Cancerous Cancer

[Chad L. Magee]

I am very saddened to hear about your mother's cancer, Bob.  Both of you will be in my prayers.  One thing to think about is that you are not alone in this situation.  There are support groups out there for people who have family members suffering the same disease (and cause), I just can't remember their name right now.  My father was a heavy smoker for almost 50 years before he got very sick one day (he thought it was a bad cold) and was diagnosed with COPD (had 1/3 lung capacity).  The doctors did not expect him to live very long (a year at best), but he lasted 7 1/2 years with it before his body just gave out (his kidneys was the first to go).  During the COPD years, he literally died (heart stopped for more than 30 seconds) four different times, but was revived by the doctors treating him.  I tried my best over the years to get him to stop smoking, but nothing I could say or do could stop it from happening, he just had to have that last smoke.  Treasure the moments that you still have with her as they are priceless.....

[derailed]

Very sorry to hear this Bob. We went through the same thing with my wife's father a few years back.

[my73charger]

Hi Bob,

Very sorry to hear about your mom.  My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.  I lost my mom to lung cancer at the age of 73 in 2005 under the exact same scenario.  My wife lost her dad 2 years ago at the age of 58 to lung cancer as well.  It sucks, I hate cigarettes.

[elacruze]

I shared death watch with my uncle for my cousin with lung cancer in 2004. It's tough for sure. Stay strong.

[Bob T]

Bob, although I'm a relative newcomer here, I do have concern and empathy for the situation that your Mother and your Family now find themselves in, Good on you for taking her in and making things as comfortable as you can, it would mean a great deal to her at this distressing time, and Family stuff puts all the other things into perspective as well.
My Father only made it to 63 after smoking for most of his life and then giving up in the last 3years but it was actually a combination of skin cancer and other stuff that got him. Very tough seeing a strong person in a hospice on a morphine pump reliving their life's high points and other happenings as terrible disease takes it toll.
I've been off the smokes for 19 years now but still have an occasional cigar and should really knock that off too, they are just as bad.

Also take time to remember the good times that your Mother did and saw, she would have been proud of you and your life and Family of your own.     ( And your sense of humour most likely too     )

Strength to you in the days ahead.
Have a cold beer on me.

Regards Kelvin

[71ChallengeHer]

Bob, I really sorry to hear about your Mom. My prayers are with you and your family. 

[TeeWJay426]

Sorry to hear this, Bob. I lost both my Dad and Mother-in-law to complications from smoking, so I have some idea what you're going through. You have to realize it's an addiction, like any other, and they either can't or don't want to fight it. Feel free to PM me if you need to vent further- hang in there, be strong for her, and do what you can to make whatever time she has left as good as possible.

[Old Moparz]

Thanks again for all the thoughts, it's appreciated. 

Later today, I plan to start transferring some old family video tapes to DVD's. One in particular, is a tape my uncle sent me a long time ago of old home movies put on tape. They were transferred to VHS in the late 80's or early 90's from what was probably 8mm film that my Grandfather recorded in the 1950's. I'm not sure if my Mom ever watched the tape before, so maybe she'll enjoy seeing it now.

I've been wanting to transfer these tapes for the last 3 years when I bought a DVD recorder & always figured that I'd have the time to do it later. Well, I can't keep putting it off since there may not be a lot of "later" left. I need to get it done now, & my advice to anyone else that has been putting things off, you may want to consider that you could be going through the same thing I am, meaning you could be running out of later.

[472 R/T SE]

So true Bob.

It's depressing for me that my family is so far away.  My fault since I put roots down up here. 

[Old Moparz]

A couple of weeks ago my Mom went into the hospital to get her blood sugar levels under control. It was as side effect of the medication she was taking to prevent swelling of the brain from radiation treatments, where the cancer had spread from her lungs. Apparently, the cancer stage she was in was a lot further along than she would tell anyone. That's how she is, she doesn't want to "bother" anyone with worry.

I was just there to see her a few days ago & she was in good spirits considering the circumstances. I had plans to go back tomorrow to visit & bring her a magnifying glass so she can read & send text messages since she lost her voice. Today I got the call from her doctor today that she passed away. The good thing is that she was very content with her doctor, trusted him, & not in a lot of pain when she died.

She also got to see her 2 sisters & 2 brothers over the last several weeks that she hasn't seen in years while she was staying at my house. I was glad for that because I know that even though they had some riffs in the past, they were all still close. I'm also glad that she stayed at my house since Christmas, I enjoyed the time we had while she was still able to enjoy it herself. Most of all, I was glad I was able to tell her I loved her.

Make sure you tell people you love them before you can't.

To all my friends here on DC.com, thanks for being online & babbling with me.   

[Brock Samson]

  What can one say but I'm sorry for your loss,.. At least she had a great Son who loved her... 

[charge69]

Well , I am really sorry to hear she passed away so fast but I am happy to see the way you took it !  I will probably go that way too (I am 64 and a stroke survivor) and hope you understand the " not a bother to anyone" thing. You and your loved ones will be in my prayers tonight. God Bless all of you and  I am relieved to hear she went that way and you are a marvelous son. 

[TruckDriver]

Sorry about you mom Bob. She has a awsome son. At least she was happy when she left this place. May she rest in peace.

[General_01]

Very sorry to hear that Bob. You are right about not putting things off. I am glad you got to spend some quality time with her the last few months. Take care.

[firefighter3931]

My sincerest condolences Bob. She is in a better place now  


Ron

[nvrbdn]

you are in my thoughts. glad you got to have some memories through these last days and her time was comfortable.

[71ChallengeHer]

Bob, I'm sorry for your loss. 

[skip68]

So sorry Bob.  Take care of yourself and talk to us all you want.   Chuck & Lisa

[resq302]

Deepest condolences Bob.  If you need anything, Im not that far away!

[oldgold69]

you have my sympathy for your loss.  you can find comfort in knowing you were there for her in the end 

[Bob T]

With respect, my condolences for yourself and your Family at this sad time . RIP.

[BrianShaughnessy]

Deepest sympathies Bob....   it's a part of life most of us have to deal with sooner or later.   At least you got to spend some good quality time with your mother before she passed.   

[moparstuart]

very sorry for your loss we will keep you and your family in our prayers 

[TUFCAT]

Very sorry Bob. Take things easy for a while. Enjoy your memories, as I'm sure you'll be thinking about her every moment.

[twodko]

Bob, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your Mom. Your Mom must certainly have lived rich and happy.........her vast wealth and greatest joy must surely have been you and the rest of her family.