How is Cinderella today, ILMB? Hope she is doing better. I will keep her in my prayers!!
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Stephanie,
Losing anyone close to you is never easy, especially in a time likethis where I am sure you emotions are already heightened from yourpregnancy. I too have a grandmother with alzheimers and it is verydifficult to deal with. I know you will get through this difficulttime; if not for yourself, for your child.i am sure you havean enormous amount of support and love from your family and friends andtons more here from this forum at any time night or day if you need it.Round all those critters up and squeeze one or as many of them as youcan and just have yourself a good cry. It wont fix everything but theact of physically relieving your emotional stress will help youwonders. The most important thing for your right now to cope and getthrough this difficult time in your life is to find a vent. Youmentioned you have taken up knitting. that is fantastic, just as goodas getting a good cry out. they also have those maternity work outclasses/videos that could be a good way to vent and also ensure yourekeeping your body in tip-top shape for the baby whilethis ishappening.
here's somthing that has helped many people in dealingwiththeir losses. Identify which stage you are in and strive (no need torush take as slong as you need)to reach the next. My prayersare with you and your family Stephanie.
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The five stages of grief are:
1-Denial-"this can't be happening to me", looking for the former spousein familia places, or if it is death, setting the table for the personor acting as if they are still in living there. No crying. Notaccepting or even acknowledging the loss.
2-Anger-"why me?", feelings of wanting to fight back or get even withspouse of divorce, for death, anger at the deceased, blaming them forleaving.
3-Bargaining-bargaining often takes place before the loss. Attemptingto make deals with the spouse who is leaving, or attempting to makedeals with God to stop or change the loss. Begging, wishing, prayingfor them to come back.
4-Depression-overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, frustration,bitterness, self pity, mourning loss of person as well as the hopes,dreams and plans for the future. Feeling lack of control, feeling numb.Perhaps feeling suicidal.
5-Acceptance-there is a difference between resignation and acceptance.You have to accept the loss, not just try to bear it quietly.Realization that it takes two to make or break a marriage. Realizationthat the person is gone (in death) that it is not their fault, theydidn't leave you on purpose. (even in cases of suicide, often thedeceased person, was not in their right frame of mind) Finding the goodthat can come out of the pain of loss, finding comfort and healing. Ourgoals turn toward personal growth. Stay with fond memories of person.[/align]
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Bassetluv,
My grandfather has survuived colon cancer not once but twice. Your stepmother will get through this. Even if they have discovered a polyp, thesurgery will be done and it will be gone. The worst part will be thechemo, but with continued love and support and the advances they havechemo isnt the mess it used to be. If she does go as far as surgery,and has the chemo they have these things that basically look like oversized pills they put onto the area where it is needed so it affects thetarget area and minimally everwhere else. they also have red blood cellenhancers which will help with fatigue and so so so many other thingsto make her time easier. It will be okay!!