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Wednesday, October 07, 2009

UPDATE

Good Morning Everyone:

I want to start off this message by thanking everyone for your wonderful support as well as understanding. I kind of expected this time to be a trying time and unfortunately I was right.

Just over two weeks ago Mom was diagnosed with cancer. We weren't aware of just how bad, just that she had a hip problem. Once we noticed she was really having a difficult time getting around we took her to a specialist and they determined something was wrong. They admitted her to the Hospital and ran additional tests and that's when we knew there was cancer.

At first we learned it was in her liver, her hip and perhaps elsewhere but without additional tests it was a guessing game for the first few days. Sadly, Mom has deteriorated, losing her motor skills yesterday and she was rushed back to the Hospital. The cancer had spread very rapidly, ultimately to the brain.

Her calcium levels were once again at a critical stage, even though we were taking her in for tests to make sure that wasn't the case. Things simply changed overnight. Last night at around 2:00 am we almost lost her. I will obviously be making yet another trip back to Annapolis today to be by Mom's side. Unfortunately for us, Mom probably will not survive much longer. The shot they gave her last night, they claim, they won't give her again.

Thank God, Mom is in no pain and is surrounded by those who love her most. I have to run but I thank all of you for your kind wishes and prayers. Mom is God's best friend and I'm confident she'll teach him a thing or two.

That being said, comments will get moderated as they did yesterday and I'm told our contributors will be pitching in throughout the day with fresh posts.

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

God Bless you and your family Joe. After losing both parents last spring within 7 weeks I can relate to your emotions. God Bless your Mother .
EJD

Reconciled1 said...

Joe,
I lost my step dad to brain cancer in 2006 and know your pain. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

I am truly sorry to hear about her turn in health. Mom's are irreplaceable! Be sure to tell her that the citizens of Salisbury thank her for giving us Joe - giving us a voice and allowing us an opportunity to take back our lives.

May God bless her soul and may god guide you through this tough time.

wrench said...

God bless you , your mom and the rest of the family.


rob lewis

Michele said...

dear Joe..
i know how u feel. my father fought a heart condition for many yrs. when he went into hospital that last time. i wasnt prepared for what happen. I figured he was going to walk out of there like he usually did. but it didnt happen the way . so here I am 6 yrs later still missing him as the day he left us. But i do know is is in no more pain and he is happy.. I will pray for u,ur mom and ur family thru this most sadden time.

Anonymous said...

God Bless. Hang in there Joe. It's not easy but you'll make it.
It's good to hear that she's not in pain.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with you, Joe.

SunnyInOC said...

Prayers coming your way.....

Anonymous said...

You're in the right place, at the right time Joe. Prayers going up for your Mom, you and your family.

Anonymous said...

You and your family are in our prayers. I have been in your shoes and it is not an easy walk. Have faith and know you are all in gods hands.

Anonymous said...

I lost my Mom to pancreatic cancer in 2006, she fought hard, but the Lord wanted to be with her. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, may Gods grace be with you.

Anonymous said...

Joe, Your mom and family will be in our prayers.

Anonymous said...

Joe, 2 years ago I went through the same thing you are dealing with now and know what you are feeling and I will be praying for you. Keep the faith and all things will pass in time.God bless you and your family: Kerry Nelson

Anonymous said...

many many many prayers Joe, may God be with you & your family.

Anonymous said...

God bless your Mom......

Anonymous said...

I'm praying for you and your family

Sam said...

Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

nancy said...

Steve and I are there for you Joe. You have our phone numbers. Remember what I told you. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom. Give her a kiss for me and remember to tell her how much you love her. My mom is waiting up in heaven for her and will make her feel right at home!

Anonymous said...

It's all good Joe. She will be at such a great peace when Jesus gives her that final escort. Now as for you friend please take care of yourself also. God love you and keep you and your family in this time.

The Dark One!

Robin said...

Prayers for you and your family during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Joe, I am thinking of you during this very, very difficult time. Just when you think that you can't do this, God sends you the strength to be there when your mom needs you. The days ahead will be difficult. Unfortunately, it's the days after everyone else has returned to normal that are the most difficult. Lean on the ones you love. Just know that we all will be here to support you before, during and after the fact when you need it the most. God bless you and your family.

Beth

UwillTapout said...

My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family, Joe. May you find comfort in the Lord during these times.

10001110101 said...

Praying for GOD to give your family strength Joe.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with you and your family...

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear of this sudden news...my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this time.

Chimera said...

I am so sorry Joe but glad to hear your Mother is not suffering and in pain.Hang in there!

Anonymous said...

You, your family and mother are in our thoughts and prayers.

Don & Maggie

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear it Joe. I lost a friend to cancer a few years ago, and it was tough. You and your mother are in my thoughts.
M

Unknown said...

Joe I can relate to what you are going through. I lost my Mom in May because of cancer. We found out in Winter of 2005 that she had lung caner. She was a heavy smoker. She had her left lung removed and had radiation. The doctors said she was in remission. In May of 2008 she started to have back/shoulder pain. The doctors could not find a problem and blamed the horrendous pain on muscle damage from the radiation. They gave her pain meds for it. Not until March of 2009 did they find tumors on her shoulder, right lung, ribs, the location of where her left lung was and also on her spine. She only made it 2 months. I thank the Lord that she did not have to suffer any longer. She is in no pain! She is with Jesus and our loved ones. My son & I pray each night to tell Nana we love her whole great big bunches.

We are hear to listen and support you through trying times. God Bless you and your family. I will put your mom on our prayer list.

Anonymous said...

Be with her, that's the most important thing right now.

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with you, Joe.

Jane said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you Joe, and your family at this very sad time. Blessings to your Mom.

Anonymous said...

Joe, you, your Mom and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. May God give all of you strength and bring you ever closer together to get through this tough time.

Anonymous said...

She is in safe hands---You will know & "feel" it!
Know to that all is well with her soul!
Many blessings to you & your family at this very difficult time in your lives. EW

Tidewaterbound said...

Joe, I'm very sorry to hear about your mother's illness. This is definitely a time of struggle for you and your family, my prayers to you.