Well, this was the last thing that I needed to hear today. I’ve already been severely stressed by research, teaching, studying for PhD comprehensive exams, and trying to come up with doable dissertation topics. Now I have one more thing to worry about. My dad got diagnosed with cancer today.
Mom called and I cried my eyes out for most of the conversation, so I am a bit sketchy on the details. But as far as I can recall, it’s chronic lymphocistic (sp?) leukemia. The doctors found it after he went in to his PCP on Monday to have a swollen lymph node on the back of his neck examined. They took blood, discovered his white cell count was high, did further testing, and sent him to an oncologist. The doctor is apparently optimistic because it was caught relatively early, and Dad’s white count wasn’t as high as it could have been (thank goodness for small miracles, eh?). He starts chemo next week.
Does anyone know how this cancer ranks among the others in terms of prognosis? I looked at the Mayo clinic website and just got some basic info about it. One thing that gave me hope is that in some cases, doctors choose not to go the chemo route right away. Does that mean it’s not as aggressive as other cancers? I would very much appreciate some additional info about how (relatively) serious this is.
Dad’s 61 and has well-controlled diabetes. His mom had breast cancer, but she was also a concentration camp survivor who worked in an ammunition factory for the Nazis and was exposed to high levels of lead.
I am an agnostic, but it is at times like this that I wished I had something to comfort me. For the believers out there, knowing that a prayer or two was said for Dad would lift my spirits greatly.
I’m so sorry to hear this! Catching it early is excellent – cancer isn’t an automatic death sentence. (My sister is 15 years post breast cancer, and my best friend is 5 years post prostate cancer.)
Your father and all who love him are in my thoughts and prayers.
I really hope that things turn out for the best. My own father has had a couple of cancer scares and now he is fine. I just got off the phone with my ex-GF. Her father was not so lucky. But at least he’s out of pain.
Very sorry for the bad news, statsman1982. I’m glad your father seems to have a positive attitude. According to Wikipedia, with all due caveats there, CLL usually progresses slowly. Since it’s usually caught by older people, it’s not uncommon for patients to have a normal lifespan.
Statsman1982----I am very sorry to hear of your father, but I want to tell you that there is good reason for hope and optimism…
My father was diagnosed with the same thing (lymphosistic leukemia) three years ago, and just two weeks back, he finished his FINAL chemo treatment, with the doctor telling us he is essentially cured!!!, and will only need to have a routine checkup every 6 months or so.
His treatments were a virtual textbook “best case scenario” with absolutely NO nausea, hair loss, extreme weight loss etc. that we all think of when we hear the dread word “chemotherapy”. In fact, my father (83 years old) is in about the best health he has been in for 20+ years, as he has lost some weight due to his more healthy diet…
I realise that each case is unique, but in some ways my family feels that his cancer was almost a net positive thing, as he is much more health focused than he has ever been before, and is feeling more active and vigorous than he has felt in years.
Your dad wil be in my prayers (and if you have any questions feel free to get in touch) and please try to keep positive thoughts…
Wow, I’m so sorry to hear that you and your family are going through such a stressful time right now!
I don’t know anything about the type of cancer your Dad has, but it’s definitely good news that it’s been caught early, no matter what type it is.
I am Baha’i, not Christian. So I hope you don’t mind that I’ve said a Baha’i Healing Prayer for your Dad!
Really, best wishes to all of you. Try not to forget to take a little care of yourself right now. You’re going to need to be as “together” as you can possibly be, and that means eating regularly (and healthfully, if you can!), getting some sleep, and, yes, even just going out and cutting loose!
Thanks, Matthew, for your inspiring account. It’s good to hear positive stories like yours. I am trying to be optimistic, because I know that he needs me to be strong. It’s hard, though, but at least I know that others have success stories.
You have my deepest sympathy and my thoughts are with you and your dad.
As someone up thread said today cancer is not necessarily an automatic death sentence.
I hope all goes well for your dad.
