My Mom has Anal Cancer-What a pain in the ass

Literally, a pain in the ass. That is a phrase I will never again use lightly. For those that know me, publishing a blog about cancer may seem totally out of character. I'm not a writer and I would rather keep life's little bumps private, but this is different. Life's little bump this time is Cancer, Cancer we thought was gone, Cancer with major surgery attached. My first question three years ago when my Mom, Cecelia, was originally diagnosed was WHY? Why her and why now? It was November 2006 and her husband (my father) had just passed away. How many depressing events have to happen in one year? Our initial reaction was Holy Shit, my Mom has cancer, but once we accepted it, we were off to see Oncologists and Radiation/Chemo technicians. After 4 months of treatment, the Cancer was gone, but my Mom was left with a "temporary" colostomy (poo in a bag!). Fast forward a few years and here we are today. Its back and its aggresive. The only treatment option left is surgery-she will have her Rectum, all surrounding tissue and her tailbone removed. Hopefully, the surgery will remove all the cancer. If not, Chemotherapy is in our future. So, what do I hope to accomplish here?

I need HELP.

I don't usually ask for help. I'm a Libra, strong willed and independent, but I know I am not alone in this fight. My family has given everything to fight this, but my Mom needs more. I need advice from everyone in my life, friends and strangers. My Mom has to spend 2-3 weeks in the hospital. How do you keep someone happy and hopeful after surgery? I am not a comedian, but I do know that laughter is the best medicine. Cancer jokes anyone? I'm trying to compile a list of great songs to add to my IPOD for my Mom to listen too-any suggestions? What about book recommendations, movies? I told you I needed help! My old military friends always have said "Its not what you know, but WHO you know". I am reaching out today for help - remaining hopeful that the bonds I have made in the past will come back to help me now in my family's time of need.

I have done so much research the last few weeks and would like to share some of that information today and continue to learn and share more each day. Here is a link to a Time Magazine article from May of this year, entitled Cancer, Cancer Everywhere. [TIME]
Lastly, I realize that generosity can be given in so many different ways. Please know that my family is incredibly thankful for all the love and donations that have already been given and anything that will be received in the future. Thank you!