Another Cancer story

[coyote]

My younger sister had a mammogram last month. There was a troubling spot . A second mammogram confirmed a lump. That lump and 2 lymph nodes were removed. Pathology showed malignancy in the tumor and 1 node.

I took her to her first round of chemotherapy today. 4 hours of driving. 7 hours in a chair beside her.

I'm so utterly spent.

[~kaos~]

Hey brother, sorry to hear the news... I know what you're going thru and what's ahead, you can do it!!
Last year I had to quit my job and become my wife's full time caretaker. 2 brain tumors, brain surgery, removed her colon, installed an ostomy bag & then the chemo port.
It tough man.... some days are worse than others. But you do it cuz you love 'em. Just let her know you're there for her no matter what.
If you have family close by get them involved too, it will help give you an occasional break. If not....take a deep breath in between moments to remind yourself why you're doing it.
Neither my wife or I have family where we live so it's just been me for the last year, so I have a pretty good idea how tough it can get. Think positive, act positive and be positive
when you speak around your sis. If you need to talk drop me a message and I'll give you my cell.

[coyote]

Love to you. I may do that.

[Cdn_Cuda]

Oh man, sorry to hear that. that’s really good that you could be there with her and for her.

My dad’s cousin just passed after fighting cancer. Hits so many families.

Remember everyone to do their screening. Catching it early is important.

[Nish]

Fuck cancer.

Sorry to hear this man.

[Deus Machina]

Keep on it. Be there for her. Be aggressive on it.
It will suck for her. She'll want to stop and try a more gentle method. Don't let it rest.
I'm in a place where I can wholeheartedly agree: fuck cancer.

[glaman5266]

I took her to her first round of chemotherapy today. 4 hours of driving. 7 hours in a chair beside her.

I'm so sorry to hear this.

When I'd take my dad for chemo I found stuff to do in town while I was waiting. My dad napped during chemo, so I did the grocery shopping, got lunch, stopped at the used game shop, whatever I could find to do. Just a thought.

You're not alone in this. I just got done with 2 years of this with Dad. You can do this, man. If you ever want to talk feel free to hit me up with a message, phone number, whatever. I'll talk with you.

[coyote]

I'll share some more details that are weighing on me.

Saturday was a memorial for my mother's best friend. Lost her after a 4 year battle with breast cancer. Linda was absolutely special. She made everyone feel like the most important person in the world. She brought out the best in everyone, and somehow inspired you to do better. Her first grandchild was born the day she died. The second 10 days later.

My wife and I spend 3 nights a week with her parents. Her 88 year old father has had 2 strokes and brain surgery. He doesn't get around well. Mother in law, 86, is getting forgetful. It feels like dementia is knocking on her door.

My mom hasn't driven in a decade. Her health is questionable. My sister is at her place. She's there because the boyfriend she was moving in with decided he was a boy, not a man, and bailed on Dana the day after surgery.

My pop's gall bladder ruptured earlier this year. He nearly checked out. His live in girl friend had a minor stroke last month and has has not regained normal vision. They take care of my uncle who nearly died from a prostate infection. The rest of that side of the family are bonafide oxygen thieves and offer zero help.

I'm stretched thin. I'm running on fumes. I can't handle any more responsibility. Thank goodness my wife's family is loving and supportive.

Thank you all for being supportive. I'm a little teary eyed over the responses. MCB picks a fella up when he's feeling heavy.

Thank you all.

[pirhana92]

Hey man, I know what you're going through. My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago. It absolutely sucks and I know how much it drains you. Don't feel like you have to handle your emotions alone. Reach out to me via DM if you ever need to talk. If there's anything I can do to help let me know.

[TouchofGrey]

Dealing with cancer sucks. I walked with my brother when he first had symptoms of glioblastoma and knew what was to come. I stood with him as he embraced therapy and helped to give him strength through his journey. I spent close to sixty years knowing him. I guess giving support and love is all we can do and hope for the besr. I miss him

[Chuck E Ducky]

Hang in there, do what you can and make sure you are taking care of yourself don’t neglect that.

Doing the right thing isn't always easy - in fact, sometimes it's real hard - but just remember that doing the right thing is always right.

You Got this!

[coyote]

I wish this update was better than it is.

Dana's Chemo and Immunotherapy are going poorly.Last Wed her vomiting and diarrhea were so bad she went to the ER. She has been hospitalized since. Today was the first time in 5 days she has had solid food.

The day following her hospitalization her daughter was rear ended. Sophia and her passenger are OK. Her car was totaled.

My mother in laws Dr. referred her to the memory clinic. Her cognitive tests suggest she is in the beginning stages of dementia.

I had some X-rays last week. Arthritis in my back and hip.

If it weren't for bad news I would have no news at all.

[maggot]

That sounds absolutely brutal, Coyote. I'm sorry, but thanks for telling us.
This is reminiscent of my 2021 where everything went disastrously wrong for my family. You can and will get through this, I promise. Take it task by task. If you're up for it, please keep us posted.

[Cdn_Cuda]

Man, that’s a rough set of cards you’ve been dealt. As hard as it is, try and focus on the positive, wherever you can find them or make them.

[coyote]

Here's the funny part.

Y'all are getting to read me venting. I look back on this past week and I find a lot of positives; My wife and I have never been closer. I have hit a lot of my fitness goals. My sister and I are working on what has been an estranged relationship.

The many guys on MCB that have met me would (I hope) describe me as upbeat and humorous.

[Nish]

Congrats on all the positives man.

[Chuck E Ducky]

Take what you can. When you can. Stay strong. You got this.

[pirhana92]

Sometimes all you can do is try to focus on the positives.

[coyote]

So I got into physical therapy for my hip. That's improving already.

Dana has been discharged from the hospital. Her kidneys were on the verge of failure.