Supporting Our Dad's Healthcare Journey

A few years ago our dad Richard Downing was rushed to the hospital after prolonged days of not feeling well; only to learn that his kidneys were not functioning properly. They were excreting necessary nutrients that the body needed to function. Our mom sat by his side, making many trips back and forth, shuttling him to and from doctors appointments, while we all took our turns pitching in, learning more medical terms and medications then we thought possible. Everyone helped with time, expertise and financially, to help elivate some stress and let them focus on dad getting better.

Just when we thought things were stabilizing dad was hit again. This time he was taken to CVMC where we learned he was having a heart attack. After a transport to DHMC and a lengthy hospital stay, he recieved a stint in an artery. Again, we all came together and rallied around to support dad and mom in any way we could.

Dad, despite some tough habits made some changes to improve his life. After cardiac rehab, a new diet, an exercise program, quitting smoking and countless appointments, dad thought he was in the clear. Only, at one appointments his doctor saw something that warranted his heart being checked out.

Our world was flipped upside down again as we raced to DHMC, for dad to undergo another procedure. The major artery going to the heart was blocked in three places and he required another procedure. By some miracle it did not result in a major heart attack. Again, we all picked up the pieces and took on what we could to be supportive.

I would love to say this is where the story ends, but it doesn't. Life is sometimes harsh and unforgiving. Dad went to his yearly scan for his lung cancer screening. Spots were picked up in his right lung, some old, one new and larger than the rest. He was referred to a pulmonalogist at DHMC who was almost 100% certain that spot was cancer. Dad was given three options to choose from, none of which included the spot going away on it's own. After so so many check ups and appointments due to his other underlying medical conditions and medications the amazing medical team got together and opted to remove the tumor from his lung under many precautions. This process was also not as easy as anticipated and the pathologist couldn't agree on the actual type of cancer. One thing was for sure and that was that it was indeed cancer and that the upper lobe on the right side of his lung would need to be removed.

After more then 10 hours we were able to see him. Then started the next road to recovery. Dad spent 5 days at the hospital with chest tubes in and with a significant amount of pain. Everyday was filled with driving back and forth, lots of doctors and nurses, lots of questions, medications, checks and tests.

Dad pushed himself as much as he could each day with hopes for coming home sooner. He got his chest tubes out last week on his day of discharge, which we were all grateful for. Now starts the next steps in the recovery process.

Our dad is one of the most stubborn and toughest people we know. He's tough on the outside, braver then we've ever been, doesn't often show emotion and prefers to (sometimes argumentatively) solve problems, rather then acknowledge his own and he certainly does not like to ask for help. Underneath that tough exterior is a playful, silly, kind hearted guy who would do anything for us.

We have attempted to navigate all of his healthcare needs and provide some stability with day to day life. There are still so many unknowns, so many follow up appointments to make it to, so many medical expenses and prescription costs, on top of their regular living expenses which now includes two modified diets. Despite our best efforts to tackle this all on our own, we are reaching out for support. If you are able to, we sincerely appreciate it.

Thank you all so much ♥.

Lisa, Heidi, Lucas and Heather