My parents seem to be getting along quite a bit better than two weeks ago. When I visited Friday evening they were not bickering near as much as previously. Dad got frustrated over a couple items, but the conversation did not linger nor escalate over them.
Mom and Dad greatly appreciated the visits from Cousin Sean and Uncle Chuck and Aunt Luise this past week.
Dad's medical diagnosis is now more challenging.
They went to the doctor Friday, 6/20/2014. The biopsy revealed an aggressive liver cancer. If no treatment were given, the estimate is that Dad would live for about six months. There are now many more frequent treatments on the schedule than there were for the bladder cancer.
Mom stated that she was surprised she was not more of an emotional wreck. At the moment she did not have any strong emotion about hearing of Dad's liver cancer severity. It seems like just another day, she said. She thought she will probably break down emotionally over it in a few days. However, I suspect with the way the bladder cancer has been going so well, it may not sink in as really being more serious. I know that is how it is going for me.
Dad is facing it well, as he had already reconciled himself to a near-term death in the not too distant past. He knows the outcome of any of us for another day is uncertain. Each moment for all of us is a gift of God, with no guarantees.
Dad does not seem worried about Monday's cataract surgery, other than getting up early enough to make the 8:15AM time.
Dad seemed slower walking than previously. It is due to a pain Dad has in his upper leg. More of a duller, slow pain than one had in the past in his lower leg. He can sleep OK with this pain. It is making walking hard.
Dad is having a hard time going to the bathroom well. He worries about being requested to get a catheter. Having his bladder out would have removed that worry, but now with the liver cancer that is put on hold.
Mom may be a bit better medically, but she is anxious to get her surgery done soon.
With all the doctor visits for Dad, no schedule has been made yet for Mom's nose skin cancer removal. She knows one is needed soon to avoid the cancer spreading. There was a bit of misunderstanding previously in that she thought she was not to make an appointment until Dad's situation stabilized. However, now she seems willing to set up an appointment.
Mom's mid-term memory seems to me to be doing better. She remembered fairly confidently the visits of the past week. In past I suspect she would have estimated them to have happened months ago, or sometime not too long ago.
Mom seemed to be walking well. When we went out to dinner she only took a cane rather than her previous walker.
Thanks for your prayers for and encouragement to my parents.
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