• May. 15, 2006
My Dad
I can't believe it has been a whole week since I have been here. Life, as usual, is moving at warp speed.
My dad has been sick off and on for the last few months. The doctor he has been going to diagnosed him with chronic arthritis and has been sending him to physical therapy. During this time, he has continued to feel much worse, so last Wednesday he went to the Mayo Clinic.
On Thursday, the doctor called him back to her office and told him that he has cancer. He has had it for a while because it has already moved to his lymph system and his bones. He and my mom were completely shocked. The Lord was so gracious to me, because I have seen him decline and had already thought something more serious was going on.
Saturday was Jim's birthday, so we all went out to dinner. I was shocked when I saw his appearence. He has definitely declined in just a week. Overall, he has lost about 30 pounds and has no appetite. He is also in quite a bit of pain which keeps him from sleeping. His coloring looked very pale on Saturday, but he managed to eat about three bites of cole slaw and a little bread.
This is all new territory for me. My mom is busy helping my dad and I have been busy trying to think of everything that needs to be done.
My list for today includes:
Call his doctor to get more information and ask some questions that my brothers and I have.
Call and attorney and find out the ins and outs of probate, a living will, power of attorney, etc...
Call his old doctor and get a release for his medical records.
Find out what things they own are in his name only and find out how to add my mom to those things.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Please pray for me that I would be supportive, but not step on their toes.
It is so sad to see my 6 foot 6 inch, strong, golfing dad suddenly look so old and frail. I have had my cry moments and I am sure more are to come. I have found it so helpful to read until I can't keep my eyes open anymore and then drift off to sleep. At 73 my dad is the youngest of his siblings, so I know they are all trying to process this too. My brothers are out of state, one in Texas and one in Colorado, so we will need to decide when they should come for a visit.
My dad has many more tests and doctors to see this week, so hopefully when we meet with his doctor at the end of the week we will have a more clear of a picture of what we are facing.
I appreciate your prayers, advice, wisdom......
Comments
• May. 28, 2006
Untitled Comment
Posted by OreoSouza
Oh dear! You have had a very difficult month! Here I was, all wrapped up in my grief, and never looking beyond my own windows. I need to remember that there is suffering all around us and many saints who need our prayers.
We were not created for this thing called death. I keep thinking that lately...we weren't made for this.
I'll try to remember to pray for your father and mother, and for you and your siblings as you walk this terrible road. I'll pray that road becomes lovely somehow...in a way that only God can make a terrible place a lovely place.
