Mary's Story: A Family's Journey With Cancer

by Sue Stedman, Jim Stedman, Matt Stedman

It started with a phone call, both mildly alarming and somewhat annoying. Mary, our 22 year old daughter, an unfinished senior at the University of Texas at Austin, had been having trouble with her upper right leg. In July, she had fallen while water skiing and the leg was still giving her trouble. Finally, in August, the doc had ordered an MRI and thought she had a hematoma causing the problem. That meant coming home for treatment, probably surgery, followed by convalescence We, Mom and Dad (Sue and Jim) had been struggling with Mary for a while over “launching” out of college money, finish or go to work, some issues regarding her current lifestyle, somewhat typical struggles of middle class parents and their kids. Before the call, she had opted to apply for an airline stewardess job; now she was coming home for an uncertain amount of time. Of course, we said OK, though feeling a little put out, but ready to cope with 5 or 6 weeks of post-surgery healing. None of us had any idea of what was coming. There was indeed a hematoma, but it was caused by a large and malignant tumor. From the start, Sue began to record events. This brief book presents her many “no holds barred” reflections on the events, as seen through the eyes of a mother and some as viewed by Mary herself, but reflecting the journey of the whole family, Mary’s medical providers, our friends, and our spiritual caregivers as we passed through the months of her illness and death. Sue pulls no punches – every event and emotion is here. These events occurred from August, 1986 to May, 1988, for 20 months, over 25 years ago now. Over the years, Sue and I have discussed the possibly of sharing our story. Our it might help others; honor Mary’s faith and courage; demonstrate that a marriage and family can survive.

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2015

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Mother has more sympathy for herself than her late Daughter.

Deepest sympathy on the passing of your Daughter & Sister Mary.
Mary’s Mother Sue portrays throughout the book , all that she did for Mary during her illness & about how tired she ( Sue ) was throughout ! I certainly disagree that a 23year old terminally ill girl should of had to work to keep herself in pocket money . You do not appear financially poor at all.

[jackie stokes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow !!

What an awful thing to have to go through your child dying of Cancer the strain and impact it has on all is soul destroying and heartbreaking , for all this family ,