[ideesmom5]

my brave dad

by ideesmom5 on Sat Apr 06, 2013 9:53 pm

My father, Richard Bisiack, passed away yesterday after an 18 month battle with multiple myeloma. He was one month shy of 70 years old. Dad was high-risk, (del 17) and we knew he had a tough fight. And fight he did...we tried just about every treatment option there was but nothing really held the beast at bay. Dad suffered from a broken jaw, broken ribs, sternum and vertebrates. The last few months were particularly difficult. The plasmacytoma on his jaw came back and he endured 18 days of radiation, wearing a tight fitting mask that made him claustrophobic. The myeloma invaded his kidneys (extramedullary) and he was on dialysis the last month of his life.

He never complained, just wanted a "fighting chance". But this disease doesn't fight fair.

I will miss my father tremendously but am thankful he is no longer in pain. I am grateful to the care he received at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, particularly from Dr. Libby, Barbara and Alex.

This forum was so helpful in getting me educated about multiple myeloma and I feel I was able to advocate for my dad and make the best treatment decisions possible. Thank you to everyone who provides input on the forums. It is a lifeline.

I know my dad would want everyone to keep fighting. Our prayers go out to all of those warriors still in battle.

Dana

[Nancy Shamanna]

Re: my brave dad

by Nancy Shamanna on Sat Apr 06, 2013 10:12 pm

Dear Dana, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad, who must have been a real 'warrior' in his fight against multiple myeloma. I am sure that having such a supportive family near him was a tremendous help to him, and I hope that the wonderful memories you have of him will sustain you at this time...Nancy

[ChallengerDave]

Re: my brave dad

by ChallengerDave on Sat Apr 06, 2013 10:29 pm

I pray for Mr.Richard Bisiack. May he enter the kingdom of heaven and know God's love. May he drink from the well of his spirit and dwell in peace and comfort. I did not know your father but feel him through the words of your testament. I pray for him tonight. May you find peace and comfort now.

[Anonymous]

Re: my brave dad

by Anonymous on Sun Apr 07, 2013 7:44 am

So very sorry for your loss Dana.
Praying every day for a cure.

[Anonymous]

Re: my brave dad

by Anonymous on Wed Apr 10, 2013 11:26 am

Dana,

I knew your Dad, he was a generous man and one of good humor. I've no doubt he braved his condition. I'm sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many.

Jerry George

[DanaH]

Re: my brave dad

by DanaH on Wed Apr 10, 2013 12:34 pm

Dear Dana,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. May he rest in pain-free eternal peace. My deepest condolences to you and your family. Thank you for sharing his story.

Peace to you,
Dana H

[Eric Albrecht]

Re: my brave dad

by Eric Albrecht on Thu Apr 11, 2013 10:44 am

Dana,

I had the privilege to work with your dad the last few years before his retirement. I found him to be a kind, generous man and a man of integrity. I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart aches for the grief you are experiencing. Recently I talked with Dick. As you said, he faced his final challenge with quiet courage.
Dana, I have found some comfort in the words of an ancient man. These words give me comfort, because they provide a hope for the future for all of those we love, and have passed away. I want to share them with you now, and hope that you can find some comfort also.

"If an able-bodied man dies, can he live again? All the days of my compulsory labor I shall wait, until my relief comes. You will call, and I myself will answer you. For the work of your hands you will have a yearning." Job 14:14,15

Eric

[ideesmom5]

Re: my brave dad

by ideesmom5 on Sat Apr 27, 2013 10:47 am

Thank you to all who responded with such kind words. They were comforting to me and my family.

Blessings,

Dana