B-san's Blog

There was one particularly big change that took place in my life last year, while my blogging was paused. And that is, from mid-October last year, my mother-in-law moved in with us.

Megumi’s Mum was diagnosed with cancer in late 2019. She had surgery back then to remove the cancer, and the surgeons thought they had got rid of it. However, last spring, they found the cancer had spread to her lungs, too. The surgeons decided on a chemotherapy menu, where she would get treated every three weeks. So for a few months after that, Megumi’s Dad would drive Mum to our place (20 minute drive), from where Megumi would then take Mum into the city’s hospital (1 hour drive), wait for her to finish treatment, and then drive her back to our place for Dad to come and pick up.

This schedule wasn’t easy on Megumi’s parents, who are both in their 70s. When we found Mum got pneumonia a few months later, and the surgeons decided they had to cancel that treatment, Megumi’s parents were a little relieved it was over.

Then, in October, they found Mum’s cancer had spread further, and was now in her pancreas and her abdomen. Mum went through an emergency surgery to clear the pancreas, and then started a different type of chemotherapy. This time, she would need to visit the hospital weekly. Megumi’s Dad didn’t have confidence he could keep up with that schedule, keep the house running, look after their dog, and look after Mum. As a family, we decided it would be best for all if Mum came and lived with us while she went through the treatment.

My wife and I had lived as a twosome for 4 years since getting married. Having a third person join us was a big adjustment – one we’re still getting used to. But we have made many special memories together already. And more than anything else, we’re glad to see Mum is enjoying her last days on earth – though we have no idea how long that will be.

Megumi’s Mum started sewing a jumper for me around when this all happened. And this week, she finally completed it! It has proven to be the warmest piece of clothing I own, and a comfy thing to wear while working from home.

If you read Japanese, you can check out my wife’s blog, and her perspective of welcoming Mum into our home here: ?????

Thanks for reading!