I'd say pack your bags. The memories you will make will carry you through and can be a source of comfort for her.

Anonymous wrote:For me two weeks is a long time to leave my toddler and infant with my husband. Could you cut it down to one week?
Does she have any children?

Two weeks to be with your sister, who has a brain tumor? Are you kidding me? What is wrong with your husband?

OP, do NOT ask her to make the trip shorter due to your child care issues. I didn't get the sense this bothered you from a mom standpoint, but just in case....

I'm so sorry to hear this.

Also, this is what AmEx is made for. Go, make wonderful memories with your sister.

Also, is she symptomatic? You should spend some time with the doc prior to traveling to discuss what to do in the event of any issues that come up related to her diagnosis.

Anonymous wrote:OP, is the prognosis terminal?

I was wondering if it's malignant and if she will need chemo/radiation versus just surgery.
If it's the former, definitely go. I'm so sorry, OP.

Go. (Assuming it's feasible for you to be gone that long - family/work/etc...)

But go. No matter what happens with your sister and her illness you won't regret the time. And if it turns out that her time is limited or fleeting it will be the best decision you ever made and an experience you'll treasure.

If it just turns out to be a fabulous trip to which you never would have treated yourself and the three of you still talk about it in 40 years - even better!

But go if you can make it happen. My best friend died very young, but lived for several years knowing that his time here would be short. It drastically changed how he lived, and it changed how I spent my time also. I have never regretted a single minute of the many times I prioritized time with him over any number of other things. Not a minute.

So go and have a fantastic time. I wish your sister all the best.

Anonymous wrote:For me two weeks is a long time to leave my toddler and infant with my husband. Could you cut it down to one week?
Does she have any children?

OP, is the prognosis terminal?

If you can, help her with the logistics of scheduling treatment to start as soon as she returns. It's important to get that in place if she does want to pursue treatment. Then go and be together.

I'm so sorry. Sending healing thoughts her way.

Go!! And stay positive! My sister had a brain time too- 3 years after the surgery and she's doing great!

I got to take a trip with a family member who went into remission, and it still gladdens my heart to think about it.

I am so sorry about your sister (but I like the cut of her jib -- Hawaii ahoy!)

OP - I would plan a week or so trip to Hawaii with your sister as long as her doctor says it would be OK. Your sister is well aware of the treatment protocols, their side effects and the statistics on brain tumors. It would be a wonderful gift to give her and yourself (and other sister if there is one.) Even if you need to help out financially to make it happen for all concerned try and do so.

Has she spoken with her doctor about whether this is ok? A brain tumor is scary, but not necessarily a death sentence. A friend of mine from church had one and recovered after surgery (albeit with lasting effects). Has she asked whether this is a situation where she needs to do something immediately in order to have hopes of recovery?

For me two weeks is a long time to leave my toddler and infant with my husband. Could you cut it down to one week?
Does she have any children?

I'm sorry. Go, and enjoy every moment. I have learned recently that life can be way too short. Leave no regrets, especially when it comes to relationships like this.