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a ticking clock

Stramash

Entry posted by Stramash ·

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My mum has not been too well the last few months. She was diagnosed with pulminary fibrosis last year but that was just causing increased breathlessness.

Then about 8 weeks ago, she had a bad fall on her way to see me. At first it seemed like she had just suffered a gash to the head, then a few weeks later they realised she had some cracked ribs too.

She seemed to be taking ages to recuperate; she was off her food, was in a lot of pain, and there was a build up of fluid in her stomach area.

So her GP decided to admit her to hospital on the 22nd June for tests. I got a phone call last Monday saying the consultant wanted to see me on the Wednesday - not a good sign.

Sadly the news was not good - the tests had identified cancer and it had spread round the stomach and abdomen areas - they drained 8 litres of fluid from that area. They have not identified the source so cannot even decide what medications will help slow it down or relieve some of the symptoms. Chemo and other treatments are out because of the spread and her other health issues.

But positive thinking is important, and rather than get all maudlin I need to go on as normal and be as strong as possible so she has a good quality of life for however long she has.

I am also planning on organising a couple of big benefit gigs on behalf of Cancer Research UK (http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/) and the McMillan Nurses (http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx), 2 very worthy causes.

I think the lesson I have learned with this news is that no matter how the news affects you, it's not about you; it's about the person who is directly affected. My sorrow and grief will come later, but for now, it's life as normal, well as normal as possible.

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Stramash

My mum has not been too well the last few months. She was diagnosed with pulminary fibrosis last year but that was just causing increased breathlessness.

Then about 8 weeks ago, she had a bad fall on her way to see me. At first it seemed like she had just suffered a gash to the head, then a few weeks later they realised she had some cracked ribs too.

She seemed to be taking ages to recuperate; she was off her food, was in a lot of pain, and there was a build up of fluid in her stomach area.

So her GP decided to admit her to hospital on the 22nd June for tests. I got a phone call last Monday saying the consultant wanted to see me on the Wednesday - not a good sign.

Sadly the news was not good - the tests had identified cancer and it had spread round the stomach and abdomen areas - they drained 8 litres of fluid from that area. They have not identified the source so cannot even decide what medications will help slow it down or relieve some of the symptoms. Chemo and other treatments are out because of the spread and her other health issues.

But positive thinking is important, and rather than get all maudlin I need to go on as normal and be as strong as possible so she has a good quality of life for however long she has.

I am also planning on organising a couple of big benefit gigs on behalf of Cancer Research UK (http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/) and the McMillan Nurses (http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx), 2 very worthy causes.

I think the lesson I have learned with this news is that no matter how the news affects you, it's not about you; it's about the person who is directly affected. My sorrow and grief will come later, but for now, it's life as normal, well as normal as possible.

DSCN2116.jpg

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DANNO

sorry for Mom and you, Iain...

... I have had similiar news in January... hope the doctors find the solution, keep your good support as i know you will! Stay strong My best to you Mom

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whitelotus

so sorry to hear and all the thing i can say just gonna pray to GOD for your mom getting better ( actually speechless to say any thing except " i think i know what do u feel").

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alan675

Hang in there Iain, there will be some tough times ahead for you and your family. Wish you all the best with the benefit gigs. Another worthy cause, and a little closer to home for you, is the St. Andrew's Hospice in Airdrie. My Mum spent her last 2 weeks there and the care provided was (IMO) second to none.

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GoodKarma

Bro..

this is a tuff situation to be in.. I hope this all works out for you. Just a note. Modern medicine and new medical procedures are amazing these days. My thoughts are with you my fellow TFer. Hang in there.

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Teddy

Man, that sucks to hear. As I said on FB, the main thing to do/be is to be there for her. She will need you more than ever.

Thoughts are with you mate.

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Sasie

You still have time to spend it with your mom and that's better than the sudden death like I faced with my dad. All you can do is to feel happy in every moment and you're goodluck you can do it. Be happy and be healthy so you can take care of her very well ^^

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kaunitz

All the best for you, Iain, and may your mom have a peaceful and painless time - hopefully with you and any other children she has, because this is the most important thing for a mother!

I still have both of my parents and every day I am getting more thankful for that but also more worried as they also grow older.

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Admin_2

Just read this and so sorry to hear about this, Iain. Learning that parents are mortal comes as a surprise to most. I remember when my father had to have triple bi-pass surgery...I just couldn't believe it. He got through fine, and is now doing better than ever.

I wish the same for your mother. In the meantime, enjoy every moment you have together.

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