Hi All,

I hope everyone is well.

First time that I have ever posted on anything like this and to be honest I am not to sure what I want out of this or what to expect, But I am hoping by writing it down and putting it out there I may feel a little better ?!?! 

3 weeks ago my Girlfriend and I went to Thailand to visit my 37 year old Brother, His wife and my 10 week old  Neice ( meeting my niece for the very first time as she was born there ) they teach over thailand and have done for 10 years now. Very exciting times and my girlfriend leah 27 years old and I 27 years old could not wait. Mum and Dad do not like flying so they were staying back home in Darlington. The second week into the holiday I proposed to my Girlfriend !! ( My dad always joking around says if I want a Ferrari and money don't get married !!) Leah said yes !! When calling home to tell everyone one we established dad was unfortunately in hospital as he had fluid on his lung !! My brother and I were worried but Dad as always was in very high spirits and when we spoke he said he was fine and was been treated well in Darlington Memorial Hospital. My Brother and I established dad was ok and nothing we could do so we would finish the holiday and Leah and I to return to the UK as normal (obviously we were worried as it is our paps and our hero but he was in good spirits as always) Dad had samples of the fluid taken and was sent home from hospital) We returned from Thailand on Monday 24th of April 2017 and dad was determined to collect my fiancé and I from the airport with my mum which they did and we were welcomed with a nice ballon, a sign saying mr and mrs dale and a kiss and hug from my mum and dad. After a good catch up dad updated me that he breathing ain't to good due to the fluid but we will get results back on Wednesday 26 of April. As I wanted to be there work have been very understanding and gave me the leave. 

Mum and Dad picked me up on Wednesday morning and we were all really worried but staying positive. Dad had some X-rays done etc then was called into the rooom with the doctor and a nurse. Mum Dad and I all went in together, the doctor asked Dad some questions and showed us some scans then said to me and mum can we sit down !! Straight away I knew it was not the best news, He said unfornatly Dad has Mesothelioma which is a type of cancer and there is no cure !! Wow what news to be told about my Hero !! Mum broke down, Dad was dad and remained strong and was trying to comfort mum by telling her not to worry and I was stood in between the two of them with my hands on there backs. The doctor was a good guy and although it is awful news he did it ever so well (if that makes sense). The nurse then said to go in a side room where we had 5 minutes to reflect and dads attitude was amazing by saying this is the card he has been dealt, nothing we can do so let's get on with it and get sorted so he can return to work !!! Typical Papa comment really positive and high spirits. Anyways as dad was struggling with his breathing at home he decided to get addmited to Darlington hospital as a peace of mind until the doctors had their meeting and discuss a plan. Dad got into a ward and felt settled as if the breathing got worse their is help !! 

The Doctors had there meeting and the 3 doctors all came up to see dad on Thursday 27th April to say they wanted to see him as they are touched by dads drive and determination that he wants to be well and return to work and also to say how much of a nice bloke he is that they all want to ensure he has the best help possible !! Really touching to hear as a family and the fact they came to talk to Dad. 

Dad has had a lot of family and friend visitors and continues to be in very high spirits to get the treatment and get back to work!! 

Anyways where we stand at the moment, Dad is waiting to be transferred to James Cook to have the fluid drained and have a discussion with the doctor to discuss options of sticking the lung etc etc. I have a few questions like when is the biopsy being done, when will we get results etc etc. Then he should be able to return home until the next part starts.

It is hard for me and my family not to remain strong  and positive when Dad is being so Storng and determined but I feel helpless and and a little lost at times. I am trying to update everyone and ensure my mum is as well as possible but there is times when I feel a awful sickly panic out of no where or my mind wounders for 1 minute and then it hits you hard that my Dad has cancer and there is nothing I can do. Everything goes through the mind and I never seem to get an answer. I know it is early days and I know death comes to everyone but it just seems a lot to take in at the moment and I obviously want my dad here for my wedding, to see my Son or Daughter and to make a lot of happy memories. But again with my Dad being so strong I need to man up and take a leaf out of my old mans book!

Anyways I have went on a lot and I know it is early days and dad is in good hands. I have had a good cry while wrighting this and I know it is so unfornate that they are a lot of people in a similar boat and is been affecteted by this Ba**ard horrible thing called cancer.

My brother, his wife and my niece is coming Home in 7 weeks for there holidays and we all cannot wait easpcially mum and dad so they can meet there first granddaughter. 

I know what ever the outcome my old man and Hero will Boss it.

Thanks for listening to me waffle on and I will keep this updated as and when I can xxxxx