Sorry to say.....

[rickyboy]

Yes,...sorry to say that due to family issues/health ....that it "LOOKS" as though I won't be able to make this rally in Orofino.

Long story short....my 87 yr.old Dad [ yes the same person I was out snowmobiling with this winter ] took a fall and apparently cracked a vertebra,... which lead to finding out there's a real possibility that he has advanced prostrate cancer. He's been in hosp. for the last week or so having tests and waiting for results and has to travel to Kamloops BC to see a urologist. With him having C.O.P.D. and being 87, he is a high risk for any operation so things might just have to run it's course ......and my mother is suffering from dementia and really can't be on her own for too long. Thank God my sister has come up from Victoria to be with her while dad is in the hosp..
Depending on my dad's outcome from any procedure that might take place...and his longevity .....the next step is to get them moved to an assisted living home, probably in Victoria. This needs to happen quickly and before next winter because they just aren't going to be able to get through another winter here, and live in their home. There is very little "assisted living" available here in the Cariboo Dist.. Thanks to our Liberal Gov't and their cost cutting.
So although I haven't given up totally on being able to attend the rally,....I will hold my room till the last moment,....in hopes I can make the ride. I was really looking fwd. to seeing old friends and making some new ones too. And maybe sneaking a steak onto Joel's bill/cheque when he buys Kris his "celebratory" steak dinner. Order the best Kris !!!
We'll see what happens. ...........I know this post will spark many comments and best wishes in regards to being able to attend and for my dad and mom. And I want to thank you all in advance for them. I'm sure there are many of you out there that have had to, and ARE dealing with some and possibly more of the same issues with your folks. ...So I send all the best wishes, right back at you.
If I don't get to make the rally there will be others and hopefully I'll be able to make those.
.........

[glwilson]

Family first...

Wishing the best for your father.

[BigRed]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Family first...

Wishing the best for your father.

^ This

[usranger74]

Yes, family first.

[waterman]

Like I told you earlier Rick, family first. There will always be another ride. You won't have another dad.

[Cajunrider]

Take care of your Dad Rick. He needs you more than ever now. Amazing similarities with our Dads. Both are 87 and both have C.O.P.D.

[rickyboy]

Thanks to you all......still in Kamloops BC and will be for the next couple of days while my Dad undergoes more tests. Bone scan,...Heart tests.....
COPD is compounding the situation and whether or not he is high risk for any procedure that might lay ahead. ....... aggressive rehab after the procedure/operation may be a sticking point also....
thanks for everyone's best wishes.

[audiogooroo]

All the best to your family Rickyboy.

[rickyboy]

For anyone paying attention,.....the news has come down that my Dad is too high of a risk for the prostate removal. So the guy is stuck with the catheter ...... at least for now. The Dr's are more concerned with his COPD or breathing issues and the lung infection he has now. They have him on an antibiotic drip in hopes they can clear that up....... they also want to take more x-rays of his back. He has a fracture and some shadows and they want to have a closer look to make sure it's not cancer. The bone scan showed no cancer in his bones at this time...... even though his PSA is up around 48..... this can be caused by other things we are told. so thats a good thing.

So my Mom and sister and I MAY !! head back to the 108 in preperation for Dad being transported back to the 100 Mile House hosp. this weekend. But we'll know more tomorrow...

I want to thank each and everyone of you for your extended wishes for my Dad and family....it is for sure a struggle.....thanks again brothers and sisters....
ride safe

[Netnorske]

Rick...hang in there brother...we are all with you....

[seawolf]

Hoping all goes well Rick. Take care.

[Silent Sam]

Here's wishing you all a safe trip home...
..as for lung infections..my wife and i have nearly choked down for three weeks..after installation of a new swamp cooler...(something to do with the straw filters they brought in from --where ever- !), So if you have "filtered air" in the furnace etc....check them for a cause of the resperitory infection !

...Gotta hate those catheter's (experience speaking)

[Bart]

Prayers going up for you, your sis and folks Rick. They're blessed to have you looking out for them. I see neglected seniors in the Houston area all to often.

[Eagle Eye]

Family always first Rick. And I wish the best path for yours.

[rickyboy]

Rtn'd from Kamloops the other day....but Mom and my sister have gone back just one later. By request of my Mom..... Anyway they are heading back home tomorrow in hopes that they'll have a bed for my dad in 100 M.H. hosp..

Things seem to be getting a little better for dad according to my sister..... Along with dad's PSA dropping back down to 4 from his previous 29 ....they have found a "bug" in his flem that he has been coughing up, and is on another/new antibiotic drip....and he's coughing a lot less. But the real good news is that his cathitor has been removed and aside from the odd "accident" he is urinating on his own again.

Thanks again to everyone for their thoughts and best wishes and advice/knowledge.....