When Life Hands You Lemons...
You don't expect to find them as cancerous tumors living within the head of a loved one. When my mom called tonight, I could instantly tell something was wrong. Her voice reeked of worry and she confirmed her anxiety by telling me she was at the ER with my bingo-loving grandma. Grandma had been experiencing a terrible headache since earlier today. So bad in fact, she decided she needed to be taken to the ER.
I didn't take the news lightly; My grandma is a tough old lady, having had a plethora of kids to raise and contend with over the past 82 years of her young life. I knew it was bad if she agreed to go willingly to the hospital (and not because we had handcuffed and hog-tied her).
My mom informed me she didn't have much information as Grandma was currently getting further testing done. I asked her if the doctor had any idea of what was going on and she said that he did not. I was instantly worried she was having a stroke or some other serious malady - as I'm a worrier and tend expect the worst but hope for the best. Mom calmed me down by assuring me it was more than likely just a migraine and that Grandma would be back home and in time to catch the shuttle to Cher-Ae Heights.
A few hours later, information started to roll in as to the true condition of my grandma. When all was said and done, the neurologist who looked at her scans explained she had a lemon-sized tumor at the rear of her skull, embedded into her brain and skull cap. He thought the tumor was probably cancerous and had been living there, rather quietly, for awhile. The tumor was putting a great deal of pressure on Grandma's brain, causing the pain and dizziness she was feeling. Thankfully, the traveling neurologist will be in Humboldt this Monday and she will be seeing him for possible treatment ideas, which also come with their own dangers.
At this point of my life, I'm just about ready to throw in the towel and say to the world:
"Uncle! I freakin' give up. You got me!"
Seriously, I think I need to hide in bed until the month of March is over. April has to be better or I'm going on strike.
If you're a religious person or a person with your own spirituality, I would greatly appreciate you saying a prayer or positive thought for my Grandma. She has more great-grandchildren to see, more bingo games to play, and most importantly, she's the #1 fan of my blog.
Lord, you can't have her yet. I can't make other recommendations if you're needin' somebody, but Grandma stays with us.
I love you Grandma.
Comments
I will keep your grandma in my prayers. Cancer is no stranger in our family. BLAST! Now in the time for total family support. I'm there for you if you need me...
Posted by: Aunt Gail | March 21, 2009 07:36 AM
I am so sorry to hear about your Grandmother. I hope you all get some answers soon.
Posted by: Angela | March 21, 2009 08:50 AM
I also like "If life throws you lemons, throw them back. Harder." We'll be praying for her and you all too!!
Posted by: Kath | March 21, 2009 08:52 AM
We are praying hard on this end!
Posted by: Bobbi | March 21, 2009 09:20 AM
Sandi that was quite a blog. Your Dad and I sat here and sniffed while I read it out loud. It was weird last night when the two sisters and brother and I were all around Moms be in the Er. I kept thinking about the episode of Rosanne when Darlene's baby wasn't suppose to make it and they were all around the baby and she made it just fine........
Posted by: Grandma D | March 21, 2009 11:28 AM
I'm sending you good thoughts!!
Posted by: kymk | March 21, 2009 01:12 PM
I'm sending up prayers right this minute on Grandmas behalf! Cancer is a horrible thing but I'm sure she can beat it - Bingo players are some seriously tough chicks! If you need vent to someone we are all here for you (here or via e-mail)!
Posted by: Tiffany | March 21, 2009 02:19 PM
Oh, Sandi, I'm so sorry. It brings back lots of memories for me. I pray she'll have just as great of a conclusion as my hubby did. Brain stuff is just scary. But I was comforted seeing just how calm our neurosurgeon was--that surgery was just all in a day's work for him and something he was used to doing--not a big deal to him. That was nice to know. Keep us posted.
Posted by: Beth | March 21, 2009 03:44 PM
Thanks so much everyone. I just talked to my mom and it seems like the steroids are working as her headache is gone and so is her nausea. The 'roids will help relieve the pressure all the while shaping her pecs and glutes (sorry Grandma, I just had to add that in there!). Thanks again for all your support, well wishes, and prayers. It really means a lot for me and my family.
Posted by: Sandi | March 21, 2009 04:18 PM
Sandi: I was able to meet your grandma the first couple hours of her ED visit (didn't even look up for a minute to realize your MOM was standing right there! Bad Nurse!). After talking with her for just a few minutes, I could tell where y'all get your sense of humour. She is a funny lady. I didn't hear the end result of her CT as I had gone home. I will send my good thoughts her way! Best wishes!
e
Posted by: Larry's Xray | March 21, 2009 07:56 PM
E ~ When I heard you were taking care of her, I instantly felt better knowing she was in good hands. Out of our three trips to your facility (!) we have been treated wonderfully. Please let the ladies and gentlemen know we really appreciate it.
Posted by: Sandi | March 21, 2009 09:22 PM
Sandi,
You and your family are in my positive thoughts and prayers. If you get your spunk from grandma then Im sure she is a fighter and will whoop ass on whatever comes her way.
Grandma's are such a special gift!
Posted by: Dynamic Dendus | March 23, 2009 05:07 AM