Been a tough five weeks for Marilyn's sister (long)

I don't know if any of you remember my post about Marilyn's sis finding out she has breast cancer. It was really bothering her emotionally when she found out. We told her we would be there to help out at any time, and we have been living up to our word and always will.

She had a double total mastectomy a month ago and they started reconstruction at the same time. This was done in Omaha, about 135-140 miles away. Her daughter lives there and is a nurse so that's one of the reasons she chose Omaha, and too, that's where they found the cancer with a special MRI.

We were there for the surgery and she was scared and in tears when she was in pre-op but all we could do was give her a hug and wish her well. The surgery went well with no complications. Marilyn and I or sometimes just Marilyn has been taking her to Omaha once or twice a week ever since.

When we took her there last Tuesday they removed the last drain tube and installed the port for the chemo that's coming up. She's a small petite gal so finding a vein small enough turned out to be impossible so the surgeon told us he had to do it the 'old fashioned way', whatever that means, and there was a chance of nicking a lung in a petite person like her. When we took her home she was exhausted and ready for bed. The next morning we got a call that she was in ICU in the local hospital with a punctured lung. We had a doctor's appointment that morning in the clinic next to the hospital so we went to in to see if we had a chance of seeing her. She was awake and eating but near tears again. She got out sunday and today Marilyn took her back down to Omaha for a checkup with the reconstruction surgeon. Now that has been put on hold until after chemo because of the lung and a chance for infection. Now she starts chemo on Friday but has to have a lung Xray first. Chemo will be once every three weeks for six sessions.

So to end the story, she has really been run through the mill and has more to go. She has always been a clean, professional, cheery person and to see her go through this is really tough for us. She's the 'little sister' Marilyn was responsible for at home so there's a very close connection. Sorry for the long story, but it's really taxing us emotionally. If you have the time to say a little prayer, say one for Marita. Jim

Praying for Marita to tolerate all the treatments and them to be successful and for you , Maryiln and all the family for strength to help her thru times ahead, Mark

Amen

My prayers for Marita and all of your family. Good Luck to all.

Prayers sent, and please remain hopeful!!!! My oldest sister, now 81, had that over 17 years ago. All treatment is so much better now. My better half had annual mamo"s for years, detected Sept 2011. Mastectomy, reconstruction, chemo every 2 weeks for 5 months, 28 days radiation, ending last June 19. Sept "12 mamo.....cancer free! All tests since are the same, even latest one this last Monday. Best of luck to all of your family! Trust in our God and your extended family-

I know it is hard for her, but tell her to keep a positive outlook. I went thru this with an ex girlfriend. She kept a positive and cheerful attitude thru it all and has been cancer free since 2005. You all got a long road ahead but hang in there.

I hope treatment is successful for Marita. Prayers sent for her - and you guys too. Hard time for everyone right now.

We"re coming out of breast cancer treatments here too. Surgery, chemo, recovery... And mis-steps in treatment, etc. Chemo will sap the life out of a woman. Almost two years and no end in sight. Still taking medicines that will affect quality of life, and still numerous trips back for further doctor consultations. Even without reconstruction, a long and unpleasant road to travel. Hopefully cancer free at this point, but no guarantees. Give her our love and concern.