Marvin's brother has cancer

[petey]

Marvin's brother Walt has had bad news again.  Last week, the doctors discovered he had Stage 4 esphogeal cancer; they also think it's in his lymph nodes and maybe his lungs.  This is the brother who had pancreatic cancer (and surgery) in November.  To me, he never really "got well."  And, now, I tend to think that it was spreading even then.  Walt's down to about 130 pounds.  He went to Duke Hospital today and is scheduled to go back next Monday.  The doctors tell him surgery isn't an option this time; they're planning chemo and radiation.  But, I'm not sure there's anything that can help him.

Marvin lost another brother (Buddy) in January to pancreatic and liver cancer (only 28 days after finding out he had it), and we are still in shock and mourning over the loss of Buddy.  Losing another one so soon will break our hearts.

[rose1999]

Marsha and Marvin I am so sorry to hear this dreadful news, I will pray for Walt and for you both - and all the family.  I hope you may get a miracle although it sounds bleak.  You are such a lovely family and you certainly don't deserve to be going through all this again, life is s unfair, I have tears down my cheeks.  God bless you all, Rose xx

[okarol]

  Oh Marsha, this is just awful - I am so sorry for your family.
Please let us know how it's going.
Sending you love and hugs.      

[monrein]

What horrible news for your family Petey.  I'll be thinking of you . 

[willieandwinnie]

  Oh petey. I will say extra prayers for Walt and his family and for Marvin and you. What horrible news to read with all that is going on. I am so sorry. 

[willowtreewren]

 

Marsha, you and Marvin need to draw on some special strength from others. I hope knowing that your IHD family cares will help.

Aleta

[David13]

You are your family are in my thoughts.   

[Chris]

I am at a loss of words to say that others have already said.

[paris]

This is such a hard time.  My thoughts and prayers are with you, Marvin and his family.   

[glitter]

Oh My Goodness- I just saw this - your poor family- you guys have so much love for each other- I will be thinking of you and sending strong thoughts of strength your way!!   

[petey]

Marvin's brother Walt (pancreatic cancer found last November -- surgery -- chemo -- cancer spread from there) is not doing well at all.  They have stopped the chemo because the doctors said it wasn't doing anything (we had all suspected this because Walt looks and feels awful).  On Thursday, the doctors said there is nothing else they can do for him; they have recommended that Hospice be called in.

Walt and his wife are having a very difficult time with this.  Basically, I think they're in denial (as is understandable).  They say, "Something else will come along for the doctors to try."  But the rest of the family realizes that this is the end (though we still try to bolster Walt and wife because they're hanging on to the hope that there's something...).  Right now, Walt's wife is refusing Hospice; she said Hospice was for people with less than 6 months to live and she doesn't believe Walt fits in that category.  Just from looking at Walt, I don't see how he'll live six more weeks -- much less six months.  But, we're trying not to interfere with their decisions.

Since we just lost another brother (Buddy) in January to pancreatic cancer, this situation with Walt is bringing back some tough memories.  Marvin, his sister, and his other two brothers are clinging to each other.  It's a sad, sad time for our family.

Now to add some more bad news.  Another brother (Ron) had a biopsy Thursday.  The doctors think he has prostate cancer.  We'll know the results in the latter part of next week.  There is none of this that is fair.  There is none of this that is easy.

Through it all, though, Marvin remains strong.  He has become the rock that the rest of the family is leaning on.  Funny thing is --- the rest of them thought that Marvin would be the first to go.  Marvin tells them now that he will be the last -- he even says he'll out-live his nieces and nephews!

Please remember Marvin's family in your prayers.  The next few weeks/months will be tough ones again for us.
 

[monrein]

So sorry to read of this Petey.  My thoughts are with your family. 

[pelagia]

I will be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.   

[glitter]

Its so unfair-your family is suffering such pain. I will keep you'all in my thoughts, and know I wish for peace for you guys. I don't know what else to say- I hate it that you have to go through this. Words seem so inadequate. 

[willowtreewren]

So sorry for you and Marvin, Petey.

I understand the denial part. It may be the only way they can cope.

Hugs and kind thoughts.

 

Aleta

[willieandwinnie]

  Oh petey, this just breaks my heart. How much can one family endure?  I will say special prayers for Walt and pray that his wife realizes that Hospice is for Walts comfort and hers. Will keep praying and thinking about you and Marvin. Bless Marvins heart. 

[lola]

 

[okarol]

I am so sorry petey. 

[del]

Life is so unfair petey.  Denial may be the only way they can deal with the situation.  My thoughts are with you.  Take care. 

[Jean]

So sorry Petey. Really.

[rose1999]

Just checked in to see how you all are and I'm so sorry to read this, life sure is unfair.  You, Marvin and all your family are in my prayers 

[kitkatz]

Petey I do not have the words to tell you how all of this is so sad for you and your husband! 

[petey]

Marvin's brother Walt is much, much worse.  His wife relented and let Hospice come in to help Sunday afternoon.  The last two days and two nights have been extremely difficult.  Walt is very weak, in a great deal of pain, and swollen tremendously.  It is so very sad to watch.

Brother Ron's biopsy results came back, and it is prostate cancer.  It's like our whole family is living under a dark, dark cloud.  We are devastated.  Please pray for us.

[Wenchie58]

There are no words...... 

[KT0930]