First, I wanted to thank each and every one of you who left such sweet comments on my last post. My sister is doing a lot better (as much as you can in this situation). But something had happened to keep her mind off things...
In the past few years my Mom has been pretty sick. My Mom is a very strong woman (and super-soft inside), and she rarely shows that she's in pain. But it was getting progressively worse. The doctors she went to would usually blame it on arthritis and prescribe her yet another handful of pills. But she still got worse and worse.
So she gave up on the docs and about a month ago decided to try a homeopathic clinic as a last resort. The doctor there took her off all of the medications she was on and gave her some herbal pills. And that sent her body into a crisis, and a couple of days ago she ended up in the hospital.
And today she was finally given a diagnosis of why she was so miserable these last few years: Multiple Myeloma...Multiple Myeloma is a cancer that starts in the plasma cells of the bone marrow. It does have a high survival rate (up to 90% depending on the stage).
My Mom will be transferred to a different clinic on Tuesday where she will start chemotherapy sometime soon after. We don't know yet how serious her situation is and, probably, won't know until she's transferred. My sister with her children will travel to Russia next Thursday. This trip was planned months ago, and they will stay for a whole month. My Dad will also have two weeks off work to be by Mom's side, starting also next Thursday. And I'm planning on going sometime in the second part of September for about a week. Unfortunately, I can't go for longer than that but even a little time will be a great help. She's going to be in the hospital for about a month if everything goes well.
We've been crunching the numbers for hours today, and it's doable. I am dropping out of September no/low spend challenge because my biggest challenge right now is to not go crazy. I've been crying so much lately that I don't have any tears left. Now it's just dull acceptance of things...
But I know, God cares. He didn't promise, we won't have any trials, He promised to help us to go through them. As crazy as it might sound, some things and timing of certain things makes a lot more sense now. Even the fact that my husband is unemployed at the moment will take my mind off the fact of where to find a babysitter for a whole week...Nothing is easy now but I know it will all be good in the end...We just need to stay faithful...
You're in my prayers! I'm a big believer in things happening for a reason. Even when things seem awful, there are small things to be grateful for. It sounds like your Mom may have not found out the real cause of her health issues without making that choice to go off the meds she was on, so that may have been a blessing. It is also a blessing that your husband will be home while you are away. Sure, things could always be easier, but if we don't count all our small blessings we could go crazy.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you and your family, Lena!
Kristin
Oh I'm sorry to read this post and hear your news about your Mom. I can see that you are keeping positive with your chin up. Things will get better. Sending positive vibes from Ireland to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteLena..will be praying for you, your family and your mom! I'm going to miss you, really, you are one of those people that when they are not around for a couple of days I ask,..hmmm..I wonder where is Lena! The good thing is they found out what the problem was and there is room and time to work and improve things God willing!
ReplyDeleteTake care my friend. and keep us posted as much as possible.
Hugs and love,
Lizy
Lena, I will be praying for your mom and your sister for safe travels...God is a healer and you have a lot of prayer warriors out in the blogging world... Yes things happen for a reason and we don't see it right away, but your starting to see them.. I am glad you are able to go and see your mom for a while.. Please tell us when you get ready to travel so we can pray for that to... Lisa
ReplyDeleteOh Lena, I'm so sorry to hear of this. I hope your Mom is getting the care she needs now, and that your sister heals from her loss. Sending you prayers and {{hugs}}!!
ReplyDeleteSharon
Everything is a shock when you first learn about it and it puts you in crisis mode. However, it will get easier. I have two close family members that are battling very serious cancer right now and while the whole situation sucks, there have been a lot of positive moments. You are already starting to see those and you will see more. Let your faith guide you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteBig huge hugs to Lena!
ReplyDeleteOh Lena, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. I wish I lived close to you so I could help look after your boys while you went home to see your family. My family also lives far away and I can understand what you are going through.
ReplyDeleteNan
I know first hand how hard it is when family lives across the ocean. God is a good God, He loves you (and your family) and He will continue to provide all that you need. Pray for peace and healing.
ReplyDeleteLena, Sending you and your family prayers!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your mom. My Grandfather had multiple myeloma , when he was diagnosed (WAY back in the late 1960's) doctors gave him 6 months to live, he beat the odds and lived 7 years! (and he was an old man when I can only imagine the progress they've made since then. Prayers and safe travels for you and all your family.
ReplyDeleteLena I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. I'm so glad you are able to go home and be with her for a week. You and the
ReplyDeletefamily are still in my thoughts and prayers.
Rhonda
Thinking of you and yours at this time, Lena. Kia kaha
ReplyDeleteLena, there's no words out there to console anyone going through this. We went through the big 'C' in 2003.We thought it only happens to others. When mom was diagnosed, there was no time to think, decision has to be made fast. I was young and just started to work. I was devastated, but I need to put a brave face for moms sake. Mom never showed any emotion, she's a brave lady.
ReplyDeleteIt was tough, with moms surgery and the treatment scheduled post surgery. It was even scarier when mom decided not to go through Chemo. She wanted to live a decent live and if its fated for her to go, it was gods will.
Mom survived and still with us now, she will be 67 next week. When someone close to us gets sick, it brings the entire family together. It makes us stronger and appreciate people around us even more.
Lena, I know, its hard being away from your mom. How you'd wish your are near to her at this moment. Keep praying dear, I will pray for you too. You have such wonderful friends online, I'm sure everyone will include you and your family in their prayers.
Take care
Deni
Lena I am so sorry. Keep the faith your mother will need you to do that. She will need an uplifted person. What can I do to help you?
ReplyDeleteOh Lena, honey, that is so hard. So, so hard. I'll be praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteOh Lena! :( Such bad news. I will certainly remember you in my prayers. Let's just believe your mom is going to pull through this. Hang in there and keep the faith. Glad you have your husband to hold things down while you're away.
ReplyDeleteXOXO,
Meredith
I was Sorry to hear about your sister and your mum. I have no words to express how I feel for you right now so I will send you virtual hugs and a shoulder to cry on when you need it.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and your family
Carolx OOOOOO
So sorry to hear your mother isn't well Lena. I know so well what it is like living so far from home and not being there to hold her hand. I feel for you dear!!!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your family and sending the most positive vibes possible across the pond to you!!!!
Amanda xx
dear lena,
ReplyDeletesending prayers to you and your family!!
blessings regina
Lena, I feel your tears, your pain & sorrow. God will give you enough strength to see you through this. Lean on family and friends when you need to, as that is why we are here for each other. Prayers going your way always. xxx Always your friend, Cindy
ReplyDeleteOh Lena your plate seems to be filling up more each day :( Prayers for your whole family. I'm so glad you will be able to be with your Mom during these trying times
ReplyDeleteLena, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, at this particularly difficult time.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you have the opportunity to go home and see your Mom and family, safe journey!
Hi Lena,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of all that is going on with your family ! I lost my husband to Cancer 6 years ago - and I know some of what you must be feeling. You are absolutely right - God does care, and he will watch over you and your family ! My prayers are with you all. Also - I was thinking about the babysitting situation - does your church (if you belong to one ) have a prayer chain, or women's group ? When we were going through treatments with my husband - my church helped a lot with babysitting and prayers.
God Bless !
Oh Lena, my heart breaks for you. Keep your head up. Praying for you and your family at this time.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you won't have to worry about who's watching your babies. No one's better than dad, right?,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you get to go and be with your mom. Sending prayers and many good thoughts your way. Safe travels.
Here's hoping you mum gets better soon and your trip to Russia goes smoothly. It's a relief to hear the survival rate for this type of cancer is high so we all hope God blesses you all.
ReplyDeleteOh Lena, Such sad news....sending you and your family prayers and strength to get through this time of sadness and uncertainty. Lynn @ Turnips 2 Tangerines
ReplyDeleteSo glad you can work it out to go be with your mom. Let me know if I can help with anything while you are gone. We are farther away now, but it's still not that far!
ReplyDeleteLena I'm so sorry to hear this. I'm keeping your family in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteLena, I keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDelete