OT - Update on my dad Options

[seanery]

Most of you know that my dad, who is only 59, is really sick. Things have been really rough for him lately, he is getting much worse and warp speed. He is basically bedridden now. Last weekend we moved my mother and him into my sister's house. She just bought a 3 bedroom ranch (single floor) house that we hope will be better for him to move around in. His house has several flights of stairs and it is hard for him to walk let alone climb stairs. After moving him into her house he had a bad breathing attack on Monday and was admitted to the hospital. The doctor basically didn't think he was gonna make it, and asked my dad and mom if they wanted to use the respirator to keep him breathing if it came to that...it came VERY close to it. On Tuesday they put in a treach (sp?) tube to help his breathing. This was scheduled before Monday's episode, so it wasn't a surprise. He had progressed through the week and his pulse/ox was getting much better. Yesterday he walked 300 feet in 3 1/2 minutes. To be considered for a lung transplant you must be able to do 600 feet in 6 minutes. He couldn't get anywhere close to that pace for quite some time. Yesterday was a good day. Today, he had a scary episode and his pulse/ox dropped to the mid 50's, part of his lung colapsed, and the doctor was back to thinking things were going south. He pulled out of that a bit today and his pulse/ox is back in the 90s. The doctor encouraged him to try his hardest to improve his walking. They use the 600 feet in 6 minutes as a predictor to survive the lung transplant. The doc also said that they would have a lung for him in May if he kept improving. I believe this progress was made after Noon or so today. I believe that the time here is important, and here's why. I'm not a terribly religous man. I was brought up Catholic and I believe in God, but have my own questions about how everything works. For the last 4 days I have been working at a conference that was here in town for the Lutheran Education Association. There was a church service Thursday with Keynote speakers and banquets, etc...Thursday and Friday nights. Today was the wrap-up and a full church service. Before it started I spoke with the Reverand Victor Belton and told him my dad's story and asked if he and his congregation could pray for my dad. He did, along with 3500 other folks who were attending the service. I can't help but believe the power of prayer had something to do with the progress made after this morning's scary episode. I actually feel a glimmer of hope. For the past few weeks I felt the end was near - VERY NEAR for him. I'm still afraid to totally let myself have hope, but the glimmer is back.

I'd llike to ask, once again, for YOUR prayers. I love my dad. I don't tell him or the rest of my family and friends that I do nearly enough.

Thanks!

[TimT]

We are with you Sean..

Your dad knows how you feel, and so does your family..

[brant]

Sean,

you have all my support
brant

[spare time toys]

You are in our thoughts. Now go hug your Dad. Dont worry bout us we are here when you need us.

[Allan]

You have my support and prayers that things go well. Keep the faith!!!

[Sparky]

Sean.. You got it.

I'm going thru something similar with my father. Only the doctors can't decide if it's leukimia or something else. Dana Farber Cancer Institute is stuck ona 50 50 split about T-Cell Leukimia or cancer in his spleen. Splenectomy (sp?) has been scheduled for the first week in June unless his condition worsens. Worsens?! Since the fisrt of the year he has had a transfusion just about every other week and to date has received over 2 gallons of blood. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/blink.gif) He can usually tell when his oil is getting a little low but he has no energy, almost 0 immune system and is dropping weight like crazy. I suggested he find another diet plan. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/dry.gif) My dad's young (58) and optimistic. We both spent a long time in the Navy exposed to all kinds of crazy chemicals and stuff. Coincidence? Not sure but after doing some research his symptons line up the side effects from agent orange.

I'm going to go hug my dad....

My prayers are with you and your family.

My best,
Mike D.

[rick 918-S]

Sorry to hear about your Dad. Hang in there for him man.

[Jeroen]

Sean, your dad is in our thoughts!
Hang in there!

cheers,

Jeroen
feeling stoopid as I sit here smoking yet another cigaret (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/screwy.gif)
I really should quit

[seanery]

he smoked, too. Quit about a year and a half ago. (I've been mooching smokes since I've gone back to work with a buncha guys I've known for years who smoke). When they did the biopsy in January his doc said his lungs look good, other than the pulmonary fibrosis. This is a genetic disease that my grandmother died from. My dad's younger brother has it and is about 6 months behind my dad's progression. We're hoping he is learning from the mistakes my father's doctors have made. Their youngest brother doesn't have it (been checked) but he is also 5 years younger than either of them. All of us children were rejected instantly as a donor because it's a genetic disease and they don't want to make it harder for us when we are older IF we have it.

[dinomium]

man, I feel for you.
Good luck with the fight!

[scottb]

sean,

we have a similar issue with my mother in law who has brain cancer. ups... downs and all sorts of in betweens. she is a tough old broad and if anyone can give it a run for the money she can. she has kept a positive attitude and can't wait to see my kids in about 5 weeks.

keep the faith mi amigo.... whatever you believe in, there is something bigger than all of us. look in the face of a child and you will see it.....

[neo914-6]

Sean,

I'll pray and I rarely do so...

[GaroldShaffer]

Sean,

consider it done. Now go give your Mom & Dad a hug.

Garold

[TheCabinetmaker]

Sean, i pray everyday and believe in the power of prayer. Your father, you, and your family will be the focus of my prayers today. Keep the faith my friend.

[db9146]

Sean,

I know what you are going through is tough....went through it with my dad 12 years ago. Of course, we will pray for you...me and my family.

Prayer is a good thing. Not only for what we say to God but more importantly, what He says to us. He loves us...He loves you...He loves your dad.

[Lou W]

Sean, I am praying for your dad and family, Mike, your dad and family too. Prayer does work. Lou

[SGB]

Go tell your Dad that you love him. Think about why and tell him so. The more lame and hokey, the better! Talk about times together- good and bad- and the growing up you did together. He would love to hear it, and you will feel great saying it! My Dad is a little older than yours, and I'm so glad I did this. I couldn't believe how old I was before I realized I had never talked with him about how the generations progress and develop to create what he is, and what I am.

[9146R]

Seanery,
Thanks for sharing this very personal information with the group. Went thru similar ups/downs when my dad took ill with cancer. Saint Jude is the patron saint for you and family right now. http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintj03.htm
I will pray for your father. Be strong and believe.

[J P Stein]

Sean:
My dad was 58 when he died of the same thing that's ailing your dad and I was about your age. My dad was one of them
hard guys that kept everything inside. I was so busy being just like him that I never really got to tell him how much I loved and admired him....don't make that same mistake.....if he pulls thru (and I hope he does), you can always take it back (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif)

[Verruckt]

Sean, thats a tough pill man. I wish your father well and you family strength. My brother in law is on the heart transplant list. He is only 25!! All of those transplant requirements seem outrageous, but I'm sure there must be a reason to the madness. Hang in there. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)