Bitter-Sweet Coincidence

Where to begin. Greetings from Melbourne, Australia 

My father was just days ago diagnosed with cancer of the left kidney for a second time. Previous surgery on his left kidney 3 years ago which was partially removed almost killed him while under the knife due to his physical state at the time.

My mother was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2012 and is doing well due to her proactive nature with blood tests annually however my fathers recent diagnosis on the same kidney has spread to the main vein leading to the heart which gives a surreal feeling of history repeating itself which will again possibly lead to surgery complications and prolonged recovery.

This cancer was found while he was in hospital for an un-related back procedure where tests confirmed the cancer and an associated clot which could have very well killed him in the days or weeks to come with little warning, in turn even placing others at risk if it were to hit a vital organ while he was behind the wheel of his car. 

My family says he just may have a guardian angel, I call it one of life's bitter-sweet coincidences which might just give me the time to properly bond with my dad in case he does not make it thru the next month.

I truly hope within my lifetime (in my 30s) future generations will not have to so frequently be subject to these array of cell mutations which I have unfortunately witnessed several family members and friends having their lives cut short by these radical illnesses. 

  • Hi Tristan.

    I just wanted to stop by and offer you a warm welcome to the forum as I noticed no-one had replied to your post yet.

    I'm glad your mother has been doing well since her bowel cancer diagnosis in 2012 although I'm sorry that your father has been diagnosed with kidney cancer for a second time.

    Many of our members here will know what you're going through at the moment having been through similar situations with their family and I'm sure they'll pop by when they can to say hello and share their experiences with you.

    I wish your father all the very best as he embarks on this journey once more.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • To anyone who reads this

    An update to my previous post, my father passed away during surgery last night. It is still unclear of the extent of the complications at this time however words cannot describe the emotions flowing through the family household at the moment. An enquiry is underway into the extent of his cancer and the operation itself. I hope at the very least that related surgical practices and diagnostic techniques will improve with the coroner findings so future patients in similar circumstances  will have better prospects 

  • I'm so sorry about the loss of your father during surgery last night Tristan.

    I know there isn't anything I can say to make this better but I just want to offer you my condolences and let you know that I and the Cancer Chat community are thinking of you and your family at this time.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

  • I'm really sorry to hear that your father passed away last night and I too wanted to offer my condolences and am thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.

    Kind regards
    ian

  •  

    Hi Tristan,

    A very warm welcome to you all the way 'Down Under', although I'm so sorry to hear about the reasons that have brought you here'.

    You've not had your troubles to seek, have you?

    My sincere sympathy on the loss of your father last night. This happening during surgery must have come as a terible shock to you.

    I have lost both of my parents, plus several relatives and close friends to cancer and, have had 2 bouts myself within the past 8 years, so I have some idea of what you have been going through these past 6 years.

    I am glad to hear that your mum is doing well. Being positive makes such a difference to outcomes at times. Are you an only sibling, or do your have a brother or sister who can support you and your mother through this difficult time?

    Thinking of you both and wishing you the strength to see this through..

    Kind regards,
    Jolamine

  • hi Jolamine

    thank you for replying, I am sorry to hear of your family and your own history with cancer, it is an illness I would not wish on even my worst enemy. 

    It is sad even in this day and age so many good people pass away from cancer illnesses, if anything in this life I hope in the coming decades the majority of cancers will be much more manageable so others won’t have to face the death of loved ones or of themselves. 

    My mum is doing ok, it’s still early days; strangely my parents physically are polar opposites, my mum has always been fit and lived healthy where as my dad was over weight; cancer can strike anyone.

    i do have a brother, he is the eldest and has taken care of dads funeral arrangements.

    thank you again, I hope cancer is a distant issue to your future life.

     

    Tristan

  • Hello; I am so sorry you have lost your dad.  I am 66 years old and lost my mum to cancer many years ago; a few years later I lost my dad - but that was due to pneumonia.  I am also writing to say sorry that more of us did not respond to your first post.   Sometimes there is a surge in incoming posts and perhaps a lot of the regulars not around but generally someone does try to jump in if only to say "hello".    So please forgive us in this instance.   Steph, good-hearted as ever, did fortunately drop you a line.  Please do come back and post about how you are doing if it helps you get through this.  You sound to be a sensible good-hearted guy but sometimes we all need a bit of help.  Best wishes.  Annie