My Mother was a teen mother as well. while I have no memories of being an infant, she looked so happy to be a mother. Every photo we have of her holding me she is so happy and smiling. I was a difficult child growing up. I sure tested her patience. Although I was not diagnosed until I was 22 with Aspergers, it is believed that I had this all my childhood. During those years however there was not much knowledge into Autism.
Mother and I were always close. She was always there for me to talk to. She often worked 2 jobs just to pay bills and provide for us. She was getting no child support from my Dad so she had to do it all on her own. I still remember how hard she always worked. I enjoyed spending time with my Mother coloring and doing jigsaw puzzles together. Something we still do to this day. Over the years we have gotten closer . She was there for the birth of all my children. She has been blessed with seven grandchildren.
Over the last 4 years has been a real struggle for my Mother. She was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. She has two tumors the size of an orange and the other a grapefruit. Things happened so fast and she was rushed into surgery. At this time I lived in Idaho and she in Colorado. I flew out immediately to be by her side. I wouldn't have it any other way. Prior to surgery on of the tumors had ruptured. This "spilled" the cancer all into her abdomen. She recovered very well after surgery and was up on her feet much sooner than expected. Everything was looking great. It wasn't long after surgery that she would start chemo. Chemo went really well. She had no nausea or vomiting. She had good days full of energy and others that required her to rest. Six months later it was found through a mammogram that she had a tumor in her breast. After a biopsy confirmed it was cancer she was in for radiation. She did this everyday for several weeks. After the cancer scares back to back I knew I needed to go home. We moved the whole family to Colorado to be close.
After we moved to Colorado it wasn't long before the Ovarian Cancer came back. Once again she did chemotherapy. This was suspected to happen since genetic testing proved she had a gene mutation believed to be causing the cancer. Again she endured the chemo therapy. This round was much harder on her body. She developed an allergic reaction to the chemo drug that was used in the previous treatment. Chemo was stopped and a new drug started. Then to our surprise she developed blood clots in her lungs. She was put into the hospital and again the chemo was delayed. However she bounced back and finished chemo. Unfortunately we have learned that the cancer is back once again. This time only 6 months since the last chemo. No treatment at this time until it is known where the tumor is growing.
My Mother has been so brave and strong during all of this. When it seems like it is too much for someone to endure she proves her strength and keeps going. I admire her so much. Although I know that Cancer will take her from me as well, I will be by her side until then. She has been an amazing Mother always trying to do her best. She has successfully raised two beautiful daughters who have become more than she ever imagined.
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