Everyday Mom

I thought you might need another update on my father since its been a long month.  Time gets that way when you are in pain I suppose whether it be physical or mental.  He made it through the first round of radiation and chemo.  Unfortunately, he had to spend eight days in the hospital in order to regain his strength and control the vomiting and diarrhea.  His skin is almost back to normal and his lips have finally healed a bit.  However, his body is still so weak.  He is down to 108 pounds and even after two weeks of feeling better and eating more, he has only put on 1/2 pound. 

His oncologist is not optimistic about his condition and has put off his second round of more agressive chemo for two more weeks.  However, given the stage of his cancer and the spread to surrounding organs that tests have already revealed, he can’t wait too long to continue the treatment.  We do know at this point that his treatment is just to slow the cancer growth because there is little hope of a cure.  It is so sad to realize that my 57 year old father may not see 58.  I worry that his weakened body and spirit may not hold out for the entire treatment regimen.  Is that being negative or is that being realistic?  I don’t know what to think–my emotions have gone numb.

We did have an exciting moment this week which certainly helped to raise Daddy’s spirits.  He received a $20,000 insurance check from Combined Insurance.  He decided in 2007 to take out an insurance policy that would pay him a one time benefit should he become terminally ill.  He did it because he felt that he was getting older and needed to make sure that he had the resources should something happen.  Little did he know that he would need it so soon.  After a long, but normal claim process, he received full payment of his benefit on Friday.  With little disability income and no savings, $20,000 was an incedible blessing.  It was wonderful to hear a smile in his voice.  I would have rather had it be because he had a great day fishing, but at this point I’ll take whatever I can get.

Until I update you again, please pray for my Daddy and all those in the world who suffer from cancer.  Prayer is powerful and can make a big difference in the lives of many.