Karyn,
I am undergoing chemo (taxotere, carboplatin, and herceptin) for mets to liver, bones, lungs, and chest lymph (all too numerous to count). I am only 42. My original dx as stage 1 was only 20 monthes ago. I would be happy to talk with your mom. (dawcmwebb4@verizon.net)
You need to be aware of the fact that your mom is working through a grieving process that starts when a person is dx'd with stage 4 cancer. Let her work through it on her own time table, while supporting her. Don't put added pressure on her by telling her how she should be acting (or reacting) about this dx. There is no right way to act. There are feelings that she has and can not express to anyone who has not faced this. The fact that she is willing to undergo chemo tells you that she is still willing to fight this. She is going through a chemical onslaught to her system that makes it very hard to be "upbeat". Not to mention the emotional and spiritual battles she's fighting. Her future was yanked out from under her. And if you say, "No, you still have lots of time left!", you are only adding pressure. She will come to the point where every day is precious, and she will live that way. Give her time.
Cathy
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