Barbara Jatczak

This past summer Barb starting having some neurological changes such as rapid onset of hearing loss and loss of balance.  In mid-September she was diagnosed with cancer in one lung.  More shockingly, the lung cancer had already spread to her brain (Leptomeningeal Metastasis).  Not many treatments have become available yet for this type of cancer.  And, the chemo one might try was said to be too toxic and would degrade her quality of life very quickly.   

After the initial shock of this diagnosis, Barb chose to live every day that she had to the fullest.  She would take each day as it came.  Her brother flew in from California to spend 2 weeks with her.  They traveled around southern Wisconsin, visiting their favorite places.  She had and still has a positive attitude.  She got used to getting around with a walker or cane.  In early November, she had a dizzy spell and took a fall.  The fall resulted in a fractured pelvis (which has healed nicely).  She spent 5 days recovering in acute care at Angel's Grace hospice in Oconomowoc.   She now spends her days at home with Mark or Kris as she needs 24/7 care due mostly due to muscle weakness.  We assist her with getting into her wheelchair and prepare meals for her.  She continues to enjoy knitting, reading her email and books, visits from her friends and neighbors.