Well as much as we had hoped this day would not come, mom's condition is declining rapidly. Yesterday she went to have her platelets checked and they had dropped to a level of 5. Drastically low, which means that she would have to go in for infusions every other day to keep her blood levels up as much as possible.
We met with her doctor and he let us know that even though the chemo she has been doing is working slightly on her brain fluid...it is not working at all on her bone marrow cancer. There is nothing more medically they can do. She is also showing signs of bleeding in various areas of her body, which are indicitive of the low platelets.
All of this basically means that the cancer is spreading rapidly and her body cannot fight it.
We have called in hospice to help us assess her needs. They come tomorrow morning. She is still pain free! And we spent most of today talking to her about this big decision. She is a fighter!! But she is tired.
We will spend the next few days together as a family, enjoying time with her at home (unless they suggest that she go to a hospice facility). I will blog again tomorrow to let you know what is happening.
But we have decided to stop treatments and let her relax and enjoy these last few moments with us...rather than spending 9 hour days in the infusion center.
I know many of you will be praying for her. Please know that she is happy, peaceful and she knows that Jesus is with her. Like all of us, she is saddened that this disease has won the battle here on earth. But she knows that the true Victory is in Heaven.
God bless you all for your love and support!
Father God, please guide Kathy's family in the many decisions they must make during this illness. Give them the confidence that You are leading them in love and power.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, I cried as I read today's post. This is such a hard time for you and all your family. I think you have made the right decision about the treatments. Not having to do them will conserve her strength so she can have some special moments with you and all those she loves. I love you and I've been praying daily for you. I went through this with my husband, so I know something of your pain. You have done all you can do. I pray our Lord will give you great calmness as you stand beside your Mom. I know Jesus will welcome her home with open arms.
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Mandy, I hope you can feel my prayers and love I am sending to you. Your mom is a remarkable person and her strength has been amazing. I pray your family time is precious and that you all get to share your love with each other. I love you my friend, so much and I pray that she remains pain-free. Please let her know that I am praying for all of you!
ReplyDeleteI'm saddened to hear the news, but at least Kathy is pain free and is able to enjoy all the time she can with her loved ones. Kathy, you've always been kind to me and my family and we know you'll have a peaceful journey. Sending lots of love, prayers and hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mandy for your continuous updates and you've done a terrific job of helping out your family.
All the best,
Mandie & family
Mandy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this information for us, you are an amazing woman. Please give my Auntie a big hug and kiss form me and my family. I am so sorry we never made it down for a "Girls" weekend, but that teaches me not to put off important things in my life. Your mom is the bond of the "Nolan" family, and she will always be that incredibly wonderful, soft hearted, selfless woman in my life. I have really missed you all since you moved, the Christmas's haven't been the same without out you. I will always cherish all my memories with you guys, and look forward to seeing auntie, and Grandma Rose in heaven someday. I have always prayed for a miracle, and I won't stop until God tells me no. I will keep you all in my prayers for a wonderfully beautiful family time together.
All my Love,
Shan I love you Auntie
Mandy, I posteed yesterday and it did not show up, I am so happy I got to see you all last month! I AM so sorry about the test results, your mom has been my friend for over 50 years,our dad too!
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful she has had your wonderful family to support her!!My love and prayers to all of you!! Marcie
Praying! Loving on you and yours! Always here if you need anything!
ReplyDeleteMandy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting during this difficult time. I'm so saddened to hear of Kathy's decline but am grateful that she is pain-free.
You have been such a loving and caring daughter for your parents. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that your mom couldn't ask for a better daughter. I remember the first time I meet your parents. It was at an offsite for Rolm at the Casatiempo Inn in Santa Cruz. That was over 30 years ago and your mom was so proud to show off pictures of you and Tony. I could feel her love for her children and I can feel your love for your mom now.
I had Hospice for my dad and they were so caring and helpful during the hardest time of my dad's illness. They made things easier and we were able to have a very calm and peaceful time during a difficult time. I wish the same for you and your family.
xoxoxo,
Sandra, Mike, Shannon, Kelly & Robin