Cancer hits home

I never realized the impact cancer has on people's lives until it hit home for me. My dad was diagnosed with cancer about a week and a half ago. We were blessed to find out that he had cancer when we did. You see, my dad was internally bleeding, so he went into the doctor to find out what was wrong. When the doctor performed a scope on my dad, he noticed a tumor just below my dad's stomach. The doctor told my dad that it wasn't cancer, but it needed to be treated like cancer. Then my poor daddy went and got a second opinion by some specialists up at Huntsman Cancer Institute. They confirmed that my dad, indeed, does have cancer. The cancer is called Carcinoid Cancer. It is known to be a very hard cancer to detect. It's symbol, like the pink ribbon for breast cancer, is a zebra. The reason being, is because the cancer is very good at doing it's job of hiding inside you. It begins to disguise itself as different parts in the body. We were so blessed that we found the cancer when we did, in order to save my dad's life. He is going into surgery on July 21st. He is having a surgery done that is called a Whipple Surgery. In the picture, it showes exactly what will be removed with a before and after picture. I am so grateful that the Lord has blessed us with the knowledge that my father has cancer. It is such an intense and hard thing to learn, but we are so grateful that we know now, in order to keep him around to live a long healthy life. We had a family fast for him last week, and a BBQ for him this past weekend. I think it really helped him, and it helped all the family around him. We were brought together as a family to grow and spend time with each other. It was a great time. My extended family was able to learn of my dad's cancer and give him encouraging words of support and love. Which he definitely needs every day.
Without the Lord, I would be so much worse off, hearing about the cancer. It is so amazing what the Lord can do. His comfort, as well as Matt's was my way of healing from the news and I am so grateful for the power of the Preisthood, and the amazing blessing that it can offer anyone in a time of need. I love you Daddy! I am here for you, and love you so much.