The latest on my father's condition

[Kevin]

So here’s the latest on my Dad, Henry Siembieda.

We got the results of my father's many tests yesterday, Wednesday, July 7, 2010.

The good news is the cancer appears to be contained to his bladder. Removing the bladder and a slightly enlarged prostate should make my 79 year old father, cancer free. Surgery should be in a week or two. It could be as soon as next Tuesday. I’ll take him and stay with him.

Dad fears and dreads the surgery, as well as adapting to an altered life thereafter. Who wouldn't. Ah, but the key word in that sentence is “life.” And it should be a fairly normal and comfortable life despite the loss of the bladder. Or so we are told. I hope so. I want my Dad's last years to be comfortable and as pleasant as possible.

All in all, Dad is handling things well. I think we were both down about the situation, as we were quieter than usual and we found it a bit difficult to make conversation during my Wednesday visit. It’s a lot to deal with, especially on top of other worries and concerns. My poor Dad.

Still, we had a pretty nice time. We talked about the cancer, the surgery, and life after surgery. We also spoke about friends, family and business. I think my Dad is as worried about me working too hard, our legal matters and the health of Palladium Books as much as he is about himself. We chatted and joked, hugged and smiled, but a soft melancholy hung over the visit. Breakfast at Denny’s was tasty. Dad especially enjoyed his scrambled eggs and pancakes. To help take his mind off things and keep him busy, we spent an hour and a half running some errands and going to several stores. We got bird bread at the Wonder Bread Discount Store, I returned an item to Kohl's, and we stopped at the Dollar Store before heading back home.

Back at his apartment, my father’s friend and roommate, Arlene, seemed stressed, worried and a bit worn out over it all too. She has to be careful, because she has her own serious medical condition, and can’t let herself get worn out.

Tension and concern hangs in the air. Doing my best to stay strong, cheerful and positive for my Dad. I love him so much. I don't want him to suffer or be scared, but there is so little I can actually do except be there for him. I know that's enough, but it still stinks. Then there's dealing with everyone else. I worry about my brother, son and Alex (my Dad was like a second father to him) in particular. I'm keeping everyone else in the loop as best I can, and trying to be there for them when they need me too.

With any luck, the surgery will go as well as possible and my Dad should have another good 5-10 years. I want them to be good years for him.

Whew. That's it for now. Thank you for your prayers and well wishes. One fan sent an oragami construct to give to my Dad. It put a smile on his face. Thanks. Don't forget to tell your own loved ones how much you love and care for them.

Sincerely,
Kevin Siembieda
Publisher, Writer, Game Designer and Son
Palladium Books, 29 years of publishing role-playing games

© Copyright July 8, 2010 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.

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