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Post by carson101 on Apr 8, 2008 8:50:31 GMT -6
Say a prayer for Sausage
« Thread Started on Apr 4, 2008, 9:04pm »
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Sausage, a member on this board, and also my dad Jim, is in the intenstive care unit at Sutter Memorial Hospital in Roseville.
My dad has been battling pancreatic cancer since 2005. He was in remission for 18 months up until early February of this year.
This morning my dad was taken via ambulance to the hospital after waking up incoherent and unable to move. Doctors have yet to determine what is happening to him. They have a theory that the cancer is spreading to his brain.
I was asked a lot of questions I didn't want to answer today, but had to tell them. Like agreeing to take him off life support if something like cardiac arrest happened.
My dad doesn't look very well and isn't responding to any stimulus. It was a rough day for me and my family. My hope is that he'll pull through, but right now I'm feeling pessimistic.
Hug your dad if yours is still alive and hang out with your kids as much as possible.
Sincerely,
Brad
(aka) tothehouse
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Post by carson101 on Apr 8, 2008 8:51:26 GMT -6
Re: Say a prayer for Sausage
« Reply #15 on Yesterday at 8:40pm »
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Well gentlemen. You guys must have done some hard core praying. I'm, pretty much, not religious. So I will leave the praying to you. It must have worked.
I can't believe the day I(we) have had today. I got to the hospital and was told my dad wouldn't live past noon. His breathing had slowed and stopped. He had intervals of not breathing for 10 to 20 seconds. This is where we all held our breath thinking "which one of these will be his last".
Around noon I get word that my dad is talking!!!! From incoherent and non functioning to talking? No way!! I was skeptical, but went in and there he was!!!! Sitting up and talking. Not babbling...actually hearing and responding correctly.
The doctors called this a miracle. They say they haven't seen something like this in years. They told us to make plans for his death and to prepare ourselves for tomorrow(on Sunday).
I can't describe what I'm feeling. I got to talk with my dad privately which allowed me to tell him everything I am feeling.....and he heard me and responded. I spent the last few hours of my time there this evening feeding him ice chips (his only food for the evening). We were telling dirty jokes and watching the NCAA bball game.
The power of many people thinking about my dad has been great. He is not out of the woods. Cancer is still destroying him and he likely won't live too much longer. This is truly a second chance. I thank you all for being so supportive.
The Dal Bon Family
PS - I made a mistake. My dad said, "I'm not going anywhere" instead of "I am not done". But they are close. I thought that was awesome of my dad. Those were the first words he said to me when I was alone with him. I'll never forget that!!!
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Post by carson101 on Apr 8, 2008 8:53:09 GMT -6
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Post by paydirt18 on Apr 8, 2008 10:56:38 GMT -6
House,
Much love to you and yours, and for now I am glad that things are looking up. I hate to say it, but sometime I take for granted that my father is still around. Stories like these help me remember.
Coach Wallack
Milwaukee Hamilton
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Post by dhooper on Apr 8, 2008 11:12:15 GMT -6
My prayers go out to you and your family from my whole family. The Hoopers
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Post by coachcoyote on Apr 8, 2008 23:58:54 GMT -6
Our prayers are with you. I tell our kids not to take anything for granted. Enjoy the moment, you never know how many you have.
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tagj
Freshmen Member
Posts: 21
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Post by tagj on Apr 9, 2008 0:29:06 GMT -6
Brad my prayers are with you and your family, be strong!! hang in there buddy!!
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Post by goldenbear76 on Apr 9, 2008 2:19:36 GMT -6
My dad has been battling the hospital for the last few years as well brad and i completely understand your feeling of helplessness. I really hope things turn for the better, my prayers to you and your family, and especially your dad.
Marc
goldenbear76
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2008 6:31:56 GMT -6
Hang in there--you know my story. Best wishes.
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Post by poweriguy on Apr 9, 2008 10:46:23 GMT -6
Sending out the good vibes House. Hope things get better for your dad.
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Post by kurtbryan on Apr 9, 2008 11:05:44 GMT -6
My best wishes and prayers to you and yours always.
KB
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Post by tothehouse on Apr 9, 2008 11:35:53 GMT -6
I appreciate the thoughts guys. I haven't ever been drained like the last few days. Supposedly he is going home in the next few days. From "not living past noon" on Monday to going home?  Unbelievable! |
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Post by wingt74 on Apr 9, 2008 11:48:07 GMT -6
Lost my Mom to cancer just a few years ago...I love hearing when someone gets a W against the Big C.
awesome news man. Remember, your Dad is scared sh*tless right now. Drop by unexpectable if you can...call a lot if you aren't already. Do a TON of listening.
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Post by darebelcoach on Apr 9, 2008 12:43:26 GMT -6
Thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Lost my Dad about 4 years ago to a long battle with liver disease....really sucked, I was only 26 at the time...was still an assistant, so I took a year off from coaching right before he passed to help my Mom out and spend some time with my pops. Never good seeing your Dad in the hospital...but just enjoy and cherish the time you and everyone else ont his board has with their dad or mom or any othe rloved ones....because I sure wish I had time to sit down and talk about thins with him now. He never got a chance to see me become a head coach, but he always told me I'd coach under the Friday Night Lights, so I know he is up there watching. Everyone, God Bless you and your families and tell those around you you love them!!!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Apr 9, 2008 17:18:37 GMT -6
The story i've told so many times. . .my dad's final words to me were "roll me onto my side before you go so I can watch the game on TV." Always touched me how in a father's dying hour is only thoughts would be of his son's game.
He died the day of our state championship win in 2005. But
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moball
Junior Member
Posts: 254
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Post by moball on Apr 9, 2008 23:34:17 GMT -6
There are no finer people than football coaches. My prayers to all of you that have sick family members or any other serious problems in your lives. I hear stories like these and I feel a little embarassed for worrying about trivial things like jobs and games. This board consistently serves as food for thought. Thanks to everyone for contributing, not just football topics, but stories like these also.
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Post by fatkicker on Apr 10, 2008 9:01:24 GMT -6
enjoy every moment, notice every emotion, enjoy caring for him......
one of the best afternoons my dad and i had was both of us falling asleep in the hospital to some cheesy western that he loved to watch.......i always asked him how the people upstairs in the saloon didn't get killed every time those cowboys fired their guns indoors......
i lost my dad to the big "c" the week after my first win as a header..........at least he got to hear about my first one......he told me not to miss anything because of him......i left visitation to coach the game the next week.....pissed off some family people, but i knew i was doing the right thing.....
anyways.....good luck, god bless, and i hope everyone in your family can find peace......
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Post by carson101 on Apr 10, 2008 10:48:27 GMT -6
Guys,
I will share a little bit of my thoughts, my dad passed battling three types of cancer 9 yrs ago and it is like yesterday, it was at a critical time in my life as I was going thru a divorce and custody for my only youngest son. Dads final words were go home and get your boy, I have total custody of my son now but the hardest part is I was being unable to talk with my dad out of fear when I visited him because I wasn't in the frame of mind at that time just seeing my dad suffer was terrible. Some of you guys know I have had my own issues with minor cancer although serious a couple years ago I am doing well now Thank God...I want everyone here to know even though we may have crossed paths, or never meet, I highly reguard you Men as friends,confidants,and teachers in lifes common struggles...this board serves as a reminder each time I visit the compassion we all have for each other, our families, & communities...and this game of war we play on the gridiron. You all are a gift in saying that look you kids in the eye today and tell them you love them because we do not know about tommorrow.
James
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Post by coachwoodall on Apr 10, 2008 13:18:47 GMT -6
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. My dad passed away 8 years ago this past January. It was 3 weeks before my first was born. He battled non-Hodgekins lymphoma for 20 years. He beat that sucker 3 times before succoming to yet another relapse. Although he never got a chance to play because of his family life, he was the greatest football player I have ever known. His whole life exemplified what this game can teach you. A couple of stories:
My wife and I were returning from the beach and went to tell my parents the good news of my wife finally getting pregnant. When we got finished, he shared the news he had; that he had found out the cancer was back. When I asked him what he was going to do after the doctor gave him the news. He looked at my mother and said, "I told you Momma we were going back to Winston-Salem to beat it again." That man was tougher than a case hard cut nail.
The first time he was under going chemo, he would take his treatment on Friday and stay sick all weekend, and then get up and go to work on Monday. I was playing little man football (7th grade) and he stopped by to pick us up on the way home from work from practice one day. He pulled out his wallet to give us some money to stop at the store and get a coke. I didn't go inside, for some reason. As he laid his head on the steering wheel, he said to me, "You might have to drive us home". It was the first time I ever realized he was not some Superman who could do anything. It took a lot for him to say that to me. And it meant a lot to me that he would ask.
My father never missed work unless he was in the hospital. He never missed church unless he was in the hospital. He freely shared his faith with all who would listen. When he was in the ICU at Bowman-Grey in Winston-Salem after his bone marrow transplant, he would walk around and share his faith and hope with all patients who would listen. When patients would seem to have given up hope, he would always tell them that you have to assume that you will get up and see the sun in the morning.
tothehouse, you say you are not the praying kind. I can understand that. I will be more than happy to pray for you, your dad, and your whole family. Always remember, that praying is not a special art or talent. All you have to do is talk to the Lord like He is a friend. One that is always there. One that is always willing to listen. One that will gladly take your troubles.
May the Lord bless you and your family and may His angels cover you up with the love of His Son, Jesus Christ.
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Post by dacoachmo on Apr 10, 2008 18:56:19 GMT -6
hug him for me Brad! My Dad passed in 2006. I miss him deeply!
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Post by throwonfirstdown on Apr 11, 2008 9:13:40 GMT -6
Hang in there man. I'm sure glad things are looking up. My stepdad is battling diabetes, renal failure, and just had a double bypass. I've seen the toll its taking on my mom, so just stay strong for yours.
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Unbelievable!
