Step One

Mom met with the surgeon today.  Her sister, our Aunt Barbar, was there also who when I called gave me those medical facts I needed to hear, I was ready to hear.  We finally have a solution and a plan.  It's not my favorite plan and it's certainly got any good news but we know what has to be done and we're going to make it through!  Mom just won't have a stomach anymore.  I can't believe it, I'm still in shock.  I'm worried, I want to protect her and be there to help, hug and cry and support her.  I want to make sure the doctors are doing it all right.  That's me I guess, the big sister part of me, the first child syndrome.  But I'm a few thousand miles away.  No matter what I will be there very soon Mom!

After Barbar passed the phone to mom we started talking about the plan, the facts, what about this and that, I was driving home, turned the corner and saw the biggest rainbow sitting above my house.  It rained today.  Mom knows how much I love the rain.  She also knows every time I see a rainbow I think of her.  It was comforting to see it.  But I was so amazed as I turned that corner and looked up it was all I could see and we started crying.  I assured her that everything would be ok and we're all here for her to help in any way we can.  You're not alone in this Mom!

Advice from Cancer Survivors:

Don't give into self-blame

Don't give into self-pity

Let yourself feel anger

Get more information

Stand up for yourself

Reach out to friends and family

Join a support group

Learn to cope with fear

Love Jess