Results are in.
Dad has bowel cancer.
It's spread to the liver, but nowhere else.
He has, at best guess, a year or two if the chemotherapy goes well. Less if it doesn't. We're thinking we get to keep him for another year, but we're setting interim goals in the mean time.
Christmas. Family spring holiday.
We sat around his hospital bed laughing and crying, trying to remember snippets from Captain Beakey and songs from Flanders and Swan. I think the other patiences enjoyed our rendition of bits of "Blanche the Owl" and "The Slow Train".
So many people lose a loved one suddenly, unable to tell them how much they love them, or to do special things with them to say goodbye. We're lucky - we're not going to suffer that way.
We intend to have so much fun in the next year or so.
Philippians 4:13
(PS - I don't intend to turn this blog into a medical progress report. Normal service will resume soon!)
posted by Anna Louise Lucia @ 9:10 pm
28 comments
28 Comments:
Anna, I'm so sorry to hear.
Having time to say 'I love you' and 'farewell' is important. My mother did not regain consciousness after her fatal accident, but she died in presence of her family, and I'm sure at some level she knew we were there. It is easier for us, too.
(((Anna))) You'll always have a shoulder to cry on here. We'll be with you.
Anna dearest my love and thoughts are with you and your family. The BM and I are here for you if you need us.
Love
Kate
{{{Anna}}}
Anna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
From the sound of things, your dad is such a trooper that he may give the cancer a run for its money. A friend of mine with cancer has been battling it for years -- and I think she may well wear it out in the end and it may give up because she in so relentlessly determined to cope.
I wish your dad the very best. May you all enjoy every minute together -- and keep on battling for more.
I'm so sorry the news wasn't better, Anna. My thoughts are with you and your family. Savor this time together. I know you will. Thinking of you...
(((Oh Anna)))) I was hopig for better news, any other news, really. Being able to treasure every single moment with nothing taken for granted is at least a small blessing. Truly, sorry, Anna.
(((((Anna)))
Through the years you've mentioned your dad now and again, and he sounds like a wonderful man. Of course, he would be to have a daughter as wonderful as you. I'm sending you and your family lots of love and good thoughts and prayers for strength.
I'm so sorry. (((((ANNA)))))
Love and thoughts and prayers that God grants you the maximum time available to make memories, cherish the time and share as much love as possible.
I'll be here for you--should you need to reach out.
Love you, dear.
(((( Anna ))))
It's never easy, but don't give up hope. You have him right now and I'm sure he's a fighter like you. And stay positive and happy and smile a lot for him. Taht's important. :-)
Enjoy every moment of every day you get to spend with him.
Hugs and prayers.
Oh, Anna... (((HUGS)))
I'm so sorry. Your heart must be breaking inside but your ideas on how to spend the time ahead sound wonderful. Although it may be bittersweet, you are right to appreciate the time you have to enjoy life with your father to the fullest. I lost my dad very suddenly without warning -- just got a phone call. I would have loved more time.
As everybody has said already, we are all here for you.
xxx
Anna, honey, I'm so sorry to hear the news. You have a shoulder here in Norfolk, too. Any time.
Making memories is a brilliant idea. I have a lot of happy times to look back on with my mum and they really help on anniversaries and birthdays.
Thinking of you.
Much love, Kate xx
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
love,
liz
I've been following your blog for a while now and just want to say my thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
(((Anna)))
My prayers will remain with you and your family.
Philippians 4:13 says everything. You'll never have to face anything alone - now I understand how you can be so strong.
God bless you all.
Sue :-)
So sorry to hear about your dad, Anna. I lost mine to cancer last year and know that it can be tough when you're given an estimate of how long it will be.
However, they're not always right and even if they are, all they do is help to remind us about what really matters.
Lots of hugs
Amanda
Dearest Anna
I'm so sorry to hear your news, especially after you have had so much good news lately. Please pass on my love to your Dad and the rest of your family. Your Dad is an amazing man and if anyone can fight it off he can. My prayers are with you and you know my number if you need to talk.
Love Bear
((((Anna))))
My parents took me to lunch just last week and we discussed how 18 months ago we didn’t know if dad would still be with us. He said that he’s been told, and he knows it’s true, that he had a much better chance fighting the cancer, the chemo & the operation because of the support he had from his family – especially my mum.
Your dad’s odds are already much better because of all the love and support he has from you all.
Best wishes and love to you
Vicky
Anna, I was so hoping for better news. Take good care of yourself as you're caring for and loving your dad. He's going to need all of you that you can give.
Hugs across the miles,
Anna A.
Oh Anna, I'm so sorry to hear this. But it is a blessing to be able to spend time together. And your dad could very well beat this thing - he sounds like he definitely might!
Anna--here's hoping you have the very best year. So sorry he's sick but hoping the time you have together is special.
I'm so sorry to hear this news. So often you get good news and bad news at around the same time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Oh, (((Anna)))
My hearfelt wish is that the chemo works better than expected, and with the love and support of his family, your dad surprises you.
Huge hugs
Hey Anna, in a year, maybe five, maybe more, he'll take those memories with him too. They're the best investment anyone can make in life--the only thing we get to keep.
Thinking of you and your family, love.
Thank you so much, everyone! Your generosity of spirit and messages has brought a smile to my face, stunned my mother, and warmed my father's heart. Bro's pretty impressed, too.
Thank you.
Oh Anna. I've not had time to visit my friends' blogs this week so I'm just reading your news. Hugs to you and your family. Sending you love, healing vibes and strength. Remember my shoulders are broad - I'm here for you.
Lori
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family too.
I went blog hopping this morning and scrolled through your posts as I always do weekly. I'm so sorry I wasn't here sooner.
{{{Anna}}}} My thoughts and prayers are winging their way across the sea to you and yours. I'm an email away. You are truly blessed, as is your father.
Hold on to the hope that you may have him longer and always believe that miracles can and do happen.
xoxo
Rae
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