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. 

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    Hi Tristan,

    I agree that Cancer is a cruel disease and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I have seen many changes in cancer treatments in the past 21 years since my mum died. At that stage, it was taken for granted that most people died of cancer, but now many are living with it. Cancer Research and other researchers have made great strides forward, but there is still a lot more room for improvement.

    I am glad to hear that your mum is doing ok and hope that she continues to do so. Sadly cancer is no respector of age, creed, colour or health status.

    I am glad to hear that you have an older brother and, hope that the two of you can support your mother and one another through this difficult time.

    Thank you for your kind wishes. It would indeed be great if cancer were to be a distant issue to my future life. Whatever the future holds, I won’t give in without fighting it with all I’ve got. Every day is a bonus and one thing that this disease has taught me to do is to cherish the time I have left with family and friends.

    We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine

  • Hi Annie

    sorry about the late response, funeral is tomorrow morning so just need to get myself and in particular my mum through the day. I understand so many people post in these forums daily, I hope more people in the not too distant future will not need to experience tragedy from losing a loved one to cancer and rather these forums be primarily for people talking about managing cancer rather than loss