Before I begin I'd like to ask once again that Ron not not move this thread. It's happened three times already. This is the board I post most frequently on and it's where I know most of the ladies. Please do not move it. Thank you...
Ok so we went to see the liver specialist. What he has is Cirrosis of the liver and there really isn't much we can do. He has some medications that he's been taking which he can continue to take to make him feel comfortable and possible control the liver situation. Anything that will make him feel comfortable. And on the 16th he has to go do an endoscopy. This is to prevent him from bleeding through the mouth.
I've heard that people with this can live a long time but the doctor said usually it's 7 years from the time it's diagnosed. It could be much longer it could be later. We really can't say. We talked about a liver transplant but at his age (he's going to be 70) it's just too late and risky. I am so worried. My dad basically feels like he's just gotten a death sentence. But there are some positives we can focus on, like maybe him taking better care. Sometimes a positive attitude can help prolong things. If he takes the attitude of "i'm dying" then he'll loose the will to live. I am so worried and afraid of loosing him. I'm also concerned about how my mom will handle this.
I asked the specialist if they can still go away to Italy this year. He said that the traveling on a plane itself won't hurt his condition any more. His concern is that they are not far away from the nearest hospital in case something happens. Actually where they would be staying is 10 minutes from the nearest hospital. Who knows maybe the change in air will help him feel better or maybe not. I just don't know what to think. It's really serious. He can live another 3 years, 5 years, 7 years or 10 or 20. I guess it all depends on his attitude. Him taking care of himself won't gurantee that he will live another 30 years but who knows maybe it will help. He needs motivation. Someone has already reminded him that he's got 2 grandchildren that he's got to be strong for and watch grow up. Maybe that will be a motivation for him. I just don't know. I want to cry myself but I am being strong for my son's sake. I can't let him see me upset.
DH said we gotta act like everything is fine and normal cuz if we act any different like as if my dad were already gone then that's worse and will bring my dad's sprits down. He said we shouldn't be acting as if he's dying. He's alive and we should act the way we normally do and make him feel as comfortable as possible.
I don't even know what to say but I do hope and pray that your Dad doesn't focus soley on the negative. Seven years....I pray that in that time he lives it up - makes all the memories that he hopes to leave behing and in the process I hope that all that happiness buys him even more time.
I hope he stays strong and doesn't get overwhelmed by his diagnosis. That is just awful- I am so sorry.
I just feel like crying sometimes but I have to be strong for DS. I cannot fall apart on him. He has kept me from falling apart.
Today I am planning on taking him to the park or to McDonalds for lunch. And at first I was contemplating cancelling his 2nd birthday party that is scheduled for the end of next month. DH said that we shouldn't because it's like acting like my dad is already gone and that might make him feel worse. He said we should continue on and do the things we normally would. Should he not feel well that day we have a Hospital that is a block and a half away from our house.
I do need something positive to focus on and planning my son's birthday will help.
