On Thanksgiving Day, my sister from Tucson called to say my Dad was in the hospital. He had flu symptoms for almost a week. It wasn't the flu... His red and white blood cell counts were dangerously low. Blood tests, and bone marrow test.
I got a call again from my sister, on November 28th a Tuesday evening, 6pm sharp. Another date I will never forget where I was and what I was doing at the time... Right up there with the space shuttle accident and 9/11..

She has me on speaker phone in hospital room with my family and my Dad. Her words still haunt me... Dad has acute lukemia, and has only 3 to 6... "What?" I heard my stepmother next. "Dawn your dad only has 3-6 months to live". It's a little foggy after that...

Anyway, my Dad has always been healthy. He is 78 years old. He has opted out of chemotherapy, which has only a 10% chance for remission. He has already checked off everything he wanted to do/go on his bucket list, except go and find his roots in Scotland. His only need right now is as much time with his bride of 55 years.

He's home now, and resting, hospice in place. I plan a trip to visit him very soon.

I have been fortunate to have both parents living till now. I think I'm still in shock, but I know his time is near.

I'm still here on the forum, I plan to stay here. Just wanted everyone to know why I haven't been very active. My thoughts sometimes are scattered, which makes it difficult to focus on issues. Please be patient with me, and I will keep you posted on any significant news on my dad. Thank you for listening...

Dawn,

I am so sorry to hear this. I hope you are able to spend a lot of time with him in the coming months.

I know how much this hurts.

Thinking of you,

Dawn, we will all be here waiting for whenever you can get on the board, for updates or for whatever you feel like participating in.

You, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know you have much support, but know that I am here if you just need an ear also. Different disease, but my dad spent his last days at home on hospice, its hard times, but they're a wonderful program. Anyway, I understand what you're going through. Read everything they (hospice) has on preparing, they have a booklet that I found very helpful.

A heartfelt "Thank you" Kim and Terry.

This & you're apologizing for being absent-minded??? There is nothing that requires any apologies, silly lady!!!

I am so incredibly sorry to hear about your father, Dawn. I'll be here for you, in anyway that helps you.

Thank you Hutch.

Dawn hi...
I am so sorry...
No words...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Thank you Comerade (Oops! Two Dog), and Stef.

I'm so sorry to hear this, Dawn. Feeling scatter-brained is totally normal while your heart is coping with the huge range of emotions we tend to feel around these situations.

We're here for you whenever you need us. Until then, consider yourself hugged.