Edema is a side-effect of cancer, in which fluid builds up interstitially in the body.  The result of which is immense swelling in various places on the body.  My dad suffers from edema mostly in his face, his stomach, and his feet.  This, coupled with the weightloss, and his legs and waist have become so thin he needs suspenders to hold his pant up, and yet, his face and stomach are so bloated he looks, from the waist up, that he’s gained a hundred pounds.

Dad’s edema was the worst it’s ever been yesterday morning.  It’s hard to describe the extent of the bloating.  It was almost like looking at tootsie roll pop–a long thin stick with a big round thing on top.  From the waist up, he’s like a snowman–one big round ball with another, slightly smaller round ball on top.  From the waist down, he’s just two reeds that connect his snowman’s upper body to the Earth.

He rested a lot through the day, sleeping, or at least, lying down whenever he could.  He managed to compose himself enough to cut the turkey and eat the meal, which was quiet and tasty.

It’s just bizarre to consider that this is probably his last Thanksgiving.