Hi Michelle
Just read your post and wanted to let you know that I am sort of in the same situation. My husband is in the Navy and we live in Mississippi. My mother is in St. Louis Missouri. So we are quite a distance from each other. She was diagnosed with PPC stage IV back in April and is currently going through chemo treatments. She had her entire omentum removed in April along with her ovaries which by the way, the ovaries were clear of cancer. Her CA125 started at 701 and is down to 56 after 3 chemo treatments of Carbo/Taxol. I talk to my mom daily and sometimes wonder if I, too, am hearing the "full" story. I know that my mom does not like days when she feels bad but I think she just tries not to talk or think about it and it gets her through that day. She chose not to know her prognosis and I truly feel that it helps her keep high spirits. Although myself and my siblings know every detail going on, it seems like having my mom not know every little detail is helping her get through this tremendously. I've also learned to let the cancer patient express themselves when and if they want to. But I realize its hard to be so far away and not know what the heck is happening. It is hard to decide when talking to my mom, whether I want to ask her questions about her treatment or how she is feeling or just let her bring them up herself. If she is having a good day, I certainly don't want to start talking about this unbelievable disease. My mom's attitude is this" I have cancer.... cancer does not have me." And he seems to keep her going. I also keep in touch closely with my mom's nurse. Just a suggestion, but maybe you could do the same. And possibly, you will hear more about what is really going on with your mom and not have to wonder or wait to hear it from your siblings. Go straight to the source. I hope I have helped in some way. So glad your mom could make it to San Diego. My son and I are heading to San Diego next week for a little trip. My mom has a trip to Canada planned for the end of August but so far her doctor has not given her the Okay. We're crossing our fingers.
Take care
Kate