How I coped with my Dad's Cancer

When I was 39, my beloved Dad whom was 63, was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. I was devastated.

Before he entered the hospital, he was not feeling well and I was very frightened to see such a vibrant,strong,loving Dad in such a physically weak state. It happened in the blink of an eye and he was so young. My son and I visited him and took him some Ensure Plus to help nourish him since he was unable to eat. At the same time that he became sick, he was also doing his best to care for his 94 year old mother, with whom he lived, so he could care for her in her own home.

I had just dropped my son off at school and was headed to my job as an Office Manager when I received the dreaded news that my Dad had just been taken by ambulance to the hospital. After calling work, I immediately headed to the hospital.

After tests had been completed, my brother, Dad and myself were given the horrifying news about my Dad's rapidly growing tumor. Tears filled my eyes as his prognosis of 6-12 months was given. In the next four weeks a lot happened medically to my Dad. He received numerous weakening chemotherapy treatments and had surgery for a brain tumor.

I remember three weeks after being admitted to the hospital, my Dad told me that the best thing I could do for him was to pray that God takes him quickly. Seeing my Dad suffering so much and being an unselfish person, I prayed that prayer, the hardest prayer in my life.

One week later I was at work when the owner told me that I needed to spend more time with my Dad and he laid me off. I spent the rest of the day with my Dad. After my son was out of school for the day, he and I went back to the hospital. At this point my Dad was no longer able to speak and I knew we were losing him. He was moaning and raising his hands up to the sky. It was at this point I knew that my Dad was preparing to go home to be with God, and one hour later he did.

I was able to cope with my Dad's cruel cancer because of God. I prayed constantly for my Dad and I was comforted knowing that he would soon be in Heaven and no longer suffering.

Learn more about this author, Zanda Blake.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Testimonies: How I coped with my parent's cancer?
We want to hear your view. Write now!