In The Home Stretch

This week, we are in the final home stretch of radiation with chemo. YAY! It's amazing to think we're nearing the finish line of radiation. Mom's oncologist has been so optimistic and once again filled us with HOPE when we met with her on Monday. After this week, Mom will have a 4-6 week break from chemo. It will be nice for her to have time for her brain to heal and regain some energy. Radiation has really wiped her out. Major fatigue has set in and has been a bit alarming at times. Her oncologist reminded her that her body is telling her it needs to rest and not to worry. 

It's hard for mom to be slowed down this much. As you know well, she's always been a go getter and loves to be busy with things so being slowed down this much has been rough. As tired as she is, she's still up for a little car ride and likes to run an errand here and there. She's starting to remind me of Grandma Barwick a little bit with how she enjoys the simple things in life. 

She has also struggled with adjusting to her deficiencies with her eyesight. We are really hoping her brain will be able to restore some of the vision loss through therapy. She will have some upcoming therapy appointments a few times a week but for now, we're looking forward to not having to be at the hospital everyday. Mom will also have a follow-up MRI scheduled for the middle of May. This new reading will establish new baseline for mom and her team. 

We are so thankful to almost be over this second hurdle in treatment. Mom has been so brave and has truly persevered. It's been a bumpy ride but for the most part, she's done quite well through it all!  It's been therapeutic for mom to enjoy the sunshine and the signs of spring in the backyard. She loves watching the birds through her window and relaxing on her porch swing. Her chickens continue to delight and entertain her. They adore mom and it's fun to see how they flock to her. Alfrieda takes the lead and the girls follow. She's a strong, hardworking, reliable egg-laying chicken. We thank Alfrieda everyday for her large beautiful blue eggs. Pictured below is mom sharing some cookie crumbs. The solo picture is Alfrieda who let us pick her us yesterday. 

Thank you again for your prayers in mom's behalf. We could not get through this without them. As we look ahead, we ask for prayers that mom's brain can rest and heal from the radiation, that swelling will subside, that she can regain strength and energy, that her eyesight can improve with therapy and that her MRI will not show signs of tumor recurrence. 

We love and appreciate you all so very much! Thank for being in our lives and bringing us HOPE and JOY! 




Comments

  1. MikeApril 10, 2024 at 9:37 AM

    Wonderful update! I'm keeping on praying! Give her a big hug from me, Aaron and Aubrey!

    ReplyDelete

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