Thursday, July 22

{cancer}

Just the word alone is ugly. It's something you think will always happen to someone else. So when my mom called me to see if she could come over to talk, the last thing I expected was to have her tell me she had cancer.

Breast cancer.

The most aggressive kind.

The world stood still for us as a family. All kinds of questions going through all of our heads. Me, especially, wondering if my sweet little baby was going to know his grandma. Suddenly, it made so much sense why it felt so right to stay in Utah.

I talk about everything as if it's all better and the threat is gone. It's not. She still has chemo and radiation ahead which will both be long roads. But she had surgery yesterday and did wonderfully. Also, the surrounding lymph nodes were negative for cancer... a very good thing!

My mom is one of the most positive people I know. She has handled everything with class and humor, between the occasional tears, of course. And we have all been very touched by the outpouring of love and support from friends and family. We have grown closer as a family as we have united strong against the cancer. But we are still scared silly to lose our Matriarch. She is the glue that holds this family together and the one everyone goes to when they need some reassurance and love.

She is going to beat this. We just know it :)



If you would like to follow along with her progress, my dad has created a blog for journal entries and stories. The link is on the sidebar and is titled, "The Merrells". 

We love you mom!

10 comments:

Travis & Liz said...

I have always adored your mom, and admired her strength. That being the greater odds against the cancer. She's tough and has a great support. So sorry to hear about this.

Kelli said...

I'm so sorry to hear this, Chrissy. I'm so glad you and your family are so close and serve as such a great support to each other. I'll keep your sweet mom and family in my prayers. Keep your positive attitude!

Amanda and Jake Matagi said...

Chrissy, I am so sorry to hear what has been going on in your family. I am glad the surgery went well and your mother and your family will be in our prayers. She is lucky to have such a caring daughter/family.

Latissa Marie Graham, L.M.T said...

Chrissy, I am so sorry. I promise to keep her in our prayers. Have faith, and your family will get through this.

Tessa and Jeff said...

Chrissy! My heart dropped and tears came to my eyes! I am so sorry to hear this news. I know your mom is a fighter and she will beat this. You and your family is in our prayers. We love you!

gillian said...

Oh Chrissy, I am so so sorry. I will keep your family in my prayers. We sure miss you guys, love you.

Shannon said...

Chrissy I am so sorry to hear about your mom! She and your family will be in our prayers. Love you Chrissy!

Nick & Lindsey said...

Chrissy, I am so so sorry about your mom! You are in our prayers and hope everything goes well.

Justin and Lindsay said...

So sorry to hear this. We'll keep her and your family in our prayers.

EmyLee McIntyre said...

This is tough news to hear, but you're family is so strong, and your mom is a wonderful woman and I know she will pull through. When I talked with you today, I hadn't read this post, so know that I'm praying for you and your family and I will call you soon.