3, not 1

2010 has not been a kind year to my mother-in-law health wise.  And the worst blow was just given.  Over the course of the year, it was found that she has 3, not 1, types of cancer.  Theoretically unrelated.  There have been 3 surgeries and 2 "procedures" this year.  Up until Tuesday, she was told all of the cancers were stage 1 and that no chemo or radiation would be needed.  At her follow up appointment from her most recent surgery that was a couple of weeks ago, she was told that this last cancer is a stage 3.  She was told that she needs chemo and hormone replacement therapy.  If she does those things, then her 3 year survival rate is 50% and her 5 year survival rate is 40%.  At this point she thinks she is going to do the chemo.

She wants to stay in her hometown for this.  She lives alone and gets very little support from my sister-in-law, her daughter.  Jet has gone up there after each surgery to care for her until she has been ready to care for herself.   We have invited her down to stay with us while she is having treatments.  We will ask again.  Jet, and my, worries are mainly concerned with how she is going to be able to make it through the chemo treatments on her own.  Having my MIL live with us would drive me crazy.  Knowing she is alone and watching Jet worry about her being alone will be worse.  Never knowing when Jet will have to leave and go take care of her will be tiring.  All of his vacation time this past year was spent taking care of her while the boys and I remained here in our home.  It is looking like next year will bring more of the same.

At this point, the main thing I can do is pray.  And remind myself

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I can not change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.