elistick Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 First of all let's be honest, this entire process is scary ,draining & stinks. However, I realized that I am far from being alone. The best gift to to those we love is to be there for them in this time and staying positive. During treatment, we never focused on my dad's "grumpiness" even though he could be a bear to deal with at times. It wasnt "him". In between treatments he was back to his old great self that we loved. Although my dad was a realist, he wasnt ready to go, even at the end & we honestly felt he died today believing he was still going to get "more quality time". His brain tumors were back again & left untreated as he already became too weak and started hospice. His mind got a bit "fuzzy". This was comforting to us b/c with the other brain mets, his fuzzyness and confusing behavior until treated, took away his some of his memory. This made it easier for us this last time as we knew the end was approaching. Even though I never posted my dad's story on this site, I read everyone's stories everyday & it helped me realize I was not alone. My father was diagnosed with Stage IV non small cell lung cancer that was first detected in his brain in Sept 2006. To be honest, until 4 months ago , you could hardly tell he was ill. He lived life as "normal" as possible during his good times, including fullfilling his dream of renting/driving a Ferrari !!!! As a matter of fact, we decided to bury him in the Ferrari t shirt that provided him with a great memory, we love this decision! It is hard to believe that he is gone today, I & the rest of my family feel like nothing was left unsaid. It really is all about "quality" time. I wish you all well with your fight and encourage you to go that extra mile to make your final moments great ones! He was 64 & treated at the University of Pennsylvania which was remarkable. 2 tumors surgically removed from his brain (at different times) 4 gamma knife procedures, 3 different rounds of chemo & 1 round of radation(17 daily visits). In the end, the good times came right back to the forefront of our minds. The recent tough period in hospice & the time we spent with him was the greatest gift we could give him. Be there and be strong for your loved one. Please make it all count for your loved one, the daily grind as a caregiver sometimes makes our lives stop completely, even if we are still trying to juggle work,bills, &t the sanity of the rest of the family. Dad, I miss you terribly & love you more than life. You are my inspiration & hero. Your son, Eric Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SandraL Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 thanks for posting Eric. I am so glad to hear your dad enjoyed life to the fullest. And also to hear that this board was helpful to you. May peace be with you and your family at this difficult time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Thanks for the note, Eric. Sounds like you have a wonderful family (some people don't, sorry to say). Best wishes and Aloha to you all. Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 My thoughts prayers and condolences. I am glad your father lived and fought the way he did with his family by his side!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larry's Wife Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Eric, what an inspirational post! The love your family has for one another shines through in every single word. Your dad must be extremely proud of you. You are a wise man. I extend my deepest condolences to you and your family. Lynn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyman35 Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Eric. I am so sorry for your loss. You are a very loving and special man. My condolences to you and your family. Denise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peebygeeby Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Hi Eric, I'm so sorry for your loss. It sounds as though your Dad was a great guy. It also sounds as though he has a great son. I wish you peace as you heal from your loss. Gail Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick C Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 I am so sorry. This is a wonderful tribute to him and your love for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shineladysue Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Eric, I am so very sorry you have lost your Dad. Thank you so much for sharing your inspirational story of how you as a family lived life to the fullest with your Dad. May God be with you in the days ahead . Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted May 30, 2008 Share Posted May 30, 2008 Eric, please accept my condolences for your loss. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blueeye Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Eric, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Leslie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted May 31, 2008 Share Posted May 31, 2008 Eric: I am so sorry for your loss. Your post is a treasure for all of us reading it. Judy in Key West Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandyswa Posted June 1, 2008 Share Posted June 1, 2008 Eric, Sorry for the loss of your dad, and I am so glad that he lived the fullest life he could live. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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