For a Deeply Loved Father with Cancer

[Ped]

As always, thinking of you all .. my love to you and yours.

Take care .. be blessed,

Pedx

[hottsmokin]

WHERE DO I START?? 

oh my..this is tough...  The oncologist brought the news today that dads cancer  that had spread, is actually lining the wall of his abdomen. He is stage IV and with this type of pancreatic cancer, Ampulary Carcinoma, there are no known protocol past the first line which has already been used to no avail.  The outcome sounds bleak, grim, hopeless...The y know nothing to offer because there is simply not enough known causes to know what would or would not work. They are recommending him go home to heal from this surgery 4-6 weeks, just like the previous surgery.  They will consult about a regimine they feel might offer him some additional time. 

I came into a room to call my sister, and there was a girl sitting in the same seat I am now, Her name was Brooke, with her back to me..and when I hung up with my sister, she said in the sweetest voice, I am so sorry to hear about your dad and what your family is going thru. She turned around and said .."someone once told me that the Lord loves it when the doctors say there is nothing else they can do, because that allows God to work his Miracles."    I say, people are put in our path for a purpose and I dont know what all that meant, but I loved it.

Dad says he's not allowing it to change his attitude about how he is going to face it.  Please just keep him in your thoughts in the coming days ahead.  The oncologist has suggested they might come up with a plan that might be able to be administered anywhere, or they might come up with a plan that would be like a clinical trial (only not)  which would be designed just for him...in which case he would have to stay in baltimore for the duration of the treatment.  Of course Dad doesnt know what it will be, and wonders what he should do..I told him we'd wait to see what they came up with, then he could listen to his heart on what is the best for him.  I'll keep you guys posted.  Thanks for your thoughts the last few days.  God Bless...

[Jeremy C.]

I am talking with your sister and mother!

Call me when you need me!

415-261-0233

[hottsmokin]

HAPPY 70th BIRTHDAY Dad
Tomorrow is dads birthday...and he is still over at John Hopkins in Baltimore, and my brother Tracy is the only one with him...I just was thinking..and wondering if anybody could think of something  that we could do..totally on the fly...last minute to seem to be there and him feel the presence of his friends and family on this day.

Its been a terrible week, and I know what is going thru his head, as with all of ours..and we do not want to admit it, dont want to say it...but damnit if we are not angry and pissed off that  it looks like it does..and that he is there on this day and we are not.  Its like it is so out of our control...   Anyway..I'm totally open to suggestions and kinda in a hurry.

and did i mention, we're lookin for a miracle..prayi ng for one..and big time for some motivation and words to keep our chin up in what sure appears to be a dark moment.

Love and Hugs..TY  Sherry

[Ped]

I'm afraid I have no suggestions with regards to the ideas you're looking for hun. All I can do is wish your father a very happy 70th Birthday and let you know that I'm thinking about you all, knowing that together you and your amazing family will get through whatever challenges are thrown at you.

I wish I could be of more help and I wish I could think of something better to say .. but in the very least, the important thing is to know that you are all very much in my thoughts and wishes right now Sherry.

Please pass my love and best wishes to your father hun. And of course, much of the same to you and yours too.

Be strong .. be blessed .. feel loved,

Pedx

[Jeremy C.]

I so enjoyed talking with Paul and you too Sherry!

HUGS

[Lillyfrog]

Sherry

I know it past your dads birthday, but the only thing I could think of is make a power point slide show or other software like print shop, put in pictures of you and family and  ask us to send you pictures & comments for his (belated )  big day and well wishes.  And save it on CD, and print copy  to take or mail to him like his own birthday & get well book from you & your family and friends all over the world.

Happy Birthday to your dad, he is in our prayers. 
Keep your chin up, Hugs
Dawn   

[hottsmokin]

ty  Dawn, Ped and Jeremey...Dad had a good birthday, He got to go home....And arrived safely.  Today has been an extremely hard day for me, as dad went to see his family doctor in his  hometown, and he told him basically he had only a short tiem to live and to get his affairs in order, consider hospice and pretty much told him there was no  hope at this point...I am so angry, devestated and just crushed both emotionally and spiritually... .Please just contiue to lift Dad up. Thak you everyone for your continued thoughts and prayers. huggs, sherry

[Ped]

I'm so sorry honey. Even more so than usual, you, your wonderful father and all of yours are so very much in my thoughts.

My love to you all,

Pedx

[hottsmokin]

I  have been in NC this week, while Dad left John Hopkins to go to his home in West VIrginia.    I dont know everyone, I think his time might be near for God to call my angel home. I have been so blessed, all of us have, to have him as long as we have, to call him our Dad, and never want to let him go. I hear in his voice that he is ready for the Lords will, and he doesnt want to go for any more treatments of unknown. He wants to stay home, with his family, for as long as the Lord gives him.  These conversations have transpired over the last couple days, and my brother and my sister have both told me dad is very weak, and declined soooooo much since he returned from John Hopkins on the 4th, which was his birthday.  I  guess I'll head up that way today, part of me doesnt want to go, I feel if I stay away that he'll hang on, but thats not fair...I need to go and let go if this indeed His perfect timing. From all I know about a person dying with pancreatic cancer, it is a horrible, most excruiating painful death imaginable, and if my dad were to go before that pain set it, it would be a true blessing for him and all of us...because none of us want to see him in pain. So, it is my prayer that the Lord watch over him and take care of him and carry him the rest of the way...whether it is a perfect healing that amazes us all, or whether it is to carry him over to the other side...and that we can all just find peace in the life we have for the length we have it, breathe it in and be blessed for whatever time we have left..be it 5 days or 5 years. This is a big prayer, and even I dont believe I can let go so easily, but I am going to steadily pray that I can be strong, draw from his strength, and honor my dad in his wishes. I am not giving up, I will faithfully continue to believe that the Lord will truly reveal a miracle, but I realize too, that he already has...and who am I to selfishly continue to ask for more. Please pray things I dont even know how to ask for ...   All I know is my dad is truly, and has truly been one of the most amazing, selfless, loving  humans in the world and I am will just forever be grateful to have known him and call him my dad.  Huggs. Keep praying.