I hate this Shit! Cancer F*^$ing sucks and when i get to heaven I'm going to personally go down to hell and Kick Satan's ass (me and the entire army of God)!
yeah, that about describes this day.
Soooooo.....this ain't easy so lets do it together.
Saw the Oncologist today for appointment number two where he provided us the results of the PET scan. Bottom line up front (BLUF): Dad's cancer is lung cancer and it has spread to all the major bones in his body. We are thankful that we now know the full extent of it's spread with one exception...the brain. We will have an MRI scan next week to confirm that.
Dad will start chemo therapy on 4/19. Treatments will last about 4 hrs and will be done once every 3 weeks. He has started his xgeva bone medication which is meant to halt the consumption of his bones by the cancer. This is the first Smart Bomb...so Nuke it baby...Nuke it. The cancer has more than likely been with him for at least 12 months and has already weekend his bones to the point where his pelvis has fractured because of it.
The goal of the chemo is to strengthen his bones but even with the chemo the best and most statistically accurate (note the usage of the words) is anywhere from 6-24 months. Anything over 24 is a gift at this point. no...wait...everything from now on is a gift, we should all be so lucky to truly understand that. Perhaps this is a lesson that we all have observed in our lives but never truly learned...there is a big difference you know; between lesson observed and lesson learned.
Our plan going forward is to fight the battle of trying to enjoy every day to the fullest extent possible and to improve his quality of life. This diagnosis will change his lifestyle. We aren't looking back (except for the good times) we are only looking forward and trying to find new ways for Dad to get out and enjoy life.
On the family conference call tonight I brought up the importance of realizing the true extent of the situation Dad(we) are in. In the military we had an acronym that helped us understand the physcology of what people go through when faced with this type of situation. The acronym is D.A.B.D.A. I bring it up so we can all be aware of the range of emotions we are going to feel and I want to encourage anyone reading this blog to express those feelings as they manifest to the ones you love and recognize that it's happening to you. We want it to happen so that everyone can get to the acceptance phase and we can move forward as a family as friends. I also want to encourage everyone to go have a great cry....I'm looking forward to the time when I can finally sit down and just let it out. Please don't hold your emotions in, it doesn't help anyone. Don't worry about having to be strong, just call and talk to Dad and if you cry then that's awesome! We need more of that. Compassion heals the soul and brings people closer to one another.
Well anyway, sorry for the little soap box but I care for you all and I care for Dad the most out of all of this and it's truly is in our best interest to express our emotions...that's it now :-) soap box is done. lol
Alrighty...if you have questions...call...call, call, call. My cell is on. If I don't answer, just leave a message and i'll get back to you asap!
Still and Always in Christ,
Jeff
yeah, that about describes this day.
Soooooo.....this ain't easy so lets do it together.
Saw the Oncologist today for appointment number two where he provided us the results of the PET scan. Bottom line up front (BLUF): Dad's cancer is lung cancer and it has spread to all the major bones in his body. We are thankful that we now know the full extent of it's spread with one exception...the brain. We will have an MRI scan next week to confirm that.
Dad will start chemo therapy on 4/19. Treatments will last about 4 hrs and will be done once every 3 weeks. He has started his xgeva bone medication which is meant to halt the consumption of his bones by the cancer. This is the first Smart Bomb...so Nuke it baby...Nuke it. The cancer has more than likely been with him for at least 12 months and has already weekend his bones to the point where his pelvis has fractured because of it.
The goal of the chemo is to strengthen his bones but even with the chemo the best and most statistically accurate (note the usage of the words) is anywhere from 6-24 months. Anything over 24 is a gift at this point. no...wait...everything from now on is a gift, we should all be so lucky to truly understand that. Perhaps this is a lesson that we all have observed in our lives but never truly learned...there is a big difference you know; between lesson observed and lesson learned.
Our plan going forward is to fight the battle of trying to enjoy every day to the fullest extent possible and to improve his quality of life. This diagnosis will change his lifestyle. We aren't looking back (except for the good times) we are only looking forward and trying to find new ways for Dad to get out and enjoy life.
On the family conference call tonight I brought up the importance of realizing the true extent of the situation Dad(we) are in. In the military we had an acronym that helped us understand the physcology of what people go through when faced with this type of situation. The acronym is D.A.B.D.A. I bring it up so we can all be aware of the range of emotions we are going to feel and I want to encourage anyone reading this blog to express those feelings as they manifest to the ones you love and recognize that it's happening to you. We want it to happen so that everyone can get to the acceptance phase and we can move forward as a family as friends. I also want to encourage everyone to go have a great cry....I'm looking forward to the time when I can finally sit down and just let it out. Please don't hold your emotions in, it doesn't help anyone. Don't worry about having to be strong, just call and talk to Dad and if you cry then that's awesome! We need more of that. Compassion heals the soul and brings people closer to one another.
Well anyway, sorry for the little soap box but I care for you all and I care for Dad the most out of all of this and it's truly is in our best interest to express our emotions...that's it now :-) soap box is done. lol
Alrighty...if you have questions...call...call, call, call. My cell is on. If I don't answer, just leave a message and i'll get back to you asap!
Still and Always in Christ,
Jeff
Life according to Jim is still good. I feel better than where they tell me I am at so that is one step ahead for me. I still have a good attitude on life and plan to live each day to the fullest. Lots of things to explore as we move forward, just different and new. Come join me if you have the time. God is with me so I will never be alone. Thank you all Love Jim.
ReplyDeleteJim
ReplyDeleteWe are anxious to come visit. Have Jeff or Sherry let us know if it is okay to do so. I'm glad that they have given you the answers you were looking for. It must, at least, give you a fighter's chance when you know the extent of this disease. We love you and wish that your pain subsides through treatment. Jerry and I are sending a big bear hug to you, RIGHT NOW!!
Love
Mary and Jerry
We too are hoping to come visit soon - wanting to talk with Sherry first. Will call this weekend.
ReplyDeleteLove you both and continuing here at the Bethune's to pray without ceasing...
New Day
New Focus
Same God who sticks by me through thick and thin,
and carries me when I am weary.
Much love,
Jeff and Sue
Dad,
ReplyDeleteWe are glad to hear that the radiation treatments are working and you seem to feel less pain. Your energy and spirit has been great! We love you! Sending sunshine from Colorado- Love Angie & Travis
Jim, I pray for your healing daily as we know all things are possible through God. For in him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28 Take care Jim I hope to hear from you soon. Love Anita
ReplyDeleteI am praying for you also Jim. I am so sorry to hear about the extent of your cancer. I am happy you are surrounded by love from your family and friends. Debi and I want to come spend some time with you and Sherry in May. We'll let you know more when we have it pinned down. Best Wishes!
ReplyDeleteSandy
Hi Jim, Just wanted to tell you that we all miss you, here at the store. Customers and sales reps ask about you, too. PM had a booth at the 'Livable Fair'. That was a first for us. Guess the store gave away about a hundred bags, stuffed with goodies. Alas, I had to work! Jim, How are you doing? Read any good books? You've been in my prayers. Mona
ReplyDelete