Mom diagnosed with lung cancer
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| Fri, 07-07-2006 - 4:22pm |
My mom (age 58) was diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) a couple of days ago. It has already metastasized to her lymph nodes. She has elected not to do chemo or any other treatment beyond a little radiation, which will possibly help with her breathing for the time being. The Dr gave her a prognosis of 9-12 months without treatment, though we feel that is being very optimistic, and are thinking more along the 4-6 month time frame. Mom has not been healthy for many years. She has fibromyalgia, has had several back surgeries in her adulthood, is diabetic, has/had emphysema, and had a triple bypass about 3.5 years ago. So she is not in good shape beyond the cancer. Honestly when she told me I was not at all surprised--I have known for years that her smoking would be what killed her--it was just a question of when. And I am not sure how I am feeling right now. We have not been close for several years, alot of bitterness and hard feelings on my part. So now I am struggling with how to handle this. My brother is angry with me for my "coldness". As my parents are divorced, I have power of attorney, so it is up to me (and my brother) to make all the arrangements and handle everything. I am 34 and have 2 young children of my own. We live 8 hours from mom, and I am right now trying to figure out how to handle my responsibilities both at home and with my mom. My daughter starts kindergarten next month, and son starts preschool. I am not sure what I am going to do. My brother feels it would be easier for me to spend more time up there, since I am a SAHM, but he doesn't seem to understand my other responsibilities. Does anyone have any advice for me? I am just overwhelmed right now and not sure what to do. Where do I even start?
Dana


Dana .. just my two cents here and not necessarily advice.
Welcome to the board Dana, it is nice to meet you :)
Judy
cl-ivhjude
Judy
cl-ivhjude
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