Prayers please

[wvjules]

My step-dad has had difficulty swallowing on and off for years. The past 6 months or so it has gotten so bad that he can barely swallow anything. Yesterday he went in for an endoscopy and biopsy. My mom just called to tell me that the doctor called them with the results: he has esophogeal cancer.

Of course since getting this news I have been all over the internet and the statistics for surviving this type of cancer aren't good. Especially since the diagnosis comes so late in the cancer-stage. We don't know what stage he's in yet but I sure could use your good thoughts.

I have no idea how to tell my daughter. Her and her pappy were like two peas in a pod before we moved to MD. Any suggestions? I obviously have to keep strong for her but I'm really at a loss as for how/when to tell her.

So anyway, please pray for my step-dad and for strength for me to tell DD.

 

[Jennasis]

Prayers sent! Hugs for you!!!

 

[ols386]

Prayers for you and your family.

 

[Buckalew11]

Prayers for your family, WVJules. DD was very close to both her grandfathers also. It is very tough to tell bad news--esp. when you don't know exactly what the outome will be. With my dad, we knew it was terminal cancer but didn't know a time frame. We approached it as terminal though so that we'd all remember to make the most of everyday and every visit, phone call etc. I think she is old enough to shoot straight with her, JMHO.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Prayers for your step dad, you and the family.

Having to tell your dd will not be easy. Just be sensitive and honest. My poor ds had to hear I had cancer when I freaked out on the phone when the dr. called me, so just be prepared for lots of hugging and tissues etc. It is never esy and my heart goes out to you all. Blessings to everyone.

 

[browneyes106]

I'm sorry about your step dad. I will keep him in my prayers. How old is your DD? Maybe if she is a bit older she might understand a little better.

 

[Micca]

I'm so sorry Jules. Sending some good thoughts your way. Hang in there.

 

[Rora]

Prayers and good thoughts sent your way.

 

[minkydog]

I'm so sorry. Cancer is such an accursed disease.

I think I'd wait on telling your daughter just yet. Wait until you know more. What you tell her will depend on her age and understanding. For instance, when my step-dad was ill (he was actually more like a father to me) I knew as soon as I saw him that he was living on borrowed time. However, I chose not to say that to my mother or my children. I waited until it was obvious *to them* to share my greif. My daughter was 10 at the time. She was still pretty much a concrete thinker, so I elected to share only the minimal amount of information: "Grandpa is very sick. His illness makes him very tired. He's having some surgery to try and fix it. You can bring him a drawing and a balloon to help him feel better." On the other hand, I told my oldest son who was then 16 "Grandpa has leukemia and his heart is bad. He's very sick and may no live much longer." My youngest is severely mentally handicapped, so I didn't tell him anything. His memory is very short, so I knew that he would grieve hard but only for a short time.

I hope you have some time together to say the things you want to say and get his affairs in order. I know it was a gift to us that we had time to say Goodbye to DSD.

 

[laurie31]

I will pray for your family.

 

[Catzeyes]

We lost my dad to this same cancer a month ago. His was stage 4 when they found it and he chose not to attempt the surgery. If you have any questions about his treatment feel free to pm me. You and your family will be in my prayers.

 

[C.Ann]

Will do.. I suggest not telling your DD until you have more info though.. Prayers will be said for all involved..

 

[Robinrs]

Hugs to you, this is never easy, especially with the children.

God bless,

Robinrs

 

[binny]

prayers said Jules. I'm sorry

 

[Pop Daddy]

prayed for all of you

 

[RNMOM]

Sending good thoughts, prayers and hugs to you all.

 

[minniebeth]

prayers to you and your family and your DD!

 

[wvdisluv2]

hugs and prayers for you all~

 

[GraysMom]

and prayers for you and your family.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Sorry to read that, Jules. My best wishes and prayers for your step-dad, you, your daughter and mom, and all your family.