---Update on my Dad-- Friday morning we received a diagnosis from the doctors about my dad. His has been officially diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS.) A myelodysplastic syndrome is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells and there are abnormal cells in the blood and/or bone marrow. We are told that this will likely evolve into a form of Leukemia at some point on an unknown time frame. MDS is not curable and treatment options are few. All we have been told is that chemotherapy will slow its progression, but the side effects of chemotherapy treatment are exhaustion/loss of energy and nausea. Meanwhile, the symptoms of MDS my dad is already experiencing are shortness of breath and exhaustion/loss of energy. So to combine those together you can understand why he is still undecided if chemotherapy is a treatment he wants to explore. It is also strange to me that I have read MDS is sometimes caused by exposure to radiation; radiation such as chemotherapy. Again, it is difficult to want to try a method to slow a process when it has been know to cause that very syndrome. In the overall picture, it still equates to a blood production problem that is incurable. Up to this point, my dad has received 14 units of blood in just 3 weeks. (The average human body only contains 10-12.) The issue there is that at some point, his body will begin to reject the introduction of foreign blood, and that will eliminate blood transfusions from the list of options. The doctor also informed my dad that he is no longer allowed to eat any fresh foods. He is only allowed foods that have been cooked, or pre packaged due to bacteria concerns. Now, at first I thought “Ehh, no problem. My dad has never been known to order a salad!” But then I realize he will not be able to eat things such as tacos or BLT sandwiches or order a sub from Subway with everything on it. He also told that he should not be in public places such as Walmart, church, or school functions due to the increased possibility of a viral infection as his body would not be able to fight with his current white blood cell level. In short, we understand that our days with my dad here with us are numbered. What we do not know is if that number is large or small. When you see me, it is unlikely that you would not be able to tell anything is wrong. I have a duty to provide for my family, in ways of leadership, guidance and example. That commitment is one I shall keep. I pray to God, and ask for grace, wisdom and strength when the truth is, behind the presentation, when no one is looking; I’m a mess who is scared, ignorant, and helpless. Again, thank you to each of you for your support. For some that has placing your hands on me in prayer, and for others it has been prayer from a far. For others it has reaching out to my mom, or text of well wishes. We are truly blessed to have such amazing people in our lives. Thank you.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 04:27:20 +0000
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