Approximately 7 years ago our beautiful and courageous mother Joan bravely asked her doctor how much longer he thought she'd live with COPD. He told her about 5 years. In June 2016 she was diagnosed with stage 3A non small cell lung cancer. She chose to treat it aggressively with radiation getting a six week treatment in 1 week. The radiation was successful at eradicating 2 of the three tumors in her lung. A few months ago it became apparent that the largest of the tumors had resumed growth as it is now pushing on the nerves in her upper right lung, causing pain in the chest, upper arm and back. After submitting herself to every test available, and eagerly grasping to straws of hope, it has become apparent that there are no further treatment options available.
The medications over the years, and recently have aggravated her stomach causing much further discomfort. After a long review of her medications yesterday with the best Hospice nurse ever (thank you Mary) we have eliminated 16 of the 28 prescriptions and over the counter supplements she was taking. Pain is now being treated with Morphine, and we are praying that the elimination of many different chemicals will ease the extreme nausea and chronic pain she has been experiencing.
Her son-in-law Russ has graciously agreed to come and spend time at Joan and Brenda's so that someone can be with her during the day when Brenda is at work. We have been fighting this as a family and take great pride in taking care of our mom and making her as comfortable in her own home as we can. We are so appreciative of all the offers to come and stay as well as the offers to have her come and stay in your home. Please feel free to come by for a visit anytime. The picture above was taken yesterday with her newest great grand child - Kiera. The other picture is Joan with her very first grand child Gabe 36 years ago. More pics to come :)
We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.
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