The Next Step
June 3, 2009 by salada438
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As I said earlier, my mother was scheduled for brain surgery on Monday. Last Friday she had her pre-op chest X-ray and blood work. She called me Friday afternoon and informed me that the chest X-ray showed what they are referring to as a nodule. They scheduled her for a lung biopsy for this morning.
This involves a local anesthesea and removal of a piece of the lung through a needle. Then the tissue sample is tested for malignancy. The Radiological Interventionist asked her if she had recently had a CT scan on the lung area and when he heard she had not, he set her up for that first. A half an hour later the doctor came back out and said that the CT scan showed a calcified spot and not a nodule. He said in his opinion that the CT scan did no show anything suspicious. No biopsy was done and we were back at square one and still had a brain tumor to deal with.
So, back to the neurosurgeon we went and now it was no longer my parents and I(I have five brother and sisters). It was now my parents, myself, one of my brothers and one of my sisters. Imagine being a busy doctor and seeing all of us walking in your direction. The doctor proceeded to present my mother her options based on her latest developments. But the Radiological Interventionist recommended a PET Scan, which is a type of X-ray that identifies potential cancerous spots and my brother grabbed onto that suggestion with everything he has.
I feel so sorry for my mother, because there is a definite divide in what her children think her next step should be. My parents were presented with a lot of information in a very short amount of time and are somewhat overwhelmed. My brother seems dead set against surgery. But without, at the very least, a biopsy, we will never know if the tumor is benign or malignant. And to some people it may not matter, but without this information they will not plan a course of action and for some people that would also be okay. But I am not sure that is okay with her.
While at the consult with the neurosurgeon, a lot of questions were asked. My brother asked a lot of questions and some of the questions he asked several times over, almost to the point of frustration on the part of the surgeon. My mother also feeling the same way, exclaimed she was hungry and going to get some breakfast. My father is very quick to make decisions and immediately asked the surgeon when my mother could get back on the surgery scheduled. My mother very quickly said “not so quick.” She does not make her decisions as quickly.
Although I am relatively sure she will opt for surgery, she just wants to digest the new developments and think it through thoroughly. The surgeon said she would most likely be having it next week. My parents will be staying with me when the time comes, but I am torn between being there for all these appointments, if my brothers and sisters are present. It is the uncertainty at the current time that is driving me crazy. I was beginning to come to terms with the idea of cancer, but we don’t know with any certainty that is what she hasand it sounds like it will be several more days before we will know.
Locman on Thu, 4th Jun 2009 5:21 am
From such articles appear on my tears.God bless you and your family.
Vikson on Thu, 4th Jun 2009 9:27 am
I hope everything with your mother to be ok.For that thing are necessary a lot of staminas and belief.
Ber2 on Sat, 13th Jun 2009 10:37 am
I hope everything is Ok. Your support is best gift to her.
Michael Roberts of Mile2 on Tue, 16th Jun 2009 8:47 am
My mother is a five times cancer survivor, I know exactly what you’re going through. After surviving the big C for so long she is now dying of dementia. When she still had in mind but you what was going on, she said that she would rather have the cancer. Knowing how virtual the answer is, that says a lot for early onset dementia.
I just offered up a quick prayer for your mom. All the best.
Sally from fast property sale on Thu, 2nd Jul 2009 2:13 am
Sometimes its the waiting that is the hardest. I hope and pray for your mother
Tea on Mon, 6th Jul 2009 2:15 am
I believe that you is not easy but you need to be strong and overcome all this. It’s nice that you have a lot of brothers and sisters. I have only one brother, but I am very happy about it.
Jim | website copywriting on Tue, 14th Jul 2009 1:06 am
My own mother died of pancreatic cancer. Speaking from that experience, I agree with the suggestion of getting a biopsy. At least there’s a chance of seeing what type of cancer it is. From there you can decide on whether to get a second opinion.
Stay strong and be strong for your mom.
TigerTom on Tue, 14th Jul 2009 5:43 am
You just need the surgeon to spell out the pros and cons, cooly and simply. “If X is done, what is likely to happen, good and/or bad?”
To surgeons, it’s just another day on the job, but your mother will have to live with the consequences.
Having a lot of relatives piling in there probably doesn’t help. One sober one to digest the facts, and one feisty one to stick up for your mother, would be better. Just a suggestion.
Curly Sue on Fri, 17th Jul 2009 6:13 am
In such a time it’s important to stay positive and calm, as much as possible. This is a truly delicate situation! Hugs
Best cat food on Sat, 18th Jul 2009 7:59 am
oh my god ! man god help you…
Anne on Thu, 23rd Jul 2009 3:02 am
You know what-with the developments today in medicine we have all the chances to survive such a bad thing!
I wish all the best and enough will to make it over this!
marcelino on Sun, 26th Jul 2009 7:49 pm
I went through this process a few years back with my father. Attentive ears and not too much planning ahead will make this unpleasant journey a little more bearable. will say a prayer for your mother and you.
answerstash on Mon, 27th Jul 2009 12:38 am
It is really very tough time for your mother. GOD bless her. I hope she will be healed soon.
Aron H. on Mon, 3rd Aug 2009 12:06 am
God with you and ours prayers she will healed early, don’t worry
MuhdSyukri on Wed, 5th Aug 2009 8:33 pm
Oh, I hope that your mom are going to be much more better soon.
I know this is a really tough time for you.
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Keegan on Thu, 6th Aug 2009 2:26 pm
Its hard to go through something like this. Sometimes it is just best to be there for your mother and let her do the decision making. I hope it works out for the best.
fitness classes on Fri, 7th Aug 2009 7:02 am
My eyes were dropped into tears after reading this article.Cancer is completely curable disease when we make correct diagnosis at the earliest.Moreover, the self confidence of the patient is also essential. Be positive and hopeful.
Twistys on Mon, 10th Aug 2009 3:48 pm
“I feel so sorry for my mother, because there is a definite divide in what her children think her next step should be.”
This makes her situation tougher. Let us just hope that she is still strong enough to appreciate life despite her sufferings.
Airfare on Tue, 11th Aug 2009 7:29 am
I guess you can call it the next big step.
J Guildford on Tue, 11th Aug 2009 12:17 pm
My Prayers are with both you and your mother
Shenandoah bed and breakfast on Wed, 12th Aug 2009 11:06 pm
My sympathy with you, I prayer for your mother. I’m sure your mother going away to be much more in good health soon.
Marcus on Thu, 13th Aug 2009 1:09 am
It really touched me ….
Digital Dreamspace on Sat, 15th Aug 2009 10:10 pm
Oh the blood work, it’s just human nature and be it. Glad i found the excellent article here on blogosphere.
Bid Online on Mon, 17th Aug 2009 5:28 am
You know what-with the developments today in medicine we have all the chances to survive such a bad thing!
I wish all the best and enough will to make it over this!
R4 revolution on Thu, 20th Aug 2009 9:52 pm
May God Bless you strength to fight the situation.
Best of luck
Jesse on Thu, 20th Aug 2009 11:06 pm
I really hope that everything goes well no matter what decision she makes. Make sure she takes her vitamins and supplements to ensure a fast recovery!
Hospedagem on Fri, 21st Aug 2009 9:23 am
It’s nice that you have a lot of brothers and sisters. I have only one brother, but I am very happy about it.
cyn on Sat, 22nd Aug 2009 5:59 pm
I so sorry to hear about your mother.At first decision is hard to make gradually she will come around.This is just the beginning, there is more the come,what your mother needs now is your family support.God bless her.
poker on Mon, 24th Aug 2009 7:41 am
I am extreme sad after hear about your mom. I pray for your mom. that she get well soon. Thanks. Became strong for your mom. You can do it Friend.
personal statement medical school on Wed, 26th Aug 2009 3:52 am
“Although I am relatively sure she will opt for surgery, she just wants to digest the new developments and think it through thoroughly.”
There have been many other cancer treatments aside from surgery that can be explored. Seek out the best option. Cancer can be fought. Many have survived through proper and consistent treatments.
TipKing on Wed, 26th Aug 2009 7:11 am
God bless you and your mother , my sympathy with you ..
Don’t worry, she will be ok ..
freebies on Wed, 26th Aug 2009 12:42 pm
I sure your mother will be fine my dad just had his radiotherapy and chemotherapy and is doing quite well at the moment
Uzay on Wed, 26th Aug 2009 3:56 pm
Nice post..Thank you for sharing..
Uzay Sitesi
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I am a freelance writer and journalism student at a University in Indiana. I am currently interested in writing a story titled “The Second Chance Miracle.” I would like for this story to be about a childhood cancer survivor, his or her story, and the impact of having childhood cancer on that person and his or her family. If you are interested in telling your story, please contact me soon. I need to begin interviews and penning the story right away.
Friend Generator on Thu, 3rd Sep 2009 4:20 pm
any updates on this?
Foreclosure Las Vegas on Wed, 9th Sep 2009 12:41 am
I feel so sorry for your mother. Any update on her health now? I wish her a speedy recovery and my prayers for you to give all support you need at this point of life. Dont worry and I am sure she is gonna be back alright and I am sure with the latest medical developments and advancements cancer is completely curable provided its diagnosed at the early stage. Best Wishes to you and your siblings.
Jacko on Thu, 24th Sep 2009 5:30 pm
I am extreme sad after hear about your mom :((((( sorry dude
Sarah on Fri, 25th Sep 2009 2:11 pm
God bless u my friend :*(
r9 460 driver on Sun, 27th Sep 2009 6:34 pm
This really touched me, God bless you and your mom,believe that tomorrow will be better!
Mary M on Tue, 29th Sep 2009 11:39 am
It is necessary for you to learn as much as possible information on cancer diseases and surgery consequences. One business when is known opinion of one doctor, and another when the several doctors treating cancer diseases
Tulsa Homes on Mon, 12th Oct 2009 8:41 am
We all need to pray for her and hopefully by the grace of God she will be cured. There is a fruit juice out there that has been known to have amazing results its called Xango. If you are interested you can check it out at Xango.com
Hope that helps and God Bless!
San Diego Foreclosure Properties on Mon, 12th Oct 2009 10:02 pm
The time spent in anticipation of the results from a biopsy can be very scary. Don’t underestimate the power of prayer!
Auckland Car Rental on Fri, 16th Oct 2009 3:11 am
My prayers are there always for you and your family buddy. I have been there and I know how painful it will be. Life has to go on and I am sure you will bounce back mightier from this. All the best to you.
Short Sales in Las Vegas on Wed, 21st Oct 2009 10:20 pm
Doctors are giving the best options they could in relation to the disease, in this case, its cancer. Your mom needs all the support she could get from you and your siblings as well as her friends. Prayers are mostly important in these moments, get hold of it. God bless!
House cleaning on Thu, 3rd Dec 2009 9:56 am
It is really an intellectual treat to read your views on the blog. Keep sharing.
Jesse@Protein Powder Reviews on Sat, 16th Jan 2010 3:15 am
Any new information on this? I’m curious as to the outcome
Virtual Office Miami on Tue, 26th Jan 2010 11:57 pm
Any updates on this post it seems to be so very interesting for me.
Flowers Dublin Ireland on Wed, 27th Jan 2010 7:48 pm
I was moved by your post..I recall my father’s condition back then and I feel for you.
North Georgia Cabin Rentals on Sat, 30th Jan 2010 4:11 am
Truly Life is a matter of choice..There are things that we don’t do..Not because we acn’t but because we don’t want to. Whatever life brings us it’s just the result of the path we choose to follow:-)