My mom has cancer

[mcolakis]

I've ranted many times over the years about my mom's quirks and bossiness. Right now I'd love to have her back home crabbing about Obama and laughing at the silly people on Judge Judy.

Backstory: She had her cancerous thyroid removed in 1987 and everything was fine for 20 years. Two years ago, it was found to have metastasized to the lining of her lung. With radioactive iodine treatment, she returned to normal life. The last few weeks, she became weak and listless, with no appetite. She also developed wheezing and shortness of breath. She went into the hospital a week ago and they started treating her for pneumonia. A week of heavy intravenous antibiotics didn't lower the white blood cell count or make her feel better at all. Yesterday she had a CAT scan and they found that the cancer had spread through her body.

We're hoping that radioactive iodine can drive this into remission again. I am worn out from worry and going to the hospital every day after a full day's work at school. And the holidays are coming up! Those of you who are praying types, please keep us in your prayers, and others please have a good thought for us.

[Eddylizard]

I am so very sorry, and my thoughts are with both you and your mum.

I don't have anything positive to chuck into this, just try to stay strong.

Yes, worry can be draining. Take care of yourself as best you can.

[Zachary Fizz]

You and your mother are in my thoughts.

[Auntie Witch]

Lots and lots of hugs to you both. My PM box is open any time.

Know that the people here are among the most supportive you'll ever find, that you're not on this journey alone, and that there are a LOT of people praying for your family since you've posted this (even if they don't reply).

[snapdragonfly]

I'm so very sorry. I'm sending a little prayer to your family and her medical team.

[bthyb]

So sorry to hear about your mom... I wish there was more I could do to help.

[MichiganGirl]

I'm sorry about your mother. Your family will be in my thoughts.

MG

[Lainie]

I'm so sorry. I hope that knowing we are all thinking of you will bring you comfort, and the strength you need.

ETA: Please take care of yourself.

[Mama Duck]

Thoughs and prayers. Remember to take care of yourself as well.

[MacLloyd]

Ah, mcolakis, I am so sorry for you and your mother. Your mother will definitely be in our family's prayers.

MacLloyd

[RingKeeper]

I'm so sorry, mcolakis. You and your mother will be in my thoughts. As others have said, make sure to take care of yourself.

[jw]

mcolakis, I'm so sorry to hear about your mother. My own mother has being undergoing a barrage of tests recently. Your family will be in my thoughts.

jw

[Kitsune27]

You and your mom are in my thoughts as well.

[LizzyBean]

*hugs* I wish I had more to offer than that. We're all here if you need us though. This is a good place for vibes and healing.

[Forgotten Fay]

I'll be keeping your mother and family in my thoughts. Please take time to take care of yourself as well. If you need anything, you know right where we are. *hugs*

~*F.Fay

[purpleiguana]

Lots of vibes coming out to you and your mom.

[Menolly]

mcolakis, so sorry to hear this. Prayers from Ohio heading your way. Give your mom a gentle hug and keep us posted.

[DawnStorm]

Vibes from MD. Hope that cancer is beaten, driven out and obliterated.
Take care.

[mcolakis]

Thanks to all who have sent along good wishes and prayers. This week has been a real rollercoaster. Yesterday afternoon she seemed to be returning to her old self, eating a good dinner and ordering folks around (her physical therapist even commented, "You're bossy!" Her response, "When you're 81, you can be bossy too.") Then she found out she's going to have to undergo a liver biopsy. Hopefully the tumor there is "only" thyroid cancer and not a completely different cancer, since the former is much more treatable. This morning, when I telephoned her, she had had another sleepless night and lost her appetite. Her morale is sunk again, especially since her own mom (my grandmother) died of liver cancer. Keep those good wishes and prayers coming, people! Thanks in advance.

[Auntie Witch]

Originally Posted by mcolakis

This week has been a real rollercoaster.

The entire journey through cancer is a roller coaster. A really, really terrifying one that you don't know the outcome of. I'll keep my fingers crossed that you end up with more ups than downs.