Tomorrow, I leave on a little road trip with my Mom. I keep telling myself that is all it is. Not a big deal, it will all be ok. And it probably will be. But a couple of years ago, when we took the same road a trip my sweet Momma ended up in surgery for 12 hours and in the hospital for 2 weeks.
My mom has a rare form of cancer called Carcinoid. There is no such thing as remission. The tumor growth slow sometimes, stops, then reappears. When she was diagnosed, she started off with some chemo. Then had two major surgeries and been in a drug study. For the last year or so, she has been healthy, no tumor growth, good. A couple of weeks ago, her routine scans showed tumors in her liver. Small, but not there 6 months ago. The specialists that treat her are in New Orleans, so we have made quite a few trips there in the last few years. We aren’t too concerned this time because we have been here before, but cancer is never a good thing. She a brave one, my Mom. A fighter. I love her dearly. We are taking our little trip for her liver to be biopsied and to make an action plan for how to kick cancer’s butt again.
Cancer does funny things to you. When you think you are busy, it clears your schedule. When you think what you are overwhelmed, it reminds you that your regular life, without cancer, is a walk in the park. Even though we knew it was there and could come back at anytime, it still caught us by surprise. When it happens, it happens and you are forced to deal with it. There is no avoiding it. Coming back to that when you have more time. Your life stops. You deal. When she had her first surgery, 12 hours, literally hundreds of tumors, we were all in a bit of denial. Looking back, neither she nor I really understood how sick she was as it was happening. We just took it one day at a time. But here I am again, leaving in the morning, but staying up late. Waiting until the last minute to pack, trying to trick myself into believing that this is a piece of cake, a road trip, not a problem.
Cancer will make you stop. I can try to deny all I want, but we will be facing it. I will also have some much needed time this week to slow down, spend some time appreciating all the good things in my life, remembering how miraculously my Mom recovered in the past, and choosing to look to the future with hope. Sometimes in the middle of these situations it is hard for me to find words. If you think of me, of her, this week, will you say a prayer for us?
-Jenn
Jessica Mumford - Oops, I am a little behind on blogging. I think your trip is over for now. :)
Blessings anyways!
Jessica Mumford - I will most certainly be praying for you and your mom. May God bless your trip!
Catrina - no matter what the road has in store sometimes the curves can hurt but even the long drive can take its toll. For as long as I can remember your mom has been a sweet and kind God fearing woman and I know God will take care of her and you, your life, ….Prayers always…. I pray that she will be happy even when times are hard I pray that you will be strong when times seem rough , But most importantly I pray God bless you and your family on the road you travel in life and in time no matter how many curves there are, even when there are minor bumps in the road, God will drive you through, see you through, help you through,… God bless your mom and you…family too.
Get excited! » Pure & Lasting - [...] my little road trip with my Mom, turned out to be just a road trip. There was a bit of miscommunication, we are now [...]
katie fenska - Absolutely! Will pray!
Rebecca - I will be thinking of you and your mom!
Tina Winder - Jenn,
Praying for you, and for your mom–lifting you both to our Healer, the One who has seen your mom through before and can see her through again. Praying for that action plan to “kick cancer’s butt”–for good!
May the Lord give you traveling mercies and His perfect peace as you make this journey again. He is beside you as you go–and is ahead of you making the way–cause He’s just good like that!
Blessings~
Tina
Kiba - Our church is praying and fasting the next 3 days, I’ll definitely keep you guys I prayer! :)
Los Johnsons - your words are beautiful. sending prayers your way.