Sad Stuff for me

[Paquita]

Sorry I haven't been contributing very often, but I promise I have been watching and thinking of you all.  This seemed to work for Trevor's mom (I hope she's still doing well!), so I will give it a try for mine! 

During Christmas break last year, we found out that my mother, Dorothy, had metastatic pancreatic cancer that had metastasized to her liver and caused severe jaundice for well over a month before she was diagnosed.  Very heart-breaking news for us.  I knew the reputation pancreatic cancer had.. I'm still not sure if the rest of my family is aware of that reputation.  We are trying to be realistically optimistic, the doctors have been wonderful in supporting that optimism.  She is currently fighting it, and it appears the tumors are shrinking, but the chemotherapy has been very tough on her.  She has been in the hospital with chemotherapy-related issues (dehydration, infection) 3 times in the past 4 weeks staying a little longer each time.  When she is not in the hospital with something worse, she is constantly battling fatigue, acid reflux, low appetite, and nausea.  Somehow she manages to still greet everyone with a smile and be in good spirits.

I pray for her often and so it seems is every single person that has ever known her.  She is 66, and thankfully was able to see all her children married and enjoy her grandchildren, but we are not ready to lose her.  I love her so much.  I don't want her to suffer. I keep feeling like there is something more I can be doing, but just don't know what it is.

I know some of you have dealt with similar situations personally or with a friend or family member.  If you can put her in your prayers or vibes or thoughts, I would be very grateful, even if it is just for her to have more "good days" where she doesn't feel as sick and exhausted.  If you have any advice about easing the effects of chemotherapy or medications, I will take it.  Before anyone asks, yes, she is on pill-form medical marijuana.  It does help a little.  I still don't like pot heads.

My mother lives with us so we are very close to her through this ordeal.  I want to thank you all for being so goofy.  You have helped me to get some extra laughs and smiles in when I am trying to get my mind off things. Also, don't let my bummer news  get you down! Please feel free to keep being inappropriate, unrefined and hilarious!  And don't forget to help Jack figure out what a rock band is!

[Allhallowsday]

We all love you Paquita.  Many of us know how hard family illness can be; especially when we live together... we are tight. 

[retrorussell]

Our thoughts and prayers are all with you Paquita.  God bless and good luck!

[Trevor]

Sorry I haven't been contributing very often, but I promise I have been watching and thinking of you all.  This seemed to work for Trevor's mom (I hope she's still doing well!), so I will give it a try for mine!  

She is very well and thank you for thinking of her - her marriage in 2012 has given her a new lease on life.

During Christmas break last year, we found out that my mother, Dorothy, had metastatic pancreatic cancer that had metastasized to her liver and caused severe jaundice for well over a month before she was diagnosed.  Very heart-breaking news for us.  I knew the reputation pancreatic cancer had.. I'm still not sure if the rest of my family is aware of that reputation.  We are trying to be realistically optimistic, the doctors have been wonderful in supporting that optimism.  She is currently fighting it, and it appears the tumors are shrinking, but the chemotherapy has been very tough on her.  She has been in the hospital with chemotherapy-related issues (dehydration, infection) 3 times in the past 4 weeks staying a little longer each time.  When she is not in the hospital with something worse, she is constantly battling fatigue, acid reflux, low appetite, and nausea.  Somehow she manages to still greet everyone with a smile and be in good spirits.

I pray for her often and so it seems is every single person that has ever known her.  She is 66, and thankfully was able to see all her children married and enjoy her grandchildren, but we are not ready to lose her.  I love her so much.  I don't want her to suffer. I keep feeling like there is something more I can be doing, but just don't know what it is.

I know some of you have dealt with similar situations personally or with a friend or family member.  If you can put her in your prayers or vibes or thoughts, I would be very grateful, even if it is just for her to have more "good days" where she doesn't feel as sick and exhausted.  If you have any advice about easing the effects of chemotherapy or medications, I will take it.  Before anyone asks, yes, she is on pill-form medical marijuana.  It does help a little.  I still don't like pot heads.

My mother lives with us so we are very close to her through this ordeal.  I want to thank you all for being so goofy.  You have helped me to get some extra laughs and smiles in when I am trying to get my mind off things. Also, don't let my bummer news  get you down! Please feel free to keep being inappropriate, unrefined and hilarious!  And don't forget to help Jack figure out what a rock band is!

Awww: I'm sorry to hear all is not well. Warm South African hugs to your Mom and hugs to you.

[indianasmith]

Praying for you and your mom, Paquita!

[Jack]

So sorry to hear that Paquita, stuff like that can be really tough.  It's good to hear that the tumors are shrinking, but that chemotherapy seems like it can be awfully tough.  I'm sorry I don't have any advice to offer, but I'm certainly keeping you and your mom in my thoughts  

[Newt]

From what I have seen with friends and family, enduring the chemo can be the toughest part physically.  It's good to know the tumors are shrinking.  You and your mom will be in my thoughts: sending good vibes your way.

[Rev. Powell]

My grandfather and uncle died from pancreatic cancer--not quite as close as a mother, but I do have a sense how you feel. My thoughts are with you and her. I will still try to be goofy and inappropriate, though.

[Flangepart]

I'm with you on this one. I've know some folks with the Big C, and it ain't fun. Hope you can work a good treatment plan, compadre.

[Andrew]

Best wishes from my family for your mother, Paquita.  It's good news that she is responding to the treatment.  Hope that she feel better, because the chemotherapy is very hard on the body.  It sounds like she is mentally herself, though?  We lost a beautiful aunt to brain tumors recently, and while the cancer made her bedridden, her personality was the same, bright and happy woman I have known all of my life.

Again, best wishes for Mom.

[JaseSF]

Hard to know just what to say. I've seen family members go through similar. Know you're going through a tough time. Hope coming here can brighten things a little for you and certainly wishing good vibes and healing comes your Mom's way. Praying for you both.

[VenomX73]

Best wishes for your Mom.

[Umaril Has Returned]

Well wishes from me too, Paquita, and a big old HUG for your mom (and you) for good measure. 

[Mr. DS]

Best to you and yours, be strong 

[Doggett]

  that's awful. Well, you have my best and I hope it gets better for you (and your mother) soon.