The Verdict...

So Friday we had an appointment to get the results of dads MRI and PET scan.... Not good!  We found out that he is in the 4th stage of cancer...for those who don't know what that means- it means that the cancer has spread and is not cure able-but treatable for the time being!  It has spread into his liver and lymph nodes.  This was a complete blow to us.  Our doctor is taking my dads case infront of the 'tumor board' on monday where they will come up with a chemo/radiation combination for him.  The doctor is sure we can't operate on it because it has spread into the liver.

When this kind of news hits a family, some people are caught of guard and are in denial.  For me, being in the medical field for a while I have learned that it is what it is. There is no way you can prepare yourself for something like this, or prepare yourself when you walk into an oncologists office.  Nothing no one says can make it better or 'softer' to be said.  All we need is people to stand by us and to be there for us, whether its to talk, to cry, or just sit there with someone. 

As for how we are all doing, we are still digesting the information... Dad is doing better, his cough finally went away...now he is in the process of preparing himself mentally for what is to come.  We are all trying to stay busy and keep ourselves going mentally and physically!  It hits me in waves and sometimes its harder than others to control my emotions..but other than that I'm ok!

In times like these you tend to find your faith, or bring it back out.  I find myself constantly thinking about a certain prayer, and it comes to my mind whenever I start thinking about what is to come, and I share this with you tonight!

Good Night Everyone!! And thank you for all of the support!

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

A Little Delay....

Ok, well I wanted to let everyone know we won't have any results till next Tuesday... I know I  said he had the appointment today, but yesterday his PET scan got canceled so we had to reschedule the big appointment.  As frustrating as it is waiting a little longer, we are doing ok.

Dad has been fighting a cough for the last 3 days!  He is sore from the constant coughing..but other than that he is doing good!

I can't say this enough, but thank you for all of the support and prayers we are getting!!!!!!

For Starters

Ok, I'm pretty sure a lot of people already know by now, but if you don't I'm Michelle Peardon...Joes oldest daughter... I decided to start this blog because we have family all over, and friends who we would like to keep informed during this time.  I will be posting after every major appointment and randomly to keep everyone updated on how we are all doing!

On Tuesday, January 11, 2011 my dad (joe) was diagnosed with lung cancer (squamus cell carcinoma),  The tumor was found in his left lung.  We are still in the very early stages of finding out information and such and ways to treat this!  We have an appointment on Tuesday that will tell us our options for the best results!  We were taken by surprise when we found out, and it has been a rough couple weeks!  But we are very thankful for all of the support we already have from our family members and friends!  We know this is going to be a long process, and we are positive we will get through this!  We are a strong family and no sickness can bring us down!

A little about us...I'm Michelle, the oldest daughter.  There is David and Scott (my dads son and grandson), and also Angie and Chrissy (they are my dads youngest daughters).  And Joanne is our mom!  Just so no one gets confused during this whole blog thingy!

Like I had said before this took us by surprise and we are still figuring a lot of information out!

I will keep everyone updated!  And all we ask is that everyone say some extra prayers for us!!!