Cancer Sucks

That past two weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for our family. I feel like I have been walking around in a fog and the uncertainty that has been at every corner has been torture. However, as of yesterday these are the things we know for sure:

1- Mom does indeed have pancreatic cancer that has spread to her liver. Mom will begin a new clinical research trial that has had some success in animals. It involves several different drugs that the nurses say a lot of times don't make people sick the way that most chemo treatments do. They will try this for two months and then Mom will get new scans to see if it has helped. We are hopeful for that!

2- Mom is probably not happy that I am posting this. Yes, for those of you who were blessed to know Papa, you know that Mom is just like him. She absolutely does not want people to feel sorry for her or do anything for her. Period. That poses a problem for me bc I know that just like me, Mom has had numerous people ask what they can do to help and especially wanting to cook meals. I know her response and you probably do as well. Well too bad Mom! People have a need to help those they love and you are just going to have to adjust to that and feel the love!

3- Mom is positive. The feeling of finally knowing what your up against after weeks of wondering has helped me calm down. Mom was the same yesterday. We are feeling lucky to have good doctors and Mom is ready to fight. Bring it!

4- Mom is pretty lucky to have that bald headed fellow at home. That's right, Dad has already helped one special lady beat cancer twice with bone marrow donations and now it's time he step up again. This will be much harder of course because it's his wife, but Dad's job this go round is to stay positive and smile and to be there for Mom. Something he is pretty good at, lucky for us!

I know my whole family would like to thank those of you for the numerous prayers, calls, flowers, cards, texts, and emails. It really is amazing to feel just how many people care and love you in a time like this. So for those of you who have offered to help by making meals I have set up a meal train for Mom once she starts chemo.

This is where Mom is picking up the phone to call and tell me not to do this. So, Mom, let me remind you that nobody should have to cook a meal while undergoing chemo. People want to help, let them. I'm not changing my mind on this! Plus I have Blake, Kaley, and Nick on my side, and we outnumber you. :)

Here's how it works:
1- Go to this website. http://www.mealtrain.com/?id=m6a7os8kujbt
2- I have entered in dates and you can just pick one if you would like to make a meal for Mom and Dad. You can also see what others have brought to eat. Don't forget to sign the guestbook because no meal would be complete without a thank you note from us!
3- I know that many of my friends have offered to make meals and they have never even met Mom and Dad. So, if you are not comfortable dropping it off please send me an email and Blake, Nick, Kaley or I will be MORE than happy to pick up the meal and deliver to Mom and Dad. We are over there all the time anyway, so that is absolutely not a big deal. Plus summer vacation is nine days away, and I have nothing to do for the next two months.
4- If you live outside of Greenville and still want to help, mealtrain makes it possible. You can click on the delivery tab and send a meal from a restuarant right here in Greenville. Awesome! Whoever came up with this website is genius!
If you aren't able to send a meal, no worries. Just keep praying, smiling and sending positive thoughts and that will go a long way to help Mom!