cathyf

My father was diagnosed last October. He is 77 years old and until this had been the picture of health. He had biliary bypass surgery, followed by many complications, but started radiation therapy in January. He only had 11 sessions and had to stop because of infection. He is not a candidate for chemo because of his very poor condition.

He is down to about 130 pounds (from 180), and his pain varies in intensity from day to day. He takes oxycontin for the pain. His most recent doctor visit revealed that his bilirubin and liver function haven’t changed too much, but the tumor marker is elevated.

He remains determined to fight. It is so hard for us, his family, to see him go through this. He is extremely weak and understandibly depressed.

We spend as much time as possible with him and our mother and try to make this a happy time. Our emotions are so mixed – we don’t ever want to lose him, but we are devastated to see him is this condition. We feel very hopeless.

Blessings to everyone.