Update on my mom

So....unfortunately it isn't good news.

She has cancer again. We all just can't believe it. She will go in for a PET scan, *hopefully* before they come over for my cousin's wedding this upcoming Wednesday. That would be ideal - but if not, as soon as possible. They just need to see if it has spread anywhere else - which we all pray it hasn't. That's the next big thing that we are all hoping for. Her other next step will be getting what's called a port surgically put in. Basically, it's this little device that goes in on her chest to make drawing blood and administering intraveinous chemotherapy easier for her and her doctors. She had one the first time she had cancer, and it will be especially needed now. Since she had lymph nodes removed when she had surgery in 2004, which has caused a condition for her called lymphadema(?). She can't have any blood drawn from that side of her body, and her arm has swelled up quite a bit. They think it may be affecting the other side too, so they don't want to take any chances. Plus, my mom has seriously small veins - she's always had problems with needles. I fear I have the same veins >_<

I've just been really depressed about this whole thing. It just doesn't seem fair. But, I know we all have our trials, and if anyone has the guts to take this on again, my mom does. I just really hope it all goes ok for her. And I want to try really hard to give her all the support that I can, even though I live far away. That's one of the hardest things for me - knowing that I can't be there helping her through this. But I am all the more grateful now that Mark and I will be able to take a little more time at Christmas to be there.

I've just gotta do my best to stay positive, and hope that things will turn out ok. I really appreciate all of your comments - I apologize for not having responded individually. (: