So, I haven't posted in a while because I have been dealing with alot. Not only has my Dad's behavioral issues from the LBD progressed, but I have also been diagnosed with probable kidney cancer. I know ... That's all I needed. Specifically, renal cell carcinoma. Seems I have a tumor on my right kidney. Along with that I have several ovarian complex ovarian cysts that need to be removed as well. Neededless to say, I haven't been feeling very well and I'm pretty scared. This makes caregiving a little more challenging. I'm scheduled for a partial nephrectomy on October 14. We haven't quite figured out whose going to do the caregiving for dad while I recover, nevermind the fact that I may need a bit of caregiving myself. My husband and kids will do the best they can. This should be interesting at the least. Please pray for our family!!

Hugs,
Michelle

I'm very sorry to hear this.

I have a family member who had the same diagnosis 10 years ago. One of his kidneys was removed entirely, and he's been cancer-free since. I hope your path is the same!

I am so sorry Michelle. I hope you are getting great medical care and will be back to good health soon. Lynn

sorry to her your news.. sending good thoughts and wishing you well.. please stay in touch!!
cindi

We will be thinking of you. Remember to take care of yourself.

Liz

Michelle, my thoughts and prayers are with you,
Ger xxx

Michelle, you and your family will be in my prayers. Might I suggest that, if at all possible, your father could be placed in a facility at least temporarily while you have surgery and are recovering? It's going to be difficult enough as it is. I care and want you to look after your own health, too. Please? God bless you!

Michelle- I'll keep you and your family in my prayers, good luck with everything, and remember to ask for help as much as possible, that's one of the things I have the hardest time doing.
Ellen

Me too Ellen!!! Thank you ...

Me too Ellen!!! Thank you ...

So sorry to hear this, Michelle. Praying that all goes well on all fronts and that you can have some peace as you wait to have the procedure done. Take care.

Michelle,
I will keep you in my thoughts and hope that everything is not as it seems, stay strong !

Thank you all for your prayers. I am almost 7 weeks postop. That was a rough surgery. Still not totally recovered. Turned out that it was cancer, but the tumor was extracted with clear margins. Thank God, prayers, and great surgeons. I don't think my dad has really gotten the severity of all this. I had help from the family the first week taking care of him. But from then on it was back to full time caregiving. It's been difficult, but managed.

Thanks again,
Michelle

Michelle - please take GOOD care of yourself and find someone to help with your dad. Any surgery can take a long time to recover from, and being the only CG cannot be helping you heal the way you need to. Your dad wouldn't want your health to suffer because you are the one doing all or most of the CGing, would he? I hope you can get someone to come in and help both of you!
I'm glad your surgery is over and was successful but worry about your recovery with all the responsibilities you have. Take good care. Sending lots of positive thoughts and a big hug your way, Lynn

As Lynn has said, I'm glad you are recovering but am concerned that you are not giving yourself enough chance to fully regain your health and strength. Stress, as you may know, increases cortisol levels and delays healing. Please get some assistance and some time off. God bless you!