Gale’s Story

Site created on December 22, 2018

Welcome to Gale’s (my Mom’s) site.  

My name is Mitch and for those who don’t know me, I am Gale’s son.  I’m using this site to keep family and friends updated in one place.  Most of you are already familiar with Mom’s diagnosis, but for those of you who are just getting the news, I’ll provide a brief synopsis here. 

* On Tuesday December 11th,, I admitted Mom to the ER for  symptoms that were consistent with  a stroke. Very soon after admitting her, Mom had  two Gran Mal Seizures.  CT scans immediately revealed two  tumor masses in her top, front-left  portion of her brain that  were responsible  for her symptoms and seizures.  One mass is approximately 2cm in size while the other is about half that size.  We’ve since learned that there is a third, smaller mass in the same general area. 

*Within two hours of her CT scan, Mom was moved from the St. Luke’s emergency in Meridian Idaho to St.lukes Medical Center in Downtown Boise, where she recovered from her seizures and prepared for a brain Biopsy.  Surgery was performed by an amazing Neuro Surgeon named Dr. Kelly Bridges. 

* On Monday (12/17)  morning at 7am Mom’s surgery went extremely well. She recovered in the ICU for approximately 36 hours before her release home, where she now resides (12/22). 

*DIAGNOIS & TREATMENT 
Earliest pathology has confirmed original tests and  theories  that Mom has an advanced form of brain cancer called Multifocal Glioblastoma.  Because of the rapid and invasive nature of these tumors, we are on an equally fast  path to treatment.

*Mom will have a series off readiness appointments in the next two weeks and treatment will start on January 7th.
 —>She will have 30 radiation treatments that will last 6 weeks. 
—> She will have ongoing  chemotherapy, which to our surprise, will only be in the form of a pill that she will take at the time of her radiation. 
—> We spend the next few weeks understanding the   impact and symptoms of treatment. 
 
*As I write this, Mom is comfortable in her home environment. We have engaged our St.Lukes Home Health  resources and have also partnered with an in home care company called BrightStar.  Mom’s overall wellness is being monitored daily and we feel we have the right supervision  as she recovers from her brain surgery and rests before her treatment.  I have my own monitors and cameras in her house and she has friends and family checking in on her daily.  Mom and I have the most favorable impression of her Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Timothy Sawyer.  In fact, all of Mom’s  doctors and nurses have been outstanding and we know she is in great hands.  

*Our goal with treatment is to shrink and slow these tumors. We want Mom to continue to be smiling and comfortable in her home environment as she is currently. As I told Dr.  Sawyer, Mom and I are both pragmatically optimistic and with that, we recognize the road ahead and remain optimistic that when the treatment begins we can stall these tumors and keep my mom smiling for years to come.

*We encourage visits and calls from family and friends.  I would just ask that you let Mom drive these engagements by sending her a text or leaving her a message and letting her call you back....  That is- when she is not busy resting or partying her ass off or whatever  the case may be. 

We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. I will update Mom’s story frequently and as her condition warrants.  Thank you for visiting.


*Thank you for your generosity, but no donations please. We are adequately equipped with resources to support Mom through this. Please don’t confuse CaringBridge solicitations with me.They accept donations to operate their site.

Newest Update

Journal entry by mitch babb

Dear Family and Friends, 

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the untimely passing of my Mom, Gale Sharon Napier.  She died with no pain today September 12th, 2019. To no one’s surprise, my Mom concluded her life over the last 9 months with the same resplendency that I’ve seen throughout our lives together. I will remember my Mom for her refinement and diligence which was mirrored by her rousing impact and presence. My Mom will be remembered  for her veritable approach to all things. Her gift of mindfulness and detail has had a transformative effect on all facets of my life.  She used to say, “Mitch, everything in is in the details”,  and for my Mom, truly, EVERYTHING was. 



My Mom was the most responsible person I know. She lead by example and was a fiercely strong example of a modern, successful, independent and determined women. She had striking beauty with a contagious laugh and a smile that would light up a room. My Mom will be missed by a litany of close friends and family who have known her and loved her over the years. My kids Kellen and Ayla will most miss the barrage of kisses from their “GG” that happened during every greeting. 



Mom, thank you for honoring and trusting me with your care this last 9 months and being such a supportive and proud presence in my life and the life of my children. It was an honor to help see that your final time with us happened according to your wishes. After all Mom, everything is in the the details.  :-) 



*In keeping with my Mom’s wishes, she will be cremated in Boise Idaho. She did not wish to have a viewing or service but instead wanted me to convey how absolutely humbling and honored she was for the outpouring of love and support from family and friends who have messaged, called and/ or  traveled to Boise in recent months. You all have made her so happy and she was absolutely honored to have you all in her life.



I love Mom you and thank you for everything. 



Your son, 


Mitch 

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