With a heavy heart

Mom is back in the hospital. She has worsened and Dad could not take care of her at home. Dad, you did an amazing job. Thank you. Love you both. Mom is being kept comfortable and will be transitioning to a nursing home soon. Thank you for your thought and prayers.

-Chris

Sept 21, Doc appt

Mom had a doc appt today but we didn't learn much.  The next scan is scheduled for a month from now.  The radiation is still working, doing it's thing.  A brain scan in a month will give the doctors a good baseline, see the size of the tumor, before chemo is started.  Chemo will start in about a month. 

Company is welcome at home.  Call first just to make sure Mom and Dad aren't at Farmington Fair :-)

-Chris

There is no place like home

Where to start....

The day went so very well. Hugs were had as we left Marshhood and headed for home.

We arrived in Farmington to find Mark already there with balloons and a welcome home banner and candles lit. Many tears were shed as we entered the house, seeing the bed in the living room etc. It was reality to Mom of what we had to change to get her home and what her limitations are. We settled in quickly and of course Mom wanted McDonalds for lunch so this is what we had. Dad was very busy getting meds in order and loving being home also. Mark gave Mom a hair cut, cutting the wisps of hair that apparently were not going to fall out. Mom had a nap and when she woke Miles and Chandler were there to greet her, more tears. Mark went to camp to get the cat, now everyone is where they belong. Dinner was had and Mom and Dad seemed pretty settled for the night. I have wonderful parents. I love you. We have a wonderful family and terrific friends. Thank you all

Chris

Home

Mom is going home tomorrow. Mark and I are not working to help with the transition. Mark is going to go straight to Farmington to put up balloons, light some candles etc. I am going to Marshwood to help pack things up and will follow to Farmington. Will let you all know how it goes.

Chris

Sitting with Mom

It is good to be sitting with Mom ...well she is sleeping now but we were having some good conversation. We had visitors today, thank you Avis and Joline. Dad has gone to camp to move some things home.

We are still on for departure from Marshwood on Wednesday the 15th. I am taking the day off to help Mom and Dad settle in at home.

Mark and Steve did some things at Mom and Dads yesterday to help with Wednesdays arrival home. Thank you

-Chris

back to Wednesday

Home date is back to Wednesday the 16th.

One more day of radiation on Monday.

Mom, Chandler, and I had chinese food tonight. It was enjoyable with some good conversation.

-Chris

New home date

Looks like now it will be Friday the 17th that Mom will come home. There is much to do at home. It is the coordination of things at home that have changed the date.

Mom is pretty tired but doing ok. I have printed the comments on here and will be sharing them with her tonight.
Thanks all. Chris

Home soon?

If all goes according to plan Mom will come home next Thursday the 16th. There is some work to do in the next week...lots of physical therapy.

Had a good visit with Mom tonight. 

Only 4 radiation treatments left to go.  Mom saw the radiation doctor today; she is pleased with how Mom is progressing. 

Mom has many flowers in her room which she is enjoying.  She also received a basket today filled with fresh apples and candy ... The candy was by far her favorite!  

Dad continues to be a real trooper, arriving each day by 7 AM, and remaining by Mom's side all day...

Visitors and cards are more than welcome!   Mailing address is PO BOX 573 Farmington, ME  04938. 

So how Mom is doing ....

Mom finished her second week of whole brain radiation treatments and ... so far so good.  She is very tired but, other than that, there are no current side effects.  She has one more week of radiation.  Mom is currently at Marshwood Center in Lewiston, Maine, and receiving the radiation treatments at CMMC.  Before the radiation started, what sent her back into the hospital was swelling and the growth of the tumors.  Due to the swelling, she lost some right-side mobility which is starting to come back, and which indicates that things are shrinking as they should be.  The next brain scan will be September 21st.  Mom is doing great in physcial therapy and walking some, with help.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. 

-Chris

Dear Friends and Family,

This blog has been created to allow us all the opportunity to share our thoughts and love for this wonderful woman, and to stay informed regarding the road ahead.  Please feel free to post messages which will be taken to Joanne to help brighten her journey.

Thank you!
Chris