Mom's cognitive and memory issues took a sharp decline last weekend, ultimately requiring us to take her to the VCU emergency department on Sunday morning. She was admitted into her local oncologist's supervision that afternoon in the critical care ward. After many tests and several days of observation, it was clear that immunotherapy is no longer effective at stopping the growth or spread of the cancer, and any further treatments would do more harm than good. We got to bring her home on Friday morning to begin hospice care. While she cannot be alone in the house anymore, we are lucky to have caregivers there to make meals and help her get around.
The comfort and familiarity of home has been a boost to her spirit! She's been generally positive and enjoyed a lively Mother's Day lunch surrounded by her kids and grandkids. If you would like to pop in and see her, she would love that, but here are some things of which to be aware:
- Typically she rests for several hours in the afternoon. We want to preserve that for her and ask that you not visit between 2:00 and 4:00pm.
- Also, if she is resting, we will close a shade on the front door. Please do not knock or ring the doorbells if the shade is down.
- Her short-term memory is very fluid, and some days are better than others.
- She can't leave the house except for short walks. Friends and neighbors have been kind to invite her over for meals or take her on errands but it is too painful for her to move that much.
- Her phone is too difficult for her to use and just agitates her, so we have put it away to save her the frustration. We will check it occasionally and share messages with her if you would still like to text her.
