Posts by Jessica Martinez79

Gary Barrett40 and Fiona, please accept my deepest condolences... It’s incredibly difficult to process when someone close to you is battling a serious illness, let alone facing the reality of their passing. Gary Barrett40, there is absolutely no shame in seeking support; don't hesitate to reach out. I truly hope you find some peace after everything you've been through.

Thank you. Honestly, those were exactly the kind of supportive words I needed to hear right now. After spending the entire day in tears, I finally sat down to start doing some actual research into what this all means and how we move forward. For now, we just wait and take it one day at a time, as you all suggested. I truly believe his granddaughter will be a huge source of strength for him through this. We aren't going to just roll over and give up—he's only 60, after all. I know there are going to be dark days where the urge to throw in the towel feels overwhelming, but I refuse to let that happen. I have to stay strong. I’m an incredibly emotional person by nature, and things like this leave a permanent mark on me, especially since I'm so close with my dad. But I'll find a way to toughen up. Is it actually possible for cancer to be triggered by stress? He's dealt with a lot of intense pressure over the last year, and then this happens... Just as he's supposed to be entering retirement and enjoying life, he's stuck in a hospital instead. :-(

Angela Wright said:You just push through it. Life throws things at you, and there isn't much room for complaining; you simply have to keep moving forward and deal with it.
I'll be blunt with you: that yellowing you mentioned actually points toward the most optimistic scenario here, specifically regarding the liver.
It is what it is. You have to accept the situation and try to make the absolute most of it. Once the fight begins, it will be mentally easier for him and for everyone else.

I know, and that yellowing is exactly why I'm most worried—because I realize how far this has already progressed.😢 It’s devastating; my entire world collapsed in an instant. I have my own family to look after, so I have to stay strong for them, but he’s my father. He isn't even that old. How can I help him find the will to keep fighting? It feels like he's already giving up. :-(

I never imagined I’d be posting on a forum like this, but I desperately need to talk to someone. After a lot of pushing and endless conversations, my dad finally agreed to see a doctor today. He’s been dealing with a laundry list of symptoms—though he was too stubborn to admit how bad they actually were—including weight loss, bloody stools, changes in bowel habits, and jaundice. It’s been devastating. The doctor told him it looks like cancer, most likely colorectal, and that surgery is on the table. The next steps are an exam and a biopsy. He is completely broken; this is a man who has never shed a single tear in his life, yet here he is, weeping and just giving up. I honestly don't know how to live with this reality. Even though we're still waiting on the results, based on everything he's experiencing, I'm certain it's malignant. I force myself to stay strong when I'm with him, but the second I get home, I break down. How am I supposed to get through this?