[Missnu]

How I Miss Him - My Dad, My Hero - May 12, 2015

by Missnu on Mon Aug 03, 2015 8:33 pm

My dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2000. He was given a prognosis of 10 years. At that time, he was in the "smoldering stage," which means he didn't have to be treated at that time.

In 2007 the treatments started. He went through many kinds of chemo, periods of remission, etc. over the next 8 years. Dad never gave up hope. He continued to live his life to the full and con­tinued doing all the things he loved right up to the year before we lost him. He continued fishing, and planted a garden every summer. He always had a smile on his face and a joke to tell.

Around the fall of 2014 his health really started to go downhill. He began losing a lot of weight and he had many more bad days than good days. He was hospitalized in March of 2015 due to ele­vated kidney levels. He was treated for this condition, but also informed that the chemo treat­ments were no longer working. A decision was made at that time to end treatments and begin hospice care. He was told that he had months to live.

Dad spent the next seven weeks planning for and paying for his funeral. He refused to have that burden put on his kids. On May 12th, I held his hand as he took his last breathe. I miss him more every day. I will forever miss him.

My heart breaks for those who are dealing with this dreaded condition. Rather it be you or someone you love. Prayers and thoughts go out to you.

[Betsy50]

Re: How I Miss Him - My Dad, My Hero - May 12, 2015

by Betsy50 on Thu Aug 06, 2015 10:43 am

Hello Missnu,

I'm very, very sorry for your loss. I wish I could find the words to bring some peace and alleviate your pain.

I also lost my father (not from myeloma) so I understand very well what you are going through and what you are suffering.

I truly feel for you and wish you can get consolation remembering the moments and love you both share.

Prayers and thoughts go out to you too.

Betsy

[gardengirl]

Re: How I Miss Him - My Dad, My Hero - May 12, 2015

by gardengirl on Mon Aug 10, 2015 9:01 pm

So sorry for your loss. I lost my dad to cancer (not myeloma) on May 15, 1998, and not a day goes by when I don't think about him, especially during football and baseball seasons! My brother and I still relive a lot of his crazy comments. I, too, was with him for his last breath ... just him and me. He was "The Wind Beneath My Wings" ... the song we danced to at my wedding.

You will find that, as the years go by, you will cry at unexpected times, and then find yourself smiling and laughing at the memories ... the smiles will soon overcome the tears. Your dad will be with you forever.