Mammaw*** Warning**** May be Emotional and Long

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/18/2006 08:41:18 AM · #1

This is my grandmother. I have called her Mammaw all my life. I am the oldest of all her grandchildren.

I got a call yesterday from my mom, telling me my Mammaw is in the hospital. She has fluid buidling up around her lungs, and could'nt breath. By the end of the day, she had a chest tube inserted, to relieve pressure in her chest cavity. They did several chest X-rays, and a CT scan. They have ruled out pneumonia, and any other infection. They are 90% sure it is an aggressive form of cancer, but they don't know what or where. We should have more answers today. They are in California, I am in Maine. I am DEVESTATED. My Mammaw was just here in June, for my son Devins' HS Graduation. There was no indication of any of this. I am and have been blessed to have her in my life this long, since I am 38, but she is only 77. Really thats not very old by todays standards. My Mammaw has encouraged me all my life to have fun and work hard and do what you enjoy. When we were growing up, she always made sure we had what we needed, as my mom worked 3 jobs just to feed us. I dont know what will happen today, we are supposed to get the test results back...In the meantime, I am angry, hurt and devestated. I love my Mammaw more than anything. I cant seem to stop crying, although I know it doesnt help.

Sorry for the long post, I just needed to try and put my feelings in words.

Thanks for listening,
Tammy

hanneke

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

07/18/2006 08:44:17 AM · #2

pffff.... that's rough Tammy... lots of good luck for you guys, I hope she's gonna be ok!

"My Mammaw has encouraged me all my life to have fun and work hard and do what you enjoy."

And she's right! I hope she can still enjoy her family for a long time..!

hanneke

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/18/2006 08:45:28 AM · #3

oh and by the way, write down whatever you want, if that helps.
Doesn't matter if the post is gonna be a long one :)

sherpet

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

07/18/2006 08:49:27 AM · #4

It is ok to cry, and can't imaging what you are going through.
Is there any way you can take time out, and visit her, as soon as possible. Family togetherness is always so important at times like this.
You are a special person, who feel deeply for someone you love.
We are here for you, and will support you all we can.
I only hope whatever news you get, you are able to be there for each and deal with whatever it is.
Memories are very special, so hold on to ever memory that you have with the special love you have of your grandmother so that you can fight this together and my prayers are with you. love always shez.

Message edited by author 2006-07-18 09:03:50.

coronamv

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM for Canon

07/18/2006 08:57:55 AM · #5

I hope evenything goes well for you and your family. It is hard being away from them by so many miles. You and you family will be in my prayers.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/18/2006 09:07:04 AM · #6

"Is there any way you can take time out, and visit her, as soon as possible. Family togetherness is always so important at times like this."

I am researching air fares as we speak. My mom wants me to wait until we have the test results back.

I am so lucky that she was just here, and I got to spend some quality time with her.

"oh and by the way, write down whatever you want, if that helps.
Doesn't matter if the post is gonna be a long one :)"

Thank you everyone, This is going to be a long day, and the collective support from ALL of YOU will help get me through today.....

"I hope evenything goes well for you and your family. It is hard being away from them by so many miles. You and you family will be in my prayers."

Once again, THANK YOU ALL....

Telehubbie

Canon EOS-40D

07/18/2006 09:22:52 AM · #7

Tammy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this hard time. I've been through this with my grandma years ago, and it was a very tough experience, so I sympathize with you immensely. I'm trying hard to find the right words here, so please forgive me if they don't sound as intended, but in some ways maybe it's a blessing for you that you are so far away so you don't have to see her go through this, and cherish the memories you have of her in her finest moments (most of my memories of my grandma unfortunately are of her in the hospital). She seems like she's in good hands with the doctors, and will hopefully make a speedy recovery. Keep praying for her, and don't be afraid to talk to somebody, even us here.

Best regards,

Marc

colyla

Canon EOS-50D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM II

07/18/2006 09:44:50 AM · #8

:( I'm saying a prayer as we speak for your grandma, you and your family...

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

07/18/2006 10:28:00 AM · #9

Thank you everyone, I'll take all the prayers and wishes we can get for my Mammaw.

justamistere

Nikon D3s

07/18/2006 12:43:56 PM · #10

I have learned that most of the professionals agree that crying, in fact is a natural healing process. That goes for men too. Aerobics, boxing and walking is also beneficial.

But women are bilogically equipped do some things better then men. And visa-versa (the other way around around).

Many older people are tougher than they look or act. It could be a false-alarm. Either way, always try to be like you think they would want you to be. The way they would like to see you behave in any crisis.

When I asked my son at age five, "how are you today", he would always reply "Better", and I'd ask "better then what". Such an optimist.

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

07/18/2006 02:35:28 PM · #11

Thank you for the wonderful mesage in the pm you sent me,

Tammy

Brad

Olympus OM-D E-M1

07/18/2006 03:04:46 PM · #12

Hi Tammy,

It's hard to find words that could possibly make a difference.
All I can say is be thankful for the time, embrace the natural order of life in that you will survive her, keeping her memories alive and being able to pass down to future generations, her legacy and difference she made in your life.

We are nothing really, without memories. Cherish hers.

Judi

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/18/2006 05:06:50 PM · #13

I am sorry to hear of your sad times. Here is a hug for you..

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

07/18/2006 05:35:41 PM · #14

Originally posted by Judi:

I am sorry to hear of your sad times. Here is a hug for you..

Thanks Judi...

you too Brad

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra

07/18/2006 07:09:43 PM · #15

I can't think of anything to say, so a bear hug will have to suffice. God bless and keep your Mammaw always...

R.

sherpet

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

07/18/2006 11:45:11 PM · #16

How are things today Tammy, as I have been keepng you in my thoughts all the time..... Much love is sent to you, and your family, to help you through the tough days ahead.....

Originally posted by tjbel05:

This is my grandmother. I have called her Mammaw all my life. I am the oldest of all her grandchildren.

Thanks for listening,
Tammy

Canon EOS-60D

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

07/18/2006 11:47:29 PM · #17

Sending positive vibes and hugs from Texas...keep your chin up. We're all thinking of you and your family. :)

ltlmschrisss

Nikon D850

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

07/18/2006 11:51:00 PM · #18

I hope everything works out for the best. My Mammaw was my great grandmother. :) And crying always helps a little. My prayers are with you and your family.

07/19/2006 01:23:14 PM · #19

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.... As of today Mammaw is hanging tough. Still dealing with the chest tube, and NOT HAPPY AT ALL about it. CT scan show a mass in her stomach, furthur tests to determine but 98% sure its that nasty "c" word. No results yet on the fluid drained form her lungs, they will come any time. She ate lunch on her own, strawberries and turkey sandwich. I have found several very afforable airfares to get to Sacramento, so plans are in the works to go. She has told me..."quote, If you fly out here while IM in this damned hospital, You will be in big trouble, un-quote" So waiting to see until rest of test results, but It will only take one phone call as I have everything else lined up.

You as a collective group have been so completely amazing in your words and emotional support.

Thank you does not begin to cover how I feel about everyones words, thoughts and prayers, and I will keep all updated through this thread.

Tammy

dolphnz8

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/19/2006 02:36:19 PM · #20

Link

Tammy...my heart is there with you. No words can describe what you are feeling right now, nor make things feel any better than they do at this moment. I cherished my Mamaw, as she did me. The support this place has to offer at a time like this is undescribable. There are many caring people on this site, and this is where I came to share my tribute to my own Mamaw...cuz I knew the love here. Best to you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God carry you all gently down this road....

Cindy

07/22/2006 09:25:59 AM · #21

Hi everyone,

Here is the latest. Mammaw has stage 4 cancer, throughout her body. I have booked a flight to California next week. Because she is so weak, there really is no other treatment, than make her happy and comfortable. They will give her meds to keep her pain free.
I love her with all my heart, and for her sake hope she never suffers.

Thanks to everyone for all your kind words and support.

Tammy

Edited for spelling.

Message edited by author 2006-07-22 09:26:35.

MikeO

Fujifilm x100

07/22/2006 09:38:01 AM · #22

Tammy I know you have a diffuclt time ahead, I will be thinking of you and your Mammaw.

sherpet

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

07/22/2006 09:56:42 AM · #23

My thoughts, love, and prayers, are with you now, and always.....

dolphnz8

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/31/2006 07:56:16 AM · #24

*bump*

Anyone heard about Tammy and her Mammaw?? Just bumping to find out..been thinking about her.

edit to correct spelling

Message edited by author 2006-07-31 07:56:47.