Chrissy Lapeyre

        Late this April, my brother Tom and I, among others, noticed that my mom was acting unusually anxious and disoriented. We spent close to a week with her in New Orleans, keeping her safe and making an effort to seek different forms medical evaluation. During this time, she made it very clear that she wanted to leave New Orleans. We agreed that since I lived close to her house in Brevard, NC, that driving her there was the most appropriate next step. As soon as we got there, she expressed a huge sense of relief. Things were looking up. The following Sunday, however, we saw a dramatic decline in her mobility and communication. Consequently, we brought her to the ER at Park Ridge Hospital in Hendersonville, NC. A CT scan at Park Ridge revealed that she had significant swelling in her brain. She was then transferred to the Neuroscience Unit at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. An MRI at Mission revealed an end-stage brain tumor in the temporal, frontal, and parietal lobes of her brain.

            After weighing options with the Neurosurgeon and Neuro Oncologist at Mission and getting opinions from leading experts outside of Mission, Tom and I ultimately made the decision not to pursue treatment. The poor prognosis and quality of life associated with the treatment options in addition to our mother’s previously expressed sentiments made this decision clear, however difficult.

           We were discharged from Mission on May 13th and started in-home hospice that same day. All the tests suggest this to be a rapidly progressing tumor that has only been developing over the past couple of months. Unfortunately, a few months is as much time as the doctors think she has left. Our number one priority for the remaining time we have is to make sure that our mom is as happy and comfortable as possible.

            We greatly appreciate the love, trust, and support that has been demonstrated by so many friends and family. Due to Chrissy’s limited ability to communicate, social interaction can be quite distressing. For this reason, Tom and I would greatly appreciate it if there were no unannounced visits. She has, however, responded very well to mail, especially when it is positive and encouraging. If you would like to send her a message, feel free to send a letter to my place in Flat Rock. Here is that address.

           

            Cliff Cowan

            33A Glassy Lane

            Flat Rock, NC

            28731

           

            You can also email me at Cliffcowan87@gmail.com or Tom at cowan.tom@gmail.com. 

           We are fortunate to have a big family that has been providing us with tremendous support. That being said, please note that if you want to send gifts, packages, etc. that more is not always better. In most cases, a simple message will suffice.

            The plan is to update this website weekly to keep the people that care about Chrissy updated. We sincerely appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and      support.

           

            Sincerely, Cliff and Tom