My mom has cancer

Tomlilly · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 12:34 pm Post subject: My mom has cancer

Typing the subject line was difficult. I am in the Seattle area and mom and rest of family are in Iowa. The physical separation is really difficult. The good news is that I am going home tomorrow to spend some time with her.

Cancer is new to me so please forgive if I use the wrong terminology. I am sure that with a little help and more education I will become more accurate.

She had a lump under her arm and in her neck 3 weeks ago. A biopsy revealed malignant tissue. She was given the news this past Tuesday morning that she had Stage 4 NSCLC. Her oncologist told her that she can begin chemo as soon as next Thursday. Radiation was not an option due to the location of the tumor. Surgery was also not possible.
On Tuesday night she began to notice sweeling in her right arm and both legs. She called the onc. Thurday morning to let him know that she was experienceing pain from the swelling. The decision was made to begin radiation therapy immediately to reduce the size of the tumor and possibly bring relief from the fluid retention. She had her first treatment yesterday and will follow with one today, tomorrow and Tuesday.

Things seem to be going much faster than I thought they would. Mom is a strong woman. She became a widow when I was three and found herself having to raise me and my two older sisters on her own. She worked her tail off so that we could have everything that we needed. She has never been scared before...until now.

I am finding myself going through some of the most intense emotional swings. Thankfully I have my wonderful wife and two little girls who are there with a hug and love that help get me through.

I am also seeing the presence of God in everyone in my life. He is there (as always) to show me how his smile, loving touch and tenderness can be shown and given through my friends, family and even co-workers.

I am looking froward to seeing mom tomorrow night.
_________________
Take care,
Tom

LizNDale · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 1:53 pm Post subject: Re: My mom has cancer

Hi Tom, Welcome but sorry you have reason to be here..

Good that you are going to see your mom tomorrow, I hope it helps you.

"I am sure that with a little help and more education I will become more accurate."

Dear Tom, you will indeed become fluent in LC-ese, much more than you'll want to be.

Did they say what kind NSCLC she has? (adenocarcinoma, Squamous, etc)

I am so sorry you are going through this, glad that you have a loving wife and children to help see you through.

Your mom sounds like a very strong lady. What a sad twist of fate that now when she should finally be able to relax she has this new battle to wage.

The swings you mention are familiar to us all, though I have to say that when I read back through my own mom's story, I see how much better I am able to handle the emotional aspects today, even though it's only been 10 weeks. (wow! that seems impossible! Haven't I lived a life time since then?)

Your relationship with God will be a huge boon to you and your family. He can take a of this on for you, if you give it to Him.

God Bless you, you mom, and your family. You are all in my prayers.

Liz
_________________
My Mother - Stage IV NSCLC - Adenocarcinoma
Mets to Adrenal Glands and Brain
Diagnosed Thursday June 12th 2008
Died Sunday September 7th 2008

Her Story:
http://cancerforums.net/about9639.html
Her Statement of Faith Memorial:
http://cancerforums.net/viewtopic.php?t=10528

Tomlilly · Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2008 10:42 am Post subject: I flew home

The docs originally did not want to perform radiation due to the prox of the tumor to her esophagus. Mom began to exerience fluid retention in her right arm and both legs. The thought that it was due to the size and location of the tumor. They began radiation on thursday the 28th and are hitting her every day for 19 treatments.
She started Chemo last Thursday.
She started with her weight at 121.5 and was 117 yesterday.
I talked to mom yesterday morning and her throat was raw and painful. She also began vomiting and dry heaving. She began to run a fever in the afternoon. When my sister checked on her at 5:30 it was 101. She called the onc and was told to bring her in for a better look. They tested her blood and found that her blood count was 300. They will keep her in for a few days.

I found out that she has Squamous NSCLC. Chemo once every three weeks.

I flew home over labor day weekend. It was a great visit. We laughed alot and talked about some of the final details that were on mom's mind. I am back home in Seattle and want to be with mom. Partly because of my desire to be support. Partly because I am a control freak.

I am going to call her onc today to get an update from him or his staff. Hopefully I will have some success.

Christ continues to strengthen me. His timing kinda stinks, though. Very Happy

_________________
Take care,
Tom

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