Dad ... he's gone.

[beeniesmom]

So do yourself a favor... Worry more about the things you have control of, like your lovely daughter. I know I would not want our daughter to miss out on her children worrying about me.

Thank you. :'''(

Just spoke to mom. She said her and my brothers were there with him during the treatment but he insisted that they all leave when it was done so they wouldn't see him get sick.
He's got two more, one tomorrow and one on Wednesday then a small break. Does anyone know, if he should need a liver transplant (which he probably will), is it difficult to find a compatible liver? Would us kids need to see if we were a match or is the liver an organ that can be donated by anyone? I feel like that's a stupid question.... like I should know.

[Barbara]

Sending all my best wishes- I can understand that all that is just too much for your family. But please don't forget your sweet baby girl- and look at her to get a smile in these hard times.
If I'm right then a liver cannot be donated by a living person, so it's about finding one of somebody deceased. But let's first pray that he gets over chemotherapy and take it from there.

[Anikaca77]

Prays coming for your dad.

Melissa

[Randi]

I'm sending my best wishes that your dad pulls through this. It's hard on you all, but try to enjoy your baby.

(((hugs)))

[slick]

The "C" word is so scary but keep in mind - it doesn't mean a death sentence anymore. They are make great strides in cancer treatment and research. Your Dad will pull through this, I'm sure of it.

Keep a strong and good attitude and repeat after me "It's only a bump in the road." Puck is right - there's no point in spending energy worrying about that which you have no control over. Instead try to find some humour - I don't mean that in an insulting way. Cancer is nothing to laugh at, I know, but keeping a good attitude and sense of humour is the key to recovery.

Prayers on the way from me.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I will send your dad my good wishes and thoughts.

I know your family is far away (if I remember right they live overseas, right?) but is there anyway you and Laura could visit? Maybe having a date set to go see him will help you manage your feelings of helplessness.

[beeniesmom]

I know your family is far away (if I remember right they live overseas, right?) but is there anyway you and Laura could visit? Maybe having a date set to go see him will help you manage your feelings of helplessness.

Yes, they live in Italy. I am trying to get Laura on my passport. I got her birth certificate and now I am waiting on her SS#. As soon as that is done I can start the paperwork to add her to my passport.... then she needs at least 2 rounds of shots before she can travel (through international airports). Her first shots are Oct. 2nd and then again in November. The soonest I can get over there, if I want to take her with me, which I really want to and need to, is sometime mid-November...

Thank you everyone for your support.

Thank you Slick. I know you are travelling this road... I will try to stay positive... like you said... it's a bump in the road. Your words of encouragement mean a lot to me. When I spoke to dad yesterday, I did try to make a little joke. The place where he is getting his treatment is on the mountain overlooking the gulf of Naples (one of the most beautiful places I know of). I told him that we were all going to be envious of him going to this vacation resort on the mountain...

[beeniesmom]

He's gone. He passed away about an hour and a half ago.
I am in shock. Neither me or my sister got a chance to say goodbye.
I don't know what to do with myself.
Instead of comforting my mom, I said "oh now what".
I haven't cried yet. Hubby says it hasn't sunk in.

[Catty1]

{{{{hugs}}}}

I believe your dad knew you were there...and it meant everything to him. And he knew you loved him.

Prayers and more hugs to you.

[Daisy and Delilah]

Carmen, I am so very sorry. I can only imagine how you feel. I feel so bad for you that you didn't get to see him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}

Candace is right. Have comfort in knowing that your Dad knew you were with him in spirit. He left this earth knowing you tried your best to be with him and knowing how much you loved him.

[Medusa]

I concur w/the others; I think that on some level that they know we're there in spirit. I've also read and I've come to believe that sometimes people hang on because they know that their loved ones want them to stay and whenever those loved ones leave to attend to something else or to get a bite to eat or whatever, that's when the person who is ill makes his/her transition. Whatever the case, it will take some time to get used to the idea of not having Dad around. Myself, I became angry for a bit because the world didn't stop and life for everyone else went on as usual when my Dad died. Right now you're still in shock. Gather your loved ones close and lean on them to help you through and you'll find that you'll do the same for them, too. (((HUGS)))

[pomtzu]

Carmen - you and your family have my deepest sympathies. Your Dad knew that you tried your best to be there, and you were with him in spirit. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that he is now at peace and free from the ravages of this dreaded disease. You all are in my prayers this sad day, and in the difficult days ahead.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I am so sorry for your loss!

I firmly believe your dad knows how much you love him and that you would have been there if you could have!!! It's never easy to lose them but the love will remain with you forever. Prayers for you and your family!

[Barbara]

Sending big hugs! I am so sorry that he had to go way too early- and that you couldn't be there.
Sending my sympathies

[Daisy and Delilah]

Thank you. :'''(

Just spoke to mom. She said her and my brothers were there with him during the treatment but he insisted that they all leave when it was done so they wouldn't see him get sick.
He's got two more, one tomorrow and one on Wednesday then a small break. Does anyone know, if he should need a liver transplant (which he probably will), is it difficult to find a compatible liver? Would us kids need to see if we were a match or is the liver an organ that can be donated by anyone? I feel like that's a stupid question.... like I should know.

Carmen, no questions are stupid questions, as far as I'm concerned.

I'm not a medical person. I'm not sure if the liver can be taken in part from a family member and transplanted. I know we have some medical experts on the board.
I believe the liver will regenerate in certain cases but I would think they would look for a compatible liver from someone that has died and is donating their organs. Not sure though.

I just want to wish all of you the best again. My best friend started chemo last week. She's on a continuous pump system feeding into a pic line. I know a little bit about how you feel too. it's very very hard to remain stoic and be supportive without breaking down yourself. {{{{{HUGS}}}}}