Looks like my step-daughter’s cancer is back.

Ronni

Well-known Member
Location
Nashville TN
Sheri has been having pain in her hip and leg for a couple weeks which has slowly been worsening. Her Mom drove her to the ER last night because the pain got really bad, and she also spiked a fever.

The news is not good. Scans revealed what look like cancer lesions through her upper femur and pelvis. She was transferred in the early hours to the a larger hospital where they’ll do more scans and testing. Reminder that she had a double mastectomy and chemo treatments several years ago for breast cancer

There are two primary concerns right now. One is that the bones look to be so fragile that they’re afraid that they’ll fracture upon exertion or weight bearing, so she needs to be non ambulant for some undetermined amount of time. A fracture will complicate an already complex situation.

The other concern is there are indications that the lesions in her pelvis and femur migrated there from somewhere else. More testing and scans will reveal if that is in fact the case, and where the cells migrated from.

Ron isn’t handling this news well. He himself is already mentally exhausted from dealing with the potential ramifications of his own cancer, and now this piled on top. He’s heading to the hospital as I type this.

He is devastated by this news, and the potential worst case scenario. But he’s also concerned about Sheri’s two kids, who’ll take care of them while she’s being treated, annd also about her finances if Sheri can’t work. Says he has to do something. Last time she had cancer he made noises about mortgaging the house. While I TOTALLY get his need to do whatever to help his child, his/our circumstances now are very different than before.

I just told him that we need to see how this evolves and that there’s so much more information that needs to be gathered. One step at a time kind of thing. Reminded him that Sheri also has a committed boyfriend, an involved mother, and a sister and that it’s not all on him to be the rescuer.

I’m so worried about Sheri but even more so about Ron. He doesn’t need this stress while battling his own cancer. He’s supposed to start chemo in a couple weeks. I’m concerned he’ll put it off so that he can be at his best to help Sheri.

This is just awful all round. 💔
 
As his caregiver it is also pouring more stress on you. Don't lose sight of that.

All you can do is try to keep him focused on the here and now which it sounds like you're trying to do.

I'm sorry you and he are going through this. More so for your stepdaughter. Time will provide more answers and direction for everyone.
 
it seems so trite for others to make suggestions along the way - but I will lovingly - have always been a great believer in pray and even better small and intimate prayer groups when all else seems to have halted? - anything is worth considering imo - with love
 
The latest in the “Disaster Is My New Normal” series….
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She was taken in for surgery late yesterday afternoon, to get biopsies and to put in a pin from her knee to her hip to stabilize that area and to reduce her pain. Once they get the pain under control trip and get her somewhat mobile, they’ll figure out next steps to address the cancer.

Of course Ron is wrecked. Dealing with his own cancer has been emotionally difficult, but now with his kid threatened this way, it’s just too much.

And of course, Ron being who he is, he’s completely stepped in to fill in for Sheri work-wise, to keep her income flowing, which is taking a toll on him physically.

I need the disasters to stop .. STAT! 😢
 
Sheri has been having pain in her hip and leg for a couple weeks which has slowly been worsening. Her Mom drove her to the ER last night because the pain got really bad, and she also spiked a fever.

The news is not good. Scans revealed what look like cancer lesions through her upper femur and pelvis. She was transferred in the early hours to the a larger hospital where they’ll do more scans and testing. Reminder that she had a double mastectomy and chemo treatments several years ago for breast cancer

There are two primary concerns right now. One is that the bones look to be so fragile that they’re afraid that they’ll fracture upon exertion or weight bearing, so she needs to be non ambulant for some undetermined amount of time. A fracture will complicate an already complex situation.

The other concern is there are indications that the lesions in her pelvis and femur migrated there from somewhere else. More testing and scans will reveal if that is in fact the case, and where the cells migrated from.

Ron isn’t handling this news well. He himself is already mentally exhausted from dealing with the potential ramifications of his own cancer, and now this piled on top. He’s heading to the hospital as I type this.

He is devastated by this news, and the potential worst case scenario. But he’s also concerned about Sheri’s two kids, who’ll take care of them while she’s being treated, annd also about her finances if Sheri can’t work. Says he has to do something. Last time she had cancer he made noises about mortgaging the house. While I TOTALLY get his need to do whatever to help his child, his/our circumstances now are very different than before.

I just told him that we need to see how this evolves and that there’s so much more information that needs to be gathered. One step at a time kind of thing. Reminded him that Sheri also has a committed boyfriend, an involved mother, and a sister and that it’s not all on him to be the rescuer.

I’m so worried about Sheri but even more so about Ron. He doesn’t need this stress while battling his own cancer. He’s supposed to start chemo in a couple weeks. I’m concerned he’ll put it off so that he can be at his best to help Sheri.

This is just awful all round. 💔
Oh, Ronni, you certainly have been through it (((Hugs)))
Keep the faith, sending Prayers your way.🙏
 
Look at this gigantic pin!! From her knee all the way into her hip! Her red blood count is super low so they’re transfusing her. They want to move her to the rehab wing for a week to teach her how to walk again, but she has to be stable first

Ron’s with her now. He left the house at 7.30 yesterday morning and didn’t get home till 8.30 last night. After working all day he went straight to the hospital to spend time with her. It’ll be the same again today. The man is 80 years old almost, and with a metastatic cancer, and the hormone therapy he’s on is wiping him out! He can’t keep up this pace for long! 😢
IMG_3613.jpegIMG_3612.jpeg
 
This might be where you talk to his doctor. Tell him/her what Ron is dealing with now and your concerns.

One of the things I learned when my hubs was going through the cancer treatments is to let the doc know about some struggles. Like me not wanting mine to drive. His doc told him, you have brain lesions. If you have an accident and injure someone, you're liable. And you might lose everything. I couldn't get him to stop but that blunt talk from his doc sunk in.

I know what you're going through and how you're feeling. It's a tough place to be in.
 
Sending prayers your way, Ronni. I am so sorry you are going through all this when you really need a break and have a happy and healthy family. I remember when you and Ron were getting ready to marry and how happy you finally were. I wish you could go back in time for those halcyon days. God bless. Hopefully Ron and your daughter in law will go into remission. 🤗
 
Ron’s been visiting Sheri in the hospital every day. This is right before she was finally released to go home. She’s on a walker as she learns how to move with that huge pin in her leg (see earlier photo)

We are so happy she’s home. I’m making a bunch of food to take her, we’ll visit for a bit but she really needs time to rest so we won’t stay long.

The next step of this journey, now that her leg has been stabilized, is to assess her cancer and determine the best course of treatment. IMG_7418.jpeg
 
I haven't been on this thread for a while, so this is the first I've heard of your family's awful situation Ronni. Life can be so unfair to people. But these days, we do hear of amazing treatments and recoveries from cancer. You sound like a strong person; your family needs you and are lucky to have you! And you have lots of love and support from your friends here. Best wishes!
 
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