Thursday, August 23, 2012

My Dad :(

My blogging has taken a back seat of late, as my Dad got diagnosed a few weeks back with a brain tumor, along with a kidney and lung tumors. Dad is 87 and has had a very healthy, fulfilling life, with lots of friends and family that love him dearly.

The tumor is a primary one and very aggressive and not treatable, so we probably only have a very limited time left with him. He, however is in very good spirits and unbelievably isn't in any pain as yet. He is still quite alert, but is starting to get very confused with things and his memory isn't good. He has been told to expect the right side of his body to become quite weak.

Up until his diagnosis, Mum and Dad were independently living in a Retirement Village with Dad being Mum's carer as Mum has mild Alzheimers, but our family is now caring for them and going through the process of getting them into assisted care etc. His drivers licence has also been taken from him now after 70 odd years of incident free driving!

 The above photo was taken at my party back in early July. It is Mum and Dad with some of their family.

It has been an emotionally sad time, but we have all spent quite a lot of time with them lately, taking them to visit some of their family and friends etc and just being there for them.




6 comments:

Mariette VandenMunckhof-Vedder said... Reply to comment

Dearest Annette,

You have the best memories of LOVE and CARE as a close family, as is quite evident from this photo.
That will help to sustain you through the difficult time ahead.
Today the funeral of Pieter's eldest brother was in The Netherlands. He was 87 and died of cancer. A skin cancer that could have been treated better I guess. But socialized medicine is not the best in preventive care and in after care and very limited at exactly the same age as your Dad is in.
Very sad. Also today in Indonesia, our foster-daughter Anita's Dad got buried. He had brain tumor and lung cancer and only was in the hospital for 10 days... very aggressive and sad as he no longer recognized his loved ones.
May God give you the strength to go on. Life is often not easy towards the final stage.
For us it is very tough for not being able to attend a funeral; due to steep air flight cost for immediate departure.
Hugs to you,
Mariette

Chookyblue...... said... Reply to comment

I't very difficult time dealing with bad news like this........Enjoy the moments you have together........

Anonymous said... Reply to comment

so sorry for this bad news Annette,enjoy the time you all have left with your dad,he looks such a loving caring man who has enjoyed a lifetime of happiness,take care.xx

Bev C said... Reply to comment

Hello Annette,

Love and prayers to you all.

Bev.xoxo

Pip said... Reply to comment

I'm very sorry to hear this Annette, cancer can be a difficult disease to deal with. I'm sure you and your family will be doing your very best for your Dad in the time he has left.

Joolz said... Reply to comment

I'm so sorry to hear your Dad is so ill. I think one of the hardest things we have to do as adults is witness our parents growing old and frail and dealing with illness. Judging by the family pic, his time left will be spent in the arms of his loving family. Thinking of you,


Joolz

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