Mom update and shoutouts

Mom is back at SWMC for round 2 of chemo. Her doctor came in yesterday and told us all is going as planned. The chemo is shrinking the cancer and after this round is done she will go in for a CT scan which will tell us more definitively how the chemo is affecting the cancer. Mom was significantly more apprehensive yesterday than she was previously when going to the hospital for chemo. Perhaps the shock of everything has worn off. I know her main fear is getting ill from the chemo, but she appreciates that being in the hospital is the best place for her right now (aside from the food of course).

Mom is losing her hair now (took her a while, but it is finally falling out). Strange to think that my mom is going to be bald soon, but that comes with the territory. It's very surreal to watch all of this happen before my eyes. It is one thing to hear others' accounts of similar situations or even to read about it. It is a completely foreign world for me to be experiencing it first hand. To say it is emotionally draining would be an understatement, but thankfully Mom is handling everything very well and as much as she says I give her the strength to fight it, I have to say she gives me strength to deal with my end of it.

The hospital room... a setting too familiar to too many of those I love. Mike has seen his share of them this year as has my mom. Judy (Mike's soulmate for those of you who aren't familiar with the name) is not only watching the one she loves navigate the storm of Congestive Heart Failure, but also dealing with her dad's illness and recent re-hospitalization down in California. She is a strong lady to stay emotionally in the upright position as the ride remains a rocky one. Mike's attitude through all of his struggles with his heart has been inspiring to say the least. They are both phenomenal family and combined with my mom's brave face that she has worn since the beginning of her battle, I am surrounded with people who make it easy for me to deal with a multitude of life issues all at once. The final (and most significant part of the equation) is my wife, Jenny. She is my rock. I am positive that I would not be able to get through this life-altering time without her. Her support is instrumental and I am as grateful as a man can be for it. I love you doll.

Thank you is not enough to express the gratitude I have for all of my mom's and Mike's extended families who have, through their love, kindness, generosity, and prayers, have shown me a silver lining in what often seems a very dark cloud.

Pat