It's been a bit of a rollercoaster.
My parents live half-way across the world, in a lovely sunny, warm place and a carefree lifestyle. Until it comes to medical support - the protocols, in theory, are the same as the UK. In practice, they are anything but and it's slow and painful going with the medical expert considered (by themselves!) God and the individual having no voice or say in their assessments or treatments.
So, a month ago, my Dad non-chalantly says to me 'I have a problem passing stools'. He's 81 y.o. So, I say, get yourself to a GI specialist and get a scan ASAP. So, off he goes to do so, and my Mother says to me 'I've been telling him to do it for over 6 months!'. Yikes.
The Gastroenterologist (GE) says that there 's a set protocol for assessment emetic+enema to clear the gut, then a colonscopy, then a biopsy (in vivo) and then advice on treatment. The problem is that the first sets of emetics (PEG) do not work. So, he repeats it. Nope, not working. Then he prescribes Milk of Magnesia in increased dosage and frequency of use. My Dad starts throwing up violently and cannot walk or talk with weakness. My brother refuses to send him to the GE again. And my Dad, when he can speak after 24 hours, says 'I'll wait for you'.
Which does it! I'm on the next available flight out (this being before Christmas, it's very difficult).
I get half-way across the world... and it seems every medical professional repeats the protocol. I've done a bit of research on recommended surgeons and there's one who used to work in the NHS (albeit a while ago) and who seems to be a renegade. So, I chose him. And things move so quickly that I accompany Dad on his first consult on 16 Dec and he goes in to surgery (colectomy and anastomosis, with ablation of the liver metastasis) on the 19 Dec. The tumour has been sent for a biopsy (Results due: 27 Dec) and my Dad has just come out of the ICU today!
We're hoping for good news overall. Crossing fingers and toes, and praying for the best news possible.
Appreciate your thoughts and messages.
Thanks so much Court.
You're right - Daddy is a very active and positive individual. He always has been - he says he's in the hands of the Doctors' and, ultimately, God. He is the best Dad and everyone I know loves him for being gentle, non-judgemental, respectful of everyone he meets and happy to help those in need. I'm not saying this because he's my Dad. He has his flaws - for not taking care of himself and not speaking up for himself. So, I have used my Tiger Mum mode with him 
. And it seems he actually wants me to lead the situation. Bless him.
Your Mum and her stage 4 diagnosis gives me hope. 'Stage 4 Cancer' sounds scary as a term. I know the biopsy results are key and the waiting is never easy, is it? It's always the unknown and us wanting to have some bit of control on this.
I am in a place that is a beach holiday destination - I'm unlikely to see the sand, sea, sangria, etc. I just about see the sun when I leave the room where Dad and I are staying in the hospital.
My Mum has Parkinson's and TIAs - I witnessed one just before Daddy was admitted. She's on her own at home ATM. So there the inevitable worry that she's okay. We need to get full-time, in-home care/help... as I have to fly back before the school break ends. My husband is holding fort at home, with his parents visiting us as always over the 2/3 week Christmas break.
