One tough lady

By AMY SHANKLAND

Sandwiched

If you heard some whooping and hollering last Tuesday morning, it was probably me. Yes, y’all (my friend Cindy from the south has rubbed off on me) our family finally received some good news that day. And with my recent “downer” columns, I’m overjoyed to share that news with you on this fine Friday.

As you may recall, my family, like many others in the sandwich generation, has been battling the dreaded “c” word – cancer – since the end of February. My 89-year-old mother was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. When I saw how bad the rash was on her chest (it looked like someone had beaten her with a baseball bat) I was a sobbing mess. Things did not look good and we wondered if she’d even make it to the end of this year.

After a whirlwind of doctor and women’s health center visits, we talked to a doctor who presented various options to Mom. At age 89, she was not interested in chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Who could blame her?

But the doctor did say she could take a pill each day – essentially hormone therapy – that might slow the cancer’s progression. He warned Mom that there were potential side effects. She wanted to give the pill a try.

I was nervous during those first few weeks wondering if Mom would have hot flashes, fatigue, or any other issues. But she didn’t feel any ill effects from the medication.

We didn’t know for sure if the pill was definitely working, but we had some hope with our July visit. Her rash was improving and her blood work looked better. Our oncologist told us we could come back in two months vs. six weeks. That was encouraging.

Fast forward to last Tuesday. When the oncologist examined Mom, my jaw dropped. You could hardly see a rash. He scooted back confidently in his chair, declared that Mom was doing great, and proclaimed that we didn’t have to come to back to see him for three months. I blinked back the tears of joy as he fist bumped both Mom and me!

When Mom’s facility van came to pick her up in her wheelchair, I nearly shouted the good news to Emily, the activities director. I told her to spread the word to the staff! I couldn’t ride in the van due to liability issues and had to return to work, but I hope everyone gave Mom hugs and exclamations of joy when she returned.

As I drove home, I thought back to 1991 when Mom first battled breast cancer. She defeated it through a lumpectomy and radiation and it didn’t rear its ugly head again until 30 years later. I was overcome with joy, gratitude, and amazement.

Yes, Ladies and Gentlemen, my mama is one tough lady. Whoot whoot!