Prayers and good thoughts please

[ClaraB]

My father has been in the hospital for the past 12 days (he was admitted with a fever and abdominal pain), and after several tests, we've found out that he has lung cancer, which has already spread to his kidneys and possibly his liver :( . The docotrs are hoping he might make it to the spring, but I have a feeling it won't be that long. He and my mother seem to be very peaceful about all of this (his health has been progressively declining over the past several months), but this is going to be a diificult road for all of us. Any prayers and wishes for peace for us and an easy passing for my father would be much appreciated.

[LaraW]

Clara, you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[Peggy]

I am so sorry to hear about your father, Clara.:( I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Hugs!

Peggy

[Gecko]

Oh Clara I am so sorry. I will certainly keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

[Laura B]

Clara, I am so sorry to hear about your father. You and your family will be in my thoughts. (((Clara)))

[mbrogier]

I'm so sorry, Clara. I am glad that you can spend the holidays with him, and I pray that he isn't in pain in his final days. Prayers for your family is this difficult time.

[phantomcg]

Clara,

I'm so very sorry to hear about your father! I'll keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Cheryl

[Mamasue]

((((((((Clara and Family)))))))

Praying that he will find peace and comfort.

[TwinMom]

I am so sorry to hear about your father. I know how devastating it is to be given that news, especially around the holidays. I just lost my dearest grandmother (who raised me with my mother) to Small Cell Lung Cancer on Dec. 10th. She was diagnosed on November 19th with Stage IV with metastatis to the liver. She was given a few weeks to a few months. Chemo was not an option for her as she was very tired and weak and down to 106# at her diagnosis (she was 128# at her physical in June). Chemo would have given her a few extra months with us if she were stronger. Her oncologist was encouraging chemo until she had a big decline from her diagnosis to the next appointment with him (only a few days).

Is chemo an option for your father? Would it be something he would consider? Does he have small cell or large cell lung cancer?

The past month has been extremely difficult for me, especially seeing the rapid decline in her. But she was a strong woman until the end, even after she lost her voice and all energy, she remained the woman I loved. She waited until we were all together to die. I know that she did that as her last gift to us so she knew we would be together for support.

Sorry I went on about my experience, but it was helpful for me to read other experiences. I highly recommend the book "Final Gifts" to help you in the coming times. Hospice recommended this book to our family and it really brought me some peace with her diagnosis and expected changes. I hope it can provide you some comfort as well.

I'm thinking about your family during this difficult time and if you have any questions please email me and maybe I can help...

[clairea]

((((Clara and Family)))). You will be in my thoughts.

Claire

[funnybone]

I am so sorry to hear such sad news. I want to add my thoughts and prayers too.

[Beth]

Sorry to hear about, and I know that it is no easier to deal with at the holidays. One Christmas when my garndmother was going through treatment for brain cancer, her sister lost her husband the day after Christmas. We knew our being together that Christmas might be the last time we were all together, but we had no idea he would not be with us 2 days later. It made the bittersweet Christmas all the more special to everyone. I haven't read "Final Gifts," but the title makes me think of moments like those.

Take time to find those special moments and memories through the holidays. Those connections will help you find the peace and strength to get through and to help him through. I wish you peace and comfort.

[colleency]

(((Clara & Family)))

[kima]

Oh Clara I am so sorry for you and your family. I will definately think of him and hope that he is not in pain and able to enjoy some time with you all.
Please take care of yourself.

[SueK]

Clara- I'm so sorry to hear the news. Your father, and you and your family are in my prayers. ((Take care))

[leightx]

I'm so sorry to hear this Clara - you and your family will be in my thoughts.

[Pamiann]

Clara, you have my thoughts and prayers. God gives us the strength to handle things that are tough. Rely on him and you and yours will be comforted ~~Pam

[Kismet]

(((Clara and family)))

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

[jmarie]

Clara and family,
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry that you are facing this.
Joyce

[ClaraB]

Thanks so much for all your thoughts and prayers... they really mean a lot right now.

TwinMom, thanks for the book recommendation. Chemo and radiation are not options for my dad, because his health is already quite poor, and the oncologist believes (as does my father) that they would do more harm than good at this point. I don't think my father is really interested in buying any extra time - he says he's had a good life, that everyone has to die, and that it's his time now. He is so remarkably accepting of his death - I only hope that I can be as peaceful when my time comes.

[KathrynY]

Clara, more thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Take care.

[Escher]

Best thoughts towards you in this troubled time...

[lindrusso]

I'm so sorry to hear about your father, Clara. It must be so very hard, but I hope you are able take your cues from your mother and father and find some peace in this as well. I saw what Chuck went through with chemo and radiation and he was young and healthy, so I think I can understand your father's position, at least from the standpoint of a spouse who doesn't want her loved one to suffer anyi more than is absolutely necessary.

Perhaps you can find peace by concentrating on making your Dad's remaining days joyful and filled with love. I always felt that even if the worst did or does happen with Chuck, at least we will have had the time to say goodbye and prepare as best we can (although I suppose it's easier to say that now that things are fine, so I hope it doesn't sound like I'm trivializing the hurt or pain you must be feeling).

Take care,
Alysha

[Kayaksoup]

So sorry to hear this, Clara.
Thinking of you and your family.

[memartha]

(((Clara and family)))

Your dad's attitude is remarkable. I hope it eases his (and your) pain just a little.

[Kay Henderson]

I am so sorry, Clara. You will be in my thoughts in the coming weeks.

Kay