Tuesday, July 26, 2011

does it ever get easier

My mom has had quite a few good days in the past few. She has an amazingly positive outlook. Most of her phrases have been "I need to do this now because when I start treatment". We got the path report back last week and it is bad. She has stage IV glioblastoma (the same form of brain tumor Ted Kennedy had) and in fact they have the same surgeon at Duke. However, Sunday she asked me her life expectancy. I didn't hear her at first so I asked her again what she had said and she responded with "how long do they think I have before I die". What is the right response to that? I answered her by telling her that we wouldn't know anything until her follow-up appointment at Duke Friday. I still can't believe this is my life.

4 comments:

  1. My Uncle (my dads identical twin) - was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer (a tumor - it may be the same one your mom has) - he had passed out while driving one day, and that was the only sign besides feeling tired that he had prior to that. They did not give him long few weeks - 6 mo.. yet its years later and hes in remission.

    You never know what will happen.. so just keep praying! dont loose hope and dont loose sight that the Lord has a plan regardless of the outcome.

    Travis mom died at age 52? maybe 54.... such a godly and gracious woman who I never got to meet... she had breast cancer... He misses her terribly.. but her testimony she left behind is so awesome... He has no doubt he will see her again.

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  2. My stomach knotted up as I read your words describing your mom's question to you. I can't imagine how hard this is for you. I pray that there will be people in your life to whom you can turn for advice; people who have traveled this road. In the meantime, my thoughts are with you and your mom.

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  3. Thanks guys! I really don't know what the future holds. I have held up really well (at least I think so) so far. I know that without a doubt, He is in control and that no matter what the drs tell us Friday, we will all be OK. They could tell me that she might die tomorrow or they might tell me that she has years. Times like this remind me all too well that tomorrow is never promised. I might die in an accident on the way home. He is in control. I just have to keep reminding myself of that.

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  4. I was just going to say the same thing. Tomorrow is a gift - not a guarantee. Anything could happen between now and then. And miracles do happen. Every Day.
    Kristen @ www.alittlesomethingforme.com

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