Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Good News & Bad News On Family Cancers

I like to start with good news first (of course). Since removing of the scar tissue in my brothers colon, he again has returned to better health. He's gained weight back and is beginning to look like himself. He's become much more active (even playing volleyball).

There's still a long process of healing for him to again go through another surgery to re-connect everything again, but in the meantime he is managing everything quite well and his spirit is good.

Now the bad news:

Two weeks ago, I was informed by my siblings that my dad (93 years old), was rushed to the hospital due to unbearable pain in his chest. Of course, your first thoughts are "a heart attack".

After extensive testing and x-rays, it was found that he has two spots on his right lung. They think it might be cancer and that is what's causing his pain.

The doctors feel because of his age surgery would not be an option anyways. So there's no real way to determine if the spots are cancer or not without a biopsy, but they were suggesting radiation.

My dad, being the age he is, has refused any type of surgery or mainstream medical treatment. He said he has lead a long and healthy life up to this point and can see no reason to go through all those arduous procedures at this time.

He has stated to the family, a number of times, that he is tired and is ready to go.

The good news:

My older sister has made him some of the Essiac tea and he takes a shot glass full three times a day. We will see, as time goes on, whether this helps him or not...I believe it will but time will tell.

They also have him on some form of steroids to deal with the pain, although it was found that he also had some kind of infection, and once the medication for that kicked in and cleared up the infection, he was doing much better as far as pain management.

It is his belief that once the pain is manageable, he will wean himself off the steroids gradually to see if the pain comes back...if not, he'll stop the steroids (which I'm all for).

It should be understood that this wonderful man still lives by himself and at this point, doesn't always eat the way he should. If there is someone there to make him meals....he'll eat! But most of the time, since it's just himself, he won't take the time or effort, to prepare himself a meal.

My sister who lives by him, does make sure when she cooks, she also makes a plate for him and usually drops it off to him (almost daily). But that's one meal a day...and he should be eating more than that. So, needless to say, the majority of the time he's just eating one meal a day!

I love him dearly and at this point, respect whatever way he chooses to address his health.

The good news:

My younger sister with the breast cancer is doing well after having gone through all the chemo and radiation (at this point). Her hair is growing back and she has a good outlook on life. Hopefully, it will not return Only time will tell. She has not adjusted her diet, so she still is eating all the unhealthy stuff.

My older sister who has had two breast cancers and thyroid cancer, at this point, is still going strong. Although she makes sure to get more veggies and fruits in her diet, she still has far too many unhealthy food choices. I believe, had she made conscientious food choices after the first cancer surgery, there would have been a good chance she would not have gone through a second and third surgery. Remember...these surgeries (second and third), were within five years of each other.

Well, that's my update for now, and I continue to gently inform them of their "bad" choices and what they should be doing to increase their chances of not having the cancer return. That's all I can do...the rest is up to them. I love them all!

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