Dad - update

As slow as things seemed to be the last three weeks while we waited to meet with Dad’s oncologist this week things moved rather quickly – much quicker than we were anticipating or hoping for. 

We learned from his stay in the hospital the end of October that he has a klatskin tumor – a bile duct tumor.  We were hoping to obtain a biopsy – since the doctor who did his ERCP procedure didn’t get a tissue sample during the procedure – so that the doctor would know the name of his cancer and then know the proper chemo treatment.  These treatments would be aggressive but hopefully would allow future removal of the remaining tumor but that surgery would have been major and massive – and even then no guarantees to provide length of days that would have quality.

From the beginning Dad has been reluctant to agree to any further procedures but we were hoping for some middle ground.  With Dad’s rapid decline in strength and his desire to not go through any further treatments the doctor now is afraid the chemo’s would hurt him rather then help him.

So our family has come to a decision to agree with Dad in his choices.  None of us want him to have more days of feeling lousy then are necessary. 

Dad is weak and growing weaker.  His hunger level is quite low.  Clear liquids must be slowly sipped in order for him to keep them down.  Walking is still possible but again he continues to grow weaker.

And so now we do as much talking about the important things as we can.  I’ve had some wonderful, loving conversation with Dad and will cherish them the rest of my days.  We cherish each moment we have together. 

Hospice and his oncologist make up his team and support for our family.  We are immensely blessed to have both as part of our lives for this journey.  We don’t know the time frame that God will allow us to have with Dad but we’re grateful for each day.

For now Dad has almost constant discomfort but not a high level of pain.  And so we count the blessings as God gives them to us.

Thanks to each of you for your care and prayers.