Member-only story
When Someone You Love is Dying
(Update)
If you’ve followed me for a while you know my mother-in-law is dealing with stage four breast cancer at the age of 94. Because of the kind of cancer she has, she cannot opt out of chemotherapy. As difficult as it is for her, she maintains a great attitude in what she has designated as the stress-free zone which is a bubble she’s created for both of us. We’re still having a great time whenever we get together, whether it’s for lunch or to take her to the doctor’s office.
We had to change her chemotherapy treatment, because she was beginning to have nerve damage on her feet, which is a side effect form the chemo, which required a change in treatment. Oh, I’m sorry, did I say chemotherapy? That’s not what they call it anymore. It’s now called an infusion. She gets an infusion every two weeks, if her bloodwork comes back satisfactorily. Because, you know, the different descriptor makes it so much easier.
When I was taking her to her doctor’s appointment to report the alternating numbness and tingling in her feet, she explained exactly what the problem was, because, yes, I taught her how to google anything she wants. We sat down in the room, and she proceeded to tell the doctor what the problem was, medical terminology and all. To my happy surprise, she aced it, and the doctor changed her infusion.
