Several years ago, I lost my granny to colon cancer and my father-in-law to nonhodgkins lymphoma so I have an idea what you must be going through. Try to stay strong through this difficult time.

Also, have you contacted your local American Cancer Society Relay for Life. They are a wealth of information about the desease and can give you ideas on how to cope with the situation. They even have whats called a "Road to Recovery" program where they find drivers to take patients to their appointments. I just can't say enough about the programs they offer for not only you but also your Dad.

I'm on the board so if you have any questions feel free to ask and best wishes to your Dad and yourself.

you and your father are in my thoughts/hearts and prayers

Thank you!!

Jim your story is all too familiar to me. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with Lung Cancer, and when they found it, it was Stage 4 and already metastisized to her bones (spine). They found it incidentally on an xray of her back. She had tumors in all 5 lobes so they couldn't operate. After about 6 months they found a brain tumor, and she had surgery on that. She lived for 3 1/2 years at Stage 4. Did every type of chemo she possibly could, countless weeks of radiation. Right before starting our "last option" for chemo, they found she was in liver failure and therefore couldn't start chemo.

It was a long, painful journey for everyone involved. Cancer just doesn't touch the patient, it touches whole families. She passed away in 2008 and there isn't a day that goes by we don't think of her. It's such an awful, awful disease and it really does take no prisoners.

We've done Relay for Life for the past two years, hoping to raise enough money country-wide to find a cure. One day, I know they'll find a cure but until then people have to keep fighting and praying!

Jim I think we all have or have had a loved one who has had to deal with that ugly word cancer....Its never easy and it sure sounds like your dad has had his share....my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...

Hey Jim,

Sorry to hear about your Father! I lost my Dad Dec 22nd 2005 from a Cardiac Arrest, it was sudden and unexpected. He had previous mild heart attacks and had a stint put in about a year prior. My Mom was diagnosed with Colon Cancer Sept 07 and we lost her Jan 09 with multiple complications along the way, they were not able to due chemo or radiation. All the scenarios suck basically but there are many of us here that have felt similar pain to what you are going through. I try to know tell anyone I know what they are feeling because we all have different emotions and feelings. Hugs to you and sending thoughts to your whole family! Susan

BTW.. dropping that 1 pound is still amazing! Even if you were to keep stable at this time. I say just tread water at times because you do what you need to do! Just keep hydrated!

Jim, I know a lot is going on right now with your Dad's health, I am sure he wants you to be strong and successful as well. Don't give up stay strong for the both of you! Be safe!

Thank you all for your kind words, prayers and encouragement. Much appreciated.