Grandfather Update

There’s no beating around the bush so I will get right to it.

During my grandfather’s colonoscopy on Friday, they discovered that he has colon cancer. It’s a very early and small-ish tumor and it was oozing, which played a big part in his drop in blood counts. He was also taking a low dose blood thinner which is what played a huge roll in his rapid blood loss.

After lengthy discussions with the surgeon, the gastroenterologist, the cardiologist, and his primary care doctor, we’ve weighed all the options and decided that it would cause him more harm to remove the tumor at this point. He would have to endure general surgery and he’s 92 years old - anesthesia and recovery from a procedure like that doesn’t have a good outcome with someone of his age with his health issues. I’ve told everyone, we just want to be reasonable and we want to do the right thing - unfortunately in this case, there is no right or wrong answer. I don’t want to push anything on my grandfather that is not reasonable, which includes surgery or any type of treatment. His physicians do not believe that the tumor will cause him additional harm in his lifetime (perforation of the bowel, blockages, etc). They think something else will get him before the tumor will.

We also had the opinion of an oncologist but he’s NOT who I wanted my grandfather to see and when I found out who was on call, I already knew what his determination would be before he even came in the room. I’m making an appointment with an oncologist of MY choice this week, not for chemo…just to discuss options and his opinion.

The hospital my grandfather is staying in is NOT the one I work at and he’s on the heart floor, not the oncology floor. Let’s just say he (and we) have had less than “excellent” care this hospital boasts. Most of the nurses don’t know me, which also means they don’t realize who I know, including the oncology nurse manager of the hospital. I’ve already spoken with her and she gave great advice and told me to call if I need anything.

Anyway, my grandfather is bound and determined to get back home. Whether that happens or not, we will see. At the moment, the plan is for him to go back to the care center to resume physical therapy and go from there. Thanks again for all of the prayers and concern! We appreciate it more than you could possibly ever know!

Also, don’t forget about my Zensah Argyle Compression Socks Giveaway! Ends on Friday!