29 year old husband has brain tumor

kids · Mar 10, 2003

Originally posted by ozzie sue
...Find out as much as you can re the type of tumour and it parculiar characteristics - that may help. be strong, chin up and good luck

My thoughts also. As a nurse you will likely pick up the "worst case senerio" in everything you read but at the same time the knowlege is comforting...I would suggest researching the types of tumors, tx modalities, commonly used drugs etc. A good starting point is http://www.cancer.org

My Mom passed due to non-small cell lung ca on 2/28, I know learning everything I could about it helped me a great deal...deffinately made me feel less powerless about it all.

NursieRN · Mar 10, 2003

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We

are all here for you if you want to talk or vent any time.

susanmary · Mar 10, 2003

Prayers and positive thoughts to your family. Remember that you are never alone (even though you may feel you are.) Let others support you -- tell them what you need at that moment ... make a list of things you need done ... and don't hesitate to ask. Whether you let others help by carpooling, taking your kids to the library/playdate, chores, make some soup/casserole you can freeze ... or even pick up that loaf of bread you need -- tell them. Do not isolate yourself and please let others help. If your 5-year old is in school, please speak with the teacher so that he/she can support your child through this difficult time. Once again, please know that many prayers are being said for your family ... and even through this most difficult time ... embrace your loved ones and continue to live your life. God bless.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2003

Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way....

Hardknox · Mar 10, 2003

Jaystrupp--this is horrible. Are you sure it is cancerous? My husband had a brain tumor removed--it turned out to be benign. He did loose his hearing and has right sided facial paralysis and no blink reflex in his right eye. He says this is a small price to pay for living.

His operation took 12 hours and he was back to work in 6 weeks. He would literally stagger home he was so tired, but this was his motivating force--we had 3 kids in college.

I agree that it's worse knowing the "what if's", being a nurse, but try to block them out and concentrate on one thing at a time. You will find that both of you have strengths you never knew existed. We have never been so frightened in our lives but we pulled through and you and your husband will, too.

As for the kids seeing his seizure, kids are more resilient than we give them credit for. My husband looked like Rocky after his 4th fight when he was post-op (wait awhile for the kids to see him) but my kids, although older than yours, don't remember that now.

My advice is to take one day at a time, to pray a lot, and to use all the support you can find from family and friends. Seek the best doctors and treatment.

Looking back on this ordeal I can say it was something both my husband and I and the children could have done with out but it turned out to have positive aspects for us. We all got our priorities straight, saw how fragile life really is and found out that the most important thing is faith, family and friends.

I pray for a positive outcome for you and you family.

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Mar 10, 2003

Jayme,

You are going to stand strong for your husband and little ones, and you're going to make it through this. You will use strength and energy that you never knew you had. Just remember, this will all be over and done with one day soon.

Yeah, having knowledge can be tough at times, but you know something----- your husband will get the best of care because of the 2 little inititals that you have after your name. You'll make damn sure of that. :cool:

I wish I had some words of wisdom or advice for you. Just know that you will have vibes coming from all over the place, sending you and your family strength, love, and hugs.

kids · Mar 10, 2003

Merged with same thread in Oncology (sorry for any confusion it creates)

Tweety, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2003

No words of wisdom. Good luck to you.

Take things one day at a time. Projection can be your worst enemy. Find your joy where you can.

CountrifiedRN · Mar 10, 2003

Originally posted by Spazzy Nurse
I wish I had some words of wisdom or advice for you. Just know that you will have vibes coming from all over the place, sending you and your family strength, love, and hugs.

Thoughts and prayers for you and your family. May your husband have a speedy recovery, and your family gain strength from this time of hardship.

jude11142 · Mar 10, 2003

Jayme,

My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Having a husband myself who has serious health problems and who has gone through several serious surgeries etc....I can relate to how you must be feeling. I know that it's not easy but try to be positive. Reach out to others who are in similiar situations. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Many times the fear of the unknown is the worse.

A co-worker of mine had a brain tumor(Pituitary), and they are usually curable. She is now cancer-free. It is heartbreaking to have such a diagnosis at any time, but seems especially cruel and unfair when it is someone young.

Positive thoughts and prayers to you and family,

JUDE

NurseRachy · Mar 10, 2003

Unfortunately I can't offer you any spectacular words of wisdom, but i am sending my hope, love and best wishes your way!

Don't forget to also take some special time out for yourself, and ask your friends for help - they will appreciate it!

Love Rachel @}-->-------

anitame · Mar 10, 2003

I'm so sorry you and your family have to go through this. I'll be praying for you and your children. Please keep us updated. There is a lot of support to be had on this board.