Rep Power: 773

Ok, this relates to the reason I haven't been posting as much as usual. A few of you already know by the brief mentions I've made in post's a while back, but I think it's time to let the rest of you know. (The regular poster's whom I consider to be my Extended Family)

The real reason my time here has backed way off, is because of my fathers deteriorating health. He was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer back in January of this year, and thankfully it was only a small tumor when they found it. He under went the regular treatment for this type of cancer, (Radiation & Chemo Therapy) and after the 36 sessions, they had him do another CT Scan. The results from this CT Scan didn't show any new tumors, which looked very promising.

So after a couple months, (May 30th) the ongologist set up another CT Scan to check on the prognosis. When we went to discuss the results from that scan, that was when we found out the bad news. Not only had the original tumor quadrupled in size, but the cancer had ingulfed his Liver. She had a second Oncologist come in with us, and they both proceeded to tell us that not only is Pancreatic Cancer the most aggresive and incurable......but 95% of ALL people who are at this stage (the amount of cancer in his liver) die within 6 months. But, because of his already failing health problems, a more realistic time would be 4 months. He has Diabetes and heart desease.

Here's the thing guys......the reason I decided to tell you all of this now, is because I didn't want anyone to think my absence was due to anything other than what it is. My oldman has been staying with me since right before he was diagnosed, so I'm his only caretaker as of right now. As things progress, I'll obviously have to hire Hospice to come in and help me, but as of right now I'm able to take care of his needs. He is already handicapped and has to use a walker, so I have been very busy with trying to take care of the both of us.

I hope this message doesn't find any of you upset over what I just said, meaning: If anyone has already lost a family member due to cancer, I hope I didn't stir up any emotions that have upset you. If I did, I'm very sorry.....I hope you know it was never my intention to do so. I've gotten through the shock and anger of this situation, and my oldman has accepted it for what it is, so we both have decided to not dwell on the negative, but rather spend as much time as we possible can, just having fun this summer! We've already started going on some long cruises, and next month sometime we're going to Vegas for a week.

So......while I'm going to be busy spending as much time as I can with my oldman, I'll still be posting here as much as possible. Probably in the late evening when he's sleeping in his lounger. And as we do certain things, I'll post up any pictures that I think you guys might like......as in, I'm sure we'll see some good car shows this summer.

You know, I feel much better now that I got that off my chest. I know it was long and not really the most popular thing to talk about, but it was important for me to do. If I didn't care about you guys, I would have just left you out of.......well,........
"the most important thing in my life right now"!!

So Thank you for taking the time to read this message..........I deeply appreciate it!

 
Rep Power: 875

I'm very sorry to hear that Arch. I am happy you are taking care of your father like that. I know it's hard. My grandfather went through the exact same thing. It was hard for us to help him b/c he lived kind of far away from us but we did all we could for him. I wont get into details b/c it will make me really sad. So I hope you have all the fun you can with your dad going to Vegas and car shows and such.
-Matt

 
Rep Power: 922

ooo. im sorry to hear that. didnt really know any of that but thanks for the update. i know it feels good to get the news out so you can kinda relax and stop worrying about us so much hehe. well good luck, best wishes to both of you and take care buddy.

 
Rep Power: 833

hey man do what you have to do, taking care of family comes first.

 
Rep Power: 755

You're a good guy Arch, hope you and your father have great summer.

 
Rep Power: 0

Words can't even explain how I feel right now. Don't you even for a second worry about us when your family needs you. We will in no way ever think ill of you because of it.

 
Rep Power: 822

These guys are right. We understand. And as I mentioned in a different thread, my best friend and I went through the same thing, except we didn't go on cruises and to vegas. Well, enjoy every minute of what you have. Life is too short for anyone to waste any time ... Anywho, your a great guy Arch. I'm sure your father appreciates everything you are doing for him. The best of luck buddy ...

 
Rep Power: 774

family comes first brother i lost a grandma to canser it was tough sorry to hear about your dad. Best of luck for the both of you.

 
Rep Power: 785

I'm very sorry about your Dad.
I know what you are going through as I lost my Mom to cancer a few years ago.I know it's not easy,so if you ever need anything just let me know.

Enjoy the time you have with him

 
Rep Power: 1093

sorry to hear arch, your father will be in my prayers. Have fun, and spend lots of time together! you have your car as a cruise machine... dont be afraid to put more than 22k on it haha

 
Rep Power: 812

im sorry to hear that... just spend as much time as you can with him and just make this the best summer ever for the both of you... and dont worry about us... we'll still be here and be there for you.

 
Rep Power: 773

I want you all to know how much I appreciate the kind words you've left, even though it's hard to know what to say when someone tells you something like this. I'm also very relieved to see that you all understood the nature of my post and took it for what is was. I know my dad doesn't want anybody to feel sorry for him, as he feels like he's had a great life, but instead he'd rather have people try to remember all the good times that they had together.

I know he makes me feel very proud to be his son, and I credit him for the person I've become. I only hope I can live up to the man he wanted me to become, and from knowing how he feels about me putting my life on hold, in order to take care of him, I truly think he feels that already. I showed him all the things that you guys posted, and it made him very happy to know that I have such great friends to support me like that. Again, I really appreciate it.

And yes, I plan on racking up the miles on my car this summer with all the cruising we plan on doing together. We're actually flying down to Vegas about mid-July, but I'm thinking if he's feeling up to it, I'd like to drive back down for "Hot August Nights"!! We'll see what happens, but actually it doesn't matter if we just hit up the local events......just spending that time with him is all that matters to me.

Anyway, I'll keep checkin back in to see what's happening, it just might not be every day,......so I guess you could say I'll more or less be here on a part-time basis. Ok, cool......I'll chat witcha guys later!!

 
Rep Power: 967

dont think twice about hospice, i couldnt imagine how it would have been if my mom didnt do that. provided wheelchair and morphine and the nicest asian nurses. lol.

 
Rep Power: 971

Best of luck to you and yours Arch. You take your time and dont worry about little old us here. You do what you gota do. You'll be in my prayers.

 
Rep Power: 1046

we all understand. Like Chad said, family comes first.