I guess it's time to tell you...

Flyingcursor · Post by **Flyingcursor** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:08 pm

Three weeks ago my Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer.
He had to have a "PET" scan and other tests to determine if he would be able to have surgery or have to endure the travesty of chemo. So far it looks like the surgery will work but he still has to see the surgeon on Monday (11/10). One drawback is the fact that he has suffered from anemia for several years and nobody has been able to figure out why. I'm concerned the surgeon will deny the surgery due to the anemia, in spite of the fact he's O+ and a transfusion would eliminate the problem.
I'm going with him to the doctor's office Monday to make sure there are no stones left unturned.

susnfx · Post by **susnfx** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:12 pm

Dreadful news for you to receive. I hope for the very best outcome for your dad--good luck to you too as you head into this struggle. Best thoughts winging your way.

Susan

peeplj · Post by **peeplj** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 3:39 pm

That's a hard blow...I'm sure sorry that happened.

Most communities have support groups for the friends and family of cancer patients. These can be a great resource and usually have a wealth of information available for the asking; if interested, check with your doc for contact information.

Warm healing thoughts to him, and you to.

--James

missy · Post by **missy** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 4:14 pm

Rick - if you need ANYTHING, you know where to call........

izzarina · Post by **izzarina** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 4:35 pm

Oh goodness, Flydood...I am so very sorry! You and your dad will be in my continued thoughts and prayers.

Innocent Bystander · Post by **Innocent Bystander** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 4:40 pm

Bad news, Flydood. Good luck on Monday.

Post by **Nanohedron** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 4:44 pm

All the best, Fly. But you know that.

Flyingcursor · Post by **Flyingcursor** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 5:03 pm

Thanks folks. I'm about to grab a big mug of coffee and head out into the woods. I'll suppmement the coffee with booze. I'll build a big fire and play my harmonicas and think about my dad and get good and drunk.

There's a spot about a half mile walk into the woods from here that I've always considered my spot. An unexplained hole in the ground where I used to have big fires and where I used to go for deep thought. I'll dress warm and maybe stay the night right there. I'm going to think about all the cool things I can tell you about my dad and how he's shaped (or tried to shape) my life.

cowtime · Post by **cowtime** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 5:03 pm

I'm sorry to hear that news, but will tell you that I have a friend who's dad has survived lung cancer for many years now. It's scary and a hard road. Know that we are all sending you and your family good wishes..

anniemcu · Post by **anniemcu** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 5:06 pm

I wish you and your dad the best of luck, and and may the medical staff be on top of their skills in everything he has to have done. Lung cancer can be beat.

dubhlinn · Post by **dubhlinn** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 5:09 pm

I lost both of my parents to Cancer. It ain't gonna be easy for ye Fly and ye have my deepest sympathy.

Hang in there Bro and be strong.

Slan,
D.

emmline · Post by **emmline** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 5:10 pm

Hi Fly--I am currently in a position to understand very well how it is to have one's dad teetering on the brink.
Mine, who's had Parkinson's for a few year, fell and gave himself a subdural hematoma last month. Following emergency surgery, he's presently doing PT, OT, and Speech T at a rehab facility, in the hopes that he can live at home again. But the mental with-it-ness could clearly never be back to a "good" baseline again.
My mom's knocking herself out. Bleh. Life can be rough.

mutepointe · Post by **mutepointe** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 5:47 pm

We could be related. Everyone in my family gets cancer. My Dad is the first person in my family to survive cancer, and quite well at that. You and your family will be in my prayers that you are so lucky too.

rebl_rn · Post by **rebl_rn** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 5:55 pm

My sympathies. My mom just had surgery for lung cancer on October 2. They have such amazing technology for surgery now - my mom had her upper right lobe removed and her incision is about 4 inches long. She was out of the hospital in a week, and is now back to her normal routine. With the less invasive surgeries, hopefully surgery can still be an option for your dad even with the anemia.

Coffee · Post by **Coffee** » Sat Nov 08, 2008 9:15 pm

Getting the ol' rosary out for your da.
Hoping for the best.