My personal definition of pain.

I've wanted to post this thread for several days but couldn't find it within myself to do it.

My mother lost her battle with cancer on Tuesday morning this week.

She was diagnosed with lymphoma last May. She underwent chemotherapy then. The doctors discovered a tumor in her brain. Due to the blood/brain barrier, the chemotherapy was not able to affect that tumor, and it had to be treated with radiation. That left her weak and affected her mind. About 7 weeks ago she had an MRI which showed no signs of cancer. A little over a month ago, she became ill and was experiencing extreme pain in her shoulders and neck. The hospitals couldn't seem to get it under control and she was declining rapidly. We decided to put her into a skilled nursing facility in hopes that she could recover enough to return home. Her mental state continued to decline and it became obvious to me that she wouldn't be coming back home. Last Thursday, she had another MRI. We got the results on Friday, and it showed that the cancer had come back and was widespread throughout her brain. The doctor told us that she had probably 2 - 3 months. On Sunday, she had a wonderful, beautiful day with her brother and sister here from out of state. She beamed all day long with them close by. Monday, she was very tired and very weak, which I attributed to the big day on Sunday. I got the call about 8:00am Tuesday morning that she had passed.

I know that there are many different viewpoints on God in our community here. For me, John 3:16 says it all. My mother is now where many of us long to be, but are never ready to let our loved ones go to. The pain that she is gone is overwhelming. And the knowledge and comfort that God's infinite grace allows her to be with Him now is just as overwhelming.

She was less than a month from her 69th birthday, and just over 2 months away from her 50th wedding anniversary.

Rest in Peace, Mom! I love you!

Steve

:hug: Oh Steve I am so sorry to read about your loss. My condolences to you and your family. Take comfort in knowing that she no longer feels any pain, and that she is always with you in your thoughts and in your hearts.

Oh man, I am so sorry to hear this :tears: Its one of the hardest parts of life, to lose a loved one, and I cannot even begin to imagine what your going through with this. If you need anything, let me know, and I'll see what I can do :tears:

My emails- kconstrictors@yahoo.com

Bless you and your family.

Steve, you know this hits close to home for me, what with my daughter and all...and I would have thought that I might have something meaningful to say for you...but really, words are inadequate to soothe the raw heart ache you're feeling right now and they will never lessen the sadness that lingers...this is the price that we pay when we love another.
Hugs to you and to your dad and to your entire family during this sad sad time. In my prayers, McKinsey

Aw, Steve....I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how painful that would be. It's good to know that she is no longer in pain, and is where she should be, but I know it can't be an easy thing to accept. You and your family will be in my prayers. If you need to you know how to get ahold of me.

Steve I'm sorry to hear about your loss... I cant say I know how youre feeling as I havent lost anyone close to me(other than a dog) but I can imagine how tough the past couple days have been for you. My wishes are with you and your family.

Steve,

My thoughts and prayers are with you - what a wonderful tribute to your mom! :hug:

I'm sorry to hear of your loss Steve.:hug:

I'm so sorry Steve. And you are right about the pain aspect. I lost my mom and dad and two grandparents all to cancer. This is a pain that never heals.

Steve, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Steve, I wish there were words simple and clear enough to reach through this forum to you, but sadly there just never are the right ones. I lost my own beloved mom 7 years ago last month to this awful disease. It too went to her brain and took her from us before I could ever be ready to say goodbye.

Hold tight to her memory, Steve, and know that in someways she will never be far away. It comforts me, even after 7 long years, to believe that a mother's love can never die as long as she's held close in a loving memory. May you find some small comfort in the memories you treasure of her. If and when you feel you can, please know that sharing those memories here will be respected and honored. My heart goes out to you and your family at this time of loss.

Words never do justice to these situations. I know how difficult it is to loose your mom - I lost mine when I was 14. I remember not wanting to hear "I'm sorry" over and over again. So instead of that, I'll offer this:

:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug:

I've found that doing little things to honor her memory as often as I can has helped me a lot. I'm sure she's looking after you still, just in a different way. Spending time with family definitely helps, too.

I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I hope in time the pain will fade, but the memories will forever last of what she meant to you.

So sorry about your mother. That is so hard to go thru. Take care of yourself.

sorry to hear about your mom..condolence.
she's in a better place now. God bless you and your family..

wow this was really hard for me to read because i just lost a friend and a neighbor to cancer im real sorry to hear about this my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Thank you to everyone who posted in this thread. Your support means a great deal to me! I'm sorry that it has taken so long for me to respond. I've been tied up with funeral arrangements, trip out of state, and taking care of my dad.

Once again thanks to everyone for your support!!!
Steve

ps - Stay tuned for a possible new announcement. One that HOPEFULLY will be much, much, more positive!!!

Steve, I know all about it Brother.. It sucks! I lost both parents to cancer.. Hang in there Man! Sorry for your lose...

Steve,

I am very sorry hear about your loss. My prayers go to you and your family. If you ever need to talk man you've got my number. God bless you.

Kyle

Steve,

I'm extremely sorry to hear about your loss. Keep your head up.

Sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my Mother to cancer just last month. Words just can't express the feelings involved.