Saturday, November 26, 2011

Dear Abby/News is Usually Bad

So, as many of you have heard already, my dad's cancer has spread and grown to various organs, veins, etc. in his body.  He has started to have pain in his leg and is currently taking oral medication to alleviate some of the pain.  Bob has an appointment with the oncologist on Monday to talk about next steps for radiation treatments. I don't think he will be getting the chemo Dr. Allen recommended, but who knows.  He now has a noticeable limp in his left leg, but his hair has fully grown back. The alternative treatment in India has fizzled out, and despite all this bad news...his spirits are still high. He is painting and renovating the house with help from his neighbor, Harold, and some really good contractors. 

I flew down from Chicago for Thanksgiving and we had a good family Thanksgiving eating, playing Farkle, and singing old songs that my dad used to sing to/with us on his guitar. In that spirit, I created a new verse to the song Dear Abby. I think only the Keegan family will get this, but who knows:

Dear Abby Dear Abby
My cancer has spread
It's gone to my liver
but not to my head
The doctor from India
said "no" last night
what's a man to do
when this shit ain't right

Signed, Has Cancer

Has Cancer Has Cancer
you have no complaints
you are what you are
and you ain't what you ain't
so listen up buster
and listen up good
stop wishing for bad luck
and knocking on wood

Signed, Dear Abby

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I know most people don't know what to do or say during this difficult time for Bob and his family. Your words of support, kind emails, etc. are always appreciated.  My dad is so lucky to have a support system like this.  We love each and every one of you.

I will try to post more pictures in the coming weeks.

3 comments:

  1. Great spirit, great lyrics, but hang on to your day job Lauren! This news difficult to absorb and accept, hope the writing is a bit cathartic for you as the reading is for us...
    I'm mostly away these days so depending on you guys to transmit hugs all around and don't hesitate to call on that support system for whatever we can do.

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  2. Hey Lauren, the news sucks, but the song made me laugh. Thinking of you all every day. xoxo

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  3. Lauren thanks for the update. I am not surprised that Bob is a John Prine fan but I expected Illegal smile rather than Dear Abby.....

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