WTF?
What a fucking day. What a fucking week. Fuck. What the fuck?
I was going to make a quick post this morning announcing that I’m taking donations so I can start a charitable organization called “Fuck Cancer.” I figured if that didn’t catch someone’s attention, nothing would.
I also figured it was appropriate since:
--My best friend died of cancer.
--My grandfather died of cancer.
--My mother died of cancer.
--My mother’s old friend/family friend died of cancer right after her
--My mother’s old high school friend/family friend is recovering from surgery (on 2/23/07) to remove a part of her lung that had a malignant tumor in it (she’s fine for now, & no chemo or adiation is scheduled).
And, as if that weren’t enough, on Monday (2/26/07) my mother-in-law had a biopsy of a growth in her lung. On Tuesday she was diagnosed with lung cancer. It’s operable and the prognosis is good, though she will likely need chemo. I’m going in with her, The Warden and the Warden’s sister on Monday to talk to the surgeon and oncologist.
So I’m at work this morning. Things are going smoothly, and I’m enjoying my fourth cup of coffee. The phone rings. It’s The Warden:
‘’Hey big guy. Whatcha doin’?”
“Just typin’ an email.”
“To me?”
“No, but I will if you want one.”
Then she got serious and told me that her mom’s husband (The Warden’s step father), who had been admitted to the hospital last night (3/1) for observation because of cramps in his arms, had suddenly stopped breathing and was on a respirator. She was on her way to the hospital.
“I’m leaving now.”
“Okay. I’ll see you.” [sobbing]
I left work and arrived at the hospital at around 9:30am. I met The Warden and the kids, who we called out of school, in the parking lot. The four of us walked in together and surrounded The Warden’s mom. The Warden’s sister was there too. Mom was crying, but was very happy the leading elements of the cavalry had arrived.
We spent some teary-eyed minutes around The Old Man’s bed. He was in and out of consciousness. I held The Girl and had my arm around The Boy’s shoulders as they wept. The Warden and I knew we had to be strong for the kids and her mom, but it was terribly hard.
The Old Man indicated a few times that he wanted the tube out of his esophagus. We told him that he couldn’t breath on his own and that he would die if they did. He shrugged his shoulders resignedly.
The Old Man’s sister and cousin arrived after a couple of hours. Then a priest came and read The Old Man his last rites as we stood around the bed, watery-eyed, holding hands.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…
Hail Mary full of grace, blessed art thou amongst women…
It was hard for everyone.
We left the hospital around 7:00pm. The Old Man was doing better, though he was still in the ICU and was still on a respirator when we left.
I will endeavor to remain steady and on an even keel for the kids, The Warden mother-in-law.
Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
I was going to make a quick post this morning announcing that I’m taking donations so I can start a charitable organization called “Fuck Cancer.” I figured if that didn’t catch someone’s attention, nothing would.
I also figured it was appropriate since:
--My best friend died of cancer.
--My grandfather died of cancer.
--My mother died of cancer.
--My mother’s old friend/family friend died of cancer right after her
--My mother’s old high school friend/family friend is recovering from surgery (on 2/23/07) to remove a part of her lung that had a malignant tumor in it (she’s fine for now, & no chemo or adiation is scheduled).
And, as if that weren’t enough, on Monday (2/26/07) my mother-in-law had a biopsy of a growth in her lung. On Tuesday she was diagnosed with lung cancer. It’s operable and the prognosis is good, though she will likely need chemo. I’m going in with her, The Warden and the Warden’s sister on Monday to talk to the surgeon and oncologist.
So I’m at work this morning. Things are going smoothly, and I’m enjoying my fourth cup of coffee. The phone rings. It’s The Warden:
‘’Hey big guy. Whatcha doin’?”
“Just typin’ an email.”
“To me?”
“No, but I will if you want one.”
Then she got serious and told me that her mom’s husband (The Warden’s step father), who had been admitted to the hospital last night (3/1) for observation because of cramps in his arms, had suddenly stopped breathing and was on a respirator. She was on her way to the hospital.
“I’m leaving now.”
“Okay. I’ll see you.” [sobbing]
I left work and arrived at the hospital at around 9:30am. I met The Warden and the kids, who we called out of school, in the parking lot. The four of us walked in together and surrounded The Warden’s mom. The Warden’s sister was there too. Mom was crying, but was very happy the leading elements of the cavalry had arrived.
We spent some teary-eyed minutes around The Old Man’s bed. He was in and out of consciousness. I held The Girl and had my arm around The Boy’s shoulders as they wept. The Warden and I knew we had to be strong for the kids and her mom, but it was terribly hard.
The Old Man indicated a few times that he wanted the tube out of his esophagus. We told him that he couldn’t breath on his own and that he would die if they did. He shrugged his shoulders resignedly.
The Old Man’s sister and cousin arrived after a couple of hours. Then a priest came and read The Old Man his last rites as we stood around the bed, watery-eyed, holding hands.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…
Hail Mary full of grace, blessed art thou amongst women…
It was hard for everyone.
We left the hospital around 7:00pm. The Old Man was doing better, though he was still in the ICU and was still on a respirator when we left.
I will endeavor to remain steady and on an even keel for the kids, The Warden mother-in-law.
Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
5 comments:
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am sorry. Thats an awful lot on one family. Consider prayers said here.
I just got home from my Uncle's memorial...I'm so sorry your family is having a hard time! I'm including you in all the prayers I'm saying today, and all the tears I'm crying...
Prayers flowing here for you and the family, Karlos.
Cancer seems to be getting so many in so many ways. They do have some super duper treatments that are increasingly amazing. My Mom was diagnosed with Class IV breast cancer that spread into her lungs. Given 3-6 months and that was 2 years ago. She's now cancer free - so the Doctors say. Although we're keeping a very close eye on things.
Prayers for your Pops too. Sounds like a Pulmonary thing (lung/heart) and they may be able to fix it. Either way - I promise to remember you in my prayers for this too.
Hang in there and hey, sometimes it takes more strength to cry and let someone hold you. If you need too - go for it. Sounds like you have an incredible family there! =O)
Life sucks sometimes...hell, a lot of times. Glad you can all be together though, as a family. That's important. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
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