I've been reading over some of your posts the past couple of nights, and don't really know what to say or where to start, but I could really use a pep-talk from some people who have been there, and are going through similar experiences.
I'm a 36 year-old mother of three busy teenage boys, fiance to the most amazing God-send of a man I've ever known, sister of a wonderful but (geographically) distant woman who is busy with two small children, and daughter of a father who has diabetes and had a quintuple bypass a week and a half ago, and finally, I am the oldest and closest daughter of a mother just recently diagnosed with IIIA Lung Cancer for which we have been told (by three different doctors) that surgery is not an option. My mother will be starting chemo this coming week, and radiation the following week.
I have been to all of her appointments thus far, and will continue to be the main caregiver, especially until my father is in better health (though I hear that his recovery from the 5-way bypass will be a long one.) I work a fulltime job as well, though I am extremely fortunate in that I do work from home by computer and telephone (home is across the street from my parents' home) and that I work the grave shift (11:00pm-7:30am ET) so I am able to attend to my parents' needs during the day and take naps in between. I am getting married June 9th. The man I am marrying is very supportive, and helps me, my kids, and my parents any way that he can. My teenage boys are very busy, but they are also able to help here and there. However, we aren't even into chemo yet, and I am feeling teary-eyed and tired already. I know I have it in me to do this, but some words of wisdom from others would really help here.
My best friend is a nurse, but lives many states away. She tells me that my mother may become very sick, very tired, and that I need to take care of myself first and foremost so that I am able to care for her and my father through his recovery. Again, any insight on what to expect, and maybe how to deal with the emotions of what is happenning with our family would really help me right now. Thanks for your time.