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posted 21 January 08 & filed under familia!, vacation paradise

my dad has brain cancer. he was diagnosed in october with glioblastoma multiforme, a really aggressive tumor. this trip to bolivia is one he’s been looking forward to for months now – a goal to look forward to through chemo and radiation. and though it wasn’t the ideal trip by any means, i know he loved coming here as always and is already looking to the next trip. my parents left yesterday morning – after four days in the hospital and another four pretty much in a hotel room all the time, (he’s ok now – the altitude can hit anyone hard, especially those with lower immune systems and generally weakened bodies) they were happy to get home too.

as for me, i’m here a week longer. i’m looking forward to sleeping whole nights without waking every hour or so. and i’m looking forward to finally really exploring, like i’d been meaning to, the bolivia my parents love so much.

here, the view outside my window. i have lots more pictures, but they’re stuck in the camera, without a usb cord, grr. the view is outside the little house my parents built in achocalla, the casa chica that is made for two. .. in fact, i think my parents kinda furnished it with me in mind. tempting, tempting. but for now, just a visit in bolivia.

sorry for the abruptness of this post perhaps. but it’s something i’ve been wondering about sharing or not, etc. so.. my dad is still a private person, as i am in my own way, but this is something i just felt i had to place here, in my journal, online as it may be.

happy monday to you all ~ ~

Comments

hugs

~ loriz (Jan 21, 07:46 AM#)

This has to be a very hard time but I’m sure your dad is glad to have such loving family rallying around him. Hugs to you and strength and health to your father.

~ Marnie (Jan 21, 08:44 AM#)

hugs..

~ kittykitty (Jan 21, 08:47 AM#)

Sembra una vita che non ci vediamo, ma lo sai che ti penso, vero?

A big, big hug.

~ Francesca (Jan 21, 08:58 AM#)

Lots of love and support from this corner of Southern Ca.

~ Rose (Jan 21, 09:18 AM#)

Tanti auguri per tutto, Andrea! Sii forte…

~ Betta (Jan 21, 09:33 AM#)

How wonderful that you were able to share this trip with your parents, Andrea! My thoughts are with you and your family.

~ Merna (Jan 21, 10:28 AM#)

glad you decided to write this post. and glad you are staying a bit longer. hope you get to do some resting and savoring. what a beautiful view of flowers and iron work and green things. that casa chica sounds like a dream.

we are here to support you. love to you and your mom and dad.

~ meowgirl (Jan 21, 11:03 AM#)

Hello, Oscar Grimm here. I was diagnosed with GBM about 11mo ago. I’ll make it quick since I’m just getting back from 3.5 weeks traveling over the holidays. I had an MRI on Dec 10 and it showed significant tumor shrinkage, after 7mo of no conventional (American) treatment.

I’ve studied and learned a lot in the last year, and am now (aside from some residual right-sided weakness from surgery) feeling better than I have felt in roughly 20yrs. I’m learning a lot about all this mess, and am happy to share what I’ve learned. If you’d ever like to share research, or even just chat, please do feel free to give me a call or email. 510.922.1900

Health and Happiness to you. The mind is an amazing machine,
Oscar

~ Oscar Grimm (Jan 21, 12:44 PM#)

Hugs from me too. Enjoy that last week of beautiful views and warm weather, and best wishes to your dad and your family…

~ Heidi (Jan 21, 03:44 PM#)

I’m adding to the hugs and love and support being sent to your father, you, and your family.

Take care,
K.

~ kodachrome (Jan 21, 04:19 PM#)

Sending hugs too – I’ve watched two friends watch their parents with brain cancer, and it’s hard. It’s great you were all able to take this trip together.

~ Kate (Jan 22, 08:13 AM#)

I’m so glad that you got to have time in Bolivia with your dad, even though the ending was rough. I think this week alone will be cleansing, too. After (and during) the strain of illness, it’s good to have moments to both reflect and escape for a bit. This will return some of your strength and give you a bit of alone time in your homeland. Love to you, J

~ Julia (Jan 22, 09:03 AM#)

wow. i’m glad you mentioned it, though, and i’m sorry.

~ karen (Jan 22, 10:27 AM#)

Hugs from me, too.

~ moni (Jan 22, 02:50 PM#)

Pile on another big hug from me. You and your family continue to be in my thoughts. Enjoy the rest of your time in Bolivia and take good care. xo-S.

~ Nonnahs (Jan 23, 10:44 AM#)

more hugs coming your way, dear andrea! i’ve been through a similar thing with my mum and so i sorta can relate. enjoy your last week in bolivia; the landscape looks beautiful so i’m looking forward to you reconnecting with your usb cord :-)

~ kris (Jan 23, 03:46 PM#)

i’m so sorry to hear this news—wishing you and your family much love and support. hugs

~ lalitha (Jan 29, 12:19 AM#)

Hey Andrea.
I’m sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are definitely in my thoughts. Big hugs from Maine.

~ Liz (Jan 31, 10:28 AM#)

Know that I’m thinking of you & your family Andrea. I can’t imagine how hard the past couple of months have been for you all. Looks like your time together in Bolivia has been beautiful — it will sustain your dad through his treatments, I’m sure. xoxo

~ amanda (Feb 2, 08:36 AM#)

Oh Andrea!

You and your dad are in my heart.

I’m sending you strength and courage to help in this time, I know it must be weighing heavily on you.

love,
Janel

~ janel (Feb 2, 12:02 PM#)

I am very late in my message to you, Andrea, and for that, I apologize – I am thinking about your family right now :)

~ lolly (Feb 5, 12:58 PM#)

Oh Andrea! Here’s another hug from across the ocean!

~ MJ (Feb 10, 01:02 AM#)

/journal

so.

Comments