Thursday, January 8, 2009

Dad's lung cancer update...

My dad has been doing chemo and radiation now for a little bit. He is currently on hiatus from the chemo until the 19th. The radiation treatments are all of 45 seconds, 15 seconds on each spot they want to zap, as he calls it.

He is nauseous, and doesn't want to eat. Today he told my half brother he will be dead within a week. I have been wanting to see him, but my daughter is still sick (puking and running to the bathroom a few times a day-but she's eating AND going to the bathroom, so no risk of dehydration again, tho' I am watching it.) He has a mask, rubber gloves etc... and can't be around sick people. I am not sick, but my coworkers are as well as my daughter. Whatever she has, he certainly doesn't need as he has gone from 145 lbs down to 119 and continues to lose weight. Last week, he was weak and fell down. Luckily my mom was there and able to help him. Pretty soon, we will all be pitching in to take turns giving him rides to the hospital since he won't be able to drive-he would get into an accident for sure because he is so tired and weak.

We are worried he is giving up and not fighting this thing. These treatments are much worse than the skin cancer laser treatments he had on his face a few years back. I will probably be laid off in March sometime, and will have more time to attend to his needs when that happens. I am also facing my teen son's court date on Monday, where he will be looking at a very lengthy juvenile detention center stay. I will be visiting other blogs, cleaning house, working like a fiend, doing stuff to keep me busy as I question my sanity and how I can keep it all together during times like this. I might not be posting much, as I am a bit down in the dumps about all of this sh*t going on right now. Bear with me, I will be back again soon!

2 comments:

Lisa Loo said...

I am sooo sorry to hear that about your Dad. My parents are getting to that point of my husband and I asking ourselves how we are going to do this new stage. I'm also sorry your daughter is still sick--not fun I am sure. And the court date--and without a job--good heavens--your plate is full!! Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

Michele, I feel for you. You are so brave and strong tackling so many of life's challenging tasks thrown at you ALL at once.

Make sure that you have a strong group of people: relatives, friends who will be there for you when you need relief. Don't be afraid to ask. We are all going to be in that same situation one way or another in our lives. You need to take care of yourself too.

If you wish to talk, even to just talk to someone, don't hesitate to talk to me (just email me to connect further).

Take care! Hang in there!