My former husband's step-mother went in for a 4-5 hour surgery to have a cancerous kidney removed on Monday. It is her third bought of cancer. 10+ hours later, she come out of surgery with a Stoma, one kidney and no bowel. The next morning she could not move her arm. She thought perhaps due to being immobile for so many hours in the surgery. Nope, they discovered she had a stroke, possibly during the surgery. She is a wonderful woman who has been part of my family for 26 years. I am no longer married to her step-son, but do keep in touch with her and my former FIL. I am really glad I was able to take my kids to see them last June. They are in the UK and we are in Canada. I may go for a quick visit next month when I am in Europe.
I'm so sorry to learn of your family's challenges; I think a visit would be a wonderful way to show your support and concern.
Best of wishes for a successful healing and adaptive methods for this burdened woman to move forward with her life.
And yes, cancer does indeed suck. I lost my Dad to pancreatic cancer when I was just four and at the same time, my Mom was getting a mastectomy. At the time we thought we were going to lose both of them as I was told later in life.
I'm sorry for your former M I L. I wish you and she the very best for the future.