Sitting here awestruck following a conversation with my father. - TopicsExpress

Sitting here awestruck following a conversation with my father. As many of you know, my dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer five years ago. At that time, his cancer was deemed to be too advanced to treat with traditional therapies, but he was involved in a short trial involving an experimental medication – short as the funding for the trial ran out. And so, my dad did the typical things one does when they prepare for their own demise. He stopped working for a short period of time...because that’s what sick people do. But he was miserable, and returned to his job a short time later. He got his affairs in order. He worried and reflected...but he also talked quite openly about how he felt about things, which was a brand new thing for this man. Months passed and each month my dad’s conditioned was assessed by Dr. Quincy Chi at the Cross Cancer institute in Edmonton. Things pretty much stayed the same, which was puzzling in itself; but then about a year ago, the “spots” on my dad’s lungs began to shrink. Yes...shrink. A miracle? Perhaps. No one knows; but as my dad said last night, he feels like this is his “second shot at life”...and today, he saw a Radiologist...and my dad will be receiving 8 treatments on that last spot of cancer. And the chance for full recovery is now 90%. Five years ago, the odds were 90% that my father would not live a year. So, tomorrow he gets the initial casting done, and treatments will begin very soon. Who knows why this has turned out the way it has, but I can’t help think it’s at least partly due to those of you who have followed my dad’s progress over the years, and the good wishes/energy you have provided him. I send him each one, and I can’t tell you how grateful we are for every kind thought and supportive comment. I will update again soon. Dad sounded invigorated tonight—as a man beating all odds should—and is excited and grateful for the possibilities ahead. Hes a little perturbed that he has to miss work tomorrow...but hey, some things will never change. :) Thank you again from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of my family. R.