so apparent every time they are around.
At this difficult time in our lives and the rough road ahead, we appreciate everyone's kind words and prayers.
My parents were in Las Vegas in October of '06 when they were on an escalator and the woman in front of my father fell and my father, attempting to assist her, did as well. He hurt his back and ribs and upon their return home, he went to the ER to get checked out. It went to the ER for rib pain and left with a "suspicious growth" later diagnosed as bile duct cancer. He had no "symptoms" so we always referred to the lady who fell as an angel in disguise. Although bile duct cancer can be an aggressive cancer, it was in an early stage. He underwent surgery to have the cancer removed and had chemo treatments for almost a year. Scans, blood work and such every 2 months since the end of chemo have all been clear. These past few months however have been rough on my dad. He had several lumbar fractures (due to osteoporosis from the chemo) and had 2 surgeries to repair the damage and at least alleviate the pain. After his recovery, my parents went to Europe for their 45th wedding anniversary. From the begining of the trip my dad wasn't "feeling well". They decided to cut their trip short and once again came home to the ER. A new scan now showed a growth in his stomach. A new growth and a new diagnosis: Peritoneal Carinomatosis. Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a term which means extensive, or very widespread, metastasis of cancerous tumors onto the inside surfaces of the abdomen.
For those of you who don't personally know my father, you should know he is a fighter. He has a great sense of humor. A little dirty at times, but always trying to be the funny guy. He is a wonderful father, always supporting me and my siblings in our life decisions. As my sister once said, "he is the go-to man". He is not afraid to show his feelings, always ending a conversation with a "love you" or "take care of yourself". I can, and have, talked to my father about anything. Although he is the one who is struggling with cancer, he is always concerned about how we feel, how we are doing. He loves his family and his grandchildren more than anything which is so apparent every time they are around.
At this difficult time in our lives and the rough road ahead, we appreciate everyone's kind words and prayers.
"We can not change the cards we are dealt, only how we play the hand."
3 comments:
You know that your family is ALWAYS in our thoughts and prayers....
~~Kristin~~
Dawn I'm so sorry to read about your dad. Keep on fighting with him and cherish every minute, life is so precious. He sounds like a great guy and he's lucky to have such a supportive family. We'll say extra prayers for you tonight.
Dawn,
So sorry to read this. I'll keep your Dad and your family in my prayers.
Love,
Dana
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