Cancer & Father's

(I have been so behind on my blog because doing this particular one was so hard for me....going back and thinking through such raw emotions was hard for me, but I HAD to have this documented) *warning - it is long*

Yes you are right...those two words shouldn't be used in the same title. But unfortunately this year for my family it was. My dad was diagnosed with renal cancer on Madi's 5th birthday, May 22, 2009. I didn't actually find out until the following Sunday as I sat on the couch next to my dad and he hands me his CT scan results and all I can really focus on is seeing my dad's name as the patient and the word 'carcinoma', Then as I looked at my dad in shock and scared to death I could see in his eyes that he was scared too. So I asked what does this mean???? He said well I have cancer and it needs to be removed. And that was that. He went over all the details with when, who, were, and what....but of course the why was only known by one...by God. Which I seemed to ask Him why constantly over the next few weeks of hearing this dreaded news. I just didn't want this to happen to my dad....it couldn't be happening to my dad - he's invinceable. Right? That's what I have always thought until this day.

I know there are many people out there who have been diagnosed with cancer, lived it, living it now and others who haven't survived. My mind seemed to constantly be worried and thinking the worst. This was such a hard time for me. I was so afraid of losing my dad....a special person in my life who loves me unconditionally and is always always there, no matter what. And even considering that he may not be here for me now was just unbareable - I know he was still here and I should be living in the moment and thankful but all I could do was worry. I really tried to not let my worry show. I wanted my dad and mom to be worry free....was it possible?? Probably not, but I tried.

On Monday, June 15, 2009 my mom and brother took my dad to Mayo Hospital to have his cancer removed laprascopically. After waiting...not so patiently....which by the way, no wonder there are so many smokers outside the hospitals trying to calm themselves....this waiting game is very unnerveing-not that I condone smoking let alone outside hospitals...i'm just saying :)
So anyhoo.....the surgeon comes out (who freakishly looked like he could be my dad's twin) with a big grin on and said, "We're all done. I am very confident that we got all the cancer." I almost fell to my knees right there thanking God for His blessing. The doc continued to inform us of the procedure and all he did and that my dad was in recovery and another great part..."I took less than 1% of his kidney." Wow we were all amazed and so very thankful!

So what to do while you wait (besides those smoking outside)......there was lots of sleeping or more like resting here and there, talking on the cell phones, playing on the computer, and playing hide-and-go-seek behind Aunt Barbs chair....these are a few of the captured fun waiting games.

We all had our cell phones and the people we were assigned to call to inform. By the way, thank you all so much for the many many prayers and blessings. I know God is great and He was there with the surgeon, nurses, us and mostly my dad!!

It was tough seeing my dad all out of it and in a hospital bed. He just wasn't himself....why would he be he just had all kinds of scopes and such in him and part of his kidney taken out!?! But it was great to see him there, alive and on the road to recovery! By that evening he was sitting up and having a little to eat. By the next day he was looking even better. And each day since then he has looked better and better and worked hard to get back to himself. It has taken a while but I saw my dad yesterday (8/16) and I can honestly say he's back and he looks great!! And he is cancer free!!

Thank you to all those who gave their love and support!! You have blessed our family in ways you may never know. Thank you from us all! But mostly thank you mom for stepping up and being our rock through all of this. You are amazing!! I love you both!

Just 6 days after my dad's surgery was Father's Day. This Father's Day seemed to mean more to me than anyother year! I love my dad so much and am so very thankful he is in my life and continues to show his love and support for me. I couldn't have been blessed with a more perfect dad!! I love you dad!!

During Bible school Madi painted a rock and put eyes on it so Brady would have a rock pet for Father's Day. It is so cute...and went along with her adorable special card she painted for him too.

I love this picture!! And Madi really loves her daddy!