On May 18, 2012 7:46 PM myfirstborndeb wrote:
I have stage 4 small cell lung cancer. I have been ging through a 3 different clincial trails. Non have worked for any long time. I just had a ct/scan and it showed that the cemo I have been taking is not working. I don't know what to do.
I have 2 grandchildren that are graduating in June. One for High school and 1 from college. I also have a granddaughter that is having a baby in September. I would like to live to see all of them
My Mum was diagnosed with lung and bone cancer in 2007, having had breast cancer in 2003. When it came back in 2007 we all felt devastated as a family, but most of all, I was devastated because, like yourself, I wanted her to see my son graduate. She saw him graduate in 2010!! And she is still with us now, albeit we are coming to the end sometime in the near future I fear.
My Mum's advise to you would be this: Think positively and set yourself small goals. But most of all, remember that Crying is a very healthy thing to do. It relieves stress, eases pain and cleanses your eyes. So never be afraid to cry.
As a daughter of a mum with cancer I would say you need to talk to your children. Tell them you hope to see all those things going on in their lives, but if for some reason you don't, perhaps you can write cards of congratulations, take photos with them, wrap up small mementos and put them in boxes for the parents to give them at the time that is right. When you get sick, you get less energy and with Mum we see her distance herself from us to 'protect us'. Don't do that. You think you are protecting your family but you are hurting them. Just keep the lines of communication honest and open. Let them express their fear to you and you do the same. Talking is so powerful when it comes to releasing fear and axiety.
However long you have in this life, they will hold you in their hearts for ever and always xx