Jun 30 2002
Good news/bad news
Things are looking up. Since it’s us, though, there is a decided good news/bad news flavor to it.
The doctors told Mom that she has a year or two. They are going to start some kind of hormone treatment to stop the cancer from spreading and to help with the pain. If it doesn’t work, then they’ll go on to chemo, radiation, and the really bad stuff. That’s about as good as one could hope for once they say “advanced breast cancer.” So good news: years, not months. Bad news: probably not more than two years. But who knows? That woman is a survivor. And she has a positive attitude, which goes a long way.
My sister Megan has spent the past few months training to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). She got her exam results in Friday’s mail, and I am proud to report that she got 100% on the practical and 90% on the written. Also on Friday, the Coast Hospital called to see if she could come in to talk with them about the one EMT opening they have, which she applied for on the day she had her accident. Ironically, she was on her way to drop off her application when it happened, so she ended up at the hospital after all, just not the way she intended. But she did drop off her application once they released her from the ER.
So she went in to talk to them yesterday, and just when they were offering her the job, they got a call, and asked Megan to come with them. But the call was, sadly, for a 22 year old boy who had committed suicide with a deer rifle. There was little to do but listen to his stilled heart and call the time of death before the police took over.
Megan took it well. I guess it’s a baptism by fire that shows she can do the job. One intense first day at work! Good news: you get the job. Bad news: you have to immediately go to a suicide scene. But I guess if you take on that kind of job, you have to expect that kind of thing.
I’m so proud of her! And I’m glad my Mom is OK for now.
Things are looking up.
4 Responses to “Good news/bad news”
I admire your ability to look for the positive in an otherwise dismal situation. I’m not sure I could be as strong. I’m thinking of you and your mom…
Congrats to Megan on her excellent scores. We desperately need more competent medics in the field and I hope she realizes that the learning has only just begun…
I am thinking about you and your mom. Although, I have never lost my mom, my grandfather, who is the sole man in my family, has had five strokes in the past ten years. Needless to say, he is losing it; he is not what he used to be – forgetful, frequently unable to recognize where he is, and his legs don’t work. It was hard on me and my family. Although, I cannot understand your situation, I can understand how hard it is to see someone you love get terminally ill.
Stay cool. And positive.
Suzy, I’m not sure what to say about your mom — other than that I’ll be thinking of you both and sending strength your way.
That is great about your sister. I have so much respect for people who work on the front lines like that.
I second the kudos to your sister, that’s great news! I have so much respect for EMTs!
I’m so sorry about your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You’re right, a positive attitude does go a long way. *hugs*