DAD

[Sorry about the long break but for those who don’t know, Dad has had some major health problems and is still in the hospital. I will try to get back to my “therapy session” (or as it seems--my autobiography) soon and I’m sure you are more than ready for the conclusion as I am to finish writing it. I’ve rarely been on the computer and have had somewhat of a writer’s block of late.]

In April, Dad’s bypass was postponed because the doctors discovered he was anemic. After several weeks of testing, the reason for the blood loss was due to a mass on his colon, along with numerous polyps. When I picked up my parents from the doctor’s office, both were somber. “Guess it runs in the family,” Dad blurted out as he got into the car. As we drove along, asked, “Well…” There was silence, followed by hesitations. Knew it couldn’t be good news. Mom said that we would talk about it when we got home. Although only a mile from office to home, the tears started to fall. That dreaded “c” word was now the new focal point and the doctors were not overly optimistic.

Dad was scheduled to have a CT scan in preparation for colon surgery last week. A few days prior Dad was extremely weak, had difficulty maneuvering, had little appetite and no interest in the “boob tube,” a sure sign to me that Dad was depressed. While observing Dad eating dinner last Monday night, it reminded me when Carl had insulin reactions. Thought he had a stroke. The paramedics took Dad to the ER and an angiogram showed that Dad had suffered a heart attack.

Although considered a “mild” attack, the lower lobe of the heart was pretty well kaput, and according to the specialists, Dad’s case was very difficult. Doing a bypass would not be advisable because of the blood issues--can’t put a patient on blood thinners when said patient is losing blood; and can’t attach necessary medical devices to the lower lobe when it is already severely damaged. The bypass issue was addressed two years ago when it was discovered that Dad’s arteries were over 90% blocked but too far gone to have stents inserted; however, someone Dad’s age only had a 50/50 chance of success, and he also had other health issues, and to be blunt, Dad just didn’t want to have it done. Dad has always said he would rather live one year of enjoyment (meaning eat what you want) versus two years of misery.

According to one of the nurses, Dad has had the “A Team” consulting on his case. Dad has to give his heart a rest before any medical procedure can be performed. Modern technology has changed over the last two years and now the plan is to stent the arteries as much as possible using several different techniques and the senior heart specialist will be on call to insert a pacemaker--outer or inner whichever the need. Of course, nothing really is for certain until the surgery is being performed. Still awaiting Dr. W’s return and hopefully some procedure will be performed before the end of this week. Then it will be back to focusing on the possibility of colon cancer.

Dad is still very weak and doesn’t have much of an appetite. But who does with hospital food, especially when it’s low sodium, fat, and cholesterol. He’ll have to change his diet and know Dad’s not going to be happy.

On a side note, I have a new found respect for people who live in their automobiles. Have passed by a few on my early morning jaunts but never really know the circumstances. My neighbors were evicted from their apartment for lack of payment and are moving out. Wouldn’t you know they decided to start at 10:00 last night and the U-Haul was parked below my bathroom window, with slamming doors and periodic yelling. Tried to sleep with high fan blowing and TV on but just tossed and turned. Got dressed, grabbed my keys and headed toward my car that is parked in the church lot. Tried to get comfortable and should have worn my sweats (much colder outside than in my apartment). Did manage to fall asleep but woke up and went back to my apartment to go to the bathroom. They were still at it!!!!!!!! It was 12:30. Decided to try and ignore the noise and luckily fell sound asleep until time to get up. Have a feeling I’ll be faced with the same situation again tonight. Lived next door to them for 1-½ years and they always do what they want, whenever they want with no consideration for anybody else. Although they are nice, and I like them, can't say I'll hate to see them go.