I don't usually write any too personal on my blog or facebook page. I am quite a shy, quiet and private person.
But today is a little different. Today something amazing occurred.
Firstly I will take you back to Jan 2006. In the blink of an eye, terrifying moment my Dad was diagnosed with bowel cancer. A tumour the size of a tennis ball. He was given a 15% chance that treatment would help. They thought he would likely be gone within months
Well my Dad, simply said ' buggar that'. He took that 15% chance. And so began his journey through chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, more chemotherapy and more radiation. At times being in incredible pain because the cancer then spread to the bones in his lower spine. At times feeling so sick, so weakened, so exhausted we wondered how he would ever go on.
There were times when we prepared ourselves for his passing, numerous times. I once even asked him if he ever felt like just giving up. His response..... 'No. I don't like the alternate'. I also asked him if he thought of dying....'no, I think about what I will leave behind'.
In the 7 and a half years that he has battled this nasty vicious disease that affects so many people, his positivity and his will to survive has been phenomenal. Some days have been incredibly tough, he is the first to admit that. Some days he has tried so hard to hide how he is really feeling, but those of us close to him, can see he is not 'fine' as he says he is.
The strength that he has also gained from my mothers love and support has helped him in more ways than any of my sister, brothers or I can imagine. She too has been phenomenal and a tower of strength
Never did they give up hope. And today that has paid off. Today my Dad tells me that he saw the oncologist yesterday. He is officially in remission. Those that have survived the 5 year mark are generally considered to be ok, his oncologist tells him. But Dad is a little different. He wasn't expected to last 6 months, his cancer was so aggressive that they did not think they could help him.
He is a medical marvel but they still have to keep an eye on him, so will see the oncologist every few months.
Dad still suffers extreme pain. He has constant pain and pins and needles in his hands and feet due to the effects of the chemotherapy. The radiation has caused the bones in his pelvis to weaken and reach the point of crumbling so that he has a fracture where his sacrum joins his pelvis. But they are hoping to help him with that too. Today he had an infusion of drugs that aim to improve his bone density so that the pain should lessen. They are very positive and, of course, so is my Dad.
He can take that....he is in remission.
We all take our hats off to you Dad. You are Amazing and we feel so incredibly lucky to still have you. Go you good thing. We love you lots xxx
