Post by taylor on Apr 30, 2008 14:59:23 GMT -4
I have 2 cousins, (the children of mama's older brother) Mary Lee and Linda, that live in Texas. We are all about the same age, but I am the oldest. I hadn't seen either of them in many years until I saw Linda last October at our family reunion, and Mary Lee came to visit me a couple months ago when her son was stationed at Ft. Stewart. I haven't seen their mother, Ann, in about 26 years, but I have spoken with her quite often through the years. She's always been one of my favorites.
In late September, Ann was diagnosed with a "non-invasive, non- fast growing breast cancer. She was deciding whether to have a mastectomy or lumpectomy in early October when she developed some heart problems. In December, she underwent a heart cath. and somehow, a nerve or something was hit that affected her spine. She lost all control of bladder/bowel and was unable to walk. They tried physical therapy, but finally decided on surgery. Meanwhile, she was undergoing radiation since she had not been able to have the breast surgery. She had the back surgery March 13, and she regained what she had lost, although she was weak from the cancer treatments. A few weeks ago, she developed a staph (not MRSA) infection on her back, and had to stop the cancer treatments. It was then discovered that the original cancer diagnosis was WRONG! It WAS a very aggressive and fast moving cancer. It had spread to her lower spine, her hip bone, both breast and the brain.
I spoke with Linda's daughter on Friday and they had just called the rescue to come take Ann to the ER as her fever was very high and she was not real responsive. She was admitted and started on heavy antibiotics for the infection. Her BP and heart rate started to drop so they started her on a medication to stabilize them. Yesterday, that medication started to fail. Mary called me around 9:30 and told me they were going to stop the meds and that the doctor had told them she would probably not live longer than a couple of hours at best. At 11:30 am yesterday, Ann passed away, quietly, with no suffering and her family with her.
I feel so bad for Mary and Linda as they have no family other than one Uncle that is able to be with them. I wish I could could just be there to give them a hug. I've seen cancer up close and it is a wicked, evil thing. Mary said that the next couple days will probably be ok, as they will have so much to do and to attend to. She said she just knew that a week from now, a month from now, it would all come crashing down. Please keep them in your prayers.
In late September, Ann was diagnosed with a "non-invasive, non- fast growing breast cancer. She was deciding whether to have a mastectomy or lumpectomy in early October when she developed some heart problems. In December, she underwent a heart cath. and somehow, a nerve or something was hit that affected her spine. She lost all control of bladder/bowel and was unable to walk. They tried physical therapy, but finally decided on surgery. Meanwhile, she was undergoing radiation since she had not been able to have the breast surgery. She had the back surgery March 13, and she regained what she had lost, although she was weak from the cancer treatments. A few weeks ago, she developed a staph (not MRSA) infection on her back, and had to stop the cancer treatments. It was then discovered that the original cancer diagnosis was WRONG! It WAS a very aggressive and fast moving cancer. It had spread to her lower spine, her hip bone, both breast and the brain.
I spoke with Linda's daughter on Friday and they had just called the rescue to come take Ann to the ER as her fever was very high and she was not real responsive. She was admitted and started on heavy antibiotics for the infection. Her BP and heart rate started to drop so they started her on a medication to stabilize them. Yesterday, that medication started to fail. Mary called me around 9:30 and told me they were going to stop the meds and that the doctor had told them she would probably not live longer than a couple of hours at best. At 11:30 am yesterday, Ann passed away, quietly, with no suffering and her family with her.
I feel so bad for Mary and Linda as they have no family other than one Uncle that is able to be with them. I wish I could could just be there to give them a hug. I've seen cancer up close and it is a wicked, evil thing. Mary said that the next couple days will probably be ok, as they will have so much to do and to attend to. She said she just knew that a week from now, a month from now, it would all come crashing down. Please keep them in your prayers.
