Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Daddy


It has been about 9 months since dad was diagnosed with bile duct cancer. They told him he had about 3-6 months, he has been doing really well with the exception of having to replace his tube that drains the bile out of his body and getting a few infections. He is thin and weak but eats and has a great attitude!

The last week or so mom had been telling me that he is sooooo much weaker and that his stomach was really hurting him. He was taking more pain killers, lol, still not much, he was up to 2.5 a day! Dad doesn't like meds! I talked to him on the phone on Sunday night and he seemed to get a bit confused. The nurse came in on Monday morning to change his bandage and flush his tube. She took his temperature and it was 98. When she was ready to leave she asked that mom to come outside and tell her about some of her flowers she had in her garden. Really, she just wanted to talk to mom about dad. She said, "He is really confused, did the Dr.'s let you know that it would get like this?" Mom told her yes.... and she said, "it will just get worse..."

After the nurse left mom went in and sat on the chair by the window. She had the window open letting some fresh air in, she said it felt so good, but then she looked over at dad laying on the couch and his teeth were just chattering, he was COLD. She went and got him a couple of blankets and took his temperature again, it was up to 103. (That was FAST!) Dad was confused and a bit agitated... mom called my brother who thankfully only lives 2 doors down. Dad had been up all night throwing up, and now his temperature was up and he was confused, they decided they needed to take him to the hospital.

When they got him to the ER they gave him an IV and antibiotics. They ran some blood work and told them that he, again, had an infection. It seems that every time he gets an infection his gets a high temperature and a bit delirious. After they got it down to 99.9 they let him go home. I talked to mom after he got home and he seemed to be better. Shortly after I talked to mom ~ probably about 2 hours or so she called me back crying telling me that his temp was back up to 103 and she and Dirk were taking him back to the ER. (it was 104.7 when they got to the hospital) They again, gave him an IV and antibiotics. They really liked the Dr. that was there. They kept him over night... I just talked to them at about 11:30 (my time) and they had just gotten home. My sister in law had taken mom to pick him up. Dad sounds GREAT and mom sounds much better too!!! (the blood work and other tests should be in tomorrow eve)

It is really hard being so far away when things like this happen. Brad, being the wonderful man that he is, gathered us together and we had a sweet prayer for dad (and mom)... I am grateful for my dear brother and his good wife that are always there for my parents. It is a big relief for me to know that my parents are so well taken care of! I am grateful for tender mercies from our Father in Heaven.

Hang in there dad... I love you!!!

15 comments:

Letti said...

Reading this makes me so sad but at the same time I am so happy to know that this is not the end. I will keep your family in my prayers. If you ever need anything please let me know.

Pedaling said...

it breaks your heart.
i am so sorry.
i think it is one of the most difficult things to see somebody we so dearly love, suffer.
prayers for your family are coming your way.
hang in there.

here's me sending a big HUG your way....

feel it.
love to you,
sheila

Drake Family said...

I bet this has been a very hard thing for you. Luckily he has lived past what the doctors thought and is still fighting. Enjoy each moment and tell you family we wish the best through this difficult time.

Unknown said...

I've wondered how your Dad was doing lately. I'm sorry he is suffering so. He sounds like such a strong man. Your family is in my thoughts.

The Kooky Queen--Rachel said...

That must be so hard for you!!!!!!!! How sad for him and I'm sorry for you to go through this! Your family is in my prayers!

tammy said...

It's so hard to watch your parents get older and suffer. I'm sorry. Prayers and hugs are yours.

CB said...

This is so heart wrenching Shaila. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to hear about all these things your dad is going through, and your mom too - It must be so hard for her.
She is lucky to have wonderful children near and far to support her and you dad too.
I hope he does not suffer much. He sounds like despite it all he is a strong man.
I hope you are able to feel peace - Hugs and prayers being sent your way.

Jan said...

So hard Shaila. I hope all goes well for him. He is such a strong man full of love for his family. Take care...

Kaci said...

I'm so sorry! :(

XOXO

Bren's Life said...

I have tears in my eyes from reading this. I am so sorry you are not close to your parents & can't just run over & help. That has to be so hard. I can't even imagine. I am so glad they got his temp down & everything is under control. Your in my prayers.

Nancy said...

Sending love your way!

Scrappy Girl said...

Prayers sent up for you and your family...photos of your dad make me smile...there is just something so special coming from him. I wish you were closer. {{HUGS}}

Lisa Loo said...

You know that I feel your pain. I was wondering how he was doing but have let myself get a little too caught up in my life to keep track of others in blogland. So sorry. I hope that you will be able to feel the comfort courage you will need during this difficult time.

tiki_lady said...

what an ordeal to go through. I'm sorry. my prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about your dad. It is so hard to hear and see them suffer. I feel for you and send hugs your way!