Three weeks ago my family learned that my dad has cancer. After a bunch of test we learned that he had, specifically, Stage 4, non-small cell, metastatic lung cancer.
Translation: You’re fucked.
If you don’t know me or my family let me just preface by saying we are the greatest unit ever. I am not saying that we don’t fight, cuz we sure do, but we love and respect each other and enjoy each other’s company. My parents alone have the greatest relationship in the world. 35 years and they still make out.
And now it’s gone.
Okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic. We’ve actually become a stronger family; if that was even possible. What I mean by saying “it’s gone” is that now we’re THAT family. The family with *cancer*. Everything we do, we read, we talk about, we think about, we fret about is cancer.
In the meantime, my dad has gone from gladiator to…not a gladiator. He still makes his jokes, he still smiles and is the same Daddy I love but he is weak. And tired. Exhausted, actually. He’s losing his hair from the radiation, his muscle is gone and he is confined mostly to a bed. He knows it’s no way to live. I know he wants to get 100% better or die. He told me.
He’s lived his entire life for others, for his family. He worked, and worked hard, ever since he was a young boy. Every minute he was awake he was building, fixing, welding, mowing, the list goes on but it won’t change a thing. It doesn’t matter what an honorable husband and loving father he was. While it doesn’t mean that his fate is decided he still must travel on this path.
I took a long time to write this, partially because things were changing so fast. Mostly because I didn’t want to admit it.
That sucks! Not much else to say except to wish you all the best in the battle. Nothing brings a family together like serious illness and that is when the true colours show. By the sounds of it you guys will band together to help each other make the best of a terrible situation and learn from it. In times like these sometimes you learn most about others and yourself, you have to look on the positive side and learn that lesson and grow! My thoughts are with you and the family.
I’m so sorry to hear that.
I don’t really know what it’s like to go through something like that but its looks like your family has a strong bond and will help each other through it.
My prayers are with you, your Dad, and the rest of the family.
thank you so much guys. your kind words bring me comfort and strength.
z
Zoe, I wish you and your family the best in this trying time. Ten years ago, my husband and I received similar news when his father was suddenly diagnosed with stage four non-hodgkins lymphoma. He passed away less than six months after his initial diagnosis, but he managed to stay comfortable in his home until his very last hours.
I can offer you no words of comfort will reduce the sadness and anger you must be feeling. Only that, at least, you can take this opportunity to truly cherish the times you still have together, and build as many memories as possible from this day forward.
My heart goes out to you and your family as you bond together.