Today, is the first day that I was able to have confirmed grasp on what was going to be going on with Joe as time goes on. The next few weeks are going to be might busy, scary and overwhelming for all.
Yesterday, Joe went to his oncologist appointment to find out just what type of cancer he had and the plan necessary to take care of it. Well, the plan was a bit more than anyone thought. It includes more tests, oral surgery by this Friday. Next will be the first stage of surgeries.. he will get a tracheostomy and a peg tube. Also, the oral surgeon will take out any teeth that are not healthy enough to endure the radiation therapy.
Needless to say, Joe and dad were left speechless.
I think it was a good thing Mom did not go... I am sure it was hard enough to hear when they got back from the appointment.
Deb called me on my way to work to give me the low down.. and it didn't hit me full force until I pulled into the parking lot and realized exactly what we were up against.
The little bugger called laryngeal cancer!
When I talked to the Cancer Care coordinator today.. she informed me that she noticed how taken back Joe and Dad were when they received the news. I said," I am sure since we did not think it was this extensive."
I have offered to take Mom down Monday after Joe's procedure starts so that she does not have to deal with the train ride and the walk to the hospital, along with sitting in the waiting room until Joe is done. Then I will come and go as necessary to make sure mom and Dad are comfortable with how things will be while he is there. I am not sure I agree with Joe going back with them when he is discharged, but that is what Mom and Dad have set in their mind... so I know better than to persude them differently.
I will also be bringing Joe back to their cottage when he is discharged.
I know these coming weeks will be a ton of driving for me, but I do not want Dad driving back and forth into Philly. He would do the train all the time, but he does not want Mom to try to do it..plus the walk from the station to the hospital, he does not think she can do. has he forgotten the internal drive of a Mother? We can conquer anything when we have to!
The following week will also have surgeries but we honestly do not know what they are... or even if they will happen. That week, we will truly be flying by the seat of our pants.
I am trying to find coverage for my shifts..I have one switched already.. and I have one more to figure out. I have made both supervisors aware. Honesty is the best policy right?
Along side this devastating news... Mom is playing the "I am the best patient role." SHe has been having a smattering of GI problems. She will get to see the new GI dr tomorrow, and I can just see her painting a rosey picture of how she is just "not having any problems". I mentioned the information that contradicts this, and it was pushed under the rug. Mentioned that her new queasyness could be due to Joe's upending diagnosis, so she should inform the dr... that issue was acknowledged but pushed aside. (which in dtrs terms means she is not going to mention it) HMMM maybe a time for a letter to the dr.
OHH and if she doesn't like this dr.. she is just going to change drs. I told her she really needs to stop dr jumping... ohhh no, we will just see a different dr within the practice. ( banging head against wall.)
I am trying to gather information without being too overbearing and pushy. I honestly do not really know much about cancer and it's terminology.. so I am not even going to pretend that I do.
hope it works now
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