Many of you have called or emailed recently asking about how my grandpa is doing. Thank you. Truthfully, the answer is not-all-that-great. He has been in the hospital twice since my first post (he was actually in the hospital at the time of my first post, I just didn't know it). The first time he was admitted for what turned out to be an infection in his lungs. He was there for about a week and was released to go home right after Joey and I were able to visit him (we'd planned a trip home that weekend anyway...talk about perfect timing). He had his cancer scan and they found the tumor in one lung (which is what started this whole thing), two "spots" on his other lung (probably cancerous), and a spot on his hip (unknown). Before today the last I'd heard was that he was waiting to meet with the oncologist to discuss treatment options. Today, things changed. My dad calls. Usually, when I see my dad's number on caller ID I'm curious (I usually call to check in at home...not the other way around), but lately when I see Dad's number my heart skips a beat and my eyes well up. Usually it's not exactly the best of news. Tonight was no different. Grandpa is back in the hospital. He just was not getting better at home and after spending the night with him Saturday night my Dad and Mom decided to take him back. The cancer is causing an infection around the tumor in his lung. He also has a stomach ulcer. My brother (who also never calls me but did tonight) told me in a later conversation that the tumor is inoperable and as soon as they've cleared the infection they want to start him on chemo.
So, my friend and prayer warriors, we are still in need of prayer. And lots of it. Prayers for Grandpa, healing, his doctors. Prayers for my dad and his sisters as they deal with the logistics of caring for a sick parent. Prayers for my grandma who has lots of health concerns of her own. Prayers for all of us as we support each other through this. It's hard. It hurts. It sucks (pardon my language). But us Burke's weren't raised to give up hope.
