mom has brain cancer

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-10-2006
mom has brain cancer
6
Sun, 09-10-2006 - 6:44pm
My mother was initially diagnosed with cervical cancer and went through chemo and radiation. The cancer metastisized and doctors discovered she had a brain tumor...so she had brain surgery. Then she had radiation on her head and had lost control of her left leg. Anywho, she pushes herself really hard and exhausts herself. She is always happy and smiling...which is wonderful. She tries to act like nothing was wrong...which might be a good thing. Do you think this is bad for her or is she not being realistic? What do you think?
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Mon, 09-11-2006 - 2:52am

Hi day2trip and welcome to the board.

Judy

cl-ivhjude

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-10-2006
Mon, 09-11-2006 - 4:19am
Hi Judy. My name is Lisa. My mother began having "seizures" if you will, on her left side of her body. This was the tumor pushing on her brain. After they removed the tumor, she now goes to therapy to exercise her leg. She continued crocheting, even though she had limited use of her left had, b/c she knew it would help her...and it did. Everyone is so impressed with her progress. She is a VERY strong woman and pushes herself to exhaustion every single day. She never complains (about the cancer, that is!) and she does wear a brace. In 98 degree weather my mother has a brace with thick socks and pants (to hide her brace), and a hat on her head b/c she had no hair. She didn't even complain. I admire her strength and I know their are others with the same strength out there. I learned that cancer can do that to you...make you stronger mentally. Judy, do you have cancer? Thank you for taking an interest in my mom.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 09-12-2006 - 1:20am

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Hi Lisa


My Mom had a brain tumor on the brain stem.

Hope everyone has a great Summer!

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Tue, 09-12-2006 - 3:30pm

Lisa your mom sounds like my kind of woman :)

Judy

cl-ivhjude

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Registered: 09-10-2006
Tue, 09-12-2006 - 7:59pm

Congrats on being a 25 month survivor! It saddened me to read that the doctors told you a year or two. How thoughtful of you to take your time to reach out to me and my mom. That shows that you are a caring and empathetic person. You deserve to live just as long (if not longer!) than anybody else.

I read your letter to my mom and she also felt for you and what you must go through. She inquired how old you are. Just so you get an idea of the type of person my mother is - she said if she had to go for chemo for the third time she would say "forget it!" She also has cervical cancer, too. She said she'd rather live her life than have the life taken out of her again. But you know something, it IS a "window of chance", as you said. It's kind of contradictory that my mom would deny the chemo if it could help her live a little longer. I guess she's just had it.

Ironically, her hair has grown in a couple inches, even where the big L shaped scar is. My mom goes to physical therapy to regain better use of her left side. The tumor was causing her to have seizures, so that's how they found it.

As far as I go, I struggle with bipolar disorder each day. I have to occupy my mind constantly and my mood is forever changing. This, also, is very hard for my family. On that note, your family must be so very devastated, I can't even imagine.

I will say to keep up the good work. If you truly believe in your ability to beat this, it can do nothing but help you. I hope with all my heart that mind over matter works with both you and mom.

Lisa

What hobby do you have that is inspirational to you?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Wed, 09-13-2006 - 8:23pm

Lisa I am 61 yrs old physically, mentally I'm in my 30's and intend on staying there lol.

Judy

cl-ivhjude