The Unexpected

I had a blog post in the works to update everyone on the Buddy Walk and how wonderful it was, but then the unexpected happened and now we are waiting. And praying.

My mom had gone to the ER over the weekend (you can read her account here) and was pronounced fine, but sick with the flu and sent home. Monday she went to see an ear/nose/throat specialist and he became concerned after finding several lumps in her neck and throat. Tonight they are performing a biopsy on each of these lumps so we can determine exactly what they are. The lumps in her neck are large and they are in the area of her lymph nodes. There are several nodules, including behind her tongue.

There is the possibility that these lumps were caused by inflammation from an infection, but given the size and appearance it would be "unusual" for them to be caused by just an infection. It is more likely that these are a growth of some sort. Dr. Hamid made sure that we understood that it could very well be cancer.

The doctor indicated that if it is simply inflammation from an infection, he should know right away during the procedure based on its appearance.  If they are growths, we will only know if it is benign or malignant from the biopsy.

We don't know how long the results will take, but will of course be updating everyone.

My mom has been put into isolation because she has the flu right now. This means that everyone has to put on a mask and gown when they go to see her and they are currently not allowing anyone under the age of 18 into the hospital because of H1N1, which means that Emily and Hannah are not allowed to see her.  Please be praying for them as this is, understandably, very difficult for both of them.

Thank you all for praying and for showing such support to the family during this time. Tony is currently at the hospital with her. Katherine is home for a few days to help with Emily & Hannah and stuff around the house. Mary may be able to go next week and spend a week or so with her. Then, of course, we are (thankfully) having Thanksgiving in Canada this year and we will be there in two weeks.