Pre-op appointment

Today dad went in for his pre-op appointment. I was waiting anxiously for his call all morning. He called at about 2pm with some updated news regarding the stage of his cancer of the Parotid Gland. He said they graded it at least a stage 2, possible stage 3. They will know more when they go in for surgery on Friday.

Stage 0—precancer
Stage 1 —small cancer found only in the organ where it started
Stage 2 —larger cancer that may or may not have spread to the lymph nodes
Stage 3 —larger cancer that is also in the lymph nodes
Stage 4 —cancer in a different organ from where it started

I was in shock that it had spread into his lymph nodes. I guess I just thought that they would go in and take out the tumor and the cancer would be gone. I guess this is more serious than I let myself believe. I guess denial can have its place. On the phone with dad, I acted strong like things would be just fine, but I had a pit in my stomach. Dad sounded almost relieved. Not sure why, but he mentioned that he felt better knowing that his doctors were the best in the country and that he would be in good hands at Emory. I feel good about his doctor and hospital also, but that didn't take away from the dreadful fact that this cancerous tumor was spreading into his lymph nodes.

I did some more reading online about this surgery and came across some information that scared me. I talked to Susan today who's father is struggling with multiple myeloma. She always makes me feel better. She has been through so much with her dad. I am so blessed to have her to talk to.

Well, Zach and I are flying up to Atlanta on Wednesday to be there for the surgery. I know having Zach there will be good for dad and mom. He is such a good boy. I know that he will be a great distraction during this time.