This sucks!!!

Hi Lindsy,

I am sorry you are having such a rough time. I understand how you hate being the medical person in this whole thing. I remember reading the CT report to my daughter Kristen, who is a physician, when my daughter Lauren was being diagnosed with CC. She had to explain everything to us while dealing with the grief of it all herself. She also has access to Lauren's scan reports now before we hear them from the oncologist. It is so difficult for her to tell us anything bad. It hasn't been that long since your MIL was diagnosed. I am sure your family will come around and realize just how sick she is. It is really awful that she can't eat. Can someone talk to her doctor to see if there is anything that can be done about lack of appetite and her constant pain? I don't think a doctor can tell if chemo is working or not unless scans are done. In our experience, Lauren has had scans every three months. Don't ever say you are sorry for venting. That is what we are here for. I hope things turn around and the chemo starts making your MIL feel better. She is lucky to have you.

Love, -Pam

Lindsy,
I'm so sorry to hear about all you are going through with your mil and in-laws in general.  I think some may be just due to different personality types.  I found its been better for my family if I wait for them to ask about the different aspects of my sons disease then I tell them the harsh truths and finish with how we are fighting.  My son, who is 30, is not a candidate for surgery, according to three highly regarded surgeons. 
We arrived at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Phoenix with him in a wheelchair and very very ill.  He is now lifting light weights, working on an old truck, and engaged in his life.  A lot is due to his youth, physical therapy, etc.  but the biggest turn around was when we stopped the weight loss with a medical marijuana vaporizer.  He is on the same regimen of chemo as your mil, we tried everything and finally a friend brought a vaporizer over and begged him to try it. 
It works.  There truly is a valid use for medical marijuana.  As you are in California also please attempt to have your in laws avail themselves to this.  As my son put on weight he became stronger and a cycle of healing started.  We do not know what the future holds but we are all enjoying every moment together and he is eating full meals with the family!  His tumors are shrinking but the Onc has stated when he stops chemo they will return.  We will see.  It's a horrible heartbreaking disease.  He is also taking methadone for pain and has been able to cut it back to a third of what it was.  When we arrived his Ca-19 was 110,000 it is now 1030.  That was June 1 of this year.