Grandfather cancer free :)

pjpjpaul

I've been the primary caregiver for my grandparents for almost two years and previously cared for them part time for 4 years. The last 2 years have presented us with many challenges (both grandparents were diagnosed with congestive heart failure for which they were hospitalized then went to a rehab center, and my grandmother had a severe bout of dementia). But nothing was more challenging than my 94 year old grandfather's throat cancer diagnosis last summer. Since that time, he has lost most of his ability to speak, had 35 radiation treatments, weekly physical therapy and speech therapy, 6 daily tube feedings, suffered a loss of energy and bouts of depressions... We finally received the good news a few weeks ago that all of our hard work had paid off and that I'm proud to say that he is now cancer free! He is the strongest person I know and it has been rough to see him go through it but he is doing well and we take it all one day at a time. I appreciate each day and each moment a little more now because of this experience. "It's a fragile thing, this life we lead..." 

hedonist

My dad (also a WWII vet) was not as fortunate as your grandfather, but I'm guessing their mettle matched!

Great news

PS - fuck cancer!

pjpjpaul

hedonist said:

My dad (also a WWII vet) was not as fortunate as your grandfather, but I'm guessing their mettle matched!

Great news

PS - fuck cancer!

Sorry to hear your dad didn't make it. I am sure he was tough as nails if he served during that time. My other grandfather passed in his early 60's from esophageal cancer. We are blessed that I can be here with them and care for them at this time. We can't afford long term skilled nursing care or a nursing home type situation so I have learned a lot about elderly care over the past several years and I know they love being at home and seeing great-grandchildren on a weekly basis. They're my best friends.

deadendp

Please give that grandpa of yours a GIANT hug from me. Oh how much I miss Grandma-ma and Poppy. So glad Grandpa is able to continue enjoying life's adventures with you. 

pjpjpaul

deadendp said:

Please give that grandpa of yours a GIANT hug from me. Oh how much I miss Grandma-ma and Poppy. So glad Grandpa is able to continue enjoying life's adventures with you. 

Will do. He is hanging in there. He just started eating a few solids again but some days are better than others. 

Glorified KC

What an incredible will to live.  So glad to hear this about your grandfather.  I lost my mom to cancer last year, so I’m always happy to hear a success story.

pjpjpaul

cdthomas1981 said:

What an incredible will to live.  So glad to hear this about your grandfather.  I lost my mom to cancer last year, so I’m always happy to hear a success story.

Thanks. Yeah at this point he has had 2 open heart surgeries and 2 full knee replacements as well. He is on oxygen 24/7 and I administer breathing treatments and he has breathing exercises he has to do as well. He is not walking much right now so we may need to switch up some of the physical therapy and well but we will get there.