Marvin's brother has cancer

[willieandwinnie]

petey, any update on Walt? We are praying for him and all of you. 

[petey]

Walt is doing exceptionally well.  He's been up and walking around (almost once an hour).  The pain is subsiding and he's using less and less of the pain meds.  The incision is healing beautifully, and his surgeon said she'd talk about letting him come home next Tuesday!  That's going to be so much better for him and his wife.  Marvin's working now trying to get a home health agency to come on board.  Walt still has the feeding tube, so they'll need help with that.  Walt's wife came home for the weekend (left their 19-year-old grandson up there to help Walt), and she plans to go back Sunday.  The doc said she'll be getting the "plan" together for his chemo/radiation treatments (he should be able to go to a hospital about 30 minutes from us for that -- so that will be much easier).  The surgeon said she's not saying she got it "all," but she thinks she got most of it.  That, we take, as good news.

Now for some bad news.  Another of Marvin's brothers (he has four brothers all together) has been having some problems lately and has had a series of tests.  He got the results back yesterday (Friday).  Buddy (who's 2 years older than Walt and 12 years older than Marvin) has liver cancer!  They think it may have also spread into his pancreas.  The family is in shock!  How could this have happened to two brothers within such a short time of each other?  What in the world are we going to do?

[Bajanne]

You are going to do just what you did for Walt - be supportive and go through this with him.  Family is what matters in dealing with challenges.
My caring thoughts and prayers are with you all.

[willieandwinnie]

You are going to do just what you did for Walt - be supportive and go through this with him.  Family is what matters in dealing with challenges.
My caring thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Exactly what bajanne said petey, love, support and prayer. 

[okarol]

Damn 

[boxman55]

I am so sorry to here this. please know I am saying a prayer for your entire family...Boxman

[rose1999]

Oh Marsha, when I started to read your post I was so pleased but what a blow.  I can't make it better but please know my caring thoughts and prayers are with you and all of the family.  I hope things get better real soon.
Love to all of you xxxx

[petey]

It's all very overwhelming right now.  I imagine that when it sinks in and we get on the track of trying to get both of these men better (well ? even) it will be easier to bear.

It's funny, but Marvin has always been the baby (the first five kids were born within 7 years of each other -- then eight years later, Marvin came along  ).  Marvin has always, always been the true baby -- they even call him "Baby Marvin" to his face (and he's 53 years old and about 250 pounds!)  But, with all of these most recent things, Marvin has stepped up and become like the "big brother."  He's been there for the others, loaned a shoulder to lean on, helped get some logistical things figured out.  All week long, he's been the family "contact" for Walt -- Walt's wife called Marvin, and then he, in turn, had to make calls to the rest of the family. Marvin was the one they called to be there when they told Buddy about his results yesterday.  I continue to be amazed at the strength Marvin has -- and I always thought I married him just for those sexy blue, blue eyes!

[monrein]

Petey, I'm so sorry to hear this latest news about Marvin's other brother.  Sending you all my love and prayers. 

[pelagia]

no sense to this, none at all 

for all concerned 

[G-Ma]

Oh Lord, what a blow.  The good thing of all this is your family is so very supportive to each other and for each other.  We are praying for all of you.
Ann

[paris]

Petey, just keep putting one foot in front of the other, like you have for years.  Not easy but somehow the human spirit keeps on going.  My husband's sister died of breast cancer and then three months later his other sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.   My brother in law has liver failure and Monday my brother is having a liver scan because they think his is also failing.  I am now becoming the healthy one in the family!   So, put on that smile and stand tall.  You may have to be the strong one for Marvin's family.  I know it is a very hard role so come here and lean on us.    I am sorry this is happening.  You are all in my prayers.    

[petey]

Marvin and I have been busy lately trying to help with both brothers.  Walt (had surgery on Dec. 8 -- doc thinks she got it all) has been home since Dec. 16.  He has an open wound, and I've been changing the packing and dressing for him (the home health nurse said his insurance would only pay for three visits from her -- WTF?  This man has an open wound that will take weeks to heal).  Walt's wife was a little bit nervous about it all.  Fortunately for Walt, I have lots of experience with open wounds (my Marvin has had too many to count -- I've packed some, we've used the "wound vac" on some).  He also has a feeding tube, but his wife is taking care of this part (I have no experience with these things -- thank goodness).  Marvin and I go by Walt's house twice a day so I can change his packing/dressing and Marvin can do little "honey-do" chores around the house for Walt's wife (he put up a new porch light a few days ago!).  Walt's recovering, but I think he still has a long way to go.

Marvin's other brother, Buddy, has received confirmation from the doctor that it is cancer of the liver and has spread to the pancreas.  Both organs are completely consumed, and surgery is not an option.  Buddy is in a lot of pain, and he stays in the bed almost all day every day.  He's going back to the doctor tomorrow to talk about chemo/radiation (which the doc says will ease some of the pain and may give him an extra month or two of life).  Right now, we're not sure that Buddy will try this.  I think he's given up.  He has gone down hill severely (both physically and emotionally) in the last two weeks.  Marvin, oldest brother Jim, and Buddy's daughter are going with him to see the doc in the morning.

It was a difficult Christmas for Marvin's family.  We're praying for a miracle with both brothers, but, more than anything else, we're praying that neither will have to suffer. 

[Chris]

That seems very odd that insurance will only cover 3 visits. Seems someone has to fight tooth and nail with the insurance.

Sorry to hear about Buddy also.

[rose1999]

Marsha I wish I could put my arms around you and Marvin.    I will hold you all in my thoughts and prayers and above all pray that Buddy does not suffer.

[okarol]

  So much to deal with - sending hugs and prayers your way.

[Wattle]

 

[willieandwinnie]

Oh petey, I am so sorry, All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers. Marsha, you are an angel for all you do. 

[lola]

 

[kitkatz]

I can only send you hugs during this time 

[aharris2]

Petey, I am sure that it is difficult to be changing dressings twice a day without any help from home health aides, but I am sure you are doing a much better job for Walt than they would because you care.

We wish the best for you, Marvin and his family. I wish no one ever had to go through this kind of stuff. When no treatment options are left, as much as I hate to say this, be sure Hospice is contacted. They will not let Buddy suffer. However, I truly hope your family gets its miracle. Rolando and I, we believe.

 

Alene and Rolando

[G-Ma]

We just got back from the mountains.  I am so very sorry to hear about Marvin's other brother.  I pray you all have the strength needed to continue this fight.
Ann

[del]

  

[thegrammalady]

petey, if it isn't one thing it's another. life is what happens when you're busy making other plans  even though things are not going well, marvin is lucky to have such a strong family group. my ex-husband comes from a very large family, his mother had 10 siblings his father 11. the only time most of them speak to each other is weddings and funerals. know that we are all thinking of you and hoping for the best outcomes possible and wish we were there to help.

[monrein]

I'm hoping that 2009 will be a much better year for all of you.