Saturday, March 5, 2011

Brain Cancer, Round 3

Last week, my dad had a "procedure"  done.  At least, that's what he called it.  

As many of you already know, in 2008 we found out that my dad had brain cancer.  He immediately had surgery and everything was great for a year.  It came back in October of last year, 2 years later.  

He had a second brain surgery.  This one, not as smooth as the first.  He lost his memory due to swelling with this one.  It was extremely unnerving for me to see him like this.  My dad, who has always been the strongest person in my life,couldn't remember who I was.  He would look me directly in my eyes and not know my name.  He stumbled over words and repeated numbers, months and dates that made no sense at all.  The nurses assured us that it would get better after the swelling, but that did nothing for how scared I was at that moment.


On Wednesday, he called me from the hospital again.  The MRI had showed a spot.  Just four and a half months later.  Sigh....


He was preparing to have a procedure done.


Radiation procedure.


Back in October, he was given a choice to have a blast of radiation sent to the cancer spot on his brain or have the surgery.  Since the first one had gone so well, he opted to try it again.  This time, I think that the memory loss after the second surgery scared him... a lot... and he decided to try the radiation.


They screwed a metal halo to his head and sent a blast of radiation to the spot that I so desperately would love to see gone for good.  

On a positive note, the recovery for this procedure was a breeze.  No hospital stay. No pain.


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I have moved all the way across country to Arizona.  The timing couldn't be worse.  The quick return of the cancer this time scares me terribly.  The idea that it only took 4 month to come back this time... sigh... I can't stand to think what happens next.  


He didn't call me until right before the procedure.  He didn't tell anyone what was happening other than his girlfriend and cousin. My sister and brother had no idea.  I know he doesn't want to see me worry, but not knowing is worse.  I feel like I should be in Georgia to be close... just in case... just in case ANYTHING happens.    


Sometimes I can't help but feel like I should have stayed in GA...

8 comments:

Shirita Alvin said...

Good Morning Kay, I can understand how you feel about wanting to be closer to your dad during this time in his life. Although you are far away I am sure he knows your desire to be by his side, but you just keep praying and I will too. Just remember God can do all things so I will keep your dad and your family in my prayers and my thoughts always. Smooches.

Unknown said...

Good Morning, Rita! Thanks so much. I appreciate your kind words and your prayers. It was pretty hard to make the decision to move, but now all I can do is pray that everything will be fine. Love you, Rita!

Unknown said...

I know how hard it is to be away from your dad but I'm sure he knows how much you would be there if you needed to be.

I'm praying that the treatment this time gets rid of it completely!

Unknown said...

Kay, I'm so sorry that you have to go through this again. However, I know that God is in control. He doesn't want you to worry about your dad. He wants you to lean on Him and be the stronghold for your dad. When you get down, pray. You know that your dad loves and adores you. He needs you to be strong right now. I'm praying for God to heal your dad right now. I ask Him to remove the cancer for good.

Please know that I love you sis and I'm praying for you during this difficult time.

Jay and Sherrie said...

Kay, I'm so sorry. You and your dad are in our prayers. Please let us know if we can do anything.

Unknown said...

Sabrina, God has been in control all of this time. What the doctor's say about short lifespan is not the final word. God has the reigns! Thanks for your continued prayers!

Unknown said...

@CCD, You can bet that if need be, I am on the first thing smokin'! LOL!

Unknown said...

@ Sherry and Jay, your prayers are worth the world! Thanks, guys!