Not good news about my mom

My mom was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer a little over a month ago, with mets to a lymph node near the lung tumor and a single lesion in her brain. The prognosis wasn't great, but whole brain radiation and chemo could extend her life by as much as a couple years.

I've been trying to help her through the experience and in many ways, I was glad to have my own treatments to help my family understand and cope. She finished the radiation three weeks ago, and had her first chemo two weeks ago (carboplatin and alimta). She didn't bounce back from the chemo--her white blood count keeps going lower and lower despite medication. She's been hospitalized for a week, and now she has pneumonia in both lungs. My dad said the doctor said it's almost time to talk about whether she wants life support, so I'm headed home again.

It's the first time I've ever heard my dad cry, so this is rough. I know what my mom will decide--she's looking at more chemo if she pulls through and even then, at only a small amount of time. So I'll support her and be with her, whatever her decision is.

Sorry I've been so quiet lately. Between my mom and the hot spot on my own PET scan--unlikely to be cancer but still an unresolved possibility--I've been trying to keep busy and focused on distractions.

My thoughts are with everyone though and if I can't make it back to the boards for a few days, I'm hoping for success and NED all around!

Comments

  • peggylulu
    peggylulu Member Posts: 375
    Sad

    This is such sad news and I am so sorry Laralyn. I hope she can pull thru the Pneumonia and have a lot more good years and that you get to enjoy them with her .

  • sin9775
    sin9775 Member Posts: 199 Member
    So Sorry

    I am so sorry to hear about your news.  You have so much on your plate.  I will pray for healing for your mom and strength and continued healing for you.  Peace.

    ~Shawn~

  • debbiejeanne
    debbiejeanne Member Posts: 3,102 Member
    i'm soooooo sorry to hear

    i'm soooooo sorry to hear this.  DAMN cancer is never done!  praying for all of you.  please let us know ur mom's progress.

    dj

  • CivilMatt
    CivilMatt Member Posts: 4,724 Member
    Mom

    Laralyn,

    You know how well our bodies adapt to treatment(s) is half the battle.  That crap kicks the heck out of us.

    I am hoping your Mom gets the benefit of many more good years.  And I am hoping your issues turn out to be nothing to slow you down.

    Matt

  • jim and i
    jim and i Member Posts: 1,788 Member
    So sorry to hear this. I pray

    So sorry to hear this. I pray for you and your family.

    Debbie

  • Hondo
    Hondo Member Posts: 6,636 Member
    Hi Laralyn

     

     

    I know it’s hard to deal with while you have so many problems yourself, but just be there for your dad. I know with me sometimes when my wife or one of my daughters just hug me it makes dealing with problems a little better. Just be there for him and I will be keeping you both in prayer

     

    Hondo

  • Skiffin16
    Skiffin16 Member Posts: 8,305 Member
    Rough Times...

    Definitely some rough times in your world, and unfortunately still in your future...

    Take your time, deal with yourself, and your family... You're here when you're here... and we are here for you anytime...

    Prayers,

    John

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    Laralyn....this is a tough time

    for you....your mom, and for your dad.  It's so hard to stand by and just "be", tho that's all we can do.  I'll be sending positive thoughts to you and your family....wish I could give you a big hug and let you know how much we care about you. 

    p

  • cureitall66
    cureitall66 Member Posts: 913
    Life....

    Life.....it can be plain tough! I'm sorry to hear about your mother. Hoping for some better news in the upcoming days. Try to take care of yourself as well. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    ~C

  • fishmanpa
    fishmanpa Member Posts: 1,227 Member
    Sending...

    Positive thoughts and prayers to you and yours...

    "T"

  • Crazymom
    Crazymom Member Posts: 339 Member
    sad news

    prayers your way,.....I am so sorry you are going through such a difficult time.  Ann