My personal definition of pain.

[hoo-t]

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

[Ladydragon]

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.

[CeraDigital]

Oh man, I am so sorry to hear this 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

My emails- kconstrictors@yahoo.com

[LadyOhh]

Bless you and your family.

[starmom]

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

[tweets_4611]

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.

[JoshJP7]

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.

[rabernet]

Steve,

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

[Entropy]

I'm sorry to hear of your loss Steve.

[Jenn]

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.