Gramma passed away

Those of you who know me, know that I've been living with and taking care of my grandmother for quite a few years now. This last year or so has been really rough. She's been in and out of the hospital with pneumonia and other issues since last spring. She never fully recovered from her first hospital and subsequent rehabilitation stay at the hospital. This time around we discovered that she had uterine cancer, and it was quite advanced. I believe just about everyone in her family died from cancer, so she really wasn't very surprised with the diagnosis. While risky, she opted to have surgery to remove the tumors. She fully understood the risks involved, and the final decision was hers to make. The surgery itself went well, and I really thought she might recover and have at least a few more good years. Two days after the surgery, however her organs started to fail. She was in so much pain that last day, it ripped my heart apart to see her like that. Years ago she made a living will, and told me she didn't want to be kept alive on machines. She put a huge amount of trust in me to carry out her wishes. When the doctor told me that the only thing keeping her alive was those machines, and that nothing they could do would make her better, I knew I had to tell them to turn off the machines. It's what she would have told them, had she been able to speak at that point. Earlier that day I told her I loved her, and she was able to say that she loved me too. Mere words can't encompass all I felt for Gramma though. I only hope she knew just how much she meant to me. I'm not really sure what I'll do without her. I'm glad I was with her, holding her hand when she passed. Now she's up in Heaven with my brother Jeff, my grandfather, and the rest of her family, friends, and pets who have gone before her. I feel so blessed to have had in my life for as long as I did. The picture above is from my high school graduation (I always was a bit of a goof). She was always my biggest supporter, and loved me no matter what stupid things I did as a teen. She's a huge part of who I am, and I can only hope I live up to her expectations. I know God has a very special place for her among the angels.
Rest in peace Gramma. I love you more than you'll ever know.
Eva Waldeck 4-15-16 to 5-16-10
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Update on my brother in law, Jerry

For those of you who didn't read my earlier post about Jerry, he recently was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had his thyroid remove. He went to the doctor today to get the lab results and see if it had spread. Thank God it hadn't. I had a hard time waiting for Mom to call, but when she did, it was very good news. Jerry is now cancer free- they got it all. He will have to undergo some treatments (don't know exactly what just yet), just as a precaution. I can't even tell you how happy we were to hear that he was going to be OK. The poor guy deserves a break already! For more than a year he's had doctor appointments every week, often several in one week. It's taken a toll on my mother in law (Mom) as well. Last week she went to the emergency room thinking she had a heart attack- pain in her chest, numbness in her left arm. It turned out to be a panic attack, which really isn't surprising considering all the stress she's been under lately. She's another woman who puts everyone else's needs ahead of her own. She takes care of Jerry, Dad, and her father in law, all of which is a full time job and then some. She also remembers to send cards to my Gramma at least a few times a month. Those kind little gestures mean so very much. I told her she's got to start taking care of herself too. I couldn't stand the thought of losing Mom. She's treated me like family since before we were married. We've had many long pleasant talks, in person and on the phone. She's the most non-judgemental person I've ever met. I certainly got lucky when I inherited her, Jerry, Dad, and the rest of the family as in laws.

Jerry

My brother in law, Jerry was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He has some special needs and lives with his mom and dad. He's been through so much in his life, starting with open heart surgery when he was 15, and consequently contracting Hepatitis from the blood transfusion, to dental problems, hearing problems, to a multitude of skin issues. And through everything he's kept smiling and joking. He's spent more time in doctor's offices in about 40 years of life than anyone should ever have to endure. He's had to take countless medications, endure painful shots, deal with all sorts of side effects, and miss out on many things in life. This summer we were hoping he might finally get a break. The shots he was taking actually cured his Hepatitis, and the various medications for his skin finally got rid of all his rashes. Then he had a lump on his thyroid tested. The doctors confirmed that it was cancer. This crushed the rest of us, although Jerry seemed to take it in stride. His brother (my husband Jim), has been consumed with worry. It makes it so much harder that we live in Ohio and Jerry lives in Tennessee. It's an 8 hour drive, but we don't even have the money for gas right now. Jim would have to go by himself anyway, because I can't leave leave Gramma. I know he wants to be with Jerry more than anything right now. We may be able to work something out in the near future though.
Today Jerry had his thyroid removed, and thankfully everything went well. I even heard him in the background when I was talking to Mom. He actually felt well enough to thank me for the Jack O Lantern candle holder I made for him. He felt well enough to eat and drink a little bit too, as well as appreciate the pretty nurses! We don't know how long he'll have to be in the hospital just yet. He'll have to take chemo treatments starting in about a week. I think we should know a little more tomorrow.
It seems so unfair that such a kind and gentle person like Jerry should have to suffer so much. He's creative and artistic, has tons of different hobbies he enjoys (he's not able to work), he's great with kids and animals, and even helps Mom around the house. He actually got the wild foxes to trust him enough to eat from his hand! He's the only person in the world aside from myself, Jim, and Gramma who have ever petted my cat Cedric. That shows a HUGE amount of trust. Animals know good people. And kids just adore Jerry. He gets down on their level and plays with them and listens to what they say, and sees them as equals, rather than "just kids".
We're all praying as hard as we can that he'll be OK and get through his chemo with a minimum of pain and side effects. He doesn't seem to be worried or scared. He's such a good natured person, no matter what he's forced to deal with. Jerry's always got a smile on his face and a joke to tell.
I'll post more as I find out more. Hopefully it will all be good news.
-Michelle of CreativeCritters