Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Hi Y'all ;)

No, my dear Elle, this was not a 'test'...sheesh....I'm waaaay above cheap theatrics ;)

Not sure 'how back' I am, we'll see.

Here's the deal.......My Dad is sick and honestly, that has taken some of my 'drive' away. Two weeks ago he had a kidney biopsy and a full CT scan. Today, we got the results..which pretty much confirmed what the Kidney Specialist thought.

He has a type of blood cancer, Myloma (or according to the fuckin idiot girl who signed him in later today for a battery of x-rays...Melanoma...geezus...I'm correcting her). The good news, no, make it great news, is that the CT Scan came back totally clear :)

Don't know all the particulars as of yet because we still have to see a Hematologist (thats a blood doctor to those of you that went to school in Missouri ;) But...unless I have this all fucked up, it appears to be either somewhat treatable or somewhat manageable. Still depends on a a few factors but at this point, that what I think I know. Evidently, this blood cancer's major 'M.O' is that it clogs up your kidneys, which leads to kidney failure (Or as the Dr's say 'Renal' failure....wtf? Why not just say 'kidney')? So, if whatever chemo treatment they decide on works, even 50%, then my Dad can pretty much go about his business. That is, if he gets his strength back, puts back on some those 30 pounds he has lost.......and as I found out later, if the treatment doesn't make him really sick.

The being 'sick' part I found out from my Mother who told me that Dad told her that he WOULD NOT do chemo, he knew too many people that got extremely sick from it and that he was not going to lose his dignity that way, no matter what. Uh....this is 1 freakin day later after he told me, in no uncertain fuckin terms, that he wasn't going to do dialysis. "I am not going to sit there on a hard chair for 4-5 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, with tubes sticking out of me".

In case it hasn't hit you, Dad is a very proud and practical guy....oh yeah, stubborn too. This whole ordeal has barely fazed him..in fact, I'm not sure it has fazed him at all. If he's worried about anything, its about my Mother....oh, and the fact that I have been missing work to take him to the Dr., get their groceries, crap like that. I explained to him thats why I have people working for me and they get fucking paid to run the place when I'm not there...WTF?

Anyhow, since that one level in his blood hasn't risen any (dropped a tad actually) then dialysis isn't on the table right now, thats one battle I don't have to fight. The chemo thing...well....I'm pretty fuckin stubborn myself. Plus, I do have a way with words ;)

Thats the 'Readers Digest' version and I just wanted to keep y'all in 'the loop'. I'll post again when I know something more. I feel alot better than I did when I woke up this morning because I was prepared for the worst.

Hopefully, next time, I'll have an "Efen Rant" to include as well ;) I do have a few things saved up....duh ;)

I did miss you guys :):)

8 comments:

The Dish said...

So nice to hear your 'voice'! You sound very positive and that, my dear, is a good thing. Glad dialysis is not in the immediate future. And I have no doubt the you can 'coerce' him intogetting the chemo. You are persuasive like that.

Evil Twin's Wife said...

I'm sorry to hear that he has such health issues to face, but it's good to know that there are options for him. I think between you and your mom, he'll change his mind about treatment.

Gator Foodie said...

Oh Sweetie, I'm so glad you are back...kinda back,whatever! I have to say - you "sound" good,& I know if you have anything to say about it (which I know you do!) - you will "convince" him what's right...Thanks for the update...you had us worried! xoxox :) btw...Missed you!!!

J Fab said...

Glad you're back! Ditto what all the other girls are saying. When push comes to shove (IF it does), he'll give in. I'll say a little prayer for him.

XOXO

The Kitchen said...

First, let me say WELCOME BACK!! I've really missed you!!! REALLY!!!

So bummed about your dad - bless his heart. This is going to be a hard road for him, your mom and you. Thankfully they have you!!

Momma really missed her Efen!!

Elle said...

Efen Efen...I have no doubt that you'll handle the chemo situation with your usual charm and neverending appeal ;) I'll send good thoughts up for him and YOU.

Secondly, if YOU post, then you know I HAVE to. Shit. And I got nothin'. So thanks for that.

Welcome back...even if it is "part-time" :)

Warped Mind of Ron said...

Man, sorry to hear about your dad. Somehow I think you got what it takes to stick it out and make you dad do what he needs to do. Cancer has taken three Aunts, but my sister kicked it's butt and has for five years now so it can certainly be beaten. I will send good thoughts out for your dad and all of your family.

Loni's World said...

I hope all goes well, my dad was the same way but when it came time he gave in.
It is poison!!!! But it does work for most. I will be thinking of you. My dad beat cancer last summer so keep your head up!

Take care, talk to us whenever you feel you can :)

Many Many hugs and prayers.