One week.
7 Days
168 Hours
10,080 Minutes
604,800 Seconds
My dad was given a week to live today. Sure, we don't know how long he really has, only Jesus knows that. We are smart, though. We know that the human body requires nutrients to be able to keep the organs working properly. We know that he isn't receiving much because of the surgeries he has endured because of the cancer that is literally eating him alive.
It's been a long time since I have resorted to writing. I'm always so frustrated with myself when I find my fingers flying across the keyboard with some music in the background. It's calming. It's peaceful and I should do this more often, I know.
You may think I'm crazy... Blogs are public. Why do I want the entire world to read my thoughts? Well... Because I am not alone. There is someone in this world who is feeling the same way I am tonight. Her daddy is dying. He has a stupid timeline that everyone is racing against and she is feeling alone. Sure, Facebook comments are comforting to a point, but she is alone. She is scared and confused and she is angry.
I want to write because you are NOT alone.
During the Super Bowl of 2016 my dad thought he pulled a muscle coughing. He had the flu the week before and had a cough. One week later, he collapsed on the floor before going to work. He had emergency surgery and we were told he had colon cancer.
My dad has fought this cancer with 8 surgeries, lots of hospital stays, ICU scares, ambulance rides, chemo, and PET scans. He fought cancer with everything in his arsenal- but the stupid disease won.
Did you know that Colon cancer is the second leading cause of death in cancer patients? Did you know that if caught early, it is almost always treatable to the point of cured? Cancer is something that other people had. My Grandmother had breast cancer, but it was caught early and she is now cancer free. I have a cousin who has battled breast cancer... well, now that I type and think, I have several women in my extended family who have battled breast cancer, but they have all won. I did have a great-aunt who passed from cancer 3 years ago. It was terrible- but sadly, I wasn't close so it didn't sting like this has. That's so stupid isn't it??? "If it's not close to me it doesn't happen?" What a thought... but I think that is what we do.
Cancer is also a word that we hear all of the time, so I believe we become somewhat immune to it. We hear all kinds of great stories where people beat cancer, so we think it's just something you take some Chemo treatments, shave your head, and ring a bell, SURVIVOR. Guys, it still a terrible disease who rips through bodies every single day.
Cancer is not my friend. I won't let it consume me, but I do feel like those who don't survive need a voice. People need to know that screenings are vital. Yeah, I get it... colonoscopies are nasty. But, do it anyway. Take 8 hours of ugh instead of 7 days of life left.
I'm going to write more. I have a lot to say. I hope you come to this blog and you see things that help with whatever you are going through. I plan to make a change soon in regards to name etc. I'll let you know before I rip the bandaid.
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