Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Sometimes I Know a Blessing when I See One.


Thank you so much for all the love and understanding you have shown me with your comments, emails and phone calls. I feel very blessed to have you in my life.

We took my Mom to the oncologist yesterday, I was "nervous-sick" waiting for the day to finally come. Being in the waiting room was very touching and scary at the same time. It was a very nice, very large office packed full of people waiting to see various oncologists. I looked around (I made myself look up and at people even though I didn't want to). As an old friend told me long ago I apparently "bleed for people." Every person there was touched by cancer in some way, whether the patient themselves, or family or friends. I certainly didn't feel like talking, but a nice lady and her father engaged us in small talk, and it actually did help to smile and make polite conversation.

ANYWAY... considering that my Mom's prognosis is terminal we received the best possible news from a wonderful, patient, caring and kind Doctor. We knew that her colon cancer had spread to her liver, but that's all. He explained that she would have no pain at all from the cancer. He said she would get more tired and sleep more and more as time goes on, and then one day she will go to sleep and not wake up. Thank you, Lord! I was so worried that she would be terribly sick and in terrible pain. Not so with liver cancer, apparently. The liver cancer will progress more rapidly than the colon cancer, and the worst thing that can happen is some bleeding from the tumor, which can be stopped with a little painless, quick radiation. Another blessing is that her bleeding virtually stopped after her colonoscopy. Even though it couldn't be removed, the cancerous polyp (tumor)appears to have been cauterized by the procedure.

Thank you, God and thank you friends and family.

Much Love,

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14 comments:

  1. I know you're so thankful for this, a blessing indeed! My thoughts are with you.

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  2. So sorry to hear your news, but so glad that there is this real blessing attatched, too. My mum is also suffering from terminal cancer and, amongst the sadness, there is also incredible joy. Seems strange, but when we get together as a family and see my mum and dad so in love (maybe even more than ever) I realise that people are mistaken when they think that dying is so terrible. And I see that, like me and my mum, your family have the faith that death is not the end, either. God bless you all.

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  3. Dear Sheila...you are so precious ~ I am thankful for your blessing too. As hard as this journey will be for all of you, to have no pain is so wonderful. hugs and love to you sweet friend, Dawn

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  4. You have been on my heart and in my prayers, my friend. Glad for the update. Yes, take blessings wherever you find them. I, too, have found the waiting room of the oncologist's office to be a sad place when you think of the reason everyone is there. And what a relief that your dear one won't suffer - that is truly a blessing in the middle of this difficult road you are on.

    Hugs to you and prayer continue,
    ~Adrienne~

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  5. Sheila -
    Hugs (and fields of sweet spring flowers if I had those to give, too)
    Betty :)

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  6. Hi Sheila
    I am glad you did receive a bit of comforting news out of all this. It must be very hard for you, I truely wish the best for you and I pray strength and peace for your lovely mother.
    Blessings

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  7. Sheila, thank you so much for your kind comment!! I am so glad that your mom wont suffer!! Hugs and hugs!!

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  8. This is definetly good news Sheila. Hopefully it will make it a little easier for you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Take care,

    Kathleen

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  9. My Dad had colon cancer. I know exactly what you are going through and it is heart wrenching. Strangely enough, I went to the oncologist today for a yearly checkup. No biggie. I do always think though, when I am around people who are mean and thoughtless, I would like to grab them by the ear and take them to the oncologists office to sit for an entire day to see what TRUE suffering and heartache is all about. Hang in there girl, I know how difficult this is.

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  10. Sheila, God bless and keep you and your Mom.
    I will most definitely be praying for you both in the coming days, I know how hard this must be.

    Much love,
    Anne

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  11. Hi Sheila ~ My first visit here and I want to say that yes, even in pain and suffering and loss, there still can be beauty and blessings just as you have noticed already. My mother had liver cancer and my husband and younger brother went to heaven all within a 9 month period in 2009, so I do know what you are going through. I encourage you to lean on the Lord and enjoy every sweet moment with your mom - you'll never regret it...

    Cynthia K. (Beauty and Blessings)

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  12. Sheila, After having lost both parents, my heart goes out to you and your family. It's tough, but hang on to the positive blessings and keep thinking of them. I'm always here if you need to talk. A great big bear hug to you, M.

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  13. I'm so glad that you are finding blessings in this journey, I'm sure you will find many along the way. I was always amazed by the strength and courage found in the patients and their families at the oncologists office, truly inspirations. You will never forget this time with your Mom or the people you meet along the way.

    Much love,
    Deb

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  14. Hi Sheila,

    Thank you for the comment on my blog. I came over to see what your world was like and was touched by this honest and difficult post! I struggle with how personal I'm comfortable being on my blog, but am always impressed by those that absolutely put it out there. I don't know you (yet) but add my thoughts to the support directed your way.

    I love your Kerouac quote up there too.

    xo ~ karen

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