Sad news from my family.

[Salted Grump]

I don't like saying this, or even thinking it, but if i don't reality will come by and smack me around later, regardless, so I might as well get it off my chest.

My father is one of (very few) people surviving with Hemophilia, HIV and Hepatitis in Canada, and, is probably the only Hemophiliac of his generation still alive.

He's had 62 years of life so far, and I was hoping for much more, but it seems that's not going to be the case.

In mid-March, my dad was Diagnosed with Stage 4 Liver Cancer, with metastasies behind the heart, in the upper intestine, and in the left lung, though the man tumor, in the Liver itself was Roughly the size of a Banana (about 5 inches long, and an inch wide)

Yesterday, after being released from hospital after his first major radiation therapy, an MRI was taken that showed the news that Nobody wanted. In the week between the prep surgery and the therapy, the tumor tripled in size, taking up Roughly 70% of my Dad's liver based on original mass, and has completely engulfed the lower half of his left lung.

Prognosis is, at best, between three and six months.

I just thought I'd let you know, because all of you are like my extended circle of friends, who I trust and care for, even if I am a snarky pain in the butt.

So... does anyone know where I can get a working Liver for cheap?

[RootedPhoenix]

*offers hugs and prayers*

[Der Cute]

Hugs, and Lotsa More Hugs.

And kitty bonks. Fuzzy always gives me loves when I need it, so I can share.

Cutenoob

[BookstoreEscapee]

Sorry, no livers, just hugs.

Sounds like he's been through a lot. I hope you all can make the most of whatever time he's got left.

[tropicsgoddess]

Sorry to hear that. Central or Northern FL is way cheaper than South FL in terms of cost of living but dunno about the job market there.

[Rapscallion]

We'll be here.

Rapscallion

[Peppergirl]

Hugs to you. And EQ will be around with the cookies.

[Salted Grump]

I got a letter from my sister today. Hand-written and everything.

I will Not be omitting names, except my own.

~~~~~

I know that the past four years or so have had their really crappy moments. I know that right now we are all going through yet another crappy moment. That said, be strong.

Grandma always said we Wilson's were survivors. We are. No life is without low spots or bleak times. These moments define us, make us who were are, the action we chose to take in dealing with these bleak spots define us as well. Without darkness we can not appreciate the light, without bitter we can not savour the sweet. We have two choices, roll over and play dead or push through and reap the joys life brings us.

Grandma, for all her crustiness near the end reveled in the sweet and the joy, she embraced life, despite being beaten by one husband and burrying two others. She lived, she enjoyed, she loved, she thrived. We all die at some point, but what defines us is how we lived and how much we embraced life.

John is a survivor, and a realist. John has consistently beaten the odds. He was told he wouldn't live past twenty, he's what... 62? He was told he couldn't live a full life, he's been married twice, fathered four children, supported his family, been a loving brother, son, Uncle and father and has gotten into more shenanigans than I can possibly think of. He has lived when people say it is only a matter of time far longer than anyone has dared imagine. He is a survivor and will be even when he is gone because he has never given up on life.

I know what it is like to feel so much sorrow that you think that you are swallowed whole by it. I know the urge to curl up in a corner and die. What stops me is there is so much living left to do, it out weighs the bleak. There is so much opportunity for sunshine and happiness in the simplest things. John says he wakes up each morning thankful and happy for another day. He has lived with the spectre of death for so many years, yet he sees life.

Be strong. When John is gone Goodie will need support. Will will be back at school and Alex will be at base. You must be the support for Goodie and you must be strong. John needs that assurance, he needs to know his wife and partner will be cared for. He needs to see that you are letting light into your life. Its hard, but eassier than you think. Don't allow the bleak and the dark to consume you, you haven't even tried living yet. There is a world of sunshine and joy that you must embrace, you will apreciate it because you know the shadows. We aren't meant to live in shadows, we are survivours, we live.

Love Kris

[Bella_Vixen]

*many hugs*