My Dad

[Bumper]

I have been pretty scarce here over the last month as my Dad has been in the hospital. They have, finally, found out what the issues are. He has been diagnosed with lung cancer which has moved into a couple of ribs. It is not clear whether this is the primary cancer or if it migrated to his lung from somewhere else. I guess at this point it doesn't matter. He is too old and weak to undergo surgery or chemo and radiation might shrink the tumor but would not provide even the possibility of a cure. He has declined all of these in his living will.

He was released today to hospice and we brought him home. While we were hoping that he might get better now that it warmed up, with the latest diagnosis, there is virtually no chance of that. He is in for a rough, but short, ride.

If anyone needs anything I will get around to it as time permits, but please understand it may also take a while for me to get back to you.....

[MoResident]

My prayers are with your father, you, and your family.

Dan

[walvord]

Sorry to hear of your dad. It's tough to see your parents in bad health. My prayers are with you and your family.

[ppkheat]

I'm very sorry to hear this bad news, my prayers are with you all.

Hospice has been very comforting and helpful for those in my family that have used them. In fact my daughter has been an RN for a hospice company for nearly ten years. If you have any general questions, or need a second opinion, she gives very straight answers, I can hook you up if necessary.

[Patti]

I am so sorry to hear that.

Prior to my mother's passing, she received hospice care. The hospice nurses were awesome.

My best advice: Spend every second in your dad's company.

Your family will be in my prayers, Bumper.

[Bumper]

Thanks, everyone. The hospice people, and really all of the nurses in the hospital for the past few weeks have been awesome. They told us anything we needed to let them know and the would get it if they possibly could. It is amazing to me that people like this can do such a job with such passion and compassion. I told my wife that if we won the lottery, I would give them a healthy chunk of it. They deserve it.....

[ApatheticHero]

Hang in there, Bumper. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

[BikerRN]

Bumper,

You have my deepest and most sincere thoughts.

I watched my old man go in a similar fashion. My ear is bendable if you want it.

Biker

[Bumper]

My Dad passed away early Monday (yesterday) morning. We are preparing to go to Texas for the funeral. I probably won't be back until Monday or Tuesday so I will see everyone when I get back.

[dademoss]

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[walvord]

Sorry for your loss. Have a safe trip to TX and back.

[BikerRN]

Have a safe trip and my condoleces to you and your family.

Biker

[ppkheat]

Very sorry to hear this.

[Paco]

Sorry for your loss, may he rest in eternal peace. You are always welcome in Texas, hopefully your next visit will be an enjoyable one.

[Patti]

My Dad passed away early Monday (yesterday) morning. We are preparing to go to Texas for the funeral. I probably won't be back until Monday or Tuesday so I will see everyone when I get back.

You're in my thoughts and prayers, Bumper.

[Bumper]

I very much appreciate the condolences. My Dad was buried on Friday with military honers. I learned some about his military service I never knew that is pretty cool. I will post it one day soon when I can do it without going to pieces. We are trying to keep my Mom occupied so she won't concentrate on the past few days. I guess it is inevitable but we're trying to minimize it....

[ppkheat]

Bumper, the hospice service that ya'll had just begun, should have a grief counselor on staff. You might consider giving them a call.

[Bumper]

Thanks, again, everyone, it really has been a tough time the last couple of weeks. I was so busy dealing with my Mom and arranging the funeral, logistics of the trip, etc. I really didn't have the time necessary to just let myself go. I was in sort of a funk yesterday all day and finally last night I turned into a complete and total mess. I think I'm good to go now but I really do miss him.


Bumper, the hospice service that ya'll had just begun, should have a grief counselor on staff. You might consider giving them a call.

Yup, they are coming to talk to my Mom tomorrow, I believe. I think I'm okay now although I do sit and visit with all of the hospice people when they come. They are a great bunch of people. I don't know how they can do what they do day in and day out. I couldn't do it....

[ppkheat]

I'm glad the hospice folks are available to help.