Holiday Blues: Update

[Total Refected Power]

I had about 2 hours to enjoy being home for the holidays before that dreaded phone call in the middle of the night. My grandmother had called from her apartment and was obviously confused and disoriented. We went over (3AM) and found her still confused and relating odd stories. We took her to the hospital immediately. Well after many days of tests (try getting anything done over the Christmas weekend) we find out that she has a tumor in her colon. She was bleeding internally and not enough oxygen was getting to the brain. Anyhow we don't know if it spread yet but they are removing the tumor today.

Meanwhile, my grandmother's companion flipped out (he's 87) and was institutionalized. His family told us that they don't care if he dies or not.

Basically, my mother shut down the past week or so and thankfully my wife stepped in and made Christmas dinner for the whole family. It was a lot of work but all appreciated it.

I am back at work now. Of course you get 2 minutes of sympathy and its back to business. Life goes on.

Update: Her surgery is over. They removed the tumor and it appears it didn't spread. She is resting and doing well. Time will tell if it recurs. So physically she may be OK but don't really know about her mental state. Maybe it will get better over time. At least it is a relief for my mother that she is not in any immediate danger.

 

[Optimus]

TRP: My condolences for the sadness and turmoil your family is facing...

I hope that your Grandmother recovers quickly and completely. Your family is in my prayers.

 

[FettsBabe]

Thats sad. I'm sorry The companions family will miss the man when he's gone, and then they will be sorry for what they did and said. People like that don't deserve a family.

I hope everything goes well with the surgery. I know a great deal about cancer and its really scary, but many people go on to lead a happy life for many years to come. I hope the best for you, your grandmother, grandmother's companion, and your family.

 

[Azraele]

Im so sorry that the holidays weren't more pleasant for you and yours, and I hope all turns out ok. Try and plan a good spring vacation to make up for it (hopefully with your grandmother too). It'd do everyone good I think.

 

[Yeeny]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear that TRP. I hope your grandmother turns out ok, and your year improves some for you.

 

[thebestMAX]

TRP-

Best wishes to you and yours.

Dont know what it is with January, maybe the depression many feel over the holidays. Many of my relatives Grandparents, Father, Mother and others passed away in Jan. I always hold my breath until it is over.

Hope the best for you.

 

[ChrichtonsGirl]

I'm so sorry, TRP. I hope your Grandmother's okay, not to mention the rest of the family. The holidays always seem to add an extra layer of stress to already unhappy situations, but I'm sorry this happened, regardless of the time of year. It sounds like you've got a wonderful wife, which you obviously already know. And while it's true life goes on, there's nothing wrong with taking more than 2 minutes for yourself (sorry the working world doesn't agree).

Good luck, I'll keep your Grandmother in my thoughts.

 

[Mill]

I am sorry to hear about that TRP. My grandmother and grandfather died of alzheimer's and I can tell you that it is hard to understand their confusion. I know having a tumor in you colon is different, but I hope this still applies. I begged the Lord to take my grandparent's when they started suffering. What is the point of 7 years with a 2 year old's mind and no face recognition. I hope that your Grandmother recovers and that her companion recovers as well. I also hope that you get to feel better about the situation I wish you luck and may God bless you.

 

[Total Refected Power]

Thanks to all for the good wishes. It helps. I still don't know the outcome of the surgery.

Unfortunately I think the damage is done. Her brain was affected by the lack of oxygen. Christmas Day she had no clue who we were. She is doing better (she recognizes us) but still scrambled. She went from a perfectly lucid individual to this. Sad. I really feel bad for my mom. She is of course taking it hard.

TheBestMax: Yes, we have the same December/January death phenomenom. In the Northeast it is such a dreary time it almost seems the appropriate time to die.

Chritonsgirl: Yes, my wife is wonderful. Not only did she take care of the holiday but kept the house running while we spent time with my grandmother. She is a blessing.