My MIL has Leiomyosarcoma, a type of cancer that originates in the muscular tissues. It apparently was in her uterine muscles when she had a hysterectomy in 1999. In 2001, the sarcoma had grown from her abdominal wall and resulted in major surgery and removal of most of her colon, bladder, rectum, and vagina. But she was declared cancer free. We never knew she had cancer when she had the hysterectomy.

In Feb of this year she had some more tumors, several benign, but one more sarcoma on her colon...again, we weren't aware of this. I should clarify, my MIL probably was told in medical jargon but she didn't know what it all meant. A CT scan a few months ago now revealed additional tumors on her liver. This cancer has spread and is inoperable. They will try chemo, at least 3 times, and reassess then. I personally don't have high hopes and the doctor would not come right out and say you've only got 6 months to live...but he was careful to note that it is non-curable and the best we can hope for is remission.

So I'm asking for healing energies to be sent to her. I pray for remission. Thanks.

The treatment caused her much pain and suffering. Always quite tiny and bird-like, she completely lost her appetite and had difficulty swallowing even liquids. She had miserable burns on her neck and chest from the radiation.

It can be hard to know how to proceed...hindsight is always 20/20. But you make good points about quality of (remaining) life issues. We were told though, that she would not only beat her cancer, but would emerge feeling better than she had in years, post-treatment.

Pesky, I'm sorry you're going through this sad and difficult time. I will pray for peace and healing for your MIL, and guidance and wisdom and strength for you, your family, and your MIL's medical team. Sending you a hug too!

I didn't intend to sound so negative. My dh actually works in cancer care, so I am well aware there have been incredible advances in the field in the last 20 years.

Again, I offer thoughts and prayers for healing, comfort and peace.

tina

My mom has gone through two different chemos for her lung cancer. She hasn't been on anything since May, and her hair has grown back, she feeling good (of course, not like what she was before her first chemo) can go shopping, etc. The drs. are wanting to put her on the Tarceva pill now, and she is not going to do it. Although, controversial, if any of you have read Suzane Somers book "Breakout", that is exactly what my mom went through with chemo, and it was awful. If we had it to do over again, my mom would not have done anything, and we all feel like she really would have been at her best if she had not done any chemo at all. I wish we could find a place where people who hasn't done chemo, to see how they fared, like a website or group, etc. At least she is feeling good now, but, who knows how long. We have found it hard to find a good caring doctor, that isn't in it for all the money they make off cancer patients. We are rushed though like a herd of cattle in dr. visits. I have a new dr.for her to go to, if she will.

I hope your MIL can get some pain relief somehow and can have a decent quality of life. It is so hard to know how much another person can deal with. I send my prayers to you and your family.