When last where you in the first row watching a miracle happen? Let me help you out: right about now! If you've been following my posts the past few months, seeing an Infertility blog changing into one about breast cancer, you'd know exactly what I'm talking about.
We received my mom's test results from 2 weeks ago this afternoon. Her appointment was at 2 pm, and we all would've met afterwards at Linda's house where her youngest, De Wet, had his 6th birthday party today. I had to be back at school by 5 pm for the Annual General Meeting (yuck!) and by the time I had to be on my way, there still wasn't any sign of my parents. Their cell phones where switched off, and my frustration was mounting.
About 5:30pm, I sms'ed my sisters for the umpteenth time for news about my mom, and she phoned me herself almost immediately. I got up and walked out of the meeting (was sitting right at the back so I hopefully didn't disturb too many people) and got the best news ever.
The latest test showed that the cancer that was removed from her lung in February originated from ovarian cancer and did NOT metastasize from her breast cancer of 10 years ago. The newest cancer that spread to her stomach lining and backbone is also from the ovarian cancer.
So how on earth can I possibly say it's the best news ever? Metastasized breast cancer is not curable, and you won't go into remission like the first time around. Chemotherapy, radiation etc. will only lengthen the patient's life, and later on palliative care would enhance her quality of life. The ovarian cancer is a new cancer which means it can be cured, she CAN go into remission again: my mom isn't dying, she is going to get better!!
When my mom told me the wonderful news, I burst into tears. The dam wall broke at last. I have a terrible headache since the tears dried up, and there are still a whole lot of them needing to come out, but the worst is over.
I'm still trying to get my mind around everything, and I struggle really hard to not think of the fact that things could still get worse even though it's a different and new cancer. I want to believe that she'll get better, not sicker, even though it's stage IV already.
I choose to be positive and hopeful, and to rejoice in this miracle from God - He is truly awesome!
We received my mom's test results from 2 weeks ago this afternoon. Her appointment was at 2 pm, and we all would've met afterwards at Linda's house where her youngest, De Wet, had his 6th birthday party today. I had to be back at school by 5 pm for the Annual General Meeting (yuck!) and by the time I had to be on my way, there still wasn't any sign of my parents. Their cell phones where switched off, and my frustration was mounting.
About 5:30pm, I sms'ed my sisters for the umpteenth time for news about my mom, and she phoned me herself almost immediately. I got up and walked out of the meeting (was sitting right at the back so I hopefully didn't disturb too many people) and got the best news ever.
The latest test showed that the cancer that was removed from her lung in February originated from ovarian cancer and did NOT metastasize from her breast cancer of 10 years ago. The newest cancer that spread to her stomach lining and backbone is also from the ovarian cancer.
So how on earth can I possibly say it's the best news ever? Metastasized breast cancer is not curable, and you won't go into remission like the first time around. Chemotherapy, radiation etc. will only lengthen the patient's life, and later on palliative care would enhance her quality of life. The ovarian cancer is a new cancer which means it can be cured, she CAN go into remission again: my mom isn't dying, she is going to get better!!
When my mom told me the wonderful news, I burst into tears. The dam wall broke at last. I have a terrible headache since the tears dried up, and there are still a whole lot of them needing to come out, but the worst is over.
I'm still trying to get my mind around everything, and I struggle really hard to not think of the fact that things could still get worse even though it's a different and new cancer. I want to believe that she'll get better, not sicker, even though it's stage IV already.
I choose to be positive and hopeful, and to rejoice in this miracle from God - He is truly awesome!
19 comments:
karen, i'm so happy for you and your family. that's just wonderful news. we have to find hope wherever we can, and this is a great reason to be hopeful!! i hope you guys are going to celebrate...
Absolutely wonderful news!! What a relief...You're right, miracles do happen and God is indeed Great. I'm so happy for you and your family.
Prayers ARE WORKING!
Great to read this Karen-so happy for your mom and your family!
I can almost feel your relief. How terrific that there's a new lease on life. So very happy for you and your family!
This is MOST excellent News about your mother - Like JJ says Prayers are working
Wonderful news! Hopefully, this will all be a bad dream by this time next year.
Pax,
MLO
Hon,
I am glad that you have found a nidus of positive thought in all this bad stuff.
I really really hope that things turn out well, but (I hate myself for saying this) metastatic ovarian cancer, well, um. Look just email me if you want to know more, okay?
I can't say negative things here, and you may very well be right to think positive,
xx
J
I've got big ol' tears in my eyes.
Will continue holding you and your mom in my thoughts.
I hope this new bit of news will give you the recharge you and your mom need as she keeps battling her cancer!
I may not be the praying type, but I will keep sending good thoughts your way.
That's great news. Well, it sounds funny to say a cancer diagnosis can be great news, but it's a big step up. Hopefully things just go from strength to strength.
Bea
Karen,
This is really great news...I'm keeping your mom and family in my prayers. I just know that she can beat this and be in remission!
~Carole
http://thejourneyfromhere.blogspot.com
"Right about now" or "write about now" ?
SMALL MIRACLES by Askin Ozcan
ISBN 1598001000 Outskirts Press
http://www.outskirtspress.com/smallmiracles
---
Thirty stunning miracles (small and big)
Was presented to and well received by H:H: The Pope Benedictus XVI.
---
Available at www.amazon.co.uk and
all major internet bookshops.
OH relief! was really happy to read this post this morning. I pray the good news keeps rolling in. HUGS
I'm so glad for you that your mom will have another chance to battle this ugly beast (of course I wish it hadn't happened at all, but you know what I mean, I hope).
Oh, and WIN! Thinking of you and all your family.
That is good news.
wow. I don't really understand all the implications of this. Cancer of any kind still sounds scary, but I trust you that this is actually good news, and I'm so happy for you and your family.
I wish the best for you and your family. DO let it all out, even in stages, it's a good thing. Breathe in and out, and have some chocolate.
That is nice to hear. I hope the battle with this cancer goes as smoothly as possible.
So glad to hear that finally your family has some good news. I hope your mom's treatment is not too difficult on her.
Good luck with your decision about the mutation.
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