Haven't Been Online A Lot

8 years ago

But I do jump on every once in a while to see what's new. As a lot of you know, my husband has been battling stage 4 skin cancer. He's had eight surgeries in the last year. The last one was on his birthday, July 6. They took off his right ear, down through the ear canal and through the skull because they found tumors on the dura of his brain. He started having what we thought was cold, but about two weeks ago he started coughing up blood. Naturally, it was just a "bad cold" to him. I finally got him to go with me to the VA hospital when I had an appointment last Weds. And they kept him in his clinic forever doing tests and x-rays. Well, he's been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer now and we don't know how long he has. The doctor just told him to not go home and commit suicide - that's what so many do. There's always hope. He also told him to get all his affairs in order as quickly as possible. The cough is horrendous and he hasn't been able to eat much of anything since his last surgery. My time on Gardenweb will be very limited for a good while, but I will be lurking when I can to keep up. Annie, I hope Ashley is doing well. She and your family are in my prayers and I'm sending all of you positive thoughts.

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Barb Conrad

8 years ago

I just stumbled on this. I want you to know that both your husband and yourself are on my prayer list. God can do miraculous things. I have many talks with him during the day and feel so good after I have made that connection. Don't give up and just remember that you have many friends who are pulling for you. Barb

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Comments (19)

lindac92
8 years ago
Oh I am so sorry!!.....don't be a stranger....you will need a bit of diversion in the next months> Prayers, hugs and good thoughts to you.
Is it melanoma?? Beastly stuff!
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morz8 - Washington Coast
8 years ago
I'm so sorry to be reading this, you'll both be in my prayers and I'm sending all the positive energy your way I can find. Is there some kind of relief in sight for the coughing, that has to be exhausting.

I hope you'll let us know how things are going when you are able.

Your DH shares a birthday with my brother.
partst
8 years ago
So sorry to read this you both will be in my thoughts and
prayers.
CA Kate z9
8 years ago
I know this is no fun and you'll worry a lot. I'll be praying for you to have strength.
sweet_betsy No AL Z7
8 years ago
I am praying that God will sustain you during this tough time. I am so sorry.
annie1992
8 years ago
Oh, dear, I'm so sorry to hear that your husband has even more health issues, and you and he continue to be in my prayers nightly. I'm sure many just give up, but I hope your DH has the strength to continue to fight this, and that no matter the outcome, he isn't in too much pain. Stay strong, I'll be sending all the good strong thoughts to you that I can muster up.

Ashley has been back in the hospital for the past couple of days, but came back home today, the doctors are deciding which direction to take. She is now having migraine headaches as a side effect of the stroke, so we've got to get those in check, then we'll move on to the next step.

Annie
Compumom
8 years ago
Oh Becky, I'm so distressed to hear about your DH. I'll be sending all positive vibes your way for strength and healing. Wishing you all the best. <<<< HUGS >>>>
Islay Corbel
8 years ago
To Becky and Annie, my most heartfelt wishes. Being a melanoma and breast cancer survivor, I KNOW that miracles can happen. I'll pray for you all.
marymd7
8 years ago
I hope you and your husband can find a way to find some joy and goodness in every day you have together and that you have as many good days as possible. Take good care of yourselves.
Nancy
8 years ago
I'm so sorry to learn this, I'm so sorry your family is going through this. You are in my prayers.
l pinkmountain
8 years ago
Bcskye, I know you have been struggling with caring for your husband all this time, and this last diagnosis is very sad. Try to take whatever joy you can from each day, even though there are things happening also that are frustrating and depressing. You have been in my thoughts these many many months and will continue to be in my thoughts. I am taking some muffins over to a friend's house this afternoon, she's battling lung cancer as well. Cancer sucks! And I don't care if that is kinda swearing, cancer deserves it!! Love, prayers, virtual hugs, caring thoughts to you from Laurie R. in Michigan!
rob333 (zone 7b)
8 years ago
(((bckskye))) I have noticed you being gone, but I didn't know about your husband. I am sorry to hear this. Take care of yourselves. I'll be thinking about you.
sally2_gw
8 years ago
Becky, I am sending positive thoughts to you and your husband, and will be holding you close to my heart.

Annie, same to you and Ashley.

Sally
dedtired
8 years ago
I am so sorry your husband is going through this. It sounds hideous. I do agree with the doctor to not give up hope. So difficult for both of you.
mustangs81
8 years ago
OMG, I can't imagine what your daily life is like. I certainly don't have the words to console you considering your challenge. Just to be strong and never give up hope.

My DH goes monthly to the oncologist to have melanomas cut out.
foodonastump
8 years ago
Truly horrible for you both to have to go through. Best thoughts, wishes and prayers for you. Stay strong.
User
8 years ago
Really sad to hear this. Thinking of both of you.
bcskye
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Thank you so much to each and every one of you. I knew that his time was limited before, but not this bad and probably not this short. The cancers started on his head due to the anti-rejection medication he had to take after the heart transplant a little over ten years ago. They switched him to the original anti-rejection medication that was replaced by the current one. Its all been squamish cell carcinoma. I think that's the spelling of it. He's had several years of surgeries on his head as Mustang knows because we were in the Tampa area for one of the surgeries and she graciously offered to help me. I will forever be thankful to you. You make sure your DH keeps on top of them. I'm strong and have been through similar situations with my grandmother, mother and aunt. I've always been the soother and caretaker of the sick and dying in my family. For the most part I stay strong and this will be a little different, but I have to stay strong and calm for him. Yes, l pinkmountain, cancer sucks! I am trying to figure out a way to get him back to Florida for as long as necessary because he is always cold here and wants to be there. Anyone know anything about the MacDill AFB FamCamp. Since we are both veterans and he is rated at 100% service connected disabled, we could possibly stay there. Hugs to all of you, my friends.

Madonna

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Barb Conrad

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lindac92

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bcskye
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