Need advice from my internet bros

[madmax1012]

business is one of those things that there's a need for, yet it's not a great time for it. a guy i used to work with said told me there's always going to be a need for culinary workers and medical personnel. naturally, i'm a sociology major, so i didn't really follow his advice...just find something practical that you enjoy man.

[DarkAxel]

um... sorry, i have nothing to say about the topic, i'm just here to cheer you up... because... how has no one posted this yet?

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMPtIhAPnn4[/youtube]

[phantasmagorovich]

[Jwar]

Sigh. I feel the need to update even though I don't know if anyone will actually read this. My dad is in his (starting Monday) fifth week of radiation therapy. I got to visit him and my mom last week. It was by far the hardest thing I've ever done. My dad has been having a lot of pain and a lot of anxiety. The pain is being caused by thrush and mucositis, which are both side effects of the radiation. The anxiety is being caused by the fact that they have to strap his head, neck and shoulders down to a table so that the radiation is very precise. They make these masks you have to were for radiation and the mask holds you down to the table. You have to sit there still, strapped to a table for 20 minutes or so being radiated.

As a result of the pain and anxiety, he is on several medications. Xanax 2 miligrams!, Codeine and a fentanyl patch. My dad doesn't even know where he is half the time. He has almost no cognitive thought because of how doped up he is. The last week was absolutely terrible. He can barely swallow because of all the shit in his throat, plus the pain, plus the swelling.

Now he's in the hospital, right this second, because he has a 103 temp. Which for a cancer patient, in treatment, can be very, very bad. I'm having a nervous breakdown guys and don't know what to do. Sigh. Pray for me if you pray.

[Deltaphoenix]

You know I do Bud. This will pass and just be a memory. You will have your Father back in time, keep your Faith. Being powerless is uncomfortable but you are doing your job,supporting and loving you family. I am sending love and strength your way Brother.

[Waterpilot]

I hate this because no matter what I say I feel as if it is never enough. Nevertheless, I'm sorry to hear about that man. My thoughts are with you, your Father, and your family.

[bigchiefbc]

jwar man, this too will pass. My wife is a cancer survivor and went through both chemo and radiation in the neck/throat area, and as much as it sucked, she made it through. Hang in there bro.

[Jeff-7]

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family, Jwars. Hope your dad beats it.

[excane]

jwar - only the best wishes headed your way. I too have known many people who are survivors, and while it sometimes seemed to get worse before it got better - it DID get better.

You just have to trust the people that are taking care of him and know they're doing everything they can.

Hang in there.

[Chankgeez]

Hang tough, jwar.

I hope your dad feels better really soon.

[skullservant]

My thoughts are with you Jwar duder. I'll be thinking of you and your dad this week!

[autopilot]

prayers and vibes for you, your dad, mom and family.

[hclapp219]

So sorry it to hear about that jwar. It's awesome that you can be there for your dad. Good vibes are being sent your way.

[Jwar]

Thanks so much for the good vibes and prayers guys! It really does mean a lot. This has been a tough week.

[dubkitty]

i can only add my thoughts and prayers to those of the other folks here. i'd come and sit with you if i could. the most important thing for you to do now is take care of yourself so you'll be available to do what's needed. you've got to be sure to get sleep and eat something, even if you don't feel like it. otherwise your system will get out of whack in a big hurry and it'll fuck up your mental processes. even if you just eat, like toast, cheese sticks, and Gatorade, have something. similarly, if you're too anxious to sleep, get your doctor to give you some Valium or Klonopin or something. if they won't, go to an urgent care place or something. i don't mean to sound alarmist, but when you say "breakdown" i'm taking you seriously.

it sounds like your father would really benefit from talking with some kind of counselor about the anxiety as well; i don't know if they offer that, or if he's thought of it. i wish it washn't being so hard on all of you.