Warm thoughts and hope, please...

I said last night that I would write more about what caused our change in Christmas Eve plans, so here it is. I apologive for rambling in advance, as I am very emotional about this, and am quite tired and drinking a glass of wine as I write this.

My Uncle Wolf was recently diagnosed with laryngeal cancer that has spread to lymph nodes in his neck. His diagnosis was a surprise and shock to him and my aunt, as he went to the doctor thinking his neck pain was caused by a fall he took out of his semi truck.

As it has already spread to lymph nodes, he is undergoing an especially intense chemotherapy treatment and is scheduled to begin concurrent radiation treatments next week. On Christmas Eve morning, my parents and I ended up taking him to the hospital so he could learn how to do his tube feedings, as he cannot take in enough calories orally. His medications have now been switched to liquids so he can get them through his feeding tube. As an RN, as well as a concerned niece, I am so glad that I was there and able to help. I have been feeling quite helpless thus far because I live 5 hours away and helping my aunt and uncle has been relatively unfeasible for me. For me, I can honestly say that helping people understand something related to their health is what brings me the greatest satisfaction. I'm glad that I was able to find some humour in the situation as well, as I had to teach my aunt about the tube feedings and medications in the middle of a WalMart bustling with last minute Christmas shoppers! Talk about inconvenient ;)

All I can say at this point is please do not smoke. I have absolutely no doubt that smoking is what led to my uncle's cancer. If you smoke, if someone in your family smokes, if your friends smoke, please encourage them to quit. That's it; plain and simple.

Please send your warm thoughts and hope to my aunt and uncle. And while I am not a religious person, if you are, please consider adding my aunt and uncle to your prayers. I am holding on to hope and the fact that this man has beat death three times prior to this (he was struck by lightning, had a heart attack, and was rolled over by a tractor). I just hope that a fourth time isn't too much to ask.

Peace and love,
M