Tuesday, June 17, 2008

AT LEAST WE KNOW

I've been putting off blogging this news, but I guess I should let my friends know. Yesterday we finally got the results of mom's brain biopsy, and the news wasn't good. Mom's tumor is a glioblastoma multiforme stage 4 which means that it is a vigorously growing cancerous tumor, the kind you don't want to have. We are fortunate that mom is having no pain, and she hasn't had seizures. Mostly she is just tired now. Tired and confused.

We met with radiation doctors, chemo doctors, social workers, and the neuro-surgeon and her regular doctor. We have decided that we won't treat the tumor. The treatments can be unpleasant and may have side effects. Why put her through discomfort to perhaps extend her life by a couple of months.

So, she was released from the hospital this afternoon, and we've found a nursing home for her. The one we wanted is full right now, but we did take this alternate option. We spent the afternoon getting her settled, moving her rocking chair, some pictures, and the bulletin board with pictures of grand kids and great grand kids. It was not easy to move her once again.

It's hard to keep control of my emotions sometimes, but so far I haven't lost it in front of mom. I have had to leave the room quickly a couple of times, but others were there to cover for me. Thank God for my siblings who usually remain strong when I'm not, and I pray I can be strong when they may be having a hard time. We appreciate your prayers.

And I am asking for prayers for another family. Have you read or heard or seen the news about the young woman from Minnesota who is lost in the Denali wilderness of Alaska? Her name is Abby Flantz, and I know her sisters, parents, uncles, and grandparents, although I have not met Abby herself. She has been missing, with a friend, since she was last seen on Thursday. Her parents have now flown up to Alaska to be close to the search area, hopefully to welcome her with open arms when she walks out of the wilderness alive. Please pray for all concerned.

11 comments:

Robbin said...

Marge, My heart is with you, know that. Of all the people we love and cherish in our lives, it is that mother and child connection that causes us such pain during these times. I am so glad you have supporting siblings and I'm glad you have each other and don't worry, when they need strength from you, it will be there. I'm thankful also she is in not pain.
Thank you for sharing as hard as it is to write, I hope you'll get some comfort from your friends here because I know for sure how powerful that support can be.
I will also send my prayers to your friends and so hope their daughter will return to them safely.
Plese remember to take care of YOU.

Lisa said...

I am so sorry that this is the outcome. I just wish I could help ease your pain as you watch your mother go through this. I hope you will have good times with her during this last stage of life, and I hope you find comfort with your own family. You seem to have a strong connection with them and that is such a blessing. I just wish there was something I could say or do to help you feel better. Love to you my dear friend and thank you for opening your life to us.

LindaJean said...

Oh Marge... I am so sorry the news was not good. May God give you lots of good days together. How wonderful that your mom knows where her salvation lies! May she remember and feel God's love for her in His Son while she waits to begin her wonderful new life! I will pray for comfort and peace for you all during this hard time of temporary parting.
Your Friend in Christ

IzzyBeth said...

Wow. I'm so sorry. Please know that I am praying for you.

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about your mom. I'll be praying for all of you.

I did hear good news on the radio on the way home -- that the girls lost in Denali have been found safe!

The Park Wife said...

Oh Marge, my heart is so sad for you and your family right now. I know this is hard and might get harder, you are in my prayers and just know that God is there with you and will give you the strength you need just when you need it.

The Park Wife

Sunny said...

Marge,
I am very sorry to hear the sad news about your mom. I will be praying for all of you.
Paula

Lisa said...

Just sending warm wishes, and to let you know I am thinking of you!

Marge said...

Thank you everyone. I am going to be okay. After a two day major breakdown, I am recovering, and will try to blog tonight.

God bless you all.

Anonymous said...

I've been thinking of you as you're going through all of this with your mom. I pray that she is comfortable and that God blesses all of you, as you live with her prognosis. Take care.
Nancy in Iowa
with only a bit of our farm pond left

Michelle said...

Marge, I found your blog through Lisa at My New Things To Do and after reading about your mothers diagnosis I had to write. We lost my husbands mother to Glioblastoma in 2005. Poppa found her sitting on the stairs in the middle of the night and thought she had had a stroke. They performed the surgery to remove it and that is when they diagnosed it as glioblastoma. I think you made the right decision by not opting for invasive surgery. It will be hard, I know, but have faith that the decision made was the right one. Enjoy your time that you have with her. And my thoughts are with yor friends as they search for their daughter.