We wanted to update you on mom‘s status. In late December, she had a few episodes of what the doctors originally thought was pneumonia. We came to find out that she had pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs), which is a rare side effect of the radiation. They started her on long-term steroids and antibiotics‘s. At one point she seemed better and did a round of chemo.
Around Christmas she became weaker. The doctors thought it was due to the long use of steroids. She started having seizure like episodes, which lead to a few big falls. We eventually found out the tumor on her brain had grown, which could have attributed to these occurrences. Mom did focus radiation on the tumor in her brain about a week ago.
That brings us to this past Easter weekend. She had severe abdominal pain and weakness which prohibited her from standing or walking on her own. This brought her to the ER on Easter morning. She was admitted with pancreatitis. We recently found out the cancer has spread to her pancreas and is also growing in other areas.
Mom and all her valiant effort‘s wanted to still fight, and chemotherapy was to begin the Monday after Easter. The oncologists informed us all, that chemo now would not benefit longevity or quality of life. Mom has made the decision to no longer treat the cancer. She accepted hospice care and will be going home to have her family care for her from now on.
Mom is at peace with her decision. Even though she is in a ton of pain, she still has her sense of humor, and is her sweet, smiling, witty self. Please know that our family is embracing her love and doing our best to keep her comfortable. She sends her love to everybody. Please pray for her comfort.
💜Love,
Dad, Chrissy, Brenda, and Paula
