Scoot
Active member
Just said a quick prayer for you, your dad and your family. Our God is a mighty and loving God. Lean on Him and he will comfort you.
I'm 47 Dad is 74
- Thread starter donaldb
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gr8eyes
Well-known member
Ditto scoots sentiments
donaldb
Well-known member
thanx forum brothers and sisters for your kind words, thoughts and prayers!!
Hospital released pop late last Monday to return home. He was so weak I had to bear hug him from the truck passenger seat and sit him in his wheelchair. He says his legs are just like lead weight. I don't know if it is due to all the treatments...radiation and chemo or if he has lost control of them due to the cancer which has spread to his brain. Don't know if this is permanent or temporary. Blood count is back up and appears stable as of earlier today. They drew blood today about midmorning prior to his 2nd chemo treatment. I'll head back over tomorrow after work and be there for at least the weekend, he had such a difficult time w/side effects following the first treatment, I think it best for him.........my mom...........and me if I were to be there to make sure he is ok after this second go-round. If he does ok I'll prolly head back home early Monday morning and make it back to work by 9-10 a.m. Trying to find sources of info regarding sitters/aides, etc. and figure out what if any and how much of those type services are covered under medicare and insurance. He wants to be home, but it is to much for my mother to handle on her own, and I have to work (in Mississippi) and if needed I'll pay for the cost what ever it is over and above what insurance and medicare wont allow. He really does not need medical attention, what he needs is someone who can help assist him up from bed into the wheelchair, or from the wheelchair to his recliner, into and out of the shower, or into and out of vehicles when he has to go to treatment, etc. Prolly needs to be a male and someone with some muscle and backbone and good health as pop is no small man, he weighs better than 200#'s
Found out that airhawk makes cushions for wheelchairs..........thats a good thing, thinking about getting him one as his butt gets numb from sitting.
So if any of you Alabama folks know of someone who provides these type services (in the Leeds/Moody area), please let me know. Thanx
Hospital released pop late last Monday to return home. He was so weak I had to bear hug him from the truck passenger seat and sit him in his wheelchair. He says his legs are just like lead weight. I don't know if it is due to all the treatments...radiation and chemo or if he has lost control of them due to the cancer which has spread to his brain. Don't know if this is permanent or temporary. Blood count is back up and appears stable as of earlier today. They drew blood today about midmorning prior to his 2nd chemo treatment. I'll head back over tomorrow after work and be there for at least the weekend, he had such a difficult time w/side effects following the first treatment, I think it best for him.........my mom...........and me if I were to be there to make sure he is ok after this second go-round. If he does ok I'll prolly head back home early Monday morning and make it back to work by 9-10 a.m. Trying to find sources of info regarding sitters/aides, etc. and figure out what if any and how much of those type services are covered under medicare and insurance. He wants to be home, but it is to much for my mother to handle on her own, and I have to work (in Mississippi) and if needed I'll pay for the cost what ever it is over and above what insurance and medicare wont allow. He really does not need medical attention, what he needs is someone who can help assist him up from bed into the wheelchair, or from the wheelchair to his recliner, into and out of the shower, or into and out of vehicles when he has to go to treatment, etc. Prolly needs to be a male and someone with some muscle and backbone and good health as pop is no small man, he weighs better than 200#'s
Found out that airhawk makes cushions for wheelchairs..........thats a good thing, thinking about getting him one as his butt gets numb from sitting.
So if any of you Alabama folks know of someone who provides these type services (in the Leeds/Moody area), please let me know. Thanx
donaldb
Well-known member
Man, this cancer stuff is the shitz...........pop seemed to be doing ok early this week (or should I say, doing ok for him in his condition is really still not so good) so I left back to MS last Monday morning to return to work for a couple days, thought he would be ok until I returned. Got another one of those calls yesterday, pop in real bad distress, real difficulty breathing. Ambulance got him to the hospital, seems his right lung had collapsed. Left MS and came back over, got here about 7 last night. Seems the Dr's think some scar tissue from the cancer has cracked in is lung and caused it to collapse. They got it re-inflated, he has a tube in his right side to keep it so, until hopefully the lung seals itself. He's in CCU (critical care unit) This cancer kills you a little bit at a time.
Sorry, but for some strange reason, posting seems to be therapy for me.
Sorry, but for some strange reason, posting seems to be therapy for me.
madmike2
Shtirrenuppenmeister
I feel for you. I wish there were words to make it easier, but its just life. Sometimes we think it (life) has it out for us when, in the end, our lives are very temporary as we survive on this orb. That is not an easy pill to swallow but we are left with the memories (hopefully good and grand ones) of the family that preceded us and implanted themselves in us.
Take every opportunity to tell your Dad how much you love him and what he has meant to you. Those are the library you will always have to "check out" and relive in the times to come.
Take every opportunity to tell your Dad how much you love him and what he has meant to you. Those are the library you will always have to "check out" and relive in the times to come.
donaldb
Well-known member
Time for another therapy session!!
The CCU allows only certain visitation times, the last of which is 8:30 p.m. central. I was there to see pop this evening and something funny happened that I had to share. My previous post I explained he suffered a collapsed lung, welp, they have him hooked up to a lung pump with a tube inserted into his right lung.......along his rib cage. Pop said to me tonight "......you want to see a cool trick?" I said "yea" pop said "watch me blow bubbles, look at that machine when I cough."
I guess I need to tell you guy's this machine had blue liquid which you can see through clear plastic on the front face of the pump.
Pop let out a big cough......... bubbles filled through the whole blue liquid area :blink: I looked at pop and he had a big grin on his face
My response "wow!!, cool, pop" He thinks it's neat to blow bubbles..................the Dr's don't...........bubbles aren't good...........but when I left, pop was happy.........The nurse made me leave at 9 p.m., I left him with a sugar cookie from my coat pocket, and told him I loved him and kissed him good night.......(TWICE )
The CCU allows only certain visitation times, the last of which is 8:30 p.m. central. I was there to see pop this evening and something funny happened that I had to share. My previous post I explained he suffered a collapsed lung, welp, they have him hooked up to a lung pump with a tube inserted into his right lung.......along his rib cage. Pop said to me tonight "......you want to see a cool trick?" I said "yea" pop said "watch me blow bubbles, look at that machine when I cough."
I guess I need to tell you guy's this machine had blue liquid which you can see through clear plastic on the front face of the pump.
Pop let out a big cough......... bubbles filled through the whole blue liquid area :blink: I looked at pop and he had a big grin on his face
My response "wow!!, cool, pop" He thinks it's neat to blow bubbles..................the Dr's don't...........bubbles aren't good...........but when I left, pop was happy.........The nurse made me leave at 9 p.m., I left him with a sugar cookie from my coat pocket, and told him I loved him and kissed him good night.......(TWICE )
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dcarver
Well-known member
Good for you DonaldB. What a noble thing you do and what a noble man your Pops is. Be proud. I only hope that if I don't quick (please God, quick is good), that I too blow bubbles and grin and laugh with someone who cares... Thoughts and prayers dude.. thoughts and prayers. Keep posting, be strong, know that others, complete strangers, do care.
Bustanut joker
Well-known member
Db, I don't know what to say.
We just found out the same thing two weeks ago with my dad. Things happen too fast, dads' has gotten into his bones and lymph nodes. Radiation ... maybe Chemo. it just plain sucks!
Hang in there.
Barry
We just found out the same thing two weeks ago with my dad. Things happen too fast, dads' has gotten into his bones and lymph nodes. Radiation ... maybe Chemo. it just plain sucks!
Hang in there.
Barry
donaldb
Well-known member
Therapy time!!!!!!!!
Barry, hold on tight, it's a very tough road, but you find a way to make your way through. I'll say a prayer for you and your pop tonight as many here have done for me and my pop.
My pop is in CCU where he has been since last Friday.
In the past week he has lost compete control of his lower body. He can no longer use his legs, and control his bowels. And while that may in it's slelf seem like a lot in less than a week, he also developed a hole in his right lung which caused it to collapse. It has been re-inflated with the use of a pump connected by hose through is side. I have been up at the hospital all day and just returned to mom and pop's house an hour or so ago. When I was allowed to go in to CCU at 4:30 (designated visitation times are set by the hospital while in CCU). I first noticed that his face and neck were badly swollen, the CCU attending phy. was called in and it seems that air has leaked through the incision site and somehow gotten under his skin causing an air pocket (the swelling). I stayed until the last visit for the evening at 8:30 tonight and checked on him, the swelling is worse, but his vital signs are stable and the Dr.s say this (the air) is not a serious problem. We just have to trust what they tell us. They have mom and pop's home # and my cel # and will call tonight if there is any change for the worse. The hospital is only about 15-20 minutes away, so we can be there in short order if needed.
Things do get tough, I can't lie to you, but keep us all posted Barry,.....and I promise I'll pray for your pop, you and your family as others have done for mine. Keep the faith Barry, as bad as it is here I have not lost mine and if the worse is mean't to be, then I have to accept it is God"s will and plan. I know God had a special place for pop because of all the good he has done for his family, he is a good man........he is special.........he's my Pop!!! :angel:
Barry, hold on tight, it's a very tough road, but you find a way to make your way through. I'll say a prayer for you and your pop tonight as many here have done for me and my pop.
My pop is in CCU where he has been since last Friday.
In the past week he has lost compete control of his lower body. He can no longer use his legs, and control his bowels. And while that may in it's slelf seem like a lot in less than a week, he also developed a hole in his right lung which caused it to collapse. It has been re-inflated with the use of a pump connected by hose through is side. I have been up at the hospital all day and just returned to mom and pop's house an hour or so ago. When I was allowed to go in to CCU at 4:30 (designated visitation times are set by the hospital while in CCU). I first noticed that his face and neck were badly swollen, the CCU attending phy. was called in and it seems that air has leaked through the incision site and somehow gotten under his skin causing an air pocket (the swelling). I stayed until the last visit for the evening at 8:30 tonight and checked on him, the swelling is worse, but his vital signs are stable and the Dr.s say this (the air) is not a serious problem. We just have to trust what they tell us. They have mom and pop's home # and my cel # and will call tonight if there is any change for the worse. The hospital is only about 15-20 minutes away, so we can be there in short order if needed.
Things do get tough, I can't lie to you, but keep us all posted Barry,.....and I promise I'll pray for your pop, you and your family as others have done for mine. Keep the faith Barry, as bad as it is here I have not lost mine and if the worse is mean't to be, then I have to accept it is God"s will and plan. I know God had a special place for pop because of all the good he has done for his family, he is a good man........he is special.........he's my Pop!!! :angel:
GalaxyBlue
Well-known member
Hang tough man... Enjoy every moment you can.
Adam
Adam
git-r-dan
one of those musician types
Bruce, how 'bout posting that pic of your family on this thread. Our prayers continue for your family. Barry, sorry to hear about your situation, too. As Bruce stated, FJR member support is awesome. Let us know what's happening.
Dan
Dan
OrangevaleFJR
R.I.P. Our FJR Riding Friend
What I love is that you can share how much you care and how much you love your dad, your hero. My dad is my hero too, as I have said before. Can I bother you to convey a story, a reason, or a anecdote that conveys why your dad is your hero? Heck, write a book!
painman
Well-known member
Donald, sorry to hear of your Dad's condition. Sounds like you and he are true warrior's. I can relate. I was with my father through many trips to the hospital, CCU, etc. for several years before he finally passed away due to heart issues. All I can say from my own experience is the time you spend with him even though it be difficult, these are memories that the two of you have and no one can take away. Value every minute that you can be with him and give him your full attention as I'm sure you are. The Lord will bless you as you do. Take care my friend and just reading your posts gives me strength. Prayers and best wishes to you and your whole family. :good: , PM. <><
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teerex51
The Italian Scallion
Donald,
I just read your initial post.
My thoughts are with you and your dad.
I lost my father when I was 15 and I often wondered what it'd have been like growing up with him around.
Take care bro
Stef
I just read your initial post.
My thoughts are with you and your dad.
I lost my father when I was 15 and I often wondered what it'd have been like growing up with him around.
Take care bro
Stef
donaldb
Well-known member
BIG THERAPY TIME!!!
I just left the hospital and returned home. A lot has happened in the past few days. Pop's other lung collapsed last Sunday morning. Another tube was put in that lung as well. Shortly thereafter we discovered that the first tube was now leaking causing air to leak within his body. That tube had to be removed and then reinserted in another location. To help make a long story short, the past several days has been a emotional rollercoaster. Just when you think maybe things are turning around for the good, he gets sucker punched.
Welp, pop is up in CCU tonight, likely his last night here on this planet. His breath's are short, shallow and gaspy. He is unresponsive to sound and touch and heavily sedated on morphene and atavan. As of yesterday he could still squeeze our hands as we talked to him, but not today or tonight. My mother has said her goodby's today at 4:30, she can no longer handle seeing him in such condition. There is nothing more any of us can do to help/comfort him. Mom has medical problems as well, and she is on the verge of having to be admitted into the hospital herself. I know pop well enough to know he does not want this to happen. So, I made the difficult decision to stay home tonight with her. Pop's nurse said that if his vital signs indicate the end is coming tonight she will call me, and hopefully I can slip out with out disturbing mom's sleep (if that is possible) and make it to the hospital in time.
A final prayer tonight would be appreciated............God speed Pop!
I just left the hospital and returned home. A lot has happened in the past few days. Pop's other lung collapsed last Sunday morning. Another tube was put in that lung as well. Shortly thereafter we discovered that the first tube was now leaking causing air to leak within his body. That tube had to be removed and then reinserted in another location. To help make a long story short, the past several days has been a emotional rollercoaster. Just when you think maybe things are turning around for the good, he gets sucker punched.
Welp, pop is up in CCU tonight, likely his last night here on this planet. His breath's are short, shallow and gaspy. He is unresponsive to sound and touch and heavily sedated on morphene and atavan. As of yesterday he could still squeeze our hands as we talked to him, but not today or tonight. My mother has said her goodby's today at 4:30, she can no longer handle seeing him in such condition. There is nothing more any of us can do to help/comfort him. Mom has medical problems as well, and she is on the verge of having to be admitted into the hospital herself. I know pop well enough to know he does not want this to happen. So, I made the difficult decision to stay home tonight with her. Pop's nurse said that if his vital signs indicate the end is coming tonight she will call me, and hopefully I can slip out with out disturbing mom's sleep (if that is possible) and make it to the hospital in time.
A final prayer tonight would be appreciated............God speed Pop!
Toecutter
What would DoG do?
It's been a long, tough final climb but he's finally gonna be in a place where his pain will be gone. I still have the loss of both parents facing me. When that time arrives, I will refer back to this thread for comfort, and refresh myself to the inherent good in people.
Godspeed Pop...
Godspeed Pop...
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pickax
Well-known member
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gr8eyes
Well-known member
Donald, not much to say except my prayers are with you and your family at this time. Your blessed to have a great relationship with your folks. Cherish the memories.
Glenn
Glenn
rogdeb
Scouser
Our thoughts are still with you Donaldb.
Safe passage Pop
Rog n Debs
Safe passage Pop
Rog n Debs
JimLor
Well-known member
As are ours.
Jim and Lorie
Jim and Lorie
