Journal entry by Rick Stoudt —
After a difficult week and the guidance of our team of doctors, Rick has made the decision to transition to hospice care and stop chemotherapy.
Wednesday night Rick had two grand mal seizures. After a harrowing trip to the ER in the torrential rain, scans showed that there was bleeding in the tumor. An MRI that night showed tumor growth since our most recent scan a month ago, despite having an additional chemotherapy during that time. At home prior to and since this event, Rick is quiet and sleeping a lot. He has been struggling with normal activities. Despite knowing in my gut he has been getting worse, it did not make hearing the doctor's recommendation any easier.
He still makes his sarcastic comments when you least expect them.
We have been grateful for all of the support from family and friends: meals, visits, rides and a shoulder to lean on. Rick's Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jim have been his regular chauffeurs and companions since school started, and have kept us supplied with Mary Ann's donuts. His friend Meg has been his walking and texting buddy, and has kept him laughing. I am fortunate to be able to take a paid leave from work starting last week so that I can be home with him.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers over the past year. It has meant a lot to the both of us.
Love, Tina
Wednesday night Rick had two grand mal seizures. After a harrowing trip to the ER in the torrential rain, scans showed that there was bleeding in the tumor. An MRI that night showed tumor growth since our most recent scan a month ago, despite having an additional chemotherapy during that time. At home prior to and since this event, Rick is quiet and sleeping a lot. He has been struggling with normal activities. Despite knowing in my gut he has been getting worse, it did not make hearing the doctor's recommendation any easier.
He still makes his sarcastic comments when you least expect them.
We have been grateful for all of the support from family and friends: meals, visits, rides and a shoulder to lean on. Rick's Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jim have been his regular chauffeurs and companions since school started, and have kept us supplied with Mary Ann's donuts. His friend Meg has been his walking and texting buddy, and has kept him laughing. I am fortunate to be able to take a paid leave from work starting last week so that I can be home with him.
Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers over the past year. It has meant a lot to the both of us.
Love, Tina
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