Just got off the phone with my mom. She recently had her gall bladder removed. The gall bladder was sent to a pathologist who found a lymphoma in it. They don’t know if they got all of it, though they think they probably did, and she has an appointment with on oncologist for further examination.
This is a hell of a shock. I feel kind of stunned. I understand there’s a much higher survival rate for lymphoma today than there was even ten years ago, but even so I can’t help feeling frightened for her. Her general health seems to be otherwise good for a woman in her 70’s, so that’s a factor in her favor.
Hell of a Christmas surprise. Hope I can sleep tonight.
Oh gosh, ((((((HUGS))))) honey, I’m so sorry to hear that. Coming from someone who lost their mother to cancer last year, I know exactly how you feel. You just HAVE to keep the faith though and believe that she can pull through but at the same time, you might want to prepare yourself. After all, your mom isn’t young anymore and I know we want to keep them around forever, unfortunately that can’t happen. I don’t know what type of person you are, but that made things a little easier for me (being prepared, although it still comes as a horrible shock…I guess in our heart of hearts, we’re still little kids who believe that our parents are like God and will love and protect us forever).
I wish you luck and am sending good health vibes to your mother.
This is the fucking pit, we don’t give no stinking hugs in the pit … <reads OP>
shit **LonesomePolecat[/B}
{{{{LonesomePolecat}}}} that’s hell of a thing to hear before Christmas, I do hope the test proves your Mom will be allright. If she is fine, she can regale you with stories of her strange new pooping experience after having her Gall bladder removed, won’t that be nice.
Thank you, everybody. Really, your kindness and good will are much appreciated. I’m kind of over the shock now. As we don’t know what the prognosis is, there’s still plenty of reason for hope.
I’m sorry to hear that, LonesomePolecat. Unfortunately, I have some experience with a family member with lymphoma.
I would suggest that you try the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society website. In particular, I would suggest looking at their disease booklets available here in pdf and html (or by mail). “Facts about Lymphoma” is a good introduction to the disease, and “The Lymphomas” is a detailed explanation of the many confusing concepts, body fundtions, treatments and other information you will have to face in the upcoming weeks and months.
Sending best wishes to you and your mom, LonesomePolecat! Sure hope they got all of it out when removing the gallbladder!
(Hey, how long was it after the gb removal before she found out about this, if you don’t mind me asking? I just had my gallbladder taken out on Monday.)