I know not bike or tri related but I have been a member here forever, Slowtwitch has been a big part of my and my wife’s life so chill or stop reading if you think this has no place on a tri forum. Short version Kathy tells me I have breast cancer,after caring for her for ten years because of a bad back it’s the last thing I want to hear,she finds a large lump and never says a word. When she does she tells me this will bankrupt us. Doctor says stage 4 bad stuff but we know how to treat this type and this will not kill you. Next step chemo, where she did great, mri looks great,tumor shrinking after chemo getting ready for double mast go to Tampa cancer another mri and was told total cancer free neck down.
Friday Dec 6th she drives me to ER I crash riding off road in the dark,not a sign of anything strange going on,two days later she’s acting strange,go see her doctor,he says something is wrong off for a mri .minutes after mri is read 6 tumors go to radiation next day everyday if you don’t shes dead in two weeks,doc tells me I can give you time,Kathys did well till the end then the treatments took there toll and she would not eat or drink for over a week,i got her eating again got her doing pretty well. Sad thing her brain is fried no short term memory she loves visitors and has the mind of a ten year old and needs help walking to the bathroom and eating,OK I have my wife I can care for her like this till my end days,but now shes declining even though the last mri says the tumors are shrinking and it will not be long till she will go.
The tough thing for me? she has always done so much for others mentoring,teaching,giving that I allways felt left out,overlooked,she allways had some project saving something/someone.Shes 58 and the best person you could ever meet and for months friends from all over the country have been coming to visit,and I still can not wrap my head around this.Please forgive just felt Slowtwitch needed to know since so many hours have been spent here. Tell your loved ones you love them live is to short Peace out Randall
Wow, that’s some heavy stuff. I’m sorry to hear about your situation, but I thank you for taking the time to let us know and to remind us how important the life of our loved ones is.
You have every right to post to a community like this. Im sending good thoughts your way…
Sometimes real life is needed to put the important stuff into perspective - life isn’t about trivial triathlon related things.
Take care and all the best to you and your family.
This is such a difficult situation it may be said you are currently experiencing trauma.
It is important that you also have support at this time to help process the intense thoughts and emotions you are experiencing and will experience and to find acceptance and meaning.
Many people find Grief / Bereavement Counsellors especially helpful.
Self-compassion - be kind to yourself too.
Sending you positive vibes.
Randall, we support you 100%.
Cancer is hell. I’m very sorry. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
Andrew
i am with you brother.
Remember the times you had and treasure the time you have left…
Our thoughts are with you.
Brad
Thanks for your openness
you’re in my thoughts and prayers tonight.
andrew
I lost my grandpa to cancer. I hate it, every single day. I hate this disease. You have every single right to come here and post this. We may talk about wheels, bikes, shoes, training, whatever it is and we may fight and argue about stupid stuff, but we are one huge triathlete family. We will support you. Thanks for posting, maybe it helped to relieve some stress. I watched my grandpa go from the strongest man I have ever known to a weak, fragile, man because of cancer. We are here for you, anytime you want to come and talk. Prayers for you and your family.
Peace
.
Randall, we support you 100%.
Yes. Thank you for sharing your story. And reminding us that life is precious and sometimes much to short.
But it sounds like she had a wonderful giving life full of love.
Very sorry to hear…
Lost my Mom to cancer last month. From 1st diagnosis it was only 6 weeks. But it would be much much harder if it was my wife.
I don’t even have words. I am so sorry for what you guys are going through. Take care of yourself
Randall, I’m so sorry – I’m sure your wife’s decline feels like one loss already, while you’re waiting for a much bigger one. Please take care of yourself. We don’t realize how much it takes out of us as caregivers… it takes a toll. One you may not recognize right away, as you’re so focused on your wife. Taking a break or doing something for yourself is not a sign of weakness or selfishness (I know it can feel that way). My best wishes to you and your wife.
I am so, so sorry to hear what you’re going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Kathy.
Michelle
Thank you for sharing your story. Praying for both you and your wife that you may find some sort of strength and peace.
Sending positive energy your way, best thoughts, and my hopes.
Toolguy,
I am really sorry to hear this. Even though it is “just” a forum on the internet, people do get to know each other and develop relationships. You have many people thinking of you and your wife and praying for you. You probably also have quite a few virtual hugs heading your way. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your families.
Nick
Thoughts and prayers
thanks for the reminder
best to you and family Randall
.