Dodging the health crisis bullet … for now

Recently, I wrote about my mom experiencing a mysterious pain in the same general area of her colostomy surgery. She had a few other vague symptoms that warranted further testing. The oncologist ordered CT scans of the abdominal area and the chest.

Unfortunately I had to get back to work so Mom had to manage the scan prep on her own. Even though Mom certainly has her eccentric ways, it is such a blessing knowing that she is still fully capable of handling things outside of her routine, such as going for medical tests. Yes, it was stressful for her, but at 77, she managed quite well.

The tests were done right before my birthday, with the results coming back the next week. I admit I spent a pretty good chunk of my birthday weekend mulling “worst case scenarios.” The colon cancer was back. The cancer had spread to another region. What would I do this time? I cannot afford to quit my job again. How would I afford Mom’s care.

Mom had a followup appointment with the oncologist on Wednesday afternoon. I was both eager to hear the results and dreading them at the same time. Finally, Mom calls. For once, she didn’t beat around the bush. (If it had been bad news I had a feeling she would have delayed the announcement.)

All of the tests came back normal. No cancer was detected. Mom was given a clean bill of health. Now of course that doesn’t solve the mystery of Mom’s pain (she insists on calling it a “discomfort.”) But the pain has not increased in intensity so far and it doesn’t stop her from going about her life.

So a sigh of relief, for now. As caregivers we are always ready for the next health crisis. But we also learn to appreciate those good days a bit more.