kamataca

Thank you so much! I finally posted today. Mom really wants you all to know how much she appreciated the prayers. She is feeling so much better today that she is working on her "Kool-Aid" bags for the LC fundraiser next weekend. Now that is progress! Thanks again! Kelly

Wow, Janet! Glad the lights are back on there. You are really amazing...you do so much for your mom! Take care of yourself, too, ok? Kelly

Thank you all so much for your prayers! Mom is certain that the prayers helped her recover so quickly. She didn't even have to be admitted, which had been a 50-50 chance going in to all of this. Her anesthesia Dr was so wonderful, and spent a great deal of time talking with us before the procedure. He felt confident going in, even theough her EKG the day before showed her as being in a "pre-heart attack condition"! The dr. said that the machines err on the side of caution, and although this one made it look like the upper part of mom's heart wasn't beating, he could tell it in fact was (something about P waves). Good Lord, they almost gave her a heart attack over that one! She is feeling well for the first time in over a week, and (most importantly to her) her trip to Florida over Thanksgiving is still on. Sorry it took me so long to give you the good news, but we had to stay w/ her the first 24 hours she was home. I believe she may have been glad to get rid of me today...maybe I was cramping her style. Again, thank you so much for your prayers and well-wishes. She has a PET scan Monday, and an onc. visit the following Monday, but for now we are calling this a victory and celebrating. Bring on the boat drinks! Kelly

I remember that I wanted to marry a man as nice as my Daddy, or I wasn't having any. I did attain that. I wanted kids...I have that. I wanted to be a teacher...that's me. But, honest to goodness, there are times that I look around and I'm still not sure that this is my life. How bizzare is that? I look at this little people living with me, and wonder why they are calling me Mom. What makes them think I can fix all of their problems? So I guess it really is all I wanted...and I know I'm blessed...just not sure what to do with it all sometimes. Kelly

That just cracks me up! Kelly

Yup, it's another. Mom has been in terrible pain since Saturday for what she assumed was a kidney stone. It hasn't gotten any better, so she spent the last two days with three doctors, two testing visits to the hospital, and has a plan. She has to have surgery Friday morning for the three stones lodged somewhere uncomfortable. With her poor kidney functioning and osteomy, this is just wreaking havoc with her system. At least it isn't cancer-related that is something. My main concern, however, is that we have been told twice that she can't go under anesthesia, because of her poor pulmonary functioning. I'm hoping they have a plan here. Since mom went to the Dr alone ( fodder for a different post--got a bit of grief from the folks at work) she didn't even ASK what surgical procedure they are doing, nor did she tell them of her past complications. Hopefully things will fall into place before Friday. Please pray for her. Kelly

Kim, First of all, you are awesome! You have so much going on in your life, and you always have such positive words for the rest of us. It sounds to me like your mom's behaviors are NOT cancer-related. You need to give yourself a break and hop off the guilt trip. WE can love our flawed and human moms, but we do not have to let them control us. I hope this gets better quickly for you. I'm so glad you felt comfortable enough to vent! I know I always feel better after a good rant. I hope this new job works out well for you. Kelly

I'm sorry you are feeling the stress of all of this. My friend's husband has cancer, and the last thing he wants is for his two college-aged kids to sit around moping. I would bet that your mom feels the same way. You can love and support your mom, and still have fun on the weekends, I promise! Kelly

1)Parents who fight all of their kids' battles, real or imaginary... 2)Job Insecurity... 3)Parents who take the fun out of little kids' sports... 4)Monday mornings... 5)Pens that don't work...why doesn't anyone ever just throw them away?!?! Kelly

OK...I've decided that my family and God won't count as "things" (though my life would obviously be incomplete without them) so.... music AC/ Heat (depending on the season...I'm a wimp) books nature umbrella drinks--they are just so pointless and fun@ Kelly

Sixth grade...Shawn...right after school in the hallway...and his mom was our principal! Living on the edge! Kelly

Always remember that even though many of us are positive on the boards, we have our own breakdowns sometimes. At times, I've had one on the board, and other times just in my room. I finally realized, early on, that I wasn't helping ANYONE by overwhelming myself. For awhile there I was a lousy mom, wife, teacher, friend, etc., because I couldn't climb out of my funk. I had to let go of something. I had to realize that I couldn't control any of this, and that I wasn't helping my Mom by running everything else in the ground. I hope you are able to find some peace soon. I really feel for you. Kelly

I hardly even get indignant anymore...I suppose I'm de-sensatized to the question. I use the "Why do you ask?" line a lot. It reminds me of the 80s, and people being diagnosed with AIDS. A friend was diagnosed w/ cervial cancer. She was afraid to tell people, b/c she was afraid people would ask her if she slept around. People are so dang nosy. That, and they want to convince themselves that they aren't at risk. Kelly

Julie, I'm so glad you found us! This is a tough road to walk with our moms, but the people here offer such wonderful support and information that they have been a great source of strength for me. When my mom was first digagnosed, we were told that chemo was not an option for her. Now, 8 months later, it is being offered to her. I've learned not to get locked into anything in this process--not statistics, progosis, time frames, etc. Each day is a new adventure! Keep us posted on your mum. Kelly

bc, Excellent update. If you search around, you can see that I'm a big cheerleader for Tarceva. I know it affects averyone differently, but it's been a godsend for my mom. Best of luck to ya! Kelly

TAnn, I'm just glad you aren't "unstable"...somedays I wonder about myself on that one! Hope things continue to go well for you. Kelly

Love all types of music, but myoverall favorite is Jimmy Buffett. James Taylor and Jim Croce are right up there, too. All three infuse their souls with their music...it's beautiful. Kelly

The Cosby Show. Now my kids watch it on Nick at Night. Great stuff. "I brought you into this world...and I can take you out!" Kelly

Thanks for the update! Pat and Brian, I hope you know how much we all love you both. I'm sorry that you can't be there for the wedding, but I pray you'll be there for the marriage. That's more important, right? Much love and prayers to you both. Kelly

Holly, I was a maniac when I was 8 months pregnant, and I wasn't even dealing with all of this. Please give yourself a break. You are dealing with an awful lot right now. Also, remember that we post the parts of ourselves we want people to see. You don't always see us at our worst (tho sometimes I post that too--and appreciate seeing others post so honestly). What gives me strength is falling back on all of you when I have to, and knowing that I can maybe help someone else along the way. God bless you, your mom, and that beautiful baby-to-be! Kelly

I don't know,. Denise, but I'd be on board with calling the dr. I hope he feels better soon, and that there will be a simple solution. Kelly

Reading a book, drinking a margarita. Kelly

Her project was approved! She is very excited about this. She told my mom at dinner last night, and it almost made her cry. Now she just needs to earn all the badges associated with this so she can get to work on the project itself. Kelly

That is a lot to think about. Of course you are both in my prayers. Keep us posted. Kelly

It is so beautiful to love someone so much, and be loved by them so completely. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Kelly