Metapost: Update on Dad

Background here. 

We've been up and down the emotional rollercoaster this week. Thursday, we were told that Dad's cancer is localized to the throat only and that he should be better after 3-4 months of chemotherapy. The doctor acted like this was a good thing, so we were relieved to hear that.

Today we were told that actually means 7 weeks of daily radiation, a feeding tube inserted directly into his stomach, permanent damage to his salivary glands, and an increased risk of cancer in the future, I guess because chemotherapy mucks your body up in that respect.

Dad's kind of in shock and they're trying to get a clearer -- or possibly a second -- opinion on all this.

So that's where things stand now.

15 comments:

depizan said...

That is a complicated mess of good and bad news. That the cancer is localized is a really good thing, but maybe - hopefully - there's a less dramatic and equally effective treatment plan. *crosses fingers*

chris the cynic said...

I don't know what to say. Hugs and well wishes.

Ana Mardoll said...

Thank you all, for all the hugs. This has been very difficult for all four of us, and there's something very terrible about my strong Dad being the sick one. I so much wish it could be me; I'm used to being sick! Why can't we do things like that, take illnesses from our loved ones? *sigh*

Anyway.

I should add that I've been able to use the downtime to catch up a little on blogging while obsessively min-maxing a Kairosoft android game in a desperate attempt to control something. So yay for coping mechanisms. Posting will continue tomorrow as planned, and I'll still be in the comments making silly faces and stroking my chin thoughtfully, and I'll try to keep everyone up to date when major things happen.

Thank you all again.

redcrow said...

{{{{{{{Ana}}}}}}}

Silver Adept said...

We hope that it's good news from here on out, including that it's not going to take something that drastic to beat back the cancer, and that when the cancer is beaten back, it goes away and stays away.

And good for the min-maxing! Hopefully it's successful.

Hyperio said...

{{{Ana}}}

Stuart Armstrong said...

10 Take a hug
20 Goto 10

I really hope this sorts out for you all, and that in a year or two, this is but an enlightening story to look back on.

Gelliebean said...

*sending hugs and love your way*

I'm so sorry to hear about what your dad is going through. Truly and sincerely, if there's anything I can do to help (send you some cookies, or Lockhart BBQ, or if you want to talk) please let me know.... I would be glad to.

Marie Brennan said...

It seems like anything to do with cancer is rarely simple. Condolences to you and your family for having to deal with the uncertainty and side effects, and we'll be here for you.

Amaryllis said...

{{{Ana}}}

Rikalous said...

So many hugs.

JonathanPelikan said...

I haven't posted any comments about this because I have no clue what to say, Ana, but I guess I can say this; you've got lots of people here who care deeply about you and your family, including me.

Karen N said...

I wish your dad better health and a speedy recovery. I know someone who had a similar form of cancer over twenty years ago when treatments were much more primitive, and he's doing very well today. Many hugs to you and your family!

Kit Whitfield said...

:-(

Thomas Keyton said...

{hugs}

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