Journal entry by Tica Hall —
Dear friends,
My apologies for the silence, I am getting back on my feet and figuring out how to add updates to this site. I am writing with an overdue health update in the wake of my adventure with liver failure in May. At the time, I was instructed to "get my affairs in order" which I endeavored to do with an army of helpers including family and friends, near and far. After a final "hail Mary" dose of chemotheraphy, I was sent home on hospice care. Luckily for me, my astute loved ones seemed perplexed that I seemed to be doing better than someone who has been sent home to die. My persistent "angels" (you know who you are) reached out to my oncology team, who agreed to additional rounds of chemo. Much to everyone's surprise, I responded well and my liver function started to improve. Nearly three months later, my liver is functioning despite widespread metastases. There is no "cure" but as long as my liver continues to respond and function, I remain (gratefully) with you.
My family and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from friends around the world. I can't tell you how much each card, email, visit, delivered meal, and basket of flowers have meant to us. This is especially true to Gabriel, who thought he was going to lose his mom at the too-early age of 20. Gabriel, Ken, and my wonderful family and friends have been phenomenal. I am humbled.
So, forward I go, lifted by the love and support you shared with me and my family. I don't know how much time I have left, but I view each day as a gift. Each of you is a reminder of this gift.
With deep appreciation,
(no longer yellow) Tica
My apologies for the silence, I am getting back on my feet and figuring out how to add updates to this site. I am writing with an overdue health update in the wake of my adventure with liver failure in May. At the time, I was instructed to "get my affairs in order" which I endeavored to do with an army of helpers including family and friends, near and far. After a final "hail Mary" dose of chemotheraphy, I was sent home on hospice care. Luckily for me, my astute loved ones seemed perplexed that I seemed to be doing better than someone who has been sent home to die. My persistent "angels" (you know who you are) reached out to my oncology team, who agreed to additional rounds of chemo. Much to everyone's surprise, I responded well and my liver function started to improve. Nearly three months later, my liver is functioning despite widespread metastases. There is no "cure" but as long as my liver continues to respond and function, I remain (gratefully) with you.
My family and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from friends around the world. I can't tell you how much each card, email, visit, delivered meal, and basket of flowers have meant to us. This is especially true to Gabriel, who thought he was going to lose his mom at the too-early age of 20. Gabriel, Ken, and my wonderful family and friends have been phenomenal. I am humbled.
So, forward I go, lifted by the love and support you shared with me and my family. I don't know how much time I have left, but I view each day as a gift. Each of you is a reminder of this gift.
With deep appreciation,
(no longer yellow) Tica
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