My wife was being treated for overactive thyroid gland because she was losing weight, after months of treatment she woke up to shortness of breath and problems swallowing. After going to emergency room they detected a large bloody tumor that was close to breaking which could have made her drown, she was admitted and getting a probe to see if good or bad so next day CT and MRI were done. They found a tumor in her spine that broke a vertebrae and pushing against the nerve , if she has moved incorrectly could have been paralyzed and also lung cancer. To get a sample of the tumor in throat she had to get trachea tube, which she'll now have to keep because tumor stops her from being able to breathe. They then operated putting plates and screws to support the spine, then commenced with 27 treatments of radiation and all this within 4 mths. We are now waiting for the decision if chemo treatments will be done, and all of this is palliative treatment to lengthen what little time she has. We have not been given a period of time yet because they wanted to see what radiation accomplished, and the specialist from tumor clinic were waiting for CT after radiation. We know she will not survive and taken measures with burial plans and such, I just don't know how to keep up her spirits as my spirits erode while taking care of her and working 40hr weeks. I've lived in Germany 38yrs because this is her home, and I'm afraid to be alone here after she is gone and have no idea how at age 58 I can start new home in the states. ... View more