Dad's dilemma

[SkyCruiser]

Today, I have mixed feelings - after tests finally confirmed that my father has a non maglignant growth on his pituitary gland – there lies a dilemma for him- the growth is big enough to exert pressure on the gland so as to affect mobility, and sight and some nerves. Due to his age, he has a choice of going ahead with an operation to remove it – but the downside of that is there may be complications that could lead to stroke or other complications and as with any surgeries, there is inherent risks, but more so for the elderly. The alternative is to let it be. There seems to be nothing to do but to ameliorate the pain with pills. Of course, with proper care, he can still live many more years. Now my father hasn’t been looking after himself too well in his later years and this growth development does not help any. I am wondering what is going on in his mind right now – as he weighs the pros and cons of this. It is ultimately his decision to make – to go ahead with the operation or not. This is truly between a rock and a hard place!

[SkyCruiser]

An update as I promise....my dad had decided he would not want an operation. The medication is working for him and his headaches had subsided and some days he hardly feels anything. Thanks again for all your prayers and kind words and concern. I really, really appreciate it!

[SkyCruiser]

@Casey-thank you for your well wishes. :)

[caseyjo]

That's one heck of a decision to have to make....Best wishes to your dad & you, and your family....Hugs...K

[SkyCruiser]

@Colleen-(((LFF)))) Thank You! And thank you for sharing your Dad's story with me. Yes. We are waiting for his decision (if any) and I will update this blog when I get any fresh news.

@Sandra- LOL Cute pic!!! I can see you are really surprised! Or you have a very sour sucker in your mouth ROFL!! (((Sandra))) Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you- all my friends who posted here- for your kind words, thoughts and prayers..

[SkyCruiser]

Thanks Judi! Have we met on the old TBD on S&C and the wall of gratitude? You look familiar! :)

Sorry to hear about your niece, esp one so young. Yes they are giving him meds for his headaches too, among other things. I can only hope and pray he makes the decision that he's happy with.

[Judi]

I'm sorry your dad and family are having to go through this, Sky! My prayers will be for a favorable outcome. My 16 y/o niece also has a benign tumor on her pituitary, with many bad headaches. They will treat it conservatively for now and also have a "wait and see" approach.

[SkyCruiser]

((LYNN))) Thanks! I'm sorry to hear about your sister. As is, there is nothing any of us in the family can do, while we wait for him to make a decision. He is on alot of medication now, in addition to those he was taking and it seems to have helped, according to my sis. You see, I am only hearing this after the fact as I'm here and they are there (in Singapore). All I can do is pray that he makes the right decision that he's happy with.

[lynn]

Sky, thx for your email message, alerting me. i wasn't in TBD this time last year, and would have missed it completely....
tough choices, either way, for sure. apparently there's no "time deadline" for decision, at least, he has time to consider and discuss, and to make whatever peace he's able, with whichever decision he takes. that alone seems a blessing. i wish you both the wisdom to discern which is more important to him -- quality of life, or longevity, since it appears that he might not have both of those.
a little over a year ago, my sis was faced with a very aggressive recurring oral cancer, and she leapt into removal and reconstruction of her oral cavity, totally ignorant of the potential aftermath, grasping at the chance to continue living her allotted lifespan. sadly, her quality of life is such that she regularly second-guesses that decision, but last year, there was literally no time for reflection. that cancer grew right on thru the radiation that damn near killed its host!
holding you in my heart....

[SkyCruiser]

Thanks LK (((HUGS)))