Over the last couple weeks things have not gone as we had hoped.  Mom did not qualify for the study and Mayo and she ended up in the hospital with disorientation, weakness and low oxygen levels.  During this time her oncologist confirmed that the cancer had spread to the fluid around her other lung.  After she came home from the hospital we had hoped that she would get stronger each day like she always does.  Some days have been hopeful that she is gaining strength but overall her body is getting weaker. In the recent months she has had more frequent hospital admissions.  At the hospital, only one person can visit for the entire hospital stay.  She met with her oncologist on Monday and decided at that visit that she would no longer receive treatment.  She felt that one of the benefits of hospice is that she could spend time with all of her family.  She was admitted to Hospice on Tuesday. 

Over the last  week each of our families have been able to spend some good, quality time with mom, one family at a time and one on one.  We felt this was important before pain meds make it more difficult to visit with her.  Right now her pain is well managed; however her body is very weak.  Her heart and mind say fight, her body is tired.  Her brothers from North Carolina and Minnesota were able to visit this week along with other visits and phone calls from close friends and family.  Last night she got to hear her first great-granddaughter’s heartbeat.  Her faith is strong and God continues to show her how much he loves her by the works and words of his people.  Please continue to pray for her comfort, sleep and peace and for her family (especially her grandchildren) that love her so much. 

Therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly our bodies are wasting away, inwardly our spirit is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

Rejoice, there is wonderful JOY ahead.  1 Peter 1:6

Choose Joy,

Wendy, Cami, Ryan and Becky