When She Isn't Here...

she was the easter bunny, the tooth fairy, and my strongest supporter. always in my corner, ready to right a wrong, or at least give advice when i needed to handle something my self. the one who could nurse your wounds, ego or a broken heart. the person who helped me with wedding plans, and help me later get through a divorce. the sadness of my mom being diagnosed with lymphoma first. then finding out that she had stomach cancer later, is to say the least overwhelming. the tests said the pancreas, liver, and adrenal glands were without mass. she went in to have her stomach removed and we believed that the surgery and chemo would extend her life and hopefully ease any of her suffering. to be told after they opened her up that it was in the spleen, pancreas, traveling up her esophagus, and through the stomach wall, not to mention the lymph node involvement was devastasting. they just closed her up. now they want to do chemo and radiation.... she is on oxygen, has a G tube(she isn't eating). after a week and a half in the hospital in pain and suffering with complications she is home. how does one prepare to say goodbye? Where is the hope in all this sadness?  

As a mother I read your message and cried for you. I wish there was a way to telling you how to handle this, but there isn't. Being there for her is the best thing you can do for you and her.I faced surgery in Dec and they were not sure what the outcome would be, the only thing I wanted was my children by my side, and I know that is what she is thinking too. I pray that you both can find a peace that will help you through it. .

Please let me know how you are doing..I am praying for your family

kelleym,

    Sorry to hear about your loved one. My father had a G-tube too, and they did surgery on him and closed him up also. He meant the world to me. My prayer is that your mom/friend doesn't suffer - please be there for her, just talk to her, say comforting things. Let her know that all her responsibilities will be taken care of - that you will ensure they are. And cherish the time you have together. I hope your loved one makes it - if God forbid she doesn't, may God protect you and give you strength. 8 months after losing my father it still hurts - but I am telling myself that he is out of suffering and in a better place. And telling myself he will always be a part of me, and will live in my heart.

Take care. You're not alone - I have been there.

I have to agree with you. With stage 4 stomach cancer that has spread to the adrenal glands, I'm so very scared. I am fortunate enough though to be having my stomach and adrenal gland removed on Tue. March 13th. I am curious, as you mentioned that you were scheduled for surgery in Dec. how your outcome was.

 I too cherish time with my three fabulous children. I hate was they are going through due to my diagnosis. I see the love and fear in their eyes. I pray for everyone out there going through this.

 I have medicated and remained positive. It has served me well. You must all believe we can do this...

 Please let me know how you are doing after the stomach surgery.

 Marlene

 

On 3/10/2007 Gilroy California wrote:

I have to agree with you. With stage 4 stomach cancer that has spread to the adrenal glands, I'm so very scared. I am fortunate enough though to be having my stomach and adrenal gland removed on Tue. March 13th. I am curious, as you mentioned that you were scheduled for surgery in Dec. how your outcome was.

 I too cherish time with my three fabulous children. I hate was they are going through due to my diagnosis. I see the love and fear in their eyes. I pray for everyone out there going through this.

 I have medicated and remained positive. It has served me well. You must all believe we can do this...

 Please let me know how you are doing after the stomach surgery.

 Marlene

I am so sorry for your diagnosis.  When the surgeon came out after surgery he did not give a very good future for me,but when the pathology report came back it was better than expected. My doctor said they really  can not tell what is going on till they get in there for the surgery. So I will be saying a prayer for you that it will be better when they get in there. Are you going to have chemo and radiation when you get through this?  I am on my second round of chemo, it is not toobad.I started radiation last week and it is going to be a little more difficult. I had a feeding tube and if your doctor does not suggest one maybe ask for one.  It has been a life saver for me. I was on it for about 3 weeks after surgery,and now that I am in treatment it will help me keep my weight, and strength.

Our children our what our lives are for. Right before I went in for surgery I only wanted to see their faces and my husband.  I know they will be a great deal of strength for you as they have for me.  Positive  attitude is wonderful, but I have found I also need my times to cry.

 

Please let me know how you are doing?  I am praying for you!!

Katrina

We can all find comfort from the Hearer of our prayers and through His promises. Please read the following scriptures and allow the God of all comfort to strengthen you and give you peace.

Isaiah chapter 33 verse 24

Psalms chapter 37 verse 39 

John chapter 5 verses 28, 29

Revelation Chapter 21 verse 4  

 

 

Katrina,

What types of food are you eating post surgery. What was the surgery like?

 I am staying very positive and hopeful. On the last laparoscopy all the surfaces the surgeon could see where pink and healthy looking. Even the stomach (I have linitis plastica) that was a shriveled, leather pouch is now pink, and soft. But they did caution me that with linitis plastica that is does hide in between the tissue, often leaving the organ looking healthy until they cut through and see the cancer. Mine didn't show on a PET or CT scan only after three endoscopies with the last being deep biopsy.

 What was your prognosis (if you don't mind me asking) after surgery? Were they successful in getting everything?

Thanks Katrina for your earlier response.

Marlene