# dad\_mcl is in the hospital **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [April 9, 2003, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474 "2003-04-09T02:53:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2003, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/61 "2003-04-20T01:56:22Z")
Hold on to the positive vibe for **matt** and his father, everyone… ---
**Author:** ![Finnie\_the\_Pooh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/aca169/32.png) [@Finnie\_the\_Pooh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finnie_the_Pooh)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2003, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/62 "2003-04-20T02:55:49Z")
Best of luck and good wishes to your dad, matt. ---
**Author:** ![Zenster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/cdc98d/32.png) [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Post date:** [April 20, 2003, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/63 "2003-04-20T06:58:29Z")
**matt** , I’m really glad that you now know what you’re all up against. _Not knowing_ is far worse. Modern medicine is able to work near miracles these days. You are doing the exact right thing. Enjoy time with your Dad whenever you can. You’ll never regret it later. ---
**Author:** ![matt\_mcl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ab992/32.png) [@matt\_mcl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/matt_mcl)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/64 "2003-04-21T00:33:48Z")
I’m sorry not to have given an update. Unfortunately, it’s not as **Scotticher** hoped. The preliminary results of the biopsy indicate that he has a form of brain cancer called a glioblastoma. Of the two types of cancer it could have been going in to the biopsy, this is the worse, tending to be resistant to treatment, as well as terminal. The full results of the biopsy should be in next week, and then the radiation therapy will start, but as I understand it the goal is only to slow the tumour down; it can’t be cured. Six weeks later, they’ll do more tests which will tell us whether he has a matter of months or as much as a year or two. However, if the therapy goes well it’s possible that the shrinking of the tumour will cause him to be more like himself, which would be good. Besides how upset Mom is, the hardest part is the way he sounds now. The other day he couldn’t remember the name of the city he lives in, though he mentioned Montreal in listing several cities, and was able to pick it out when Mom said it. And when I’m over there now, he invariably calls me Rob, his brother’s name, which for me is very tough. He knows who I am but he just doesn’t have the name. Mom is even kind of wary about leaving him alone, though he hasn’t shown any tendency to act (as opposed to speak) strangely. Of course he is still taking care of himself in the usual ways and is not really an invalid, though he is rather frail and gets tired easily. Anyway, he is in good spirits, which I know cheers Mom up some. He’s had a few moments of gloom, though, though not as many as might be expected. I suppose there is hope for some miracle, but not much. At this point I’m just grateful that he’s not in physical pain, he’s content and surrounded by people who care for him and want to keep him comfortable, and also that he will be able to attend my graduation this June, which means a lot to me. Thank you so much, everyone, for your prayers and good wishes. _sigh_ Don’t I wish the news was better. ---
**Author:** ![waterj2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/858c86/32.png) [@waterj2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/waterj2)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/65 "2003-04-21T01:03:34Z")
So sorry to hear the bad news. My thoughts are with you and your family. I’m not sure what the best to hope for is, but I wish you all the best possible luck, and all the strength you need in dealing with it. ---
**Author:** ![Geobabe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/geobabe/32/3908_2.png) [@Geobabe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geobabe)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/66 "2003-04-21T02:00:48Z")
I’m so sorry to hear about this, **matt**. My best wishes and prayers are with you and your father. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Tiger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@Mama\_Tiger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Tiger)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/67 "2003-04-21T02:09:12Z")
Wow, that’s tough, **matt**. Please know that I’m thinking of you and your family as you deal with whatever you have to deal with. ---
**Author:** ![Ruby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Ruby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/68 "2003-04-21T02:09:47Z")
☹ ---
**Author:** ![OxyMoron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9a140/32.png) [@OxyMoron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OxyMoron)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/69 "2003-04-21T02:13:04Z")
Oh lordy, Matt, I am so sorry to see this. Keep us updated, k? ---
**Author:** ![Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Helen\_s\_Eidolon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Helen_s_Eidolon)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/70 "2003-04-21T02:20:36Z")
**matt** , I’m so sorry to hear that. If you want to get coffee some day, or if you want to call me up to talk, I’m here. You have my phone number, right? All my love, Lauren ---
**Author:** ![scott\_evil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/91b2a8/32.png) [@scott\_evil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scott_evil)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/71 "2003-04-21T02:23:17Z")
**matt** , Jer and I will keep you, mom\_ and dad\_mcl, and Theo in our prayers. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Juniper200](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/df788c/32.png) [@Juniper200](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Juniper200)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/72 "2003-04-21T05:36:17Z")
I’m sorry to hear that, matt. You know we’re all here for you, no matter what you need. ---
**Author:** ![lel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8797f3/32.png) [@lel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lel)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/73 "2003-04-21T06:06:41Z")
I’m so sorry to hear of the news of your father. I’ll be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. ---
**Author:** ![Zenster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/cdc98d/32.png) [@Zenster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zenster)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/74 "2003-04-21T06:16:09Z")
**matt** , just know that lots of people are hoping for the best. If I could trade you my (physically) healthy father for your Dad, I would. ---
**Author:** ![Mgcklmoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/74df32/32.png) [@Mgcklmoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mgcklmoon)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/75 "2003-04-21T06:37:36Z")
I am so sorry, matt. You will be in my thoughts. Given what you described you have some pretty horrific times to go though. Just remember to love and to be strong. Treasure your dad and your family. You have a lot of people that care about you. Be well. ---
**Author:** ![Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c68b51/32.png) [@Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 8:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/76 "2003-04-21T08:13:52Z")
Matt, I’m sorry life has dealt you and your family such difficult cards. My best wishes to you. ---
**Author:** ![Elenfair](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/cc9497/32.png) [@Elenfair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elenfair)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/77 "2003-04-21T11:48:32Z")
Matt - tiens bon, et courage. Si tu as besoin de moi, tu sais ou me trouver. Je suis deja passee par la, je sais ce que c’est… Hang in there, Matt. Elly ---
**Author:** ![Gazelle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Gazelle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gazelle)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/78 "2003-04-21T11:56:51Z")
Big hugs, **matt**. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. ---
**Author:** ![modro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@modro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/modro)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/79 "2003-04-21T16:07:30Z")
**matt\_mcl** , you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, My best wishes to you. Take care ---
**Author:** ![musicguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@musicguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/musicguy)\ **Post date:** [April 21, 2003, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474/80 "2003-04-21T17:03:51Z")
**Matt** , I’m so sorry to hear this news. I went through a very similar situation with my mom a few years ago, who unfortunately lost her battle with breast cancer. Her mental capacity was quite diminished towards the end, which made conversations almost an impossibility. I remember how frustrating it was, that I wanted so much to tell her how much she meant to me, how much I appreciated the sacrifices she had made, but not really being sure if she understood what I was saying or not. I just made sure that I told her that I loved her as much as I could. Sometimes that is all you can really do. Hang in there and take it a day at a time. Tell him you love him every chance you get. And like others have said, keep an eye on mom. There are few things as painful as dealing with the possibility of losing a beloved spouse. She needs as much support as she can get. Make sure you are taking care of yourself through all of this as well. Easier said than done but it is so important. You and your family are most definitely in my thoughts. I wish you strength and courage through these difficult times. You are more than welcome to email me if you would like to talk about it. I remember that when I was going through my situation, it helped to talk to people that had been there as they were more comfortable talking about it openly. I know we don’t actually know each other, other than reading each others posts, but I am there for you if you need someone to talk to. You take care of yourself! Eric [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474.md?page=3) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dad_mcl-is-in-the-hospital/167474.md?page=5)