Our mom, Barb Taylor, was diagnosed with Extensive Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer in May of 2015. As we quickly learned, small cell lung cancer is less common than non-small cell lung cancer, and accounts for only about 15% of all lung cancers. It tends to be more aggressive, growing rapidly and spreading quickly. When mom's cancer was first diagnosed, it had metastasized from her lungs into her lymph nodes and other parts of her body. She immediately started chemotherapy at the Frauenshuh Cancer Center at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, MN, under the care of Dr. Brenda Larson and her oncology team. Words cannot express how much we appreciate the compassion and talents of Brenda and her team... they have been one of the bright spots in this journey!
Mom responded very well to chemotherapy initially and was able to enjoy a break from treatment right after the holidays last year. She and dad had some fun adventures... they took a month-long road trip to California to spend time with family, stopping in to visit friends and family along the way... they flew to Florida to spend time in the sun and had a great time visiting with their card club friends... and they took the "Roam Sweet Home" out on a couple of camping adventures. During that time mom was also able to get away with Karen and Julie for a long weekend, relaxing and enjoying girl time at the spa.
Unfortunately, a few months later a pet scan revealed that the cancer had returned. She started another round of chemotherapy with a different drug, and again saw some success. In November she learned that the cancer had spread into her brain, liver and bones. She underwent radiation on her brain for 10 days right around Thanksgiving, and it really took a toll on her. Throughout all of her treatment she has kept such a positive attitude and, as always, was more concerned with our feelings than her own.
Mom has fought so hard, but her poor body can't take any more and she entered Hospice care this past Monday, 12/19. She was thrilled to learn that her favorite nurse from the Cancer Center is now a Hospice nurse and will be providing her care at home! We will be having our first meeting with Heather tomorrow.
Mom wanted you all to know how much she appreciates all of the love and support she has received throughout this battle. Family and friends mean everything to her, and the phone calls, cards, meals, gifts, messages, hugs and prayers have meant the world. While it breaks our hearts to have to come to terms with this reality, we find comfort in God's unending love, knowing that He has a place for each of us in Heaven.
We will continue to post updates to this site as things progress. And we want to wish you all a Merry Christmas... spend time with your families and cherish every moment... we will be!
CaringBridge is a nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey. Learn more about CaringBridge.
