FIL update-could use some prayers

[RoxMonster]

If you missed my first post on Sat., FIL was hospitalized with stroke-like symptoms and two seizures late Friday night. He was doing much much better and they were waiting on results from a spinal tap to see if it was infection (they ruled out stroke).

Today they found two lesions on his brain in an MRI. They don't know if they are benign or malignant; they have to biopsy. They also said when there are two in the brain, there are often tumors elsewhere in the body, so they are doing a body scan.

Worst case scenario is that they are cancerous and have spread. Best case is that they are benign, but since one is under the brain and hard to get to, he will most likely not have them removed and have to live with them, which means there is always a chance he will have another seizure.

H is so upset right now (I am too, but am trying to be strong for him). I never know the right things to say at a time like this. Does anyone have any advice who has gone through a situation like this with an ill family member, especially an in-law?

And of course, we could use lots of prayers and good thoughts that it turns out to be the best case scenario.

[keylimepie]

I'm so sorry you and your family are dealing with this. I hope so much that it's the best case scenario for your FIL.

I do have experience with brain tumors specifically, unfortunately, only it was my own mother. I know that as hard as it was for me, it was equally difficult for my FI. As simple as it is to say, there's no right thing to say to him. Just hold him, be patient with him if his temper gets a little short, help him with the little things. You guys CAN and WILL tackle this, no matter what happens. I'll be thinking about you guys and sending benign vibes. I know I'm not a reg, but please definitely feel free to PM me if you need to talk about anything at all or want to ask anything more specific.

[mskitkat]

Sending you and your family lots of positive vibes and internet hugs.

[RoxMonster]

Thanks guys The kind words really do help. Right now he's just playing computer games and trying to get his mind off it. I told him to consider taking tomorrow off but he didn't want to. I think he wants a distraction, and I don't blame him.

[underwaterrhymes]

Sending hugs and good thoughts.

[mudslide]

I'm sorry to hear this. Will keep you and the family in my thoughts and prayers.

[RoxMonster]

Well the good news is the body scan showed no cancer anywhere else! The doctor said they were sure they'd find cancer with two lesions on the brain and were surprised they did not. They are waiting on results from a bone scan to verify it isn't bone cancer, but they are leaning toward no.

FIL was able to go home today and is scheduled for a biopsy next week to see if the lesions are benign or malignant. Thanks for all the good thoughts! H is in much better spirits today since the body scan came back positively.

[goaskalice]

Good news!

[2boys2danes]

So glad for the good news!

[mudslide]

That's great news!

[anlo]

Glad to see this update! I'll keep him in my prayers.

I don't have any experience with this, but I think the best thing is to let you H know that you are there for whatever he needs, whether it's talking about everything or taking his mind off of it.