Classic Chatrice: Always Defying the Odds 

Since my last post, we've experienced many changes, both good and bad. The most exciting news is that Chatrice was discharged from hospice in early April. This was thrilling because it gave her the chance to work on getting stronger, a goal she's always had. When she was initially placed on hospice, we hoped for her discharge someday, but her ICU doctors had indicated it was unlikely. It was classic Chatrice, always defying the odds. 

On May 3rd, she had her first follow-up with a member of her oncology team, who was thrilled to see her up, functional, and conversational. We addressed concerns such as the Bell's Palsy that has developed on the left side of her face and her goals to become stronger. As a result, he approved home health Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy. An MRI was scheduled to check the status of her tumors, along with a follow-up with her oncologist to determine the next steps. That same day, Chatrice visited the ICU where we had spent 2.5 weeks and brought doughnuts for the floor. The front desk person remembered her and was excited to see her, even trying to find some of the nurses who had helped her during that tough time. I shared stories of her fight and the constant support from family and close friends that filled the waiting room, halls, and her room.

Since her discharge from hospice, Chatrice was able to enjoy family time.  She frequents her son's sports games and practices.  As you all know she lives for her family, so no matter her condition, as long as she's physically able, she shows up for them.  She even planned a few things for Randy's birthday.  She made reservations on her own.  She and I also went out to buy him an ice cream cake and candles.  She loves getting out of the house whether it's running errands with her caregiver Audrey, going to the mall or out to eat.  On Mother's day, we all went to dinner together.  

Hoping and Praying

A week or so ago, we noticed that her Bell's Palsy was worsening, she was starting to cough when drinking liquids, and she was becoming more confused with increasingly slurred speech. On Wednesday, her vitals became unstable, with fluctuations in blood pressure and oxygenation. She was taken to the UW ER, where she was admitted and it was determined that she had developed pneumonia from aspirating water. During that visit, an MRI revealed the somber news that her tumors had spread throughout her brain and upper spinal cord, explaining the Bell's Palsy, confusion, and slurred speech.  

Despite this significant setback, Chatrice remains in good spirits. She is eager to develop a plan and still wants to get stronger. She had a PT intake yesterday, where she told the therapist her goal is to be stronger, to be able to wheel herself around in her wheelchair, and to walk. Even with all these difficulties, Chatrice continues to be the fighter she is. We don't know what the future holds, but we will continue to have faith in God and His plan. We ask for your prayers to support us through this time.