Thursday, September 4, 2008

Your Prayers Please.

I have been bound and determined to make this blog more about finances and less about my personal life and family (unless it had to do specifically with my finances).  But I have to do a post here because I need your prayers.  No, my dad needs your prayers.

As some of you know my parents returned home from their mission in New York in February of this year. Since they have been home my dad has had numerous health issues. A blood clot in his hip, constant coughing, and rapid weight loss just to name a few.

This past week his pulmonary doctor requested that he get a biopsy on his lungs to find out what was there. She had seen some unusual spots on his x-rays and wanted to check them out. After a biopsy of the lung (from what I understand this is an awful surgery) that kept him in the hospital for four days, the report is in and the spots are that horrible C-word: CANCER.

She said it isn't lung cancer but another form that is being generated from another source in his body.  Next week he will be undergoing some more x-rays as well as more testing to find the source of the cancer.  He's meeting with an oncologist from the Huntsman Institute - nothing but the best for my dad.

He is scared (incredibly brave but scared). I am scared (terrified is a better word).  My mom and sisters are scared. My dad has always been very healthy. He exercises, he eats right, he has never let anything "harmful" enter his body (except maybe an occasional deep fried chimichanga), and he has come from healthy stock. His mom just died earlier this year at the age of 96 and she was healthy. Her body just quit. His dad was 82 when he left us (went missing and was never found) and the only thing wrong with him was he was hard of hearing.

And he's my DAD.  He's the only male I grew up with and he managed to survive a house full of silly girls.

I HATE that he is going through this and I HATE that I can't be there to help (they live in Utah) and I HATE that it's him and not me going through this.  What I would do to take this from him...

My mom is so strong and is turning into quite the Nurse Nightingale. He has always taken care of my mom and his daughters and now it is her turn (and hopefully all of ours) to take care of him.

And now here is my plea:  Please pray for him.  Pray that he will be able to kick this cancer in the butt (excuse me) and that he will live to see his grandchildren get old and gray.  Or his one single daughter to get married (smile).  In other words at least 100 more years!

Either way, Allan LaRue needs to be here for many, many, MANY more years to come!

12 comments:

Don and Sandy said...

Well said Tara. We in our family all feel so bad for you guys but have great faith that he will get better. We are all praying for your dad and the whole family. We love you guys and want you to know that we are here for you if you need us.
Sandy

Rachel said...

Tara our prayers will be with your family and especially you. It's always worse to be so far away and feel helpless. We love you!

Jen Hilton said...

Oh, Tara, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. We will definitely include him and you in our prayers.

AliceK[i]ND said...

So sorry to hear. Lots of praying going on here... glad to add your dad to the list! :)

Deanna said...

You know I'm already sending prayers your way.

Much love,
Deanna

johnson six said...

I will pray for him, and for you. Miracles can happen!

Anonymous said...

Your dad may not have had a son but he WAS fortunate enough to have 5 loving daughters who are rallying around him and your mom with great love and support. That is such an important thing. It's just doubly sad when these kind of things happen to such good people as your dad. My heart goes out to all of you.

lilivw said...

Oh how I relate. My Dad has been fighting cancer for a few years now and I totally understand the fear and shock. We will definately keep him and your family in our prayers. The Lord always carries us through.

Stew said...

That's horrible! I'll definitely keep him in my prayers.

Leslie said...

We will get through this as a family. We all love our dad, and he is so strong in spirit and faith. He has taught us all what is important. Now we just need to follow his example of prayer, faith and family. We love you DAD!!!!

Natalie said...

Praying for you and your dad! Cancer is scary,scary and long! I know that you will see many blessings as you go through this amazing trial with your family. We love you Tara and are praying for you!

Loric said...

I'm so sorry Tara. Cancer is always such a scary thing. I'll keep him and YOU in my prayers.