Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Untitled

Debated whether to post this, but I've been open about everything else since I started this blog, so here goes.

Mom's CT scan yesterday revealed a 7cm soft tissue mass surrounding the throat and an enlarged lymph node. Thus the eating issues. Lymphoma is suspected. Fluid and plaqueing in the right lung. Thus the breathing issues. I'll be contacting hospice today to get more information. The good thing is she hasn't shown signs of being in pain (yet), and is still smiling and laughing, although weakened. With help getting up, she is still walking. She seems to have recovered her appetite, and is eating and drinking with obvious enjoyment.

33 comments:

Cyndi B. said...

Wow...I'm glad you posted this even though I'm sure it was difficult. Know that I'm praying and thinking of you and your mom. Do keep us out here in blogland updated...we do care!

anncrafts said...

Sorry to hear this. I'll keep you in my prayers.

livnletlrn said...

Hugs to you both on this challenging journey.

Cindy said...

Oh, damn, Annie. I'm sorry. Hospice is the way to go. She does not need to endure chemo and the terror that that would create. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. As long as she is without pain, you will be ok. Sweetie, thank you for letting us know. We care and hopefully, the blog will help you get through.

Lynn Potocny said...

Annie,
Our prayers are with you and your Mom, and the rest of your family I know it was difficult to post too.
Lynn

Unknown said...

De-lurking to send hugs and tell you that I have admired your courage throughout this recorded journey. I am confident you will do whatever the very best is for your mom. Take care.

JudyP613 said...

You will be on my mind today

Isabella said...

Oh my. I'm so sorry. Loving thoughts to you both.

R.G.Sell said...

I am very sorry and send prayers your way...

Spinningfishwife said...

Opps, that was me above. Wrong account. But my sentiments are the same. I'll be thinking of you in the difficult times ahead.

gale (she shoots sheep shots) said...

So very sorry, Annie, to hear of the test results,I'm keeping both of you in my thoughts and prayers.

lulubelle said...

Thank you for having the courage to post this, as I regularly check your blog for news on Mom. You are both in my thoughts...

Mama Pea said...

Please know we are all praying that your mom continues to stay smiling and laughing and without pain.

Thanks for letting us know what's going on.

sandy said...

oh no... I'm glad to hear she is still smiling and hope you are too.

Woollyminded said...

I'm so sorry this is happening to your Mum. You are both in my thoughts.

Maxly said...

I am so sorry to read this--virtual hugs are being sent to you and your mom.

punkin said...

sending a hug and adding one more voice to the comforting and encouraging sentiments already expressed here.

rilera said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I know how difficult this is for you. You and your mom are in my prayers always. Take care and please keep us updated. Hugs to you and your mom.

Anonymous said...

I'm so very sorry to hear this. But I'm glad she is still smiling and without pain. Take care of your self as you take care of her.

Julia

Unknown said...

Oh dear.

It's already been such a long journey ... may you find that every day you are given the strength you need to carry on, and when you are weary, may you find helpful hands reaching out to support you.

Sending you and your mom (whose artwork has brought me much happiness, thank you so much for sharing it!) good thoughts of comfort and peace.

Ginny said...

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I understand what you are going through... My grandmother had both Alzheimer's and Lymphoma. She had 5 treatments (not chemo) then we were told she was in remission. Unfortunately it lasted only a few months. We found out it was back after she fell and hit her head. The ER took x-rays of her head and new tumors were seen. The family decided not to put her through the treatments again, and put her in a nursing home. We had no choice because she was declining quickly, and no family members could care for her 24/7 (she was living mostly on her own before the fall). She also could no longer walk, and we couldn't lift her.

She wasn't in much pain until close to the end. Hospice came in and helped keep her comfortable.
From first diagnosis to the end was only about 15 months. She passed away 2 years ago this month.

Again, I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

Julene said...

oh, sweetie, I am so sorry! Thank you for telling us. All the best wishes in the world!
j

Marissa said...

Oh, Annie! Be well. My strongest prayers are being sent to you both.

Mimi Steffen said...

Dear Annie,
My prayers are for you and your mom and for what is best.
Everything I've read says that Hospice is wonderful.
Please continue blogging about this experience.
Be strong and gather your support system.

Ann Martin said...

Oh my, Annie; I'm sorry. I'll be keeping you and your mom close in my thoughts. Hospice will be a wonderful help.

Lynn said...

Annie, following your blog and seeing the Memory Loss Tapes has made your Mom very real and special to me. Those of us who have seen a little of your life with her have dreaded this next part. But, my experiences with hospice have been good ones and almost everyone I know has appreciated them and it is wonderful that you can still stir her to laughter and that she is able to enjoy food and other moments in the day. Praying for you both! Lynn

Laura said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I will continue to lift you and your family up.

Lily said...

I'm so sorry. The inevitability of death doesn't make it any easier to deal with when it comes knocking. How wonderful that you've had such special times with your mum over the years, something that many never achieve. You are in my thoughts x x

•♥•m•♥• said...

(((hugs))) i am sorry to read this...on one hand...u know...on the other ...u know. i dont have any advice or experience so i wont even try to ....just know we are out here ....praying for you & your mom

Joan@CopperCreeker said...

It's hard to comment on this. I wish I was close by to really give you a hug and a shoulder in real time. (((Annie)))

Amy R Singer said...

Hi, Annie - We've never met, but I found your blog after the documentary aired. I was just on a flight where it was one of the choices to watch, and I fast forwarded to the section about you and your mom. Once again, I was struck at the tenderness in your relationship and how beautifully you care for your mom.

I send hugs and hopes for the best possible outcome in such difficult circumstances.

stash haus said...

Sending hugs and thoughts your way. Your mom's art is always an inspiration.

I've known many who have experienced the care of hospice angels. Amazing people who work in that field. You, your family, and your mom will be well taken care of during that part of her journey.

Miss T said...

Oh dear. I'm hoping for the best for both of you.