Mom Update

Just got back from the Oncologist - We got the results of the CT Scan, the lymph nodes in mom's chest region are full of cancer and her abdomen is full of fluid from the cancer.  

We talked about clinical trials and the DR explained that they do have them ongoing but Mom is not even a candidate for 1 type of chemo let alone trials right now. She's much too weak and still has an open wound that we're packing twice a day.  

My Brother and I have been afraid she's giving up and letting things get her down. I talked to the Dr about this and she said it might be 10% mental right now but the other 90% is the cancer taking over her body.  

Dr. ran all sorts of lab tests today and wants to see if Mom might be anemic again. If so she'll do transfusions before we leave on the cruise. She did tell us she was glad we were going on this trip very soon, she wasn't sure how much longer Mom could handle traveling of any kind.   The DR wants Mom to start drinking ensure or boost to help give her some good nutrients since she doesn't have much of an appetite.  

The hardest part was listening to Mom talk to the DR about what would happen before she died. I know it's something she needs to talk about but it's still hard to hear.   All in all I think Mom is handling this well and I sure hope when I'm all grown up I'm just like my Mom!

 Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers.

I think you are a lot stronger than you think. This has to be such a hard situation! I am so sorry you are going through a hard time and glad you all can still go on the cruise! Will continue to think and pray for you! Hang in there!

My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I'm an only child and my mom died of lung cancer in 2002.  The cancer had metasticized to the liver and bone.  It was awful to watch and such a helpless feeling. 

I'm so glad you will be taking the trip.  My mom so wanted to go to Disneyworld but once she started the chemo (which was a moot point for stage 4 lung cancer) she was too sick to make the trip. 

Hugs to both of you.

Peace,
Dawn

Jan,

I will continue to pray for your Mom and you and the family.  I agree with Carrie, I think you're stronger than you realize.  I am glad you and your family are still able to go on the cruise, take pictures and make memories. 
God Bless.

Diane

I was hoping you would get better news - but will also keep you and your family in my prayers.

 As tragic as the news of today is, I was so concerned you were going to write that you all were unable to take the cruise because she is just to ill.  Let's rejoice in the fact that she is able to go forth and make memories and pray for her continued strength upon y'all return.  God Bless!

I find so many inspirations here - and the way your Mom is dealing with this passage truly is an inspiration. I thank you for sharing her story with us.

And I second Clinell - how great that you are going to have the trip still happen. Maybe not as you all wanted it to be, but experiencing it together. It also sounds like she's sensible enough to agree to a walker or chair if she needs it.

So is the Ensure like protein shakes for the older set?

Jandell,

Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.  You and your family are being dealt with a hard situation in life.  Please enjoy everyday together--we often forget the treasure of life, the strength we have and the will to stick together during the times of sorry and happiness.  It is so wonderful to see the relationship you have in your family.  I pray that your trip will be a memory of a lifetime.

Jan, don't really have any words of wisdom to give you but do know that I am praying for you and your mother.

I am so sorry! As always I wish you all the best and I hope this trip is wonderful. It's a very good thing that will provide you with good memories... bittersweet but good. I can't imagine a better thing you could do for her right now.

*hugs*
Jenn