Long before all this C news came about, my mom had been planning an appetizer meal on the 23rd. It was mostly for DS1 as he flies out Xmas morning, but it was also a chance for family to gather at Mom and Dad's if they had other plans for Christmas Day.
This year was absolutely bittersweet as it is pretty certain this will be mom's last family dinner she hosts.
We went to the oncologist surgeon in the City last on the 20th. They wanted to admit her to get some testing done. Mom was not happy about that as she might have missed her party. We had convinced her that it was the right thing to do though as tests were expedited when you are an inpatient rather than an outpatient.
The oncologist was extremely accommodating and squeezed in a biopsy and a second CT all in one afternoon so that she could go home.
The news continues to get worse. Final stage melanoma in her shoulder, lymph nodes and her eye.
It was a tough journey home and after we left mom and dad there were a lot of tears between them. I don't know that my dad will last very long either. His health is so poor.
So tonight we had the party. She used up all her energy directing how she wanted things laid out and cut up. We had wings and dry ribs, sweet and sour meatballs, deer sausage, taco salad, all kinds of veggies and dips and cheeseballs. In the immediate family, there were 26 of us. 5 others ( a cousin, 2 of my dad's sisters, his brother and wife) joined us as well. We even had a four week old Akita, the newest addition to my nephew's family.
Mom wanted lots of pictures, even though they hurt her eye. At the end, everyone left and I cleaned up the house and put it back to rights and we left. Mom always joked that the second prettiest lights at Christmas were on the tree and the prettiest lights were the tail lights when everyone finally left :-)
We shall see how things go tomorrow and in the days to come. There were lots of closed door quick cries and then party faces put back on.
I am glad she got her party.
Tuesday, Nice weekend!
1 day ago
7 comments:
Jolie, I'm so sorry. What a difficult thing to deal with at this time of year, but so glad that your mum got her party and to see her family (almost) all together. Bittersweet indeed. I'm not sure what to say, but please take care of yourselves during this and enjoy every minute you have with her. Thinking of you xx
Oh Jolie, this is such a bittersweet post to read. I can't image all the emotions your family is going thru right now. I'm glad she had her party as well, those will be memories everyone will cherish.
I'm glad that so many were able to come to her party, it must have made her very happy to see everyone and to be able to host the party (with your help) for all of her family. I'm so sorry that the news has been so bad, but your mom sure sounds like a remarkable lady.
T
I am so so sorry. This news made me cry for all of you.
I am glad that she was able to host the party. I am sure, you will remember the occassion fondly, knowing that you gave her the opportunity to do what she wanted to do. Very emotional times for all of the family. I wish you strength and patience. Cherish every mpment you have together. Merry Christmas!
My heart goes out you and yours. Thinking of you. Kathy
Thank you all very much.
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