Sunday, July 11, 2010

Bad news

A couple of days ago we got the results from my MIL's biopsy.  It's not good.  It's an aggressive brain tumour - they couldn't get it all with surgery so she'll start radiation and then chemo.  The average life expectancy with this type of cancer is 12 months.  As you can imagine, everyone is pretty shell-shocked.  We've told Billy that Ma is still sick and needs more treatment, but I haven't told him anything else yet.  I don't know when or how..

She is out of hospital now and staying at my SIL's house.  We went up to see her last night.  Physically she looks fine, just very tired.  Emotionally, understandably, she's down.

16 comments:

jugglingpaynes said...

Oh my. I'm so sorry to hear that. One of the hardest things I had to do was help my children deal with the illness and loss of their grandparents, my in-laws. Depending on his age and maturity, your son will know how serious it is by how the adults react. All I can suggest is to be as honest and gentle as you can, listen to his concerns and try to answer any questions he might have. My prayers are with you.

Peace,
Cristina

Butterfly said...

Kez, it must have been hard to write that, and to know it. We'll continue to pray for Ma and your family.

Sending hugs, Vanessa

Subadra said...

I am so sorry to hear this, Kez. I guess you know this already, but this might be something your ds would want to know and be part of with his grandma's journey of dealing with her pain. I wish and pray for the mental strength to you all, to pull through this extremely difficult time.
Hugs,
-Subadra
http://bookslinksandmore.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Hi Kez, thinking of you and your family, if we can do anything to help you get through this, please let us know. Love Karen, Tony and the kids

Tania said...

Thinking of you at this difficult time Kez.

A terrible hard thing for any family to deal with.

Best wishes,

Tania

Rynalee said...

Oh Kerrie, Such sad news. Thinking of you guys as you work through it and especially as you work out how to walk the journey with Billie. I have a book called "The Grief of our Children" by an Australian Author, Mal McKissock. You can borrow it if you like. Other than that, I guess I just think be as honest as you can comfortable be, and trust him to deal with it in his own way, knowing you guys are gonna walk every step of the way beside him. Kids can be SO surprising with this stuff. And whatever his response is, that's right for him at this time.

((Hugs))
Karen

Tracy said...

so sorry to hear that. I watched ny father die from cancer. It isn't easy talking to the children about that. Praying for your family.

Korina said...

So sorry to hear. Sure you are all coping as best you can. Sending lots of good positive thoughts and hugs your way.
xxxx

Wendy said...

Hugs and prayers, Kez. Such a difficult time. Nicky was 9 when my dad was diagnosed with melanoma. We were honest with her, told her that he had a bad form of cancer that had spread. She could work out for herself what was happening, and was a support for me! It was especially hard when we flew over to South Africa to see him as she knew it was a goodbye trip. But she coped amazingly well. Kids surprise you!

M.J. said...

I'm so sorry! We went through this with my late mil. It is such a tough thing. My thoughts are with your entire family.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you and your family.

mum+dad=akira and linkin and elijah said...

Thinking of all of you xxxx
DS1 found it really important to spend time with my nan in her last days. I think it is important to give them the option to do what feels right for them and speak openly and honestly (which I know you would).
Continuing to send healing vibes <3

Annie said...

Hi there,

This is Annie from Learn at Every Turn. I saw Suji's post on Funschooling. I'm so sorry. Someone I value greatly once said, "Where there is life, there is hope." I wish for you and your family strength and grace.

Amy said...

Kez,
I am so sorry to hear this incredibly sad news. My thoughts, love and prayers are being sent your way for you and yours.
hugs-
Amy

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear this, Kez. My MIL was diagnosed with breast cancer two months ago and will be starting radiation shortly. I'll pray for you all.

Risa said...

So sorry to hear this Kez. Hoping for peace for all of you in this difficult time.