Stage IV. Many of you know my mom was admitted into the hospital on Monday (today is Friday). She went to Moffitt for her oncology check-up, but she was coughing and having difficulty breathing so they kept her and started running lots of tests. She has had fluid building up on her left lung. They drained the fluid (over a litre) and tested it, and discovered the fluid is cancerous. It’s the melanoma, and they have confirmed Stage IV.
The surgeon saw her this morning and they were considering major surgery to clean out the fluid. She was really scared. But then they decided not to do it because they didn’t think she would be able to handle the surgery. They put in a chest tube to continue to drain the fluid, as the fluid continues to build around her lung. They have removed over two quarts since this morning. They are giving her medicine which they believe should prevent the fluid from building up. At least now she can breathe. Her biggest fear is choking to death, and the doctors assured her they will not let that happen.
Tough Call. The hardest decision is whether to stay put and focus on my own recovery or fly to Florida and sit by her side. I was considering whether I should jump on the next flight today. I have called all my doctors and they have not given me any reason why I can’t fly. There are just precautions I would have to take. For example, no lifting more than 10 pounds (someone would have to carry my bag even though I would travel light), walk on the plane at least every hour to prevent blood clots, get plenty of sleep (is this possible?), etc. Yet I am also reminded that I only have one opportunity to recover from this surgery. That time is now. It is a very real dilemma. Mom keeps saying I don’t need to come, at least not right now. I asked her pointedly if she wanted me to come, but she wants me to wait. Yet it’s hard to hear her struggle to talk while wanting to be there to support her.
As of today, at this moment, we are waiting. I have a follow-up with my surgeon next week, and I am confident by then I will feel a much clearer sense of direction. If she gets worse before then, there’s always the next flight. The doctor told Mom she will not get well. This is a fatal condition, but it is not likely to be an imminent death. They don’t feel like family need to gather around her this weekend, so that is giving us some hope, and giving my body a little more time to heal.
We both have our moments. Tears have been shed and my heart is heavy. It is hard to focus on work. In spite of any differences, I love my Mom. She has instilled in me a sense of adventure. It was she who convinced me to keep taking piano lessons even when I wanted to quit. Her life has been surrounded by miracles, and I have witnessed some of those firsthand. She is always there to talk on the other end of the phone. Mom is comforted by what the doctors are telling her, and remains positive even though her disease is fatal. She knows where her eternal destiny lies, and she is not afraid of dying. She is a Child of God, and for this I am grateful.
Prayers! Prayer Warriors, it is time to get serious and pray for Connie. She needs another miracle in her life. It’s never too late for God to intervene! Please pray specifically for the fluid to stop building up around her lungs, and for her comfort over the next several days. Please pray she will get well enough to be discharged from the hospital, and for increased strength in her body. Please pray for my continued healing as well, and for peace of mind in any decisions we make regarding travel. Pray for our ability to know without a shadow of doubt when we need to go, with plenty of energy left in her voice to tell the wonderful stories of her youth. We want as many days, weeks, months, or years that the Lord is willing to give us with my Mom. Thank you for praying.
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:14-16, NIV).
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À la prochaine (Until next time) …