Wow...you're all so sweet (and making me teary-eyed
)
Quite a few of you are aware of what's going on right now and I really, really appreciate the support and thank those who have shared their own experiences when it comes to contemplating the loss of a parent.
Here's the situation: My parents were vacationing in Britain when my father took ill and had to be hospitalized - arrangements had to be made to get him and Mum home (my mother, naturally, was beside herself). Anyway, they got home and Dad went into surgery – apparently he had a tumour on his bladder and it erupted. He was in ICU for quite awhile and then we got the biopsy results and it wasn't good news. Yes, its cancer - but only stage 2 at this point and the doctor says because he's so healthy otherwise (non smoker, non drinker, physically active, etc.) that'll stand him in good stead for awhile.
Dad's decided not to go the chemo or radiation route - he wants to enjoy the time he has left and not take "brutal" measures. He's showing the good old British stiff upper lip and worrying more about how all this is affecting Mum. He's pretty optimistic and feels he has a couple of good years left and plans to pack a lot of living into them so we'd better not start any mourning yet! He'll be having more surgery on August 6 to remove surrounding tissue and since he's still in a pretty weakened state, its all still rather touch and go.
Sigh, I know he's almost 80 (in September) but I can honestly say I've never known my Dad to be ill (other than injuries in the line of duty as a policeman). He and Mum have always been the most active of people. They've literally travelled the world, are volunteers for the cancer society (ironically), lawn bowl, golf, are on the library board and socialize constantly. When my Dad retired from the police force he began writing a newspaper column for "seniors" (he was only 55) and ended up syndicated in 13 papers. He even had his own cable TV show in later years (called "Getting On" – again for seniors). They retired up to cottage country about two hours north of Toronto, but came back because they missed city life! So you could say he's had a very active and fulfilling retirement, but it was still a shock to see him in ICU hooked up to all the machines and looking "old".
Yeah, its difficult to deal with but I know when we reach this age we're naturally faced with this sort of thing. Anyhow, I've been spending lots of time with Mum and keeping busy with the kids (we have them for most of the summer) and don't have a heck of a lot of time for internet right now. Of course I miss the forum, so once things calm down I'll be back with a vengence!
I've quickly perused some of the threads and think its wonderful that Howie, Kimberley, Sarah and Lorraine got together and had a great time. Yes, more get-togethers should be planned - I have the fondest memories of my wild weekend in Chicago with Sandi, Boiaby and Jiffypop (hard to believe its almost a year ago!)
I thought I'd better check in because I didn't want anyone to think I was avoiding this place because of fear of pregnancy
Congrats, Dawnyal!!
Thanks again for checking up on me and providing support (and who said this site was just about weight-loss?!)
Take care all,
Jilly xo
Jillegal you out there.
Hope everything's ok.
You and your family are in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. I'm just so, so sorry. 
