In early August, Mom/Shelly began having non-descript GI symptoms and general malaise. Blood tests were abnormal, and a Ct scan showed some troubling images on the pancreas/liver. On September 3, she was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer which had metastasized to the liver. She began chemotherapy shortly after, but after one treatment had an adverse reaction most likely due to rapid tumor progression.
She was hospitalized at St. Joseph’s Hospital September 18-23 with dehydration due to diarrhea. During this time, additional lab tests came back to show that her cancer markers were extremely elevated, and genetic results indicated that there is no current treatment available that will be effective.
After consultation with her oncologist and the family, the decision was made to stop chemotherapy and transition to Gilchrist hospice care. She returned home on September 23rd, and we have started this process as of September 24.
This has been a whirlwind for everyone, and to process everything in such a short time is completely overwhelming.
However, we have been encouraged by everyone’s outpouring of love, support, and encouragement. We are solely relying on God’s mercy and grace at this time. Our prayer is that we are able to spend quality time with Mom in these final days/weeks.
VIDEO MESSAGES WANTED
While it won’t be possible for everyone to visit, we want everyone to have a chance to send a message of love/hope. With this in mind, we are asking everyone to use MarcoPolo (app available on iPhone/Android) to send a video message to Mom and the family. This way she and all will be able to see and hear from you, and will be a huge encouragement!
How to send Shelly a message:
- Download the Marco Polo app (
https://www.marcopolo.me/download/) (if necessary).
- Tap the plus sign in the upper right corner and enter Shelly's number (410-409-8486).
The family asks that you do not email and text her directly at this time.
