Mom Update

Mom and I went for her post-Chemo check-up with her cancer doctor. Her white count is good for someone undergoing chemo-therapy and her lymphnodes have significantly decreased in size. The doctor lowered my mom's steroids for the next two weeks, because she would like to have her off of them in 2 more weeks. The doctor is very happy with the way the treatment is going and believes that Mom will continue to feel really good throughout her treatment.

I am so thankful that the treatment is working so well and that my mom feels so much better than she has in a long time. Unfortunately, my mom's children are struggling with relationships between themselves. My brother's wife kept trying to plan my mom's treatment and her finances. Mom resented the interference and feelings were hurt. My sis-in-law was trying to be helpful and her actions were done out of worry and love, but my mom doesn't want to be treated like a child. She is capable of making decisions about her life.

One of my sisters is pressuring my mom to move into her home. This sister recently purchased a large home because she wanted a place for my mom to live when she could no longer be on her own. My mom isn't ready to give up her independence and doesn't want to move in with my sister at this time. Mom said that she would consider staying with my sister in January and February when the temperatures are so cold. My sister called me to let me know that Mom would be moving in with her as soon as chemo was finished. When I mentioned that Mom still valued her independence and asked that people not pressure her right now, my sister blew up at me. The phone call ended badly.

I love my siblings, but really want a break from all of their drama. Emotions are running too high and I can no longer cope with being yelled at because people are upset. No one is trying to attack anyone and the yelling sessions are more because they are concerned about my mom, but I have enough stress right now and just don't want to deal with it any longer.

There are no big family gatherings planned this summer, and I'm thankful.