Update on my sister's brain cancer

Hi All,
I find it so hard to believe that on the 1st of July everything was normal with my sister--but she started having seizures, was hospitalized and had to have two emergency brain surgeries in one week. She is blind now because her visual cortex was damaged when her brain swelled uncontrollably.
The backstory is here
http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55926

So now she thinks that her blindness is the main issue, and she is worried about living out her life as a blind woman. She doesnt yet understand that her tumor is cancerous and malignant, and the survival rate is horrible (18% make the one-year mark). One of the doctors told her today, but it went straight over her head. So we feel its going to fall to us to explain it.

She's not always completely aware of whats going on--sometimes she says she doesnt understand how we can see her, or sometimes she will just forget everything thats happened alltogether.

Sometimes I feel ok, and that she is doing better; sometimes I am just horribly depressed at situation and want to cry; sometimes I feel like I am going to fall apart because Im so tired. I need to be a support for my parents, who taking this especially hard. My dad is a minister and has been a rock for so many families in their dark times--he never thought it would happen to us. But the good thing is, people remember him and there are many many people coming out of the woodwork to help out. My mom is, predictably, in pieces. My husband has been super-supportive and great.

I dont want to depress anyone, and I know that there isnt an answer that anyone can give me . . . I just felt like I needed to write and get some things off my heart.

Thanks y'all,
Hannah

my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister and her family. not much i can say im sorry,just try n be strong.

Aw your family are really in my thoughts.

Hi Hannah. I'm sorry to hear about your sister. That's such a devastating thing to have happen. I'm not quite sure what to say that will ease the pain that you, your family, and especially your sister is going through, but I will keep you all in my prayers. If you need to talk feel free to PM me.

Oh, Hannah. I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better. I'm sending healing vibes and praying for a miracle. Like Hissy said in the other thread, try to take it one day at a time and if that doesn't work, then take it one hour at a time.

Dearest Hannah...this is the right place for you to share you fear, pain & sorrow about your sister illness. This is a very difficult time for you & you need to talk about it. I will be praying for you, your family & your sister.
Lei

I don't think I have any words that would make anything better, but I agree on taking one day at a time. Best wishes and hopes.

Originally Posted by xocats

Dearest Hannah...this is the right place for you to share you fear, pain & sorrow about your sister illness. This is a very difficult time for you & you need to talk about it. I will be praying for you, your family & your sister.

Lei

Click to expand...

Oh, dear, ... no words can express ... my thoughts are with you and yours ...

Cindy

hugs and prayers from me to you in this hard time... .....

Hannah, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your sister and your family.

I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. I can't imagine how difficult this is on you and your family. Lots of good vibes going your way.

Just remember that if you need to talk, we're always there to listen.

Originally Posted by HannahJ

Hi All,
I find it so hard to believe that on the 1st of July everything was normal with my sister--but she started having seizures, was hospitalized and had to have two emergency brain surgeries in one week. She is blind now because her visual cortex was damaged when her brain swelled uncontrollably.
I dont want to depress anyone, and I know that there isnt an answer that anyone can give me . . . I just felt like I needed to write and get some things off my heart.----------------------------------

Thanks y'all,
Hannah

Click to expand...

I am so truly sorry about your sister! I remember well when my Dad was dying and how awful I felt. I remember how my poor Mom did not want him to know and how it hurt her when he wanted an exercise bike to strengthen his legs.

Don't give up yet, though as God can always make miracle happen! Here is hoping HE does and that your sister recovers fully, but meanwhile go ahead and scream, cry, yell etc. We ALL are here for you!

Oh, Hannah, my heart goes out to you & your family. You must be so terribly tired, I know, and this prolonged situation will continue to take its toll. Your poor, poor parents - I surely do feel for them. My parents lost a grandson (homicide by stranger), a son-in-law (complications from a mining accident) and a son (broadsided on his way to work, by a drunk driver) in the space of 17 months and it was so hard to see them go through all that - it made it easier for me to be strong(enough to make my nephew's funeral arrangements). By the way, be alert for "angels", the earthly kind, who will be sent your way during your darkest moments, whether they be four-footed or two; it can be such a comfort when they cross your path.....Hugs & prayers, Susan

As an oncologist, I know what you atre going through. I hope your sister gets the best possible care and is among those who defeat her cancer! I wonder about that 18% stat though - most doctors are advised not to give out such specific stats and in reality, most brain cancers have a wide variety of recovery rates. I know I dread it whem parents and even sme older children ask about "odds" and percentages. No one can accurately say. Sure, you look at the diagnostics and have a good idea about what this patient needs to do to overcome their particular cancer but it's been years since I have heard any oncologist use a figure like that (often one will say 50-50 or better than 60% but that too is just conjecture based on what we know at a certain time in that patient's life). I certainly get upset when I hear the Residents I teach using figures like that.

I am not suggsting a second opinion because I do not know the situation but your sister and your family should concentrate on how she is going to defeat this illness - not that she has an illness that can kill her. I myself went through that and I refused to believe the doctors and I am still alive! One's attitude is so VERY important! I hope you can help her to see the positive side!

My thoughts are with you!!