Double dose of bad news

Hi everyone,

In the past few days I have had two lots of bad news.

On Sunday my sister phoned me from Canada regarding my 93 year old dad who is in a hospice in Calgary. His prostate cancer has returned after many years and is now in his bones. The hospice has informed the family, they think he has only day left. I am not so sure as over the past 3 to 4 years he has proved the medics wrong so many times. He has shown so much grit and determination, I am so proud to be his son.  I just know he will only go when he is ready to go. Allthough we only got to meet face to face for a month 23 years ago, while my brothers and sisters out there have known him a lifetime, I feel very close to him and its hard being so far from him. But as Mrs B has a lot of health problems, I can not go out there to support him and my Canadian family as I feel I would like to do.

Then on Moday my sister in law phoned with bad news about my brother in law. He has gone downhill very rapidly in the past few days.He is not eating at all and the hospice he is in has told her they think it wont be long before he loses his fight with the prostate cancer which has spread very rapidly to his throat. Niether she or Mrs B are taking it very well.

Last night me and Mrs B counted  up the family members we have lost to this evil called cancer and it was eight people allready. As you can appreciate, we are on edge everytime the phone rings now. I pity any salesperson who cold calls us at the  moment. It just make me more determined to do what little I can to help others, Brian

  • Hi Brian,
    So sorry to read your latest posts.
    Thinking of you and Mrs B and woe betide any sellers that ring you.
    I know my son let rip when unsolicited calls came through when things weren't looking good for us.
    My dear, love to you both
    K xx
     

  • Hi Kathy,

    Thanks for your kind words. Everyone has been so kind to reply

    I forgot to say, at my local store they had my favorite cheese biscuits on offer at half price. Mrs B told me to stock up on them so I didnt need to be told a second time. I now have as many as the shop has ha ha.

    Take care, your forum friend, Brian

  • Oh Brian,
    You and your blooming cheese.  I swear you were either a mouse or squirrel in a previous existence.  Stop mentioning cheese.  Am at sons place where only "light products" are available unless I bring.... Waste of space.
    Sitting out the back, nearby peacocks "calling", 20 degrees but mozzies biting.  Discovered even though I packed many bags for my 3day stay neglected to pack any t shirts.
    Vesty tops and shorts ok, jumpers and long pants ok for the cooler nights, but not a t shirt for the in between period.  Ho hum, will borrow sons.
    K xx
     

  • Hi Brian you are s​o supportive to everyone on here I hope that you and Mrs. B can take some comfort to know that you are in our thoughts at this sad & trying time for you both. They say words are not enough but sometimes words are all we have - or in your case cheese biscuits. XXX

  • Hi River,

    Thanks for your kind words. You say, it is said words are not enough, but the kind words people on here have posted to me mean so much to me and Mrs B, and your mention of CHEESE BISCUITS made me laugh, Brian

  • Hi friends,

    Thanks River.

    I have just got back home from taking Mrs B to the hospice to see her brother. We had a phone call this morning from the family to say it wont be long now. Brother in law is sleeping all the time now and his breathing is so iregular. Mrs B hated to see him like he was but was able to say her goodbye to her brother. I know she will take comfort in this.

    Still no news from Canada regarding my dad so looks like he is in there fighting.

    Thanks again everyone for your kind words, Brian.

  • Hi Brian

    Sad to read the update regarding your Brother in Law and I am sure you are bringing much comfort to  Mrs B. Know how hard it is every time the phone goes but in time she will appreciate having had the chance to say goodbye and as hearing is very often the last sense to  be lost I am sure he will have heard her.My thoughts continue to  be with you both and the family during this time.

    Your dear Dad is certainly trying to prove his doctors wrong; what a character.  Take care Jules xx

  • Hi Brian, as you have said, even though it was difficult it must be a great comfort to Mrs.B that she was able to see her brother today. Take care of yourselves Sue x 

  • So glad Mrs B saw her brother today. You are both in my thoughts Brian x

  • Hi  everyone,

    Thank you for all your thoughts and kind words,

    Yesterday I had a phone call from the wife of a club member (who was a very good friend and terrific woodturner) to say he had passed away at 2.30 on Saturday afternoon after about twelve weeks in hospital with an infection. As I left him after visiting him just over a week ago, He gripped my hand and didnt seem to want to let go and I felt then he knew somehow, it would be the last time we met.

    Then yesterday early evening we had a call from my sister in law to say my brother in law had passed away peacefully at 2.30 yesterday afternoon. Mrs B is in one way pleased her brother is no longer in pain but is also grieving his loss as he was the last close relative from her side of the family. She says she doesnt want to remember seeing him in bed like he was on Saturday but I have tried to assure her the memory will fade in time and she will just remember the happier times they shared.

    I have not had any news from Canada so assume dad is fighting on. Quite amazing where he finds the reserve of strength from. I cant phone my sister or brother for I dont think they will be at home; also there is a seven hour time differencen so will send an e-mail as they can pick it up on their mobiles.

    I would just like to once again thank everyone for their thoughts and kind words. It really does make a differnce to me and Mrs B, thank you, Brian.