Kathleen Gilbertson

Welcome to our CaringBridge site. We've created it to keep friends and family updated. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement during this time when it matters most.   Mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 bladder cancer in July. She endured chemotherapy Oct-Dec which was ineffective.  In November we found out the cancer had metastasized into the liver, lymph nodes and bones.

She has been treated by Dr. Jha with the U of M Oncology for the past few months, using a new experimental drug to her type of cancer, called Opdivo.  The purpose of this drug is to work with the immune system to slow the growth and spread of cancer cells, adding length of life.  Dr. Jha has been patient and caring in his treatment for our mom, and for that we are ever thankful.







She started home health care this past week, and has scheduled visits from nurses, occupational therapist and home health aids.  She is very weak and tired. ( On a side note when we set this care up last week, the nurse offered companion visits, mom replied with " Can you bring an elephant to visit me ?"  )  Yes she did ask that.

At this time we are trying to make her as comfortable as we can, and trying to keep phone calls to a minimum, and scheduling visits as to not over exhaust her. 

We appreciate the cards, and kind sentiments received to this date.  Things change from day to day on her ability to talk to people and energy level on visitors. 

Alison has taken charge of primary care for mom since Thanksgiving, she is the true angel in this.    Thank you Alison, for taking the reins and taking such good care of mom.    Please reach out to Alison if you are interested in visiting or talking to mom.  Alison : Text or call : 708-800-7967