I thought I would update you all on my dad and the final days of our trip.
First of all - thank the DIS boards and this thread for all your help - you truly helped us have a great trip.
There is good news and bad news.....Good first of course!
We had the time of our lives! We extended the trip an extra day so we could get to EPCOT and Blizzard Beach (Me and the boys - dad and mom stayed back at the condo to rest). EPCOT was great - we were all pretty tired though. Dad was such a trooper! He just kept plugging away on his
ECV (once again - the
BEST thing we did for him on the trip! He just kept saying how he had fun EVERY MINUTE of the vacation! AND WE DID! It was the best thing we could have done----going on the trip....absolutely no regrets!
On the trip home (2 days of driving) Dad slept most of the time...we knew he was tired. Before we left the hotel on the final day of driving - he said his stomach was upset and that he was passing blood. He was also very pale...We made it home ok and he was excited to tell my sister and her family all about the trip....and the Petty Driving Experience he did in Daytona.
The day after we returned he went for a blood test and he was admitted to the hospital the next day. He was losing blood (obviously)...after tests - they found a couple polyps in his colon that they removed (no big deal) and they found a stomach ulcer (which has since found to be gastric cancer). This is the third type of cancer he has (prostate, skin and now gastric). The Dr.s gave him 3 choices--surgery (which he is too weak for), chemotherapy or do nothing and call hospice. He has chosen chemo - although I dont know how long he can handle the treatments- he is so weak.....I am sure doing nothing was NOT an option for him---that would make it seem that he has given up.
I have had a flood of emotions in the past 2 weeks - while I am so glad we went to WDW with him --- I did not imagine that we would come home and 2 days later he would be diagnosised with another cancer that is 'terminal'...I'm sure I will look back some day and say - I'm so glad we went when we did. But now I just am having a hard time dealing with it all.....especially after having such a good time - and this coming on so quick.
It is great when my kids are around Dad that they talk about what their favortive ride was or remembering the parades etc....but....I dont know ---
Did I think/hope Disney was magical enough to cure the cancer???? I know that sounds riduculous...but coming home to this ---is just is too much to handle for me right now....
I appreciate any prayers or words of encouragement you can give...thanks!
fausz4