nancypants Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 UPDATE AT END OF THREAD! Oh dear... now looking at that title I think I'll get a lot of views. I have not been on here for a while now just for self-discipline reasons but I wanted to come back and ask for prayers. I took dh to the airport today to go and be with his family as his mother who has been fighting cancer for 28 years is very probably on her death bed. 28 years ago she was diagnosed with breast cancer and had a single mastectomy and radiation therapy. She was pretty much in the clear until 1995, right before I went out to meet my husband's family for the first time when we were still dating. They discovered it in her lymph node then and ever since then she has been off and on various kinds of chemo. She has breast cancer cells on her bones, all over her body. But it's not the cancer that is the culprit right now. After that long of a treatment period, the "cure" is killing her as you can imagine. She's had weakened heart and lung function for quite a while now (several years) but over the past few weeks it's gotten much worse to where she had to be on full oxygen all the time. Even then her blood was not fully oxygenated and she was having all sorts of swelling. On Tuesday she went in for a check up and the hospitalized her then and there, intubated her and removed 700 CCs of fluid from her lungs. They had to induce a coma and as of today she has yet to come out of it. It seems that no matter what, her lungs just keep filling up. Yesterday they pulled off another two litres of fluid. :sad: Some friends from their church had extra airmiles and flew my husband out there today which was a huge blessing as the tickets would have cost us over $1300. It's hard to know what to pray for. While we would welcome the idea of her being healed, we do realize that God can heal a person in more than one way, and at the same time, the reality is that she has incurable cancer and the likelihood of this type of thing happening again is pretty great. We mostly just do not want her to endure prolonged suffering. She is ready to go but I know that she of course wanted to live to see her Grandchildren grow up. Please pray for the family as they wait and minister to her. Sorry to edit more than once... but I wanted to add that if you could pray for me as I hold down the fort and as I minister to little broken hearts, I will have grace and patience and wisdom for the various ways that the children will grieve... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j.griff Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Hugs and prayers for you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear this. I'll hold you all in prayer. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Praying for your family and for your MIL. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WTMindy Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Praying for you now. You have been missed!! I was wondering where you were. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 So sorry. That's all I know to say. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mamagistra Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Praying for all of you, (((Nan))). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audrey Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Oh Nancy! I'm so sorry. :( Dh and I have both BTDT, too. Hang in there. I'll send positive vibes your way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DIY-DY Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 You're a blessing to your DH, as you hold down the fort at home so he doesn't have to worry about you and the kids while he's there for his mother. And please give your friends from church a huge hug from us for blessing you all with the ticket. Isn't it amazing how generous people can be? Wow. Hang in there! Dy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cricket1178 Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 I'm so sorry. I will be praying for all of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Hugs to you and prayers. I'm so sorry. Cancer stinks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brigitte Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Hugs and prayers to all of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 praying for you all here as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sleepy Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 (((Nan))) I'm so sorry, I can't imagine how hard this is for you and your family. :sad: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 I'll be praying, Nan, for all involved. :grouphug: I'm so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M&M Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 I understand how hard it is to try to help little ones cope with the impending death of a loved one. We are continuing to help our children deal with the death of thier uncle. Prayers for you as you help them, your dh, and strength for you during this time. Be good to yourself...don't try to do everything. It will catch up with you, guess how I know:001_huh:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole not in CA Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 You and your family are in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elisabeth in IL Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 What a difficult time for your family!! :grouphug: May God's love and peace fill you all during this hard time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom2legomaniacs Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Oh dear, I will pray for all of you. I am so sorry for this difficult time. Blessings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in IN Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 I'll praying for you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancypants Posted April 13, 2008 Author Share Posted April 13, 2008 Thank you all for praying. She is technically out of her induced coma but is in a great deal of pain (Did I mention she also came down with Shingles a couple of weeks ago? That's an additional discomfort.) when awake so they are keeping her out of pain with Morphine. My husband has a better picture now of her prognosis. His Dad of course was trying to be positive and look for tiny specks of hope but realistically, it's quite unlikely that she will ralley. Thank you for your continued prayers. The idea of this dragging on and on is awful to think about. :confused: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisawa Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Im so sorry! Will be praying here, praying for peace for the entire family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gandpsmommy Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 You will be in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doran Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 I can't imagine, Nan. I know how painful this must be for all of you. What a blessing that you can support your husband and his mother by being "the rock" back home. I've missed you here. Know that you can come here for support during this time if you need it. Sending you courage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandy in Indy Posted April 13, 2008 Share Posted April 13, 2008 Praying here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Dominion Heather Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Oh Nan, I'm so sorry. We will be praying for you guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen sn Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Have they thought about hospice? I love my job and my patients. The way we deal with death makes it so much more peaceful. Be good to yourself while he is gone. Allow for the simple pleasures and don't feel guilty if you slack here and there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kay in Cal Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 So sorry for your loss, I'll keep you in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda TX Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Haven't read the whole thread, but praying here for your family. M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steppingstonemomma Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 n Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wide eyes & laughter Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 you all are going through this. So sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancypants Posted April 14, 2008 Author Share Posted April 14, 2008 Have they thought about hospice? I love my job and my patients. The way we deal with death makes it so much more peaceful. Be good to yourself while he is gone. Allow for the simple pleasures and don't feel guilty if you slack here and there. She is in critical condition so I don't think she is a hospice candidate... They are definitely not thinking of moving her anytime soon. She is intubated (along with all the other tubes and leads and bags that that involves) and when they "test" how she is breathing on her own, she will breathe only three times a minute... We are praying that her suffering does not drag on in this way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
camibami Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 I'm so sorry. Prayers going up for you and your whole family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amy in Orlando Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Nancy, your mil, and your entire family are in my prayers. It's wonderful that dh was able to go and be with her and your fil. (((()))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kim in TN Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Praying for your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 It's hard watching someone you love linger and suffer. I am so sorry. I prayed for your family today. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayle in Guatemala Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 :grouphug:Nan, my thoughts and prayers to you, your dc, your dh, and your dh's family. God be with you as you grieve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krista in LA Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Prayers for all of you. I can't imagine how hard it must be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krista in LA Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 :grouphug: Prayers for all of you. I can't imagine how hard it must be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrianne Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Hugs and prayers for you. May God give you the wisdom to deal with this and the peace your family needs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancypants Posted April 14, 2008 Author Share Posted April 14, 2008 Well, this was unexpected... At around noon, my mom's breathing tube was removed and she's breathing on her own with just oxygen. She's worn out and we're still awaiting the doctor's news/recommendations for what's next. Thanks for praying.[/Quote] We are not getting our hopes unreasonably up... but we are very glad that she is not on the breathing tube (so she may be able to talk soon -- they've told her to try not to talk because the tube irritated her throat so) and no longer restrained! I have a feeling that the roller coaster has just begun though... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayle in Guatemala Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Well, this was unexpected... We are not getting our hopes unreasonably up... but we are very glad that she is not on the breathing tube (so she may be able to talk soon -- they've told her to try not to talk because the tube irritated her throat so) and no longer restrained! I have a feeling that the roller coaster has just begun though... Continued prayers!:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkInTheBlue Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Oh Nancy! I have no idea what I could say other than many hugs, prayers and thoughts to you and your family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted April 14, 2008 Share Posted April 14, 2008 Ah, Nancy. I'm so sorry and will be lifting you and your family up in prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 Well, this was unexpected... We are not getting our hopes unreasonably up... but we are very glad that she is not on the breathing tube (so she may be able to talk soon -- they've told her to try not to talk because the tube irritated her throat so) and no longer restrained! I have a feeling that the roller coaster has just begun though... Hmmmm....still praying, Nan!:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsuche Posted April 15, 2008 Share Posted April 15, 2008 I will also be praying for your husband ,family and also you at home. Blessings, Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nancypants Posted April 16, 2008 Author Share Posted April 16, 2008 My MIL is actually improving. She is awake but because of being out for a week and on all the drugs she is really loopy and hallucinating. Today she thought my dh was a mafia man coming to take her away. :tongue_smilie: He and his brother and Dad were doing their best not to chuckle... I'm glad that they are having a good sense of humor about it. It's been such a long and exhausting week for all of us... This evening my husband Skyped us from her hospital room so she could see and talk to the boys and so the boys could tell her they loved her. It was very sweet. She was muttering lots of non-sense still but in between non-sense she was saying, "I love you guys." And I thought this was cute... she kept saying to them, "I like your Dad. I really like your Dad." :001_smile: While she is improving, her cancer doctor has told my FIL that he will not treat her cancer anymore since the cure is just as bad as the disease at this point so she does not have long no matter what. If (still a big if) she manages to pull out of this episode without going downhill again she will either go straight to hospice or have in home hospice (which would be nice so her husband can be with her all the time.) We are praying, for her sake, that something will take her quickly somehow so she does not have to suffer the extreme pain of bone cancer. :sad: It is quite likely that she will have another bout of fluid build up in her lungs though. Thanks for praying. In the mean time, I've been miserable here too. Had a really bad sinus infection that started last Wednesday that went to my throat/chest so that I've had no voice for the past two days. Not fun with no hubby around and four noisy little boys that I need to talk over. :nopity: Thankfully my dear hubby called (since I have no voice) some friends today and asked if they could come take the boys off my hands. So I was able to get some much needed rest and several hours of *no talking* which was very good. I think my antibiotics are finally beginning to kick in. Hopefully I'll start feeling human again by tomorrow. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers this week. They've been much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CookieMonster Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted April 16, 2008 Share Posted April 16, 2008 Oh boy, when it rains it pours, doesn't it? We're holding you all up in prayer. Take good care of yourself, Nan. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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