Not What We Expected

We met with Mom's oncologist yesterday.  He explained that 1) she does have cancer of the Bile Duct,  2) It is Stage Four BUT 3) instead of it being fast moving, like most bile duct cancers, hers is "low grade" or..slow moving.  Basically, it is still fatal, and not operable, but because she "walked into his office, dressed nicely, did her hair, etc," he would like her to try chemo.  He said one of three things would happen: 1) the chemo would work, 2) the chemo would not work  3) it could get worse.  If it got worse, she would stop.   He told her it was totally up to her, and if she decided that she didn't want to do any of the chemo, he would give her enough pain meds to make her comfortable, however long she has.  He told her to take time and spend it with family, and make her decision.  Aunt Elaine is coming in from Arizona tomorrow to be with her for a week.  Sue is coming in on Thursday.  I will be happy to have my aunt and sister here.  It's nice to have other family helping with stuff for a bit.  Bill and I are just exhausted.  Yet...it's what you do for your parents.  Period.