A turn for the worse

Yesterday I was in a department meeting when I was paged to the office (not a good sign). And it wasn't. Dad has more blood clots. These are in his legs. They did an emergency surgery to prevent them from reaching his heart. However, my sister met with Dad's lung specialist and she said that this new spread of cancer in his lungs is very aggressive. She doubts that chemo will do any good. She said she wouldn't wish this type of cancer on her worst enemy for Dad will basically end up suffocating to death. Not good.

After this news, I picked up Kristie and headed to GF with images of when I saw Mom die. The doctor was there to meet us, and she was great. She is caring and personable and, as Barb (my sister) said, "She is worth every cent."

While I expected to see Dad at death's door, he was not so bad off. He could speak and was quite coherent. Though he is not aware of the dire prognosis. And I think we'll keep it that way. I think he suspects this is the final leg of the journey, but he is likely not letting on to protect us. And we're doing the same thing. Funny.

So I'll be gone today and tomorrow. Dad will be in the ICU for at least another five days. Then we will likely move him to a rest home for the final weeks. I just hope he goes quietly and painlessly.

Thanks for all those who have emailed and shown concern. It's greatly appreciated.