*Tamb*

[mamasaurus]

I just read your dad update. I want you to know that it can still be OK.

I don't know if you remember, but I had to roadtrip at 38 weeks pregnant to go tell them not to pull the plug on my dad. The situation is different, but a lot is similar--removal of gangrenous tissue, questioning whether he could heal from the surgery because he couldn't eat, a doctor pointing out that even if he did heal, there was the larger issue that could kill him (in this case, kidney failure).

They were ready to take my dad off his machines and let him die. I told them no. They said he wasn't going to last 6 weeks and if he did, it would be maybe years before he walked again, Guess what? He's still alive and already walking. Now, he needs to gain some weight and things are still precarious, but he's at home and living a relatively normal life.

Don't lose hope! Bring him pictures of J. Tell him stories about good times you've shared. Make plans for the holidays so he has something to look forward to beyond this dark time. If his hospital room has a DVD player, bring in his favorite shows and movies. Remind him there is so much still here for him if he stays strong and fights. I am so sorry you have to be the rock when you are struggling with your own issues, but I know you can do it.

Sorry if I should have PMed this to you, but I bet there are other people who want to tell you similar things, too. I bet that by the afternoon, you have a whole thread of people telling you about how the doctors were wrong, and somebody they love turned things around against the odds. You are in so many people's thoughts right now, I am sure.

({)