Back in 1998 we received devastating news that our 18 yr old daughter had a huge navel orange sized brain tumor. The doctors did not think she would make it to surgery. After the surgery they didn't think she would survive the treatment. Her tumor was at stage 3/4. They said she had a less than 30 % chance. Most people with her type of cancer only live another 5-10 years after treatment. She endured 7 weeks of daily radiation and another 3 years to get 5 out of 6 chemo treatments. She never got the last chemo because her blood counts were so low. She is still with me more than 20 years later. So what I want to say is never give up. God has a plan for you. There will be rough days and good days. Do what you can on the good days and rest on the bad ones. But of course you probably already do that. Just never give up.
Hi Margaret! Thank you for sharing your personal story… I am grateful and joyful to hear your daughter is filled with courage and persistence. I suspect she has led many through her example… including me now!
I’m delighted to welcome you to our comments. We are an open and welcoming group… always wanting to encourage the best in each other. Thanks for joining us! ♥️💜💚
Margaret--I also have a brain tumor story about a child--my son. The details are different, the prognosis much less dire, yet still, it was a long and rocky recovery. He also is a 20-year survivor. As are you and I! Perseverance is such a powerful teacher, isn't it? All the best to you and your family.
And now she is having major problems with long term side effects from those cancer treatments. All the little bones in her feet have fused together so she can't bend her feet. She has to wear metal shanks in her shoes and have shoes that rock her forward. Sooo much arthritis she has had both knees replaced. Had non-cancerous growths in her thyroid so it was removed. Not a lot of strength or feeling on her left side. And of course the concentration problems etc when she gets tired and doesn't use she phone because she can't hear well with it. I have been asked why I don't put her in a home or why we don't have her feet amputated. I just have to walk away shaking my head at the thoughtless and rude remarks. There is still a lot that she can do. She keeps me going. We lost her dad 10 years ago to small cell lung cancer and as long as the cancer stays away we will keep going. I am looking forward to reading your book. We fought with Oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma. They told us it was very rare to have them together in the same tumor. Because of how far out the astrocytes were growing they couldn't remove the whole tumor. Just watch your son because he is likely to have problems with the long term survivor issues too.
Margaret--I'm so sorry for my delayed response; I was out of town with connectivity issues. But mostly I am sorry about the ongoing challenges for you and your daughter and the loss of her father. What I went through is comparatively minor and gives me just a glimpse into what your days must be like. The role "mother" takes on a whole new meaning, doesn't it? I'm sending hugs and positive energy and armor against the thoughtless things people say. XXOO
Don’t judge a gift by its cover. You packed a powerful punch into a paltry parcel of words. (Working on alliteration but not doing well...)
I can easily imagine, not too far down the road, you will post just a photo. One might be the view of a face, fingertips resting on face’s temples. Implying that is how readers will import your thoughts and lessons. Quantum wow!
And what good news on your progress with treatment. Splendid.
We don’t have a Grimaldi’s in our town. Coal fired? I wonder if they use “coke” that normally is used in making steel? Even anthracite coal has impurities that seem inconsistent with baking food directly. Wood fired pizza is common here. I can imagine “coke-fired” pizza may have an unappealing connotation to some. 🤔
Jack- I’m beginning to wonder what I enjoy most. 🤔 Typist’s writing, the Girl’s musing, Paintist’s painting, or Jack’s replying? Or? Spangler, Spanglering? 😂🤣😂
I would like to acknowledge Margaret’s story before I begin my sentence of the day. The journey with your daughter must have been a very scary one, and I’m pleased to read that you’re both around to talk about it more than 20 years later.
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While looking up at mycelium, a loose piece of plaster fell on my fascia!😬
Celebrate in style, Gail!! Is that it for now? Is treatment done? Here's the best I can do today, and I know I'm cheating: My fascia is seemingly full of fungi, which is no fun.
Back in 1998 we received devastating news that our 18 yr old daughter had a huge navel orange sized brain tumor. The doctors did not think she would make it to surgery. After the surgery they didn't think she would survive the treatment. Her tumor was at stage 3/4. They said she had a less than 30 % chance. Most people with her type of cancer only live another 5-10 years after treatment. She endured 7 weeks of daily radiation and another 3 years to get 5 out of 6 chemo treatments. She never got the last chemo because her blood counts were so low. She is still with me more than 20 years later. So what I want to say is never give up. God has a plan for you. There will be rough days and good days. Do what you can on the good days and rest on the bad ones. But of course you probably already do that. Just never give up.
Hi Margaret! Thank you for sharing your personal story… I am grateful and joyful to hear your daughter is filled with courage and persistence. I suspect she has led many through her example… including me now!
I’m delighted to welcome you to our comments. We are an open and welcoming group… always wanting to encourage the best in each other. Thanks for joining us! ♥️💜💚
Margaret--I also have a brain tumor story about a child--my son. The details are different, the prognosis much less dire, yet still, it was a long and rocky recovery. He also is a 20-year survivor. As are you and I! Perseverance is such a powerful teacher, isn't it? All the best to you and your family.
And now she is having major problems with long term side effects from those cancer treatments. All the little bones in her feet have fused together so she can't bend her feet. She has to wear metal shanks in her shoes and have shoes that rock her forward. Sooo much arthritis she has had both knees replaced. Had non-cancerous growths in her thyroid so it was removed. Not a lot of strength or feeling on her left side. And of course the concentration problems etc when she gets tired and doesn't use she phone because she can't hear well with it. I have been asked why I don't put her in a home or why we don't have her feet amputated. I just have to walk away shaking my head at the thoughtless and rude remarks. There is still a lot that she can do. She keeps me going. We lost her dad 10 years ago to small cell lung cancer and as long as the cancer stays away we will keep going. I am looking forward to reading your book. We fought with Oligodendroglioma and astrocytoma. They told us it was very rare to have them together in the same tumor. Because of how far out the astrocytes were growing they couldn't remove the whole tumor. Just watch your son because he is likely to have problems with the long term survivor issues too.
What a joy to be a bridge between you both!
Margaret--I'm so sorry for my delayed response; I was out of town with connectivity issues. But mostly I am sorry about the ongoing challenges for you and your daughter and the loss of her father. What I went through is comparatively minor and gives me just a glimpse into what your days must be like. The role "mother" takes on a whole new meaning, doesn't it? I'm sending hugs and positive energy and armor against the thoughtless things people say. XXOO
Karen -- Thank you for connecting with Margaret here on 3mm. I am truly blessed by the people in my life.
And thank you for making connection possible.
Don’t judge a gift by its cover. You packed a powerful punch into a paltry parcel of words. (Working on alliteration but not doing well...)
I can easily imagine, not too far down the road, you will post just a photo. One might be the view of a face, fingertips resting on face’s temples. Implying that is how readers will import your thoughts and lessons. Quantum wow!
And what good news on your progress with treatment. Splendid.
CURE!
Oh Boy! I have a partner in alliteration. That brings me joy!
CURE!
I think we're going out for pizza to celebrate. 🍕
Thick crust or thin? Supreme or Toadstools only?
Sausage and toadstool!
Grimaldi’s is a chain. Do you have one? Coal fired thin crust. AND!!! TIRAMISU!!!
We don’t have a Grimaldi’s in our town. Coal fired? I wonder if they use “coke” that normally is used in making steel? Even anthracite coal has impurities that seem inconsistent with baking food directly. Wood fired pizza is common here. I can imagine “coke-fired” pizza may have an unappealing connotation to some. 🤔
“I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY BUTT! I would say my heart, but my butt is bigger.” 😁
Mycelium at the top of myroom is painted yellow to go with mycolorscheme. 🤪
Mine, too! I think butts bigger than hearts is standard physical human make-up? 😂
And the mycelium prize goes to the room painter! 💜
Jack- I’m beginning to wonder what I enjoy most. 🤔 Typist’s writing, the Girl’s musing, Paintist’s painting, or Jack’s replying? Or? Spangler, Spanglering? 😂🤣😂
Right? 3mm is a group effort. 😊
I would like to acknowledge Margaret’s story before I begin my sentence of the day. The journey with your daughter must have been a very scary one, and I’m pleased to read that you’re both around to talk about it more than 20 years later.
-
-
While looking up at mycelium, a loose piece of plaster fell on my fascia!😬
Celebrate in style, Gail!! Is that it for now? Is treatment done? Here's the best I can do today, and I know I'm cheating: My fascia is seemingly full of fungi, which is no fun.