I stayed with Dad and Cheri until after his appointment yesterday.
The doctor gave him his options, but stated beforehand that the really puzzling thing was the degree of jaundice Dad has. Apparently, the liver should be almost gone before someone turns as yellow as he is, and based on ultrasound (not MRI, sorry), the spots on his liver are small. If his bilirubin count does not go down, chemo is just not an option.
Extremes are either do nothing, and enjoy the time left as much as possible, or, remove the colon tumor, take gall bladder, and see if anything can be done with liver- assuming the bilirubin count goes down. If it does not, there is just no point.
He's terminal, regardless. I am thankful that he appears to have a little more time than I first thought, but hope that he goes quickly enough for little suffering. I would hate for him to have the protracted pain my mother went through.
You know, despite my sadness at the reason for my visit, it was great to see not only my siblings, but my little nephews and nieces. I saw a nephew for the first time, as well as seeing two nieces who were babies when I saw them last. Death happens, and it's sad, but life happens, too. And it is very good.
Thanks to everyone for their support. I know many of you offered prayers and condolences through your tears as you've struggled through your own hard times. May your kindness be repayed, with interest.
John
