Hey all, mom is at it again but this time I thought I would use Caring Bridge to put out updates.
I will try to give a quick back story and then give the current situation.
Bonnie was involved in a car accident July 31, 1974 only 9 months after my parents were married. A man ran a stop sign and t-boned my moms car. There were 4 girls in my mom's car headed to work. All were hurt and one lost her life. (I could write a book about the accident alone but I will do that another time) She managed to recover but had brain damage. She dealt with seizures as a side effect. She began going to Mayo Clinic in the early 90's and in 1996 she had brain surgery to remove the right temporal lobe. This part of the brain was damaged and was causing the seizures. A few years later she stopped taking her meds (we still don't know why) and she had a pretty bad seizure and it caused severe memory problems.
Fast forward to June 10th, 2023. Dad woke up to mom having a seizure, she also had a fever. We get her to the ER and transfer to Sioux Falls where they find a brain infection and while looking into all of this they find 2 spots on her brain. They just call them masses at this point. July 29 and 30 she had appointments at Mayo and they scheduled a biopsy of one of the masses that is located at the base of the brain on Wednesday July 5th.
Depending on if its cancer and what stage will determine treatment. Mom is known to have weird masses and growths. In 2021 she had a surgery at Mayo to remove a benign tumor off a gland in her face. The other scary fact, is one of these masses is on her left temporal lobe. She is already missing her Right side, a person can't live without at least one of these lobes.
We know we are in the best hands at Mayo. My dad really likes Dr. Casino and after a few years of not having him as Bonnie's doctor, we have him back! He picked the surgeon and Casino said he's the best they have.
I'm sure dad would hate this last part I am going to add. He hates handouts, but he has worked and sacrificed his whole life for my mom and us girls and our families. He "retired" in October so really that means he went down to part time. But with mom being sick he can't work since she needs someone with her at all times. A few people have reached out and asked what they can do. Driving to Rochester, staying in hotels and eating out all cost money. If anyone wants to help my venmo is @Leann-Kruger and I will get the cash to my parents for the expenses. Also, gas cards or restaurants gift cards would all be great ways to help if someone feels so inclined. If you want to drop off a the donation you can do so at my shop in Rock Rapids, 707 S 9th Ave or the George Bar and Robin will pick it up from there. But please don't feel obligated!
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Bonnie Stay Connected to Family and Friends
A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Bonnie's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?
