Realization

I took my mom to the surgeon's office this morning for a re-check and explanation of the biopsy findings. He removed 27 lymph nodes from her right neck and 8 of them were positive for metastatic melanoma. The melanoma has also spread to the tissue and underlying fat in some areas. He has recommended that she see a radiation oncologist at Va. Oncology Associates (her appointment is next Friday, 3/21). The surgeon also suggested that she speak to her oncologist about potential Interferon therapy (a type of chemotherapy which makes you very, very sick). If it were me, though, I would not undergo the Interferon, but we will discuss it with the doctors. My mom said to the surgeon, "So I'm not out of the woods?" and he replied, "No, unfortunately not, with melanoma. It is an aggressive cancer." She handled it pretty well but was shaken.

On the way home, she said "So I'm eventually going to die from this" and I said "You gotta die from something". While I pray for a miracle of healing, there is acceptance as well, in knowing that we all die from something and if it is your time, then God will take you. My mother's faith in Christ and her fight against all of her medical problems over the last 12 years is proof that she is here for a reason. God will use her in this trial as He has in others.

Her eating is slowly improving, but she still has dry mouth and the nerves on the right side of her face, mouth and neck have been affected. She is having physical therapy in home for her right shoulder pain and inability to raise her right arm completely. The nerves and muscles at the trapezius muscle were affected by the surgery. And she is bruised everywhere from the handling at the hospital (she has sensitive skin). She has lost 14 pounds in 2 months but is trying to eat as much as possible (she also has decreased appetite).

My dad is tired and thoughtful about the latest events. He will see the doctor today for shortness of breath and arthritis in his ribs (as well as recovering gout in his foot). Pray for his strength and health as well (he also has a pacemaker and defibrillator).

Me - I just keep going. But I am treating myself to massages twice a month. I went for a short one on Sunday but had to go back on Monday for an hour to get all the kinks out. I will return at the end of the month.

My husband is a saint and has been very attentive to my emotional needs lately. God bless him! Pray he finds a job he really likes.

My kids are dealing with their own issues, but pray that they will vocalize their feelings about this situation and just their lives in general. Pray that we will make it through the next 55 school days . . .

My dog - I love him! He helps calm me at the end of a long day. So cute he is, too! But the shedding, oh man!

Thanks for your continued care, support, love, concern, prayers, etc. It's a comfort knowing so many people out there care.