So much has been going on lately.. it feels like a whirl wind! I just want to send out a note to let you know what has been going on in our household:
We just found out last week that my wonderful husband Robert has Cancer.
He had a Parotid Gland Tumor removed from his right jaw on 4/14/09. It was a gelatinous tumor that the ENT(Ear, Nose and Throat) Doctor was surprised was malignant.
The fact that the tumor was jell like means that it left a residue and possible excess pieces inside Roberts cheek/jaw area. So, Roberts doctor has instructed him to get radiation to "treat" aka sanitize the area.
A minimum of 6 1/2 weeks of radiation, possibly more (which is like a really intense xray, everyday M - F, on the same spot).
This spot will get red like a sunburn and we will have to treat it daily with a special cream. He will be tired and cranky, plus he is going to work at the same time.
He had to have a CT Scan done yesterday to make sure they know exactly where to treat, because the radiation kills nerves.. there is a possibility of his face having nerve damage.
He had to see an Oncology Dentist today and has to have his 4 wisdom teeth pulled immediately because they will end up rotting in his mouth due to the radiation.
This will be another surgery to remove the wisdom teeth. Once he has them pulled, they will have to heal. He has to take measures to keep his teeth constantly clean
because his salivary glands on the right side of his mouth are dead (our salivary glands help to lubricate our teeth/mouth and keep germs from rotting our teeth).
We have spoken to all the children and told them exactly what is going on. Serena and Ben (my stepkids) are especially sensitive to the fact that so many of their relatives have died of cancer within the last couple of years. Robert was a little worried that Serena would lose it, but she was a big girl and held it together. We told them as a family we will handle this together and remain strong, that we will help Daddy in any way we can to get through this difficult time. With lots of love, affection, and attention to his needs.
Unfortunately, when they did the first MRI for the PRT tumor the doctor saw two nodules on Roberts thyroid. One of the nodules is rather large and needs to be removed. They did a biopsy on it, but we haven't gotten the results yet. I am praying that it isn't cancer, because this could mean the cancer has traveled down from his jaw. So, after all of this radiation stuff, he still needs this other surgery!
Not to mention, he has a mediation court date with the wack job (Jeanette) on 5/12th and the following week a custody/child support court date on 5/19th! Dealing with this Bipolar, Personality lunatic of an ex-wife is the ULTIMATE in STRESS because she is FIGHTING to keep OUR $$$$$ $1250 a month to be exact! It is so beyond me how someone who has the kids only on the weekends has the audacity to try to keep our money, money that my family of SIX needs desperately!! Please pray for us on this one!! She has an attorney, she has responded to our paperwork with a HUGE pile of LIES and BS.. that is so upsetting to Robert during this time of difficutly with his health.
Robert has told me that it's been a godsend having me home at this time of difficulty.. He is ever so thankful for my taking over the reigns completely and running around with all the kids! Having me home to take care of him and all the kids and their needs has alleviated him of alot of responsibility. I try to let him rest as much as possible. I am the Domestic Diva and taxi driver extraordinaire. I NEVER realized how much work is involved when you are staying home fulltime! I have a new found respect for stay at home moms!! I used to work fulltime, take care of the kids and cook and clean! But, when people are really sick with a scary illness! Wow! It takes a really strong woman to stay at home and take care of the home front! I guess
God teaches you things through hardship. It has been a struggle.. Especially, with Robert and all four kids doctors appointments it has been ever so busy, we don't know how we would of done this all if I had been working full time. My 17yr old son just had Deviated Septum surgery the
week after my husbands PGT tumor surgery! It has been pretty hairy! Because they both had slight complications! But, thank God they are both recovering nicely!!
It's really sad, because months ago I made reservations for a beautiful Mother's day luncheon at the Huntington Library, for Robert & his mother, myself and my mother. Unfortunately, his Mom won't be able to make it and we were sooo bummed!! My mother is 83 years old and I look forward to enjoying a wonderful luncheon with her and my husband in the beautiful rose garden! They say the roses and flowers are in bloom not to mention the scrumptious food they will be serving!! I am going to take video and do a photo shoot of my Mom with all the flowers.
My hubby has a Phd. in English and teaches English and History at a private school and college at night. He is going to continue working and is so always trying to be strong and act like everything is going to be okay. I pray for it all the time and try to stay positive.. but it is hard to do it all the time..
As you can imagine I am scared for him. I act like a rock on the outside.. trying to remain strong for everyone and hold it together.. But, it is so scary.. with his Dad dying within 6 months from brain cancer.. It raises many concerns. So, please keep him in your positive thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you all and your families!
Happy Mother's Day all you amazing scrapbook mommies
and non-scrapbook mommies!!
Cathe
