I wouldn't recommend disregarding a conventional doctors advice, but there are avenues such as nutritionist etc who can give invaluable advice on what you can do to help strengthen your body. I didn't mean go and talk to wacko quacks. Sorry for the confusion.

Today at 2:45 we will hear the pathology results.

That sentence looks so mundane. Nine words, a simple statement of fact. How many times have I read something similar from someone else? Did I ever have a reaction? I can't remember.

All I know is that those words contain more meaning than can be conveyed. Every one has its own significance. Today at 2:45 life is going to change forever.

Again.

And once again, I have to surrender what I can't change to God. I hate doing that. And I hate how Sunday School that sentence looks. But this is where peace comes from, and occasionally I get a thump upside the head to remind me of that fact.

I don't mean to make it sound like my dad having cancer is somehow all about me. Each of us, including dad, is dealing with this surrender in our individual way. I can only speak to what I'm feeling. And right at this moment, I poignantly feel the difference between hope in a living God and simple resignation to the inevitable. My lack of faith has come through too many times (dozens on this board alone) for this to sound like any more than a reaction to grief by someone who uses religion for a crutch. I'll take my hits for hypocrisy, and I'm smart enough to know what events like this can do to someone psychologically. But I wish you could experience the clarity I feel right now. I never got it from drugs, from new age crystal gazing, from rolling in the peat with mother nature. Only from God.

Here's where a polite person would put "YMMV" or some other weak-kneed "not that I'm saying my god is the ONLY one" disclaimer. I just can't.

Thanks for your prayers and good wishes, they mean a lot.

Logging off for a few days, probably. I'll keep you posted.

I just caught this thread. Noodle, my friend, my thoughts and prayers will be with your father, you, and the rest of your family during this experience. In case anyone doubts it, prayer (sending of energies, good mojo, positive vibes, pick a name) *does* work, and your father and family will have it in spades.

Keep your faith and your support handy, they will bear you and yours through trying times.

I'm really sorry, Noodle. We're here for you when you need.

Mr. Noodle,

I know all too well the feelings that you're dealing with right now, having gone through them with my own mother just a few years ago. One day at a time will take you through what God has brought you to.

You and your entire family will be in my prayers.

Kellie

Noodle, I hope by now that you have gotten news that gives at least some reason for hope. I think even the most profoundly spiritual person can experience a crisis of faith in such times. Don't make things worse for yourself by beating yourself up because you are not responding the way you think you "should."

May God be with you and your family during this difficult time for you all. You are in my prayers. :(

Update? :neutral:

Nothing much to update yet. It is malignant, about golf ball sized, and could have been there for years (dad's health has been a little off for about 8). No news on what stage it is or a prognosis -- today he goes in for a CT scan to determine if any remote organs are involved. If so, he'll be immediately put on the chemo and possibly radiation. If not, they'll schedule surgery for week after next (we don't actually get the results of the scan till next Wed). From there..................?

Thanks for your prayers, we're in a holding pattern for now. It's still devestating, but we are one by one getting our fighting gear on. Mom is the hardest hit, seems like. But we'll figure it all out. The amount of support he's already started to get is amazing -- it's almost uncomfortable.

Results of the scan are in. We will hear if the cancer has spread today. They called yesterday and moved his appointment up by 2 hours. This, of course, makes me nervous.

Colon cancer is the second deadliest form, just behind lung cancer. It's the third most common. I bet none of you have scheduled your colonoscopy yet. Don't fuck with this -- really.

Good news -- the CT scan was negative, so they're hoping the cancer hasn't spread past the colon. Looks like it might be treatable by surgery. They won't know for sure until they open him up, but the prognosis is for a full recovery.

Again, a couple of sentences don't convey the emotion very well. Now if he'll just make it through the surgery and his colon restart successfully, he and mom can grow old together after all.......

There ya go buddy! That's great news to start! And even if it has spread a little they can treat aggressively. Jacquelita's mom is about a year past cancer surgery. It really is not the death sentence it used to be and how beautiful is that?

Fingers still crossed all around, but... this thing can be beaten! Keep yer head up high.

Death from cancer is at its lowest point in decades. Thank your dad for doing his part. :-)

Awesome! That's the best news you could hope for.

Thank God.

My prayers continue, mrnoodle. Thanks for the update, not to mention the good good news. And a hearty "Get Well Soon" to your Dad.

Oh, YAY, Noodle! I am so glad for you and your Dad and your family! Here's my best wishes for a positive outcome for his upcoming surgery, as well! God bless.