Our Five Ring Circus: One Year Down

Saturday, April 17, 2010

One Year Down

It has been a little over a year since my dad was diagnosed with cancer. It was one of the worst days of my life. The news hit me like a ton of bricks.

Luckily, the doctors were able to remove the tumor in his bladder, and no new tumors have grown back. Right now, it's all about maintenance.

Since the tumor was removed, my dad has had to have a course of treatment every few months. During each course of treatment, he has to see his doctor once a week, for 3 weeks, and the doctor injects something into his bladder each week. He feels like he has the flu for several days following a treatment.

He has been receiving treatment for a year, and has 4 more years to go before he's in the clear. Each time he goes in for his first appointment during a new course of treatment, I end up worrying all day, worrying that another tumor has grown.

The doctor warned my dad that the after effects will get worse with each treatment. He had a treatment yesterday, and he wasn't feeling too well. I hate that. I hate that he has to go through this. I hate the fact that I constantly worry about him.

I try to focus on the fact that he is still here with us. It could have been so much worse. He is going through treatment to make sure the tumors don't come back.

It doesn't get any easier, though.

9 comments:

  1. Oh Stef that has to be so hard on everyone to see someone you care about be in pain like that. I really pray that treatments get easier rather harder for him. Poor guy. He's in my prayers. If you need anything let me know.

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  2. Oh wow. I don't think I knew this. I'm sorry he has to go through that. I can't imagine. I'm glad to hear that things are going well for him though!!

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  3. I can imagine how hard it must be. Praying treatment keeps working & eases up. ((hugs))

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  4. wow...I can only imagine how difficult this must be to deal with...praying for you guys!!

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  5. Oh I'm so sorry to hear this. I've had to unfortunately deal with a lot of cancer in our family, and you're right - it doesn't get any easier. I have no great words of wisdom. Simply know I'm thinking of you and hoping that you can enjoy all those special moments with your family.

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  6. I am sorry you are going through this. We are going through something similar with my father in law and I have yet to blog about it.

    I will be thinking about you and your dad! I hope he is in the clear for the next 4 years!

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  7. one day at a time I guess. I know I mentiond it on and off but my dh had cancer in 2000. It was a very rough few years afterwards. thankfully we are on year 10 post cancer.

    keep positive

    I know its a bit different with your dad. watching him struggle. It was very hard watching my own father go through so much last year also.

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  8. It's so hard to know that people we love are uncomfortable - you feel so helpless. I'm sorry your dad is going through this. Much love, Stef.

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  9. CAn't imagine what you are going through...I'm hear for you and offer tons of cyber XOXO's!! Hang in there

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