Dad's gall bladder surgery may have revealed something even more serious

[MissMillie]

He was rushed into emergency gall bladder removal a few weeks ago when we learned that it had burst quite some time ago (don't ask me how he didn't know that). The removal took twice as long as it should have as the surgeon had quite a bit of "clean up" to do in there.

Last week, he went in for an ultrasound just to verify that there wasn't anything more to do in there. Then the doctor ordered a CAT scan. Word from the doctor is that my dad may have a tumor on hs pancreas.

We've been spending so much energy dealing with my mother's Alzheimer's that we were completely blind-sided by this.

There's still an issue of verifying this diagnosis, but as of yet we do not know how they'd go about doing this, or whether or not my dad would want to even bother. Dad will be 88 in June, and as my mother continues her downward spiral, will he want to stop being the caregiver in order to become the patient?

It's overwhelming.

[TEB]

1. Sending you compassion

[MFM008]

2. My mom

Had a cyst on her pancreas.
They couldnt go in to get a biopsy because
Of her general health but the dr thought it looked
Benign. They gave her pills to help with digestion.
I hope its something like that.
Good luck for your family.

[pdxflyboy]

3. Dear MissMillie,

The EXACT same thing happened to my Mom, 31 years ago. Sending healing thoughts.

[enough]

4. Dealing with one parent with Alzheimer's is overwhelming in itself.

When the second parent develops serious health issues, it can become almost impossible. At this point, your father may not want to give up being your mother’s caregiver, but he may have to. Being an Alzheimer’s caregiver is exhausting relentless work that is difficult even for a younger healthy person.

I hope your father recovers as well as he can. Wishing you and your family strength in this incredibly difficult time.

[OregonBlue]

5. Dealing with aging parents can be truly exhausting.

Many of us have been through it and know how stressful it can be. Feel free to come vent any time.We can't do much except offer our support and best wishes but at least you know someone is thinking of you. Let us know how it turns out with your dad.

[Rebl2]

8. Going through

it now and am not handling it all that well. On top of their health issues, I have my own health problems and am feeling overwhelmed.

[cyclonefence]

6. I have been in your shoes

and it's tough. I hope you are able to get help, maybe some adult day care for your mom, so you (and your dad) can sit still for a moment and breathe. You are in my thoughts.

[Faux pas]

7. Sending

strength and healing vibes to your family. At 88, your dad must be exhausted.

[Ohiogal]

9. My God you must be completely overwhelmed!

Sending good vibes your way. Caring for ailing parents can be so overwhelming, both emotionally and physically. I’ve been there. I wish you all the strength to deal with whatever happens.