Play UNO to divert the fear of stage four cancer

Play UNO to divert your fear of cancer

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One year ago today, Mom had a CT scan that revealed tumors throughout her abdomen. The doctors told us it was most likely cancer.

For the next six nights, I stayed with her in the hospital as they ran every test imaginable, searching for answers. During those long nights, Mom and I stayed awake talking about everything. 

At the time, we tried not to think of the worst-case scenario…pancreatic cancer, but we were hoping for the best-case scenario…lymphoma. Even ChatGPT told us that if it came down to those two possibilities, lymphoma was the more treatable and survivable diagnosis. We clung to that hope while we waited.

I remember hearing Mom cry at night when she thought I was asleep. I didn’t let her cry alone…how could I? I sat beside her in her hospital bed and listened. I listened to every fear about the future, every regret from the past, every hope she still held onto. She spoke of answered prayers and the blessings that were bestowed on her during her life. 

She was scared, reflective, and restless as we waited for answers. It felt like time stood still. Finally, on July 3rd, she was discharged to wait for the results, whatever they might bring.

That week was filled with the unknown. It was the beginning of our lives changing forever.

Looking back now, it’s hard to believe that was a year ago. How did we get here?

This will be a hard summer for us as we live through another set of firsts so please keep us in your prayers. 

When Mom finally got home on July 3, 2025, after six long days in the hospital, do you know what the first thing she wanted to do?

Play Uno with all of us.

And did the grandkids take it easy on her because she had just gotten out of the hospital and was waiting to find out if she had cancer?

Absolutely not!! 

They showed no mercy and Mom laughed through every loss. Looking back, I’m so grateful for that evening. For a little while, there were no scans, no tests, no waiting for results…just family gathered around the table, playing cards and making memories.

This picture wasn’t taken that particular night but it captures Mom perfectly-in all her losing-Uno glory!!