Hey everyone,

I wanted to give you all a detailed update on what's been happening lately. June has been quite a rollercoaster so far. It started off on a high note, celebrating my not-so-little brother's birthday in Napa Valley with a fantastic dinner at Adhoc. 

Unfortunately, shortly after that, my mom began experiencing lower back pain. By the 10th, the pain became excruciating. My dad took her to Urgent Care, but even the stronger painkillers didn't provide much relief.

Things took a turn on the 14th when my dad dropped her off at the ER entrance and she had a fall, hitting her head on the concrete. Thankfully, her CT scan came back clear, but the pain persisted. She was discharged with muscle relaxants and more painkillers, but it didn't alleviate her suffering.

The situation worsened, and on the 15th, Patrick and I brought her back to the hospital for an MRI. As we were walking in, she collapsed again, and we ended up on the ground together. It was a scary moment. She couldn't walk due to the pain and weakness in her legs. She was rushed to the ER where doctors discovered that her cancer had spread to her spinal cord, causing the intense pain.

Hearing this news was devastating, but there's a silver lining: treatment options are available, and we're moving swiftly to combat these new cancer lesions and the pain they're causing.

On Father's Day, mom underwent neurosurgery to have an ommaya port placed in her head. The thought of "neuro surgery" had us all on edge, but the procedure went as smoothly as possible. We playfully tease her about being a cyborg now. The incision scar is tiny, almost unnoticeable. To celebrate a successful surgery and my amazing dad on Father's Day, the rest of us raised a glass with my grandpa's favorite Deschutes brews in her hospital room.

Today, she started a new chemo called Methotrexate, injected directly into her new "sexy" ommaya port. Tomorrow, she begins another chemo treatment called Trodelvy. Thankfully, her pain is mostly under control for now. We expect her hospital stay to last at least a week, but things can change unexpectedly, so we're taking it moment by moment.

It's been an emotional and chaotic week and a half, but I am incredibly grateful for the support and love we've received from family, friends, and the amazing nurses who have kept our spirits up during this challenging time. Special shout-outs to my resilient dad and my wonderful little brother, who have been outstanding caregivers + advocates for my mom.

Please continue to send prayers and good vibes our way. My mom is a fierce warrior, and we appreciate every ounce of support from all of you.

Stay strong, everyone.

T