grim news about my mom

I'm experimenting with using this blog as a tool to communicate with family and friends.

This was the first email I sent Sunday Nov. 23, 2008 - 5 days after we received the news that my, never-sick-a day-in-her life, (ok, there was that trip to Reno where she infected all of us with something that felt like ebola) mother was told she had advanced lung cancer:

Aloha,

Apologies for sending the mass email. I don't have the heart to send this update more than one time.Last week my mother was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Those of you who know her as someone in good health will not be surprised to hear that she was not presenting typical symptoms, hence the late diagnosis.

The medical process has kicked in with full urgency and we should know the extent of the spread by end of next week. I'm assisting with id-ing a couple of 2nd opinion options (including one here in CA) and plan to spend most of the month of December thru the 1st week of January, in Hawai'i. Mom's heart is open to the universe right now, trying to stay in touch with her best instincts so she is ready to make decisions as things unfold.

If treatment stays an option she will give it a try. She is content with her life right now so this horrible news is pretty much just that, horrible news. Again, no surprise, my mother would not change one bit of her life. She continues to live it true to herself and is enjoying each moment as she always has.

You're getting this email because I think you would want to know this info. I will not be sending another mass email, but I will respond to anyone who writes back.

Thank you for your understanding.

Gay