Status on GPa Scott Day 4, Saturday, 4-19-08

I get out of TriCities about 730 am and head for Spokane. I call my brother in California and let him know what's going on. Upon my arrival they are planning to take him for the procedure about 11. When they come to get him, there has been an emergency that the anesthesiologist's team is called away for, so dad is put in a holding area. He is able to rest a little and again very patient. The radiologist comes and meets with me to explain the procedure and what to expect, both good or bad. At 2 pm, the teams are assembled and dad is taken in for the procedure. I go and grab a bite and then play my own version of patience. Finally about 430, the radiologist comes to the waiting room. Not good news. He was unsuccessful in placing the stint because of the hardness of the liver tumor. He tried several times to penetrate the liver, but to no avail. Although I know that dad has had this mass on his liver for at least the last 3 years, there had been so much done to try and alleviate, if not eliminate the cancer from his body. Now to hear that this is the end of the battle, the fight is over, it hits me, dad is nearing the end of his mortal existence. He ends the day still groggy and sleepy from both the anesthetic and the lack of sleep for the last few days. He is able to respond when I talk to him. I try explain the seriousness of the situation. This is no easy thing to tell your dad that his days are numbered. I call my brother again to update him and he indicates that he will be here tomorrow afternoon with his two youngest sons, David and Christopher. Brooks will be here in the morning with Derek, Alexis, and Dustin. Finally around midnight, I feel tired enough to go and find a motel to try and get some sleep. I plan on going to a sacrament service that starts at 9 so that I can be back to the hospital when Brooks shows up.