Good thoughts please (Update, pg 7)

Oh no! So sorry to hear this! I can't offer much but vehement good vibe-sending. Want me to draw you a picture of a poking bulldog on a velvet cushion to raise your spirits? Drawing is about the only way I've ever successfully cheered anyone up slightly from dire situations. Anything I can do, or if you just wanna unload, PM me.  

I saw him today and tried so hard to focus on the positive.  It was hard today. He has always been such a hearty man and he would always eat great big platefuls of simple home cooked food.... today he ate a quarter of a jacket potato with some tuna and a tomato at lunchtime!  I'm not even going to think what sort of fraction that is compared to what he used to put away.  I couldn't stop this horrid sneaking thought slipping into my mind - good grief its started already!  Of course, this started a while ago, but not having regular meals with him, I didn't see it!  Having said that though, he does eat MORE OFTEN - he just doesn't eat loads at one time any more. 

The doctor says he is definitely going to lose his hair.   So he is having it trimmed and we will all have some photos taken with him... then he is having it shaved off so we can get used to how it looks and he doesn't have to have it FALL out, which seems worse.  I am taking that as a VERY positive sign... he is grasping control of this situation with both hands, he's not going to let it rule him. 

Chuffy

The doctor says he is definitely going to lose his hair.   So he is having it trimmed and we will all have some photos taken with him... then he is having it shaved off so we can get used to how it looks and he doesn't have to have it FALL out, which seems worse.  I am taking that as a VERY positive sign... he is grasping control of this situation with both hands, he's not going to let it rule him. 

That sounds very positive indeed. Strong, optimistic thoughts going to all of you! 

Just an update - he started the treatment on Friday.  He's doing well at the moment.  For a while, the worry and the waiting and the dreading having the tube put in, those things were taking their toll more than anything else.  Now the waiting is over and he feels a bit better because he's doing something about it.

The whole family spent the afternoon together (and we are quite a tribe! 6 kids and 4 generations!) on Saturday.  Lots of photos were took and there are some really LOVELY ones!

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  Thank you  

 This was a really nice update.  How lovely to have such a caring family close to you when you are not well.

still sending good thoughts... 

Chuffy -- he sounds like such a NEAT person ... and that's such a strong life habit "doing" rather than just talking about it.  Awesome way to cope -- you are so incredibly blessed to have such a parent!! Wow!

I am so so sorry (but glad to hear things seem to be going ok)!  I know what you are going through...my dad got sick in 2000 and it was a long stressful time in our lives (not cancer though, Hepatitis C).  As long as everyone tries to stay positive and supports one another things will be ok.

Good thoughts coming your way! 

It so often is easier when the treatments begin.  Waiting is often the most difficult part.  It is awesome to hear that he has a huge support team, he'll need it and so appreciate it.  He continues to be in my thoughts and prayers.

Oh, Chuffy, continuing to send good thoughts your way from here in AZ.  What great ways to spend your time with him - surrounded with family and good laughs.  BIG GIANT HUGS!!!!!

UPDATE:  Cancer reduced.  By at least half.  Can I get a few dozen "YIPPEE" s?

So things are looking good.

Again, thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
 

Wow. That's pretty incredible! Yippee!

YIPEE x dozen from me, too!!!!  EXCELLENT!!!!