Update on my Dad

[HappyChristian]

My Dad is doing well in his surgery recovery. Thank you for your prayers for him. He is truly greatful to all who have prayed. Now his treatments start...

My folks went to the oncologist this week (finally - almost a month after his surgery!). It's not really good news.

He will begin his treatments with whole brain radiation. The onc doc warned them of some probable side effects:
~His hair will be burned off (unlike chemo, radiated hair doesn't grow back)
~He may have siezures (messing with the brain like that can bring them on)
~His symptoms may likely return (that means loss of motor control on his left side)
~He may begin struggling to remember words as he speaks (we all have times when something is on the tip of our tongues and we can't spit it out...this will likely increase exponentially for my Dad)
~He will probably be very nauseous

The radiation is supposed to begin this Monday, and will be Mon-Fri this week, possibly next week as well. My parents will have to travel to Seattle for the treatment, so that means being gone all day each day.

Once the radiation is done, then they will schedule the chemo. But the onc doc told my parents the chemo does not kill melanoma. When my Dad had the MRI done, they were told that there was a spot on the lung. But the onc doc said it isn't a spot - it's spotS. Meaning more than just a few, or she would have said how many, I'm sure. She told them that melanoma spreads quickly, and so it's likely elsewhere in his body as well.

She hastened to tell them that with proper care, there have been people who have lived for a few years...but in all my research, I've yet to see where they live very long at all. Does anyone here know of anyone who's had metastisized melanoma?

My Dad is not looking forward to being sick (who does, right?). But he is worried about my Mom, because he doesn't know how much longer he has, and he is worried about what will happen with her.

I know that the Lord will take care of things, but he is her hubby and therefore rightly concerned.

I'm sorry this post is so long. I could go on, but I'll stop. I know God is in control. I am very concerned, but I am thankful that He is in control.

Appreciate prayers for all involved.

[John81]

That is certainly a lot to have to contend with. I recall all my Mom went through over the years fighting cancer and I'm still amazed at all she did and went through.

Praying for your dad, mom, you and your family and for those involved in the medical realm.

[rancher824]

So sorry for all he and your family are going through. Cancer is hard on everyone. Praying for strength and blessings for you all.

[Nathaniel]

I've been praying for your Dad and your family.

Edited August 9, 2011 by Nathaniel

[farouk]

Praying ...

[HappyChristian]

Today is the fourth day of radiation for my dad. So far things have gone well. Today they will be doing a Cat scan and a blood test after the radiation. A nurse told my dad yesterday that she doesn't think he'll have any swelling - since he hasn't so far. He still has 6 days of it, and then the chemo. He's feeling pretty well, though. I've talked to him each day, and he sounds good!

The lady who is taking care of my grandma is doing a great job. She's been a real blessing for my folks. She won't be able to help next week, so my uncle is going up there.

God is good.

[farouk]

Good answers to prayer.

[DennisD]

Can't find the prayer emote anymore, will pray for your Dad and Mom.

[HappyChristian]

Thank you!