Please pray for my Papa

February 23 /10

Hi friends.


My Papa is sick and we really need your prayers. I will turn this post over to Mama so she can explain. In the meantime, I am giving my Papa lots of kisses and snuggles and I'm making him laugh at all the silly things I do. I'm so glad I'm here to make him smile.

/


Hi everybody. Since we are pretty private about most personal things, I haven't posted about Morrie's illness. But I have decided to let you all know what's going on in our family because I really need your support and encouragement right now. You are like an extended family to me and reaching out to you just seems like the right thing to do.

A few weeks ago Morrie was diagnosed with melanoma. He had a "thingy" removed from his back three weeks earlier. I had noticed blood on his shirt and when I looked at his back there was a small red bump, about the size of a boil. I urged him to see the skin doctor, although the thought that it could be cancerous was fleeting. I just didn't believe it could be serious.

I'll never, ever forget the Wednesday afternoon when he came home from work and sat me down and said, "I have cancer." At 9 a.m. he'd received the call at his office from the dermatologist with the news. He went to work that morning, carefree. And he drove home a cancer patient. It hit him like a ton of bricks. And then the bricks hit me. I fought so hard not to fall apart because he needed me to be strong and efficient. And I'm trying to stay strong when we're together but when I'm alone, I cry my heart out.

After Morrie broke the news to me all he talked about was how Daniel and I would be if .... It was just a few hours since he'd heard the news himself and he had already begun to get things in order for us, in case .... (I can't even type it.) There wasn't a hint of self-pity or "why me?" It was all about Daniel and me. I was amazed that we were his first concern and not himself. What a man.

I did lots of research and discovered that melanoma is a tricky, stubborn cancer. It can recur at any time in any place in the body, including major organs. Even after the first cancer is removed, cancer cells can travel through the lymph nodes and take up residence anywhere at any time, forever.

If Morrie is lucky enough to have escaped lymph node involvement, we will always have to be one step ahead of the cancer and have him thoroughly checked on a regular basis for the rest of his life.

So our life has changed completely. Within minutes it was turned upside down. I know we will eventually adjust and do what we have to do, but I haven't reached that place yet and I am still scared about what the future holds.

We visited the surgeon and after reading Morrie's chart and checking him over, he said he had a feeling the prognosis would be good. I don't think a doctor would go so far out on a limb and say that if he didn't believe it. We're hanging so much hope on those few words ....

Morrie's surgery will be on Thursday morning. They will remove any of the cancer the dermatologist may have missed and wide-margin tissue surrounding the tumour. They will also remove his Sentinal Lymph Node for biopsy to see if and how far the cancer may have spread. We will have the results of the biopsy two to three weeks after that.

It's been very hard keeping our life as "normal" as possible, to not let this terrible, sudden crisis get the better of us. I'm working hard to keep my family strong and positive and to carry on as always while we fight this with all our strength.

Please pray for my darling man. Please pray for his continued good health which he deserves so much. He's such a good person and has always been our tower of strength. The thought of him leaving us or living in a weakened condition is so heartbreaking.

I know there has been so much awful news that we've all shared lately. And I hate bringing more bad news to all of you. I know so many of you are struggling with your own troubles and health problems. But please add one more person to the list of those you are praying for.



Thanks so much. I will keep you posted.


Linda










אלוהים בבקשה לתת מוישה בריאות טובה


82 comments:

Carmen (boxercab) said...

Linda, I'm so sorry to hear this. Cancer is such a horrible thing. I will be hoping and praying hard for Morrie. Hugs to you and Chef! <3

Mango the Maltese kiddo said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Mango the Maltese kiddo said...

Dear Chef,
I'm so sorry to hear your Papa has melanoma and your Mama is so worried about him that I can feel her sobbing voice when I read your post today.
Thanks for sharing the news and counting on us, aunt Linda.
My Mama works in the hospital and she agrees that the doctor wouldn't go so far out on a limb and said he had a feeling the prognosis would be good if he didn't believe it.
All of us doggies will be there for you and your pawrents, Chef.
Be strong and supportive, I promise to pray for your Papa whenever I have a moment to pray.
Thinking of you and uncle Morrie and aunt Linda.
Love y'all.

The WriggleButts said...

Oh we are so very sorry to hear this. We will keep our paws crossed for your papa! Please keep us posted when you get more news.

Ane + Bajas, Virus & Hyssing

Chef said...

Email from Peanut's mom:

Linda,
I am having trouble leaving comments on blogs but wanted to let you know that I saw the latest post and our thoughts are with you guys. If there is anything you need that I can provide please let me know.


Oh and Chef may want to check out Peanut's blog later today. There is a terrifying video being added. LOL

Niamh said...

Dear Chef and Linda,

Of course we are thinking of you and praying that you get good news about your papa's health from the doctors. Our paws are crossed. Stay strong.

Your friends,
Niamh , Ambrose & Barbara

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Thanks so much for sharing this -

We all know the Circle of Paws AND Cirkhle of Paws is quite powerful!

I've updated Khyra's blog for Wednesday to get more around the world thinking of ALL of you -

In this day and age, it is encouraging the doctor voiced the opinion he did -

Please know many many will be thinking of YOU!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra and Phyll
P.S. Crying is quite permissible - let it out...

Dexter said...

We will keep you in our thoughts for sure. How awful to have a funny bump and then the next minute you have cancer. It is unimaginable. Take care of yourselves and leave the healing vibes to us.

Mango Momma

Molly the Airedale said...

Our paws are crossed for your papa, Chef. We are thinking very positive thoughts here.
((((hugs))))) to your mom!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

C.l.o.v.e.r. said...

Linda and Chef,
We are so sorry to hear about Morrie's diagnosis. We are here for you if you need anything, and we are praying for you.
Sending puggy hugs and kisses from Clover and Chewy, and love from Andrew and I.
Jess xo

Asta said...

Deaw Chef

WE will be pwaying vewy vewy hawd and sending ouw vewy bestest tewwiew pawsitive vibes to you and youw Mama and Papa. He WILLL be ALl wight!!! I just feel it!!! IWe will be thinking of you on thuwsday and cwossing all paws and fingews. Stay stwong and cheew him as only you can. Tell youw Mommi we undewstand and awe wif you in ouw heawts.
all ouw love and smoochie kisses
ASTA

Lacy said...

w00fs ooommmddd, u have been so supportive to my mama and here u were in a crisis of ur own...u know u all have my crossed paws and prayers..and wishing good news with the results...this is suck a shock, i will come back when i have words of help..

a sad,
rocky and mama..

Eric said...

I'm very sad to read this, you must all be in shock. I pray things goes well for your Morrie on Thursday and will be thinking of you all. Sending comforting hugs to you and love. Take care. Eric and his Mom x x

Homer said...

Hi Chef,

I'm sorry to learn that your Papa is not feeling too good but I'm sure he's going to be ok as medicine is so well-advanced and the doctors will give him the best treatment!

Is the surgery going to be this coming Thursday or next? Please keep us updated, OK? We are thinking of you.

Lots of pawsitive healing vibes,
Homer and family

TwoSpecialWires said...

Claudette just alerted us to your blog. We were sad, really sad, and very concerned to read your news. But one thing we know ... the heart grows with each new being to love and care for ... and now knowing you, we can keep you in our hearts and prayers. We'll be sending loving support your way. Today. Thursday during surgery. And every day after that. Your Circle of Paws just got bigger, and we all know, it is very powerful.

Be Strong. Have Faith. And know we care.
Love
Jake and Fergi and family xxoo

Charlie said...

Oh Linda, I'm so sorry to hear to hear this. We hope for the very best news and outcome and send lots of golden healing zen to Morrie.
- Anne and Charlie

Buster the Wired Fox Terror said...

We are keeping pawsitive for you. All of our love and healing thoughts your way - paws crossed for thursday.

Bussie Kissies
Buster (and his Mom)

Unknown said...

Oh my God, Linda - I've been too busy to visit blogs for a while so am very behind but then I saw this - !! What a horrible shock! I can't imagine what you must be going through. But I do agree with you that doctors don't usually say things like "a good prognosis" unless they mean it - and while it is a tricky form of cancer, at least it is one that is identifiable and able to be caught at an early stage (which sounds like Morrie's case) - as opposed to some like pancreatic which by the time you get symptoms, it is really too late.

Living out Down Under with the intense UV radiation and extremely high rates of skin cancer in the popular, melaloma is very much part of our lives here - but there are many people here who get it and survive and go on to live a normal life. So take heart.

We're not religious so don't pray but we will definitely be keeping you in our thoughts.

Love,
Hsin-Yi & Honey the Great Dane

Mochi and Bali said...

Hi Chef,

I'm sorry to hear about your Papa. I'm keeping my paws crossed for him and sending lots of positive thoughts and Sibe Vibes.

Hugs,
Mochi

Snowball said...

I am so sorry to read about this, Chef. Please give your papa and mama lots of wet kisses from me.

I will pray for the naughty thingy to be removed completely from your papa and NEVER to return again.

Continue to make him laugh. Be Brave!

Luv
Snowball

D.K. Wall said...

We were just alerted by DWB and know that we have not met, but wanted to stop by with best wishes, thoughts and prayers. Because of a history in my family of melanoma, I am checked regularly by a dermatologist (thus far, always negative). So I can not imagine the shock and fear of actually hearing those words, but I know how it lurks around. We will be thinking best wishes for a clean, successful and complete surgery.

The Airechicks said...

We'll have you guys in our thoughts and prayers -

Mom had Breast Cancer three years ago - after nodes checked negative, chemo, breast reconstruction - you've have every reason to be POSITIVE, cancer does not now or ever control you lives - it may detour you but not control - DO NOT fret try to live as you always have!

If you need to talk we are very good listeners.

Hold tight

XXoooXoooXXoooXxoo

Jake of Florida said...

We saw Claudette's note on FB and wanted to add our voices (very very loud voices we have been told) to those who are sending you their warmest thoughts and heartfelt concerns for your husband.

We'll be thinking about him on Thursday and trust in the positive words the surgeon has expressed.

With love,

Jake and Just Harry -- and Joan

ThePainterPack said...

I am so sorry to hear of this horrible disease touching your family. Please know that I will be praying for your husband and family.

Painter Pack Mom

the many Bs said...

we are praying for you and your husband (and Chef too). we hope that he will have a successful surgery and be done with that evil illness. we will send you all of our poodle power and loves and licks!

woofs.

Raising Addie said...

Oh Linda, our hearts are breaking for you and your family.

As you said, your husband is strong and he will fight a good fight against this horrible illness. And we just know that he has the strength to win!

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband. We will be here for whatever you need.

Lots of Luv & kisses
Addie, Lucie, Hailey and Staci

Lucia said...

Linda and Chef --

We're sending out thoughts, prayers and lots and lots of AireZen, and keeping paws crossed for good news for Morrie.

{{{{Big hugs}}}}
Lucia and her 'ragazza'

Thor and Jack said...

Hi Chef.
I'm so sorry to hear about this.
Keeping my paws crossed for your Papa.
We're sending lots of healing thoughts your way.

Thor and mom

Lorenza said...

We are praying for Morrie too!
We are far away but our heart is right there with you all.
We are sure everything is going to be ok!
Take care
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza and mom

Gus said...

Chef, Mom and Dad...Claudette alerted us to your news, and we want to join the barking chorus of people who are concerned, who will be a resource and support line, and who will hold you in our hearts as you walk this new path.

Muzzer is a 10 yr. BC survivor..she says there are days now when she doesn't even think about it! But check ups and doctor visits continue to freak her out, and I get lots of kisses and hard hugs on the days between Dr. visit and test results. We know Asta's Daddi gets the same special treatment.

Keeping you close, and praying for the best possible results.

gussie and family

Jans Funny Farm said...

We're glad you decided to share so the community can offer you support, even if it's only just listening. It is very hard to carry such a burden alone. We are hopeful of a good outcome, but we realize this was frightening news. Warm purrs, tail wags and {{{hugs}}} Your husband and you are in Jan's prayers.

River said...

We will be praying for him with all our hearts & paws!

love & wags,
River & crew

Ruby Bleu said...

Sending lots of live and licks. And paws are crossed too!!!
Live, Ruby and Michele

Anonymous said...

Hi Chef,

You don't know me cuz I'm kinda new to the doggie bloggie world. But when I heard about your Papa, I wanted to come by and tell you that my mom and me are sending your whole family lots of pawsitive thoughts and good wishes. I just know everything will be okay.

Take good care of your mama, okay? She needs you now more than ever.

Wiggles & Wags,
Mayzie

Ms. ~K said...

I found your blog on Khyra's blog...
I wanted you to know that I was diagnosed w/ melanoma 25 years ago.
I had 2 subsequent surgeries, no more cancer cells were found.
I know you are in shock right now, but I want you to know there is hope.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers,
Kit

Life With Dogs said...

Oh my - all of this time we were exchanging messages today and I had no idea. I'm so sorry to hear this - please let us know the results.

Sunshade said...

Hi Chief and mama Linda,

I'm Miss Sunshade, nice to meet you. I'm so sorry to hear about your great daddy/husband... I hope the surgery on Thursday goes well, and that the cancer hasn't spread. There has been so much bad news around the DWB community that I'm really rooting for your family that you WILL get some good news.

Keeping you in our prayers and thoughts from Vancouver, Canada.

Take care,
Miss Sunshade (and Elaine & Jaffa)

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

We type this with so many positive thoughts they are absolutly runnin down the keys...Mumsie's had two friends diganosed with that with in the last year and both are doing great..no problems at all...We want you to know we will be keeping you in our daily thoughts and prayers to free you from the anxiety and fear you are feeling...and we're sending you slobber kisses to know you are loved...a lot!
And we're sending healing vibes to help you get better...

We also have a lot of extra snow if ya need it???

Kisses,
Dogs pulling together...we do it best!

Love and kisses,

Scruffy, Lacie, Scruffy and Marilyn

Suka said...

We read about you on Khyra's blog. We are so sorry to hear of your husband's situation. Our prayers are with your husband, you, and your family, and we are also sending many healing positive thoughts your way. I know two people who had melanoma and after surgery both of them have been fine. So, keep the Faith and Hope alive.

Peace,

Suka and K

Noah the Airedale said...

Dear Linda & Chef,
We came straight over to offer our support. We have you in our thoughts and have everything crossed for Morrie. What a shock for you all. Here's to a good outcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Noah Willow Tess Lucy & D xxxxx

Jeannie (and Marvin!) said...

Dear Linda and Chef

We are new to your blog but we heard the news via Facebook and came right over to offer you our support and love.

Our thoughts are with you all.

You certainly do have a "darling" man indeed. Give him healing hugs from us in Scotland x

love and much light, Jeannie and Marvin xxxxx

John and Claire said...

keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Claire, John, Jazzi and Simba xx

Cyndi and Stumpy said...

We're sending prayers for you and yours to remain strong through this turmoil and to come out the other side stronger and healthier than ever!

Tee said...

Thank you for sharing. You are all in our prayers and thoughts. Take heart.

T and the Dog Woods Pack

Roxie, Sammy, Andy and Shermie said...

Claudette sent me over. I'm so sorry to hear that you are going through this challenge. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could do more.

Mary (mom to the Dachsies)

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Khyra sent us over and we join in the circle of good thoughts.

Rambo said...

OMD Chef! We are so sorry to hear this news. It is always sad when our humans are not well. You give him as many kisses as you can, and make him laugh cause laughter is the bestest medicine!
We will say some prayers for your papa and G-Mom said she will too!
Stay strong Chefster...your papa needs you right now.
love to you and mama oxoxox
Rambo & Midget

The Puppies said...

Chef and Linda,
We are so sorry to hear this and it really struck Mommy too as y'all are one of the first boxers blogging that we found! we will be crossing paws and our humans will be doing the same that everything will go well on Thursday and that there will be good news afterwards.
xoxoxox
The Puppies

Rufus and Indie said...

Hi! I know that you don't know us but we found your blog and we just want to give you our support. We know it's difficult but we are here to help our bloggie family!

Kisses
Rufus and Indie

Cheryl, Indiana, Shingo and Molly said...

Dear Linda and Chef,

Many prayers, hugs, and good thoughts from our house to yours! We will be praying for Morrie every day, and for God to give you courage and strength to uplift your burden.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

God's Peace,
Cheryl and The Fiesty Three

Juno said...

Dear Chef and Mama Linda,

We're so sorry to learn about this terrible news. Your Papa has to be ok. We never met him but we know he is an excellent man to you and your mama. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

Hugs
Momo & Pinot

Princess Patches said...

Linda, you did the right thing sharing this with all of us. I have found out, first hand, that the prayers of our DWB pals can get us through anything! They truly are working for me, and they will work for you too! We are hoping for the best possible results of the tests!

Aire-hugs,
Lana (and the 2 P's)

The Black and Tans. said...

Chef we have just found out about your Dad. Please know we are sending you lots of positive thoughts and will be thinking about your Dad on Thursday.

Molly, Taffy and MOnty

Scout and Freyja said...

What your family is going through has to be unbelievably difficult. You are fine one minute and scared the next and happy the next and crying the next. Please know that along with all of the others my heart is with you and your family will be in my prayers.

doyle and mollie said...

oh you are so in our thoughts and we are firing tons of good news zen your way - loves and licks

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

We are so sorry to hear the news.. We will certainly keep you all in our prayers. Hang in there Mom we are so hoping the doctors prognosis is good...

Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Bocci said...

Hi Linda and Morrie,
I'll be praying and crossing my paws (as Asta recommended) for both of you.
I hope to read happy updates in the near future!

houndstooth said...

Goodness! What a shock! You certainly have our prayers!

Southbaygirl said...

Linda and Chef,

I am so glad you shared this news with us! We are all here for you and will support you in any way we can!!!

I am so very sorry to hear of your husbands diagnosis of melanoma! My sister had a melanoma removed years ago (she lived in Scotland at the time) and she is very healthy now-so DO NOT LOSE HOPE!!!!!! Stay positive! Take all the healing positive energy you can!!!

If you need anything please do not hesitate to call on us! If you'd like to email my sister- i can arrange that!!!

Im sending you healing {{{hugs}}}, prayers, woofs, purrs and anything else you need!!!

Velcro, Kodak, 3 Perf, Blossom and Penny

Miss Lizzy said...

Hello, Linda and Chef, we came over from Khrya's site to offer our support and prayers. We are hoping that you hear the very best news in the weeks ahead.

Emma Rose said...

I came over from Khyra's blog. I jsut want you to know that I will pray for your husband and you and your family. Prayer is a powerful thing.

God Bless,
The Duchess

Joe Stains said...

We are sending lots of pawsitive thoughts and vibes!!!! oh and hugs!!

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Chef..we came back to let ya know we'll be praying especially hard for your dad tonight that he gets a good night's sleep and for his surgery...

You have support from all over the world...we're right here with ya!!!!!!!

Lotsa love,

Scruffy, Lacie, Stanny and Mumsie

Anonymous said...

Hey Chef, Ms. Linda and Mr. Morrie,
We are friends of Khyra's and she is upset about your situation. We thought that we would stop by to tell y'all that we will hold you in our thoughts and prayers. Be strong and optimistic. You will all need to support each other throughout the treatment to make everything better. We are with you along with all your other friends.
- The Bumpass Hounds and Kitties

Randi said...

We are sending you lots of love & healing vibes...All fingers, paws, arms & tails crossed for Chef's Daddy!

Love & Licks,
Randi

Moco said...

We are off to do a circle of healing vibes right at this moment.

Scottie the 'Cutie' said...

Hi Linda and Chef,

I found your blog through Asta's. We're sending you lots of good vibes and slobbery kisses! And we will be thinking of you and your family too that you will get through this in no time =) Stay strong!

Scottie & Audrey

Persephone and Buster said...

hi chief and linda.. we are also sending much blue zen, butt bopps and slurps for your morrie....keeping paws crossed for tomorrow. hugs to your mom,
theBUSTER, Ms.Blue & Persephone

The Animal Doctor said...

We read this news about Chef's Papa from Asta's bloggy. Please hang on, dont lose hope. You will be in out thoughts and prayers...

Molly the Airedale said...

Our paws are crossed for your papa, Chef and we are thinking good thoughts!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Huskee and Hershey said...

We are very sorry to hear this... sending you much love and good thoughts across the miles, and we will be crossing all paws and fingers!

Trailboss said...

Wow. I can't imagine what yall are dealing with. I really don't know what to say except that prayers are with you and your family. It's too bad that Chef's licks can't make it all go away. But at least he can be a boxer and keep everyone smiling and laughing. Boxers sure are good at that.

Take care sweetie.

Asta said...

Chef
We've been pwaying weally hawd and thinking all ouw pawitive thoughts fow youw Dad..I hope the suwgewy went well we love you
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

We so hope the surgery went well...

We're thinking of you all!!!

Kisses,

Scruff, Lacie and Stanley

Southbaygirl said...

Mom and I hope everything went well this morning with your papas surgery!! Were thinking of you all!!

woofs and prayers,

Velcro and Penny

Lola Smiles said...

aww...Linda...no fun...we are sending pawsitive vibes to you and Morrie. All will be Ok. Stay strong!

lisa & lola
xox

Becky said...

As hard as it sounds, have HOPE! I'm a 9 yr breast cancer survivor and 2-1/2 years ago I had an early stage melanoma removed from the back of my calf and a pre melanoma from my shoulder. I don't look back, I just keep living my life. I had cancer,it didn't have me. Be positive, that will get you through so much of it. I will be praying for all of you.

Hero said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your Papa, Chef. You and your family will be on everyone's thoughts and prayers. You have been a great friend to us all and be assured that we'll be here with you come what may.

Eric said...

Hi Chef, been thinking of you and your family, paws crosses all went well on Thursday. Wiry love Eric xx

Anonymous said...

Ola, what's up amigos? :)
I will be glad to receive any help at the beginning.
Thanks and good luck everyone! ;)

Duffy said...

Hope the surgery went well on Thursday and that the future looks very good for you dad, Chef.
Luv,
Duffy

Dewey Dewster said...

Now that I got Gram hog-tied so I can visit blogs...I see what a scare yer Dad 'n Mom had, Chef.....we sure are glad ta read that it looks like all will end up well. That's a great report yer Dad got 'n we sure hope it stays that way too....scares like that will set ya all on yer ear...ya just never know what life holds fer ya so that's why I always say "Gram....give us all the biscuits....right now...we may not be here tomorrow"

Dewey Dewster returns...