Hello - I'm back - and prayers needed for my mum

[Katybarstool]

Hi to all my SJS friends

I've not been on for a while, as I've been struggling with work and looking after my mum as well as my own health.

Anyway, apart from waiting for a colonoscopy and an EMG, I have recently had a lot of symptoms from vaginal atrophy that caused bleeding. It's being treated now, so fingers crossed.

However, as some of you know, my mum has pulmonary fibrosis. She's lost over 40 lbs in the last couple of years, and has become quite frail although still living local in her own place.

A couple of weeks ago, she found a breast lump. Immeidately, I took her to the GP and she had all the usual tests done. The result was two different types of cancer in one breast. She needs a mastectomy but her doctors are not sure she is strong enough. She will be seeing a consultant anaesthetist this week, who has the final say.

Mum, and all the family were knocked sideways by the initial diagnosis, but are now coming to terms and looking forward. In fact, mum has surprised us all by being quite philosophical about getting it at her age.

So, for anyone of faith, please will you pray for mum?

Thanks
Kathyx

[LucyD]

Prayers sent and being sent. ( ( ( ( Hugs ) ) ) )

[Scottietottie]

Sending positive vibes your way. My grandmother had a mastectomy when she was 90 and lived another 7 years. It wasn't the cancer that killed her.
I've also been told that cancer grows more slowly when one is older. Noit sure whether that is true or not - but it was a medic that mentioned it.

take care - Scottie 

[Katybarstool]

Thank you for your kind words and hugs.

Yes, we were told by one of the breast care nurses that it grows more slowly in older people,  so that gives us some hope.

Kathyx

[genko_b]

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care,

Genko

[SunshineDaydream]

Sending vibes to your mom, you and all in your family.

[susanep]

Praying.

susanep

[sunflower]

This is an awful lot on your plate.  My mom had a mastectomy at 88 and did well, but she was no doubt stronger than your mother.  Praying...

[susanep]

Still praying for all of you. It is a lot on your plate when you are ill yourself. Things in life just happen as they happen.

Hugs,
susanep

[SunshineDaydream]

Sending more vibes your way. I hope you have received some positive news since your last post.

[Deb 27]

I know this is late, but many thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

[Katybarstool]

Hellooo!!!

Sorry not to have been on for a while - family and work and caring for mum have been my priority, but I'm beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Also, hoping to get chance to look through some of your threads soon.

An update: Mum had her mastectomy and has made steady progress since. She's 81 and very frail after losing over 3 stones in the recent past. However, her wound has healed very nicely, but the breast itself has been infected. The infection seems to have cleared now, but she appears to have a fungal infection under her breast area.She has asperigllosis in her lungs, but I've been told it's unlikely to be that on her skin. So, as well as the anti-fungal drugs for her lungs, she now has cream for extenal use. We'll see how that goes.

I've been doing a lot of mum's personal care, but she now has the confidence, and strength to shower herself. And while I prepare meals for her to take home, she's also making herself snacks, so I think she's turned a corner.

I'm doing surprisingly well just now, but being as cautious as I can not to do too much. My colonoscopy for the bleeding did'nt reveal anything nasty - possibly piles, so that's good. I had vag bleeding too, but that's atrophy - thank you Sjogren's! It's calmed down a lot with topical treatments.

So, there's my update.

Hope you are all doing as well as possible.

Kathyx

[irish]

Glad to hear that things are running fairly smoothly at this time. Enjoy it! You are very familiar at how fast things can change. Sounds like your mom is still independent enough to keep on keeping on. She may well surprise you at how well she does. Have a good summer. Irish

[SunshineDaydream]

Glad to hear you and your mom are doing better. I hope you both continue to improve.

[Livingwithsjs]

Prayers for continued success!