Karen’s Story

Site created on December 20, 2020

Karen was diagnosed with brain cancer summer of 2019.  She had surgery which partially removed the large tumor followed by a course of radiation.   Though she had some lasting cognitive deficits from the tumor and surgery, the tumor has not grown since then.  However she has had complications from radiation.  From radiation she developed progressive multiple sclerosis which was diagnosed a year ago.  Since then she has had significant cognitive decline and increasing difficulty with movement.  Her doctors have been stumped by this, as the tumor has been stable and the MS appears stable on MRI.  In the last month she has become wheel chair bound and has started sleeping 16+ hours daily.  She had an MRI at the beginning of Dec. which revealed a new diagnosis - post radiation brain necrosis - an uncommon complication of radiation where brain cells are dying.  At this point we have more questions than answers.  Post radiation brain necrosis has a highly variable course.   Her decline has been so continuous that we feel she may be nearing the end of her life but in terms of a medical diagnosis we don't know that for sure.  However her doctors have stated that hospice care is appropriate and we are working on initiating that now.  Regardless of what happens we are committed to her staying at home and her spouse Frank is taking great care of her with the help of occasional staff.  


From her daughter Madeline - 
I regret we did not set up a caring bridge site for her sooner but she was hesitant as she is a pretty private person.  In recent weeks she has stated that she misses friends and family and so I am encouraging people to reach out to her.  Cards are welcome.  Short visits are welcome if you feel comfortable. She has difficulty wearing a mask but can do so for short periods.  Everyone else in the home is always masked if there are visitors.  Video calls are welcome - the best way to do this is to call Frank and she may or may not be up for it in that moment.  Afternoons are best.   No food or flowers please.  Frank is not up for phone calls to discuss her situation as he is pretty busy with cares.  If you have any questions you can email me (maddyjean@gmail.com).  Thank you all so much for your love and support of my mom and our family.  

Newest Update

Memorial Reminder 5/23/21

Journal entry by Madeline Gardner —

Friendly reminder -

The memorial for my Mom will be on Sun May 23rd, 2-5pm.  There will be a short service at 3 p.m.

Walker Church, 3104 16th Ave S.   We will mainly be in the large chapel with good air flow.

ASL provided.

Masks and social distancing required so that everyone can feel safe.  Similarly we regret that we will not be serving refreshments due to Covid.

If you don't feel comfortable coming inside, please let me know and we will set a time when the family can be in the courtyard for a while to greet people.  maddyjean@gmail.com

We hope to see you there so we can remember her and celebrate her life together.

Thanks, 
Karen's family - Madeline, Annie, Jessica and Frank
Read More of the journal titled "Memorial Reminder 5/23/21"
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