You are currently browsing the monthly archive for November, 2008.
Well anyone who does not know me personally would not know the extent of the effect cancer has had on my life lately.
My uncle/godfather has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. This disease was diagnosed after a chest xray looking for pneumonia. He was not a smoker in his life.
My father who has already been mentioned in an earlier post (for prostate cancer) has now shown a growth on the right lower quadrant of his brain. It is of a fair size and is pushing the right grey matter into the left side. This is causing all sorts of symptoms which have severely altered the quality of his life. The PET scan that I requested at the onset of the prostate cancer would have diagnosed this mass months ago, but due to the narrow minded thoughts of the radiation oncologist and urologist, it was never done. It has also since been discovered that on several occasions when a scan should have been done on his brain, it was avoided. So the situation could have been resolved long ago, before it became a big deal. The radiation of the prostate has been postponed until the nature of this lesion is determined. A second MRI must be done (because the first one was not prescribed properly) which is very difficult due to my father being extremely claustrophobic. It is not until after we find out what type of lesion it is before we can discuss treatment.
Due to the past mistakes of trusted physicians, I now must accompany my parents to the doctor appointments to ensure that all bases are being covered. Trust in the physicians in the past may have now shortened my fathers life. We hope that the neurosurgeon we have chosen is our final salvation. Wish us luck.
Given the history my father has gone through (the Great Depression, WWII, hiding from Nazi’s, orphanage, being raised by extended family, going to sea @ 15, malaria, and the list goes on) we hope that the final years of his life can be experiences with peace and happiness. Not pain and suffering. For those who believe in a higher power, please say a prayer.
My daughter and I watched the video of “Tinkerbell – the movie” on DVD on Monday night. It was quite delightful. It showed the creation of the fairy named Bell and her growing into her quirky self. It seems a fairy is born after the first laugth of a baby. It even showed the eventual link to London and the Peter Pan connection. The movie was a great example of not trying to be like everyone else and being happy with what you are best at. It is a perfect mother-daughter move. There is another Tink movie in the works and I can’t wait to share it with my daughter.
Now the average friend of mine would think I was biased, given that I am obsessed with Tinkerbell. But I can honestly say it was a delightful movie for young girls.
So its official. My firstborn is now a teenager. The signs were there. Getting taller & thinner. Voice dropping. Wanting privacy. But now its official, and I feel so old.
My husband and I have been through some tough stuff lately. Had are highs and lows. Decided to stop trying to change eachother and just accept ourselves for what we are, flaws and all. He has been an awesome support to me right now with several issues and I am thankful to have him.
