Tweet
I've just had some rather sad news, and since I was sitting here in front of my laptop, already logged on to ADBB, I thought I'd turn to my good friends in STAC.
My Mom had breast cancer in 1987, and seemingly enjoyed a full recovery. Unfortunately, some cancer cells did survive, and many years later began spreading. The day after Christmas, two years ago, a chest X-ray for an unrelated problem revealed cancer on her spine. Because this cancer, even though on the bone, is still breast cancer cells, they've tried several medications to suppress estrogen, but none were successful in stopping the growth. For the past few months she's been taking oral chemotherapy. I just found out that she learned today that the oral type wasn't working and she was going to have to begin the intravenous type. Her doctor did say that she could wait until after Christmas to begin.
There is no chance of this cancer ever being actually cured, but the goal is remission. She was warned by her physician that she would lose her hair within two weeks of starting the therapy, and could expect severe nausea, as well as other possible side effects.
Fortunately my Dad is there with her, and beside her all the way. He, by the way, is 81 years old, but if you met him, you'd think he was about 55, judging by the way he moves, acts, talks, and the things he's able to do. We finally made him retire from his full time work about 6 months ago, but he won't sit still for even a minute. He still works part time, works constantly in his yard every free moment, and the only day he ever rests is Sunday. He got good genes, Mom didn't.
Mom is severely depressed, because she feels, quite possibly rightly, that the end is near. I'd appreciate it if those of you who are believers in a higher power would include my Mother, Evelyn, in your prayers.
My Mom had breast cancer in 1987, and seemingly enjoyed a full recovery. Unfortunately, some cancer cells did survive, and many years later began spreading. The day after Christmas, two years ago, a chest X-ray for an unrelated problem revealed cancer on her spine. Because this cancer, even though on the bone, is still breast cancer cells, they've tried several medications to suppress estrogen, but none were successful in stopping the growth. For the past few months she's been taking oral chemotherapy. I just found out that she learned today that the oral type wasn't working and she was going to have to begin the intravenous type. Her doctor did say that she could wait until after Christmas to begin.
There is no chance of this cancer ever being actually cured, but the goal is remission. She was warned by her physician that she would lose her hair within two weeks of starting the therapy, and could expect severe nausea, as well as other possible side effects.
Fortunately my Dad is there with her, and beside her all the way. He, by the way, is 81 years old, but if you met him, you'd think he was about 55, judging by the way he moves, acts, talks, and the things he's able to do. We finally made him retire from his full time work about 6 months ago, but he won't sit still for even a minute. He still works part time, works constantly in his yard every free moment, and the only day he ever rests is Sunday. He got good genes, Mom didn't.
Mom is severely depressed, because she feels, quite possibly rightly, that the end is near. I'd appreciate it if those of you who are believers in a higher power would include my Mother, Evelyn, in your prayers.
Comment