Support resources for families dealing with cancer and other serious illnesses

velvettiger90 said:Hey everyone!🙂

I've got two questions—fingers crossed someone here might have the answers!🙂

So, my mom is 62, and back in December, she went through a mastectomy and reconstruction for ductal breast cancer. Out of the 18 lymph nodes they removed, one came back positive—plus, they had to clear out a benign tumor from her other breast too. The main oncology board recommended going all out with aggressive chemo followed by hormone therapy since the cancer is hormone-positive. But here’s where things get tricky—two other oncologists (who aren't part of that specific board) are pushing back. They're worried the heavy-duty chemo might be way too much for her to handle, especially considering her history with a stroke, 65% blockage in her carotid arteries, and angina. They’re actually suggesting we skip the chemo entirely and just stick to hormone therapy. I wanted to reach out and see if anyone here has any insight—like, what are the actual odds of the cancer returning if we only go the hormone therapy route? To add to the confusion, their doctors are all on different pages! One suggested monitoring her other breast, liver, and bones every six months, while her surgeon argued that bone monitoring isn't even necessary because this specific type rarely spreads there. He also agreed that the chemo might do more harm than good given her heart health—he even mentioned it could potentially be fatal. I know nobody wants to play doctor or give a definitive prognosis—and honestly, I totally get why—but if anyone has even a rough idea based on what you've seen, I’d really appreciate it.

Back when my mom was in the hospital, I started getting this pain in my left breast—right on the outer side—and it would flare up several times throughout the day. Honestly, I panicked. I tried to be brave and just endured it for a few days, but eventually, my boyfriend talked me into actually checking, and I couldn't feel anything unusual. The pain actually vanished for about ten days, but then, just a week ago, it came right back—same spot, same recurring stabs throughout the day. On top of that, for the last three or four days, my left armpit has been hurting too; sometimes it just happens out of nowhere, and other times it hits when I lift something heavy (though once, lifting something heavy actually made my right side ache, too—weird, right?). I’ll admit it, I’m a total chicken—I am absolutely terrified to go poking at my left breast again. After everything Mom went through, the fear is just overwhelming. I'm only 22, and I really need to know: is there a chance that all of this is just psychosomatic? Is there any possibility that this isn't cancer and that the pain is being caused by something else entirely?😢 I haven't been sleeping a wink lately—honestly, my sleep schedule is a total wreck. It’s a mix of worrying about Mom, stressing over my own stuff, and just dealing with life throwing everything at me all at once. I honestly don't know how I'd even begin to cope if I were the one facing a cancer diagnosis myself... it's just wild how everything hit the fan at the exact same time. I'm crossing my fingers and praying hard that I'm just overthinking things and that I'm wrong about the worst part.

You really have to stay healthy for Mom's sake—so definitely get to the doctor as soon as possible just to make sure everything is okay and get that peace of mind! I don't have any personal experience with breast cancer, so unfortunately, I can't offer much help here.

velvettiger90 said:Hi everyone,🙂
2. While I was actually in the hospital, I started feeling pain in my left breast—specifically on the outer side. It happened a few times throughout the day. Honestly, I panicked. I tried to tough it out for a few days, but eventually, my boyfriend nudged me to check myself, though I couldn't feel any lumps. The pain subsided for about ten days, but then a week ago, it came back. Same spot, same recurring discomfort several times a day. On top of that, for the last three or four days, my left armpit has been aching too—sometimes randomly, sometimes when I lift something heavy (though once, lifting something heavy actually made my right side ache as well). I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a coward; I’m terrified to palpate my left breast again. Given everything my mother went through, the fear is overwhelming. I'm 22, and I'm wondering if there's any chance all this could be psychosomatic? Is there a possibility this isn't cancer, but something else entirely?😢 I haven't been sleeping well at night, partly because of Mom, partly because of myself, and partly due to other issues. I honestly don't know how I would cope if I were facing a diagnosis myself. It feels surreal how everything has aligned this way. I am desperately hoping I'm wrong...

Is there any chance you bumped yourself or sustained some kind of minor injury? Something similar happened to me recently; my boyfriend gave me a hug that was perhaps a little too enthusiastic, and afterward, my breast (the left one, coincidentally) felt swollen and painful for about ten days. Things seemed fine, until a month later when the swelling and pain returned. I was just as terrified to see a doctor, especially since my mother passed away from ovarian cancer. Eventually, I managed to pull myself together and went in for a Doppler ultrasound. Everything turned out fine—just a tiny bit of swelling, not even a hematoma. I haven't had any issues since then.
Go get checked out just for your own peace of mind. You need to stay strong for your mom; she needs you right now.
I don't have any firsthand experience with breast cancer, so unfortunately, I can't offer much specific guidance here.

My Sveki is eating like a wolf... she’s feeling absolutely great... yeeeeeeeeeeessssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am happy as a little kid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I haven't been around here in a while—thankfully, I’m not back because of some new disaster. I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you to Angela Wright and slyseal28 for everything you've done for this absolute circus of a country and its broken healthcare system. You two have accomplished so much in such a short window; you've truly become a massive, vital voice for us all. I hope you're as proud of yourselves as I am of you. Honestly, I feel a bit ashamed that I didn't have the strength to do more after everything my father and his buddy put me through, but I'm hoping to make things right soon...

Megan Lewis said:I haven't been around here in a while, and thank God I didn't come back looking for trouble. I just want to give a massive shout-out to Angela Wright and slyseal28 for everything they've done for this absolute circus of a country and its dysfunctional healthcare system. You two have accomplished so much in such a short window; you’ve truly become a powerful, vital voice. I hope you’re as proud of yourselves as I am of you. Honestly, I feel a bit ashamed that I didn't find the strength to do more after everything my father and his "partner in crime" put us through, but I'm hoping to make things right soon...

I'm assuming you've been watching the news. 😁
Thanks for the kind words, though nothing would make us happier—seriously, nothing in the world—than seeing you step up and raise your voice for those who are living out their agony in a silent scream behind thick hospital walls.
That goes for all of you here on the forum. Without that collective push, we aren't moving an inch!

Angela Wright said:I’m assuming you were watching TV. 😁
I appreciate the kind words, truly, though I have to wonder—wouldn't it be infinitely more rewarding, perhaps the most fulfilling thing in the world, if you actually stepped up and raised your voice for those people who spend their lives trapped in that silent, agonizing scream of pain behind thick, unyielding walls?
This applies to all of you, my dear fellow forum members. Without that, there’s just no moving forward, is there?

It’s one of those things that makes you stop and wonder if we actually understand the biological machinery running inside us, isn't it? I was reading this piece about how cancer cells don't like raspberries, which sounds like something out of a children's fable rather than a serious medical discussion, but there is a certain logic to the idea that specific compounds might disrupt the way these cells behave. It brings up this concept of a raspberry tumor aversion station—if you can even call it that—suggesting that certain natural elements might trigger a sort of defensive response in the cellular structure. Of course, when you look at the research coming out of places like the Mayo Clinic or the work being done by organizations like the American Cancer Society, you realize that while the idea of fruit fighting back is charming, the actual science is incredibly dense and far more complex than just adding more berries to a diet. We often search for these simple, almost poetic answers to such terrifying problems, don't we? We want to believe that nature has provided a built-in defense mechanism against something as relentless as malignancy. It makes me think about how much we still have to learn from the basic building blocks of life. If a simple molecule found in a common fruit can influence the environment of a cell, what else are we overlooking because we’re too focused on synthetic solutions? It’s a quiet, unassuming thought, really, but it lingers. Is it possible that the keys to some of our greatest medical breakthroughs are sitting right there in the produce aisle, waiting for us to figure out the chemistry behind them? It's a strange, slow realization to come to, but then again, science rarely moves in a straight line.

Angela Wright, you really deserve all the credit here! 😍

I was just sitting there, right in the middle of reading an article, when the call came in from the clinic asking if we could bring my mom in for her PET CT scan.
One guy decided to bail on his appointment at the last minute, so we just stepped in to fill that gap.
And that’s that, I suppose. She managed to get through that part of it too, which is something. Everything should be ready to go in about a week.

Drew Thompson5
I have to admit, I’m feeling a little bit envious of your situation. 😳

My old lady is eating fine, she’s got an appetite, and she spends her days wandering around the neighborhood, but honestly, she looks like she’s just walking around as a living ghost. 😢
It’s been over three months since the surgery, and honestly, I’m just sitting here staring at the clock, waiting for something—anything—to change, yet I can't see even the tiniest bit of progress. Is it normal for things to stay this stagnant for this long, or am I just stuck in this holding pattern?
I'm starting to have these doubts about whether recovery is actually going to happen. 😢

Back in 1993, Pope John Paul II declared World Patient Day specifically to shine a light on those facing terminal illnesses. In response to the Holy Father's call, oncology patients and the American Cancer Society—specifically through the "Together Against Cancer" initiative—are demanding that health administrators actually take notice of the suffering they’re ignoring. It is frankly unacceptable how the current funding levels for medical institutions remain embarrassingly low. This lack of financial support creates a direct roadblock, preventing doctors from performing the essential medical procedures required to actually cure patients or, at the very least, improve their quality of life.

Fighting the oncology waiting list is a battle we shouldn't have to fight. It’s a systemic failure when patients are left sitting in limbo while their condition progresses. We need more than just sympathy; we need action to streamline access to care and get people into treatment immediately.

Because of aggressive cost-cutting measures, countless cancer patients are being denied a fighting chance at recovery. Doctors aren't allowed to admit this, nor can they speak openly about how they actually treat patients or the impossible conditions they’re forced to work under—because the second someone breaks rank, they face the consequences. Our healthcare system is becoming defined by arbitrary budget caps and rigid quotas imposed on hospitals and clinics. A doctor's success in running a medical facility is now measured by how well they manage a spreadsheet rather than their ability to cure disease, advance medical science, or respect patient rights. It’s all about hitting limits. In their day-to-day practice, physicians can't just follow what a patient's condition demands; they have to constantly look over their shoulder at the interests of the administration. Patients get stalled; the timely interventions that medical expertise dictates simply don't happen unless we're talking about a patient who can foot the bill themselves. As the system prioritizes the bottom line, it becomes increasingly difficult to provide the right medication at the right time, let alone ensure that a person can face the end of their life with dignity.

The American Cancer Society—under their "Together Against Cancer" banner—is stepping up and demanding that hospitals increase both their patient capacity and their bed counts specifically for oncology care. Their stance is pretty blunt: you can't squeeze better outcomes out of a shrinking budget. It’s basic math. If you cut funding, you lose access to sophisticated diagnostic testing, and without those high-level scans and specialized tools, you aren't getting accurate diagnoses or providing the quality treatment patients actually need to survive.

When someone walks into a hospital, they need to feel certain that they’ll be admitted, examined, and treated properly. A patient needs to know their doctor has the green light to do whatever is medically necessary to address their condition—they shouldn't be hamstrung by ridiculously low quotas or arbitrary limits. At a recent press conference, it was made clear that this kind of "cost-cutting" focused solely on hitting budget targets isn't going to save the healthcare system from its current crisis. It certainly won't shorten waiting lists or fix the breakdown in communication between doctors and patients. In fact, the American Cancer Society, through their "Together Against Cancer" initiative, argues that these types of reforms actually destroy a doctor's professional reputation and wipe out the trust and honest dialogue required for effective care. Violating a patient's rights—rights that are fundamentally guaranteed by the Constitution—is a direct consequence of imposing these undignified quotas and limits.

Cleveland — a burning issue

According to epidemiological data from the CDC, the Mayo Clinic attracts patients from three different states, two of which suffer from an incredibly high incidence of malignant diseases. To provide adequate treatment for this entire patient population, the Mayo Clinic would need to allocate roughly $500,000 to its two specialized clinics. However, since August, the budget limits for both facilities have been slashed even further due to "operational streamlining" at the hospital level. As a result, we’re seeing a massive spike in the number of patients who aren't receiving the care they actually need. Now, those limits are... $217 What does it actually mean when only one out of every five patients facing a malignant disease can access quality treatment? It’s a staggering statistic that points to a massive, systemic failure in our healthcare infrastructure. We aren't just talking about a minor gap in service; we're talking about a reality where the vast majority of people fighting for their lives are left navigating a broken system without the high-level care they desperately need. It means that for most Americans, "fighting cancer" isn't just a biological battle—it's an uphill struggle against accessibility, cost, and a lack of specialized resources. When 80% of people are essentially sidelined from top-tier medical intervention, the system isn't just flawed; it's fundamentally broken.
Doctors are being forced to implement and extend these so-called waiting lists just to keep things from spiraling into absolute chaos. The American Cancer Society is making it crystal clear to the Department of Health and Human Services: these waiting lists shouldn't apply to oncology patients, period. We all know that when you're fighting cancer, every single day is a battle you can't afford to lose. You can't go around "rationalizing" costs by making the patients pay the price with their lives.
The American Cancer Society, through its "Together Against Cancer" initiative, is issuing a direct call to action for those in charge. We are demanding that the Director of the Mayo Clinic, Prof. Dr. Herman Haller, take IMMEDIATE steps to raise coverage limits. This isn't just a request—it's a necessity to ensure that every single patient battling a malignant disease can actually access the treatment they need.
The American Cancer Society's "Together Against Cancer" group just sent a clear message to the Department of Health and Human Services: stop judging hospital leadership by how much they can slash budgets or trim the fat. Real success should be measured by patient outcomes and recovery rates, not by how effectively administrators can cut costs and squeeze the margins.

Members of the American Cancer Society "Together Against Cancer":
"For a New Day," "Jeda," "All for Her!", "Europacolon," "Krijesnica," "Sanus," "Europa Donna," "American Laryngectomy Association," "American Leukemia and Lymphoma Association," "American Hospice Friends Association"

Angela Wright said:World Patient Day, which was established back in 1993 by Pope John Paul II, is dedicated to... Members of the American Cancer Society "

Please, don't take offense; I realize I'm a newcomer here. I didn't show up on this distinguished forum out of boredom or a desire to spread negativity—quite the opposite, actually. It’s just that I finally find myself in need of the exact kind of support this thread was originally intended for. From what I can see, thanks to some truly remarkable individuals, this discussion has been sustained for years. Since my time is somewhat limited, and I notice the recent posts have focused almost exclusively on various cancers and their complications, I have to ask: is this space still meant to provide help to FAMILIES dealing with SERIOUS ILLNESSES? Here is my situation: at 46 years old (oops!), I was diagnosed with epilepsy after suffering three major seizures in quick succession. My wife, who is a bit older than I am, has been fighting the battle against our son's epilepsy since he was 17. The two people she loves most in this world are suffering from the same condition, and she is feeling practically powerless. That is why I am seeking practical advice here. You see, I've managed to stay relatively composed regarding my own diagnosis, but the family dynamic is a different story entirely. Does that make sense?

northernhawk7 said:..........Here’s the deal—at 46 years old (oops!), I was diagnosed with epilepsy after having three major seizures in a short span. My wife, who's a bit older than me, has been fighting this battle alongside our son since he was 17. Her two favorite guys are both dealing with this, and she feels pretty helpless right now. I'm looking for some solid advice here for both of us, because honestly, I'm handling my own diagnosis like a total pro, you know?

There is actually a pretty massive thread dedicated to epilepsy filled with tons of posts
where patients and parents of kids with epilepsy all share their stories
you'll find all sorts of different experiences and helpful tips there!

northernhawk7 said:Look, don't get mad at me just because I'm the new guy on the block. I didn't show up to this prestigious forum out of boredom or to rain on anyone's parade—far from it. It’s just that I finally need this thread for exactly what it was originally intended for, though it seems that thanks to some dedicated folks, the focus has shifted over the years. Since my time is limited, and I've noticed the recent posts have mostly centered around cancer and its complications, I have to ask: is this thread still meant to provide support for FAMILIES dealing with SEVERE ILLNESSES? Here is the deal—at 46 years old (oops!), I’ve been hit with epilepsy involving three major seizures in quick succession. My wife, who's a bit older than me, has been fighting her son's epilepsy since he was 17. Her two favorite people are suffering from the same condition, and she’s feeling completely helpless. That’s why I’m here; I need some practical advice. Personally, I'm handling my own diagnosis like a pro, you know?

Well, jadesailor14 already pointed you in the right direction. This thread is wide open for anyone facing serious health battles. It just so happens—whether by accident or design—that most of the conversation lately has revolved around cancer issues.
I see you're quoting the start of my post regarding World Patient Day just so there isn't any confusion... basically, the American Cancer Society used that occasion as a platform to raise awareness about one specific group of patients. Because of the nature of their illness, the sheer number of cases (about 25,000 new diagnoses every year), and the stigma that comes with the diagnosis, they wanted to alert the public to what is actually happening.

Doctors, I am bowing my head to you.🙏

Dear doctors, it’s high time you all stood up and fought back to defend the integrity of your profession!

Angela Wright said:I was reading this piece about the recent developments over at the Mayo Clinic regarding cancer treatment, and it really makes you wonder where we'll be in ten years, doesn't it? It’s one of those stories that sits with you, especially when you consider how much the field is shifting under our feet. You look at the way researchers are tackling these issues now compared to just a decade ago, and it feels like we're standing on the edge of something massive. Is it possible that the breakthroughs we're seeing today are just the tip of the iceberg? I can't help but think about the sheer scale of the effort involved—all those doctors working behind the scenes, trying to solve puzzles that seem almost impossible. It’s easy to get lost in the technicalities, but when you strip it all back, it's really about people and their hope for a better tomorrow. It’s a lot to process, honestly, and sometimes you just have to sit with that quiet realization that everything is changing.

Doctors, I offer you my deepest respects.🙏

Dear doctors, isn't it about time you all stood up and actually started defending the integrity of your own profession?

It’s just such a shame, isn't it? 😢

So, what are we actually supposed to do? Where do we even begin when everything feels this uncertain?
I honestly find it impossible to wrap my head around the fact that my mother spent thirty years paying into the healthcare system, only to reach this point where she can't even access decent care. How does that even make sense? You put in the time, you pay your dues, and yet when it actually matters, the support just isn't there. It feels fundamentally broken.

Kimberly Wright said:It’s pathetic, 😢

what can we even do?
I find it absolutely unthinkable that my mother paid into the healthcare system for 30 years only to be denied proper care now.

It is tragic, sure, but it's also setting a precedent because most doctors just stay quiet and keep their heads down. Finally, someone had the guts to step up and testify publicly and responsibly about how things actually function. This sheds a whole new light on the work our association does; otherwise, we just end up looking like a bunch of old gossips making stuff up out of thin air.

What should you do?

Stand up and speak out about what is happening to you. Don't let fear win! Politicians are nothing more than small-minded cowards who are terrified of regular people, but unfortunately, most people still haven't realized that power.

Can anyone help me out here? I’m really struggling to decide if I should go through with surgery for this brain tumor—a glioblastoma—or just skip it. Is life actually better if I choose not to do the surgery, radiation, and chemo? The tumor would stay put. I’ve been scrolling through posts for a few days now, but I just can't seem to find a straight answer to this. I'd be so grateful for any advice you all have.

Chloe Flores83 said:Can anyone help me figure out what the better move is—going through with brain tumor surgery for a glioblastoma, or skipping it entirely? Is the rest of life actually more livable without the surgery, radiation, and chemo? The tumor residue would still be there. I've been scrolling through posts for days now, and I just can't find a straight answer to this. I'd appreciate any insight at all.

Look, glioblastoma is an incredibly aggressive beast. You want to get as much of it out as humanly possible right from the jump. Doing the surgery is definitely about extending your timeline. While you can't always get everything, you can shrink the remaining mass, and if the body responds well to radiation and chemo, sometimes it can even vanish completely.
The hard truth is that you have to approach this knowing the goal is survival and quality of life. Right now, that’s the only hand medicine can play. That said, don't let the statistics crush you—there are people out there who defy every single medical prediction and live for years after a diagnosis like this.
No matter what kind of grim stuff you read online, you have to balance being optimistic with staying grounded in reality.

I'm happy to chat more if anyone has specific questions; I've been through enough of this to know.

Angela Wright said:What should we even do?

Stand up and just say it out loud—tell them how things actually work and what’s really going on. Don't let fear stop you, because honestly, most politicians are just small-minded types who are terrified of regular people, though unfortunately, it seems people haven't quite realized that yet.

I'm not so sure that individual acts of "standing up" actually achieve much on their own.
Real strength comes from numbers and staying united.
From where I'm sitting, it seems more logical to join forces with organizations that can act as a support system for their members.
Is that how the Association for a New Day operates?

Kimberly Wright said:I don't think there’s much point in focusing on isolated "rebellions."
Real strength comes from numbers and solidarity.
To me, the most logical way forward is leaning on associations that act as a safety net for their members.
Is that how 'For a New Day' operates?

Well, that’s exactly what we try to do, but there are times when the members themselves have to stand up alongside their association. The first thing a journalist ever asks us is: "Do you have a member willing to go on the record?"
In the case of Cleveland, we managed to protect the patient's identity because we were able to motivate the doctors to speak out. Things in Cleveland aren't settled yet; we'll see how this week plays out... Either they'll increase the limits for oncology, or we'll be forced to step in directly on behalf of the patient...

Angela Wright said:Glioblastoma is a really aggressive tumor, so getting as much of it out as possible is key. It definitely helps when it comes to extending life. You can shrink the remaining part, and in some cases, if they respond well to radiation and chemo, it might even disappear completely.
Sadly, we have to be upfront from the start: this is a disease where the main goal is to extend life as much as possible and make sure that life is high quality. For now, that’s pretty much all modern medicine can offer. But even so, there are people out there who beat all the statistics and live for years after the diagnosis.
No matter what you read online, you've got to try to stay optimistic while keeping your feet on the ground.

I'm happy to answer any questions since I've been through it all.

Thanks for getting back to me so fast! 🙂I have so many questions, honestly, I don't even know where to begin... Is radiation absolutely necessary? I read somewhere that it kills healthy brain cells too—what does that actually mean? And is it true that tumors tend to grow slower in older patients? Also, can doctors be 90% sure it's a glioblastoma without doing a biopsy?

Chloe Flores83 said:Thanks for getting back to me so fast! 🙂I have so many questions, I don't even know where to start... is radiation inevitable? I read that it kills healthy brain cells too, what does that actually mean? And is it true that tumors grow slower in older people? Can doctors be 90% sure it's a glioblastoma without doing a biopsy?

Unfortunately, radiation is a given if you want to slow down the tumor's growth. These days, radiation is highly targeted; the goal is to be as gentle as possible to the surrounding "healthy" tissue.
Because metabolism slows down as people age, certain diseases tend to progress more slowly. However, when it comes to this kind of tumor, that difference is practically negligible.
Doctors can make an educated guess regarding a suspected diagnosis, but only a pathology report gives the tumor its actual identity. Beyond just the type and location, there are microscopic details that can fundamentally change how treatment is approached. That said, with brain tumors, the approach is often similar across the board because they are rare, under-researched, and the sheer risk involved in "touching" the brain limits our options.
The real nightmare with this disease is how aggressive it is; just when it seems like the brain is "clear," a single lingering cell can trigger a recurrence. That’s usually how the script plays out. The entire focus is on stretching out that interval—making it as long and high-quality as possible. Even when a recurrence happens, there are still moves to make: surgery again if it's viable (whether traditional or Gamma Knife), moving to second-line chemo, and once again fighting for that window of time while searching for clinical trials to join.
Experts are working toward a day where glioblastoma becomes a manageable chronic condition—something people can live with rather than just fight.

Angela Wright said:Unfortunately, radiation is pretty much unavoidable if you want to slow down tumor growth. These days, radiation is super targeted, so they try to be as gentle as possible with the surrounding "healthy" tissue.
Since metabolism slows down as people get older, some diseases progress more slowly too. But when it comes to tumors, that difference is honestly negligible.
Doctors can make a suspected diagnosis based on general observations. However, only a pathology analysis gives the tumor its actual "name and surname." Aside from the type and location, there are all these tiny details that can completely change how treatment is handled. That said, with brain tumors, the approach is mostly the same everywhere—mostly because they're rare, still aren't studied enough, and because dealing with the brain itself carries so many specific risks.
The real struggle with this disease is how aggressive it is. Even when it feels like the brain is totally "clear," one lingering cell can trigger a relapse. That’s usually how the script plays out. The main goal is just to make that interval between stages as long and high-quality as possible. And even if a relapse happens, there are new options—maybe surgery again if it's doable (either traditional or Gamma Knife), then second-line chemo, and once again, we focus on making that time last longer while looking into clinical trials for new drugs.
Experts are working hard every day hoping that one day, glioblastoma will become a manageable chronic illness that people can live with.

Whew, I'm getting a little mixed up being on two different forums at once and circling back to the same questions...
Well, hey, maybe it turns out to be a less dangerous tumor after all. We have a 10% chance. That's not nothing! I'm trying not to dwell on the future. Just focusing on tomorrow, or what happens after the surgery (which is scheduled for next week). Like, what should we actually expect post-op? Will Dad be disoriented? If so, for how long? Will he be in pain? Will he be mobile? Should we start any supplemental strengthening therapies right away? How long will his hospital stay be? And when does the radiation start?