Enduring to the End!

              This is Amy, Michele's second daughter.  I live pretty close to Mom and Dad and wanted to give you an update on our mom's health.  On Wednesday of last week, mom had her appointment with her oncologist and was scheduled to receive her next dose of chemotherapy.  Prior to her appointment, she had her blood drawn for her CA-125 numbers.  When she met with Dr. Wallentine, her oncologist, he came in and listened to all of her new and current symptoms: pain in her abdomen and chest, severe swelling in her legs, and feet, continued swelling and distension of her abdomen, pain at the site of her abdominal drainage tube, difficulty breathing due to fluid build-up around her lungs, etc. 

                After listening to her report, he told her that he is amazed at how quickly her cancer was advancing.  He always recommends chemotherapy, and always fights hard and doesn't give up treating with drugs until the bitter end, but with that being said, he told her that her cancer is on a rampage and is clearly not responding to the chemotherapy.  He said that although he is a very aggressive treater, at this time he cannot recommend continuing chemotherapy. The last CA-125 count was 435 (which we thought was pretty high).  Now, less than a month later and while undergoing chemotherapy, it is 2,762.  He said he has never seen cancer blow through Doxil (her chemotherapy drug) like this has.  He consulted with a colleague of his, and they both agreed that it was pretty shocking how astronomically her cancer was continuing to grow while on treatment.  

                He went on to explain that the swelling in her feet was a symptom of her liver shutting down - another sign of very advanced late-stage Ovarian cancer. When my parents asked for what kind of time-line we are looking at, he told them that Mom is looking at just having weeks left.  He said he doesn't even feel comfortable saying months.  That was quite a blow to hear!  However we know that it's totally up to the Lord when he will call her home.

                The doctor said he would release her to be on Hospice, and that she'd no longer need to come in for treatment of any kind.  After some tearful goodbyes with her amazing doctor and her incredible nurses that have become true friends, she and my dad left Dr. Wallentine's office for good.  They headed down to her next appointment to have the drain in her back (that drains off the fluid building up around her lungs) placed, and then they were officially done with going to any more doctor's appointments. 

                From now on, all her care will take place at home, under the direction of Hospice.  We have been so impressed with the wonderful nurses that we have worked with so far, and a doctor that we've heard great things about will be coming out to her house this week for an appointment.  Hospice has assessed her needs and will come out every few days to drain her abdominal and chest drains, take her vitals, and anything she needs.  They've delivered a wheel chair for when Mom gets worse, a walker to help her get around as her legs continue to weaken, and other helpful things which are nice to have at this time.  All things considered, she is doing pretty well since she has been settled at home and on hospice, and we are doing our best to keep her pain and discomfort managed as best as possible. She continues to amaze us as she pushes herself to attend church or the temple and to be as present for her siblings, children and grandchildren as she can.  You would never know by this picture that she is on Hospice and experiencing all that she is!  She continues to be a great example to each of us on how to "Endure to the End!"

            Mom has felt so incredibly loved and is so thankful for all the thoughts and prayers from so many.  While she appreciates all the support and love from everyone, it can at times feel overwhelming for her.  She has a hard time saying "no" to anyone, and not being able to get back to all her calls, emails, and messages makes her feel so guilty about it.  We hope everyone can understand this and not feel badly if she is not able to get back to you as she'd like.  Visits and phone calls can really wear her out at times, so for those who have asked, the best way to let her know you're thinking about her is probably through emails and cards at this point.  We don't want to discourage anyone from calling or visiting, but we hope to keep the visits short and limit it where possible.

                We will continue to keep everyone posted on Mom's health as things develop, and I know Mom will be posting on this blog as well.  She still has more to say to this world! :)