We want to warmly welcome you all to a celebration of the life of Karla, my mom. It will be Saturday, January 3rd at 10:30 am at City of Grace Church Mesa Campus (in the Family Life Center) 655 E. University Dr. Mesa, Arizona 85203. We would love for you all to join us.
Thank you for your prayers, support, care, and love for all of us through this. We treasure you all.
Blessings,
Heather Hofman
Monday, December 29, 2008
Update 12/29/08
Karla went home to be with Jesus about 1:15 today (Monday). It was a peaceful time with each family member having time to say good-bye and express their love to Karla. The family is currently meeting with pastors and making plans for her celebration service. The blog will be updated with service information just as soon as arrangements are made and once again, I know that the Tesch family is so grateful for the support you’ve given and appreciates your thoughts and prayers at this time.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Karla's Update - Evening 12/28/08
I just got off the phone with Dave & Heather and they asked that I update you this evening on Karla. The doctors have said that she does NOT have pneumonia as earlier thought but is fighting infection in her body. They have her on antibiotics but need to have a clearer diagnosis to attack the infection with specific medications.
Karla was having difficulty in her breathing this morning and doctors made the decision to put her on a ventilator. Each family member had a chance to spend time with Karla and communicate their love with her before the ventilator went in and Karla was no longer able to verbally communicate. She is, however, still responding with hand squeezes and toe wiggles.
After a period of very low blood pressure and several tries to stabilize it, the doctors were able to find a medication to stabilize her and bring her blood pressure back to a normal range. The doctor was amazed at her ability to communicate even at a point of such low pressure. He said that medically she should not have been able to do that. We serve a great God!
Tomorrow is Jack & Karla's 39th wedding anniversary. Karla told Jack today that her gift to him is her life and that she wants to be alive tomorrow. As they have served each other faithfully over the years, Jack is now having the opportunity to serve his wife in sickness and in health. And may I add... I think he is starring! May they both have the strength tomorrow to appreciate the day and their love for each other.
Dave reiterated that the next 12-24 hours are critical. Please pray that the doctors can successfully diagnose the infection and treat it effectively and her body would respond to the antibiotics, that her blood pressure and other vitals will remain stable, and that each family member will have the strength and peace of God through this. Again, with the most genuine sincerity, both Dave and Heather expressed their gratitude for your prayers, your visits, your love and concern. They know you are praying and are seeing God at work. So, on behalf of the Tesch's once again, thank you, thank you, thank you. May you be blessed.
Pamela Schurmann
Karla was having difficulty in her breathing this morning and doctors made the decision to put her on a ventilator. Each family member had a chance to spend time with Karla and communicate their love with her before the ventilator went in and Karla was no longer able to verbally communicate. She is, however, still responding with hand squeezes and toe wiggles.
After a period of very low blood pressure and several tries to stabilize it, the doctors were able to find a medication to stabilize her and bring her blood pressure back to a normal range. The doctor was amazed at her ability to communicate even at a point of such low pressure. He said that medically she should not have been able to do that. We serve a great God!
Tomorrow is Jack & Karla's 39th wedding anniversary. Karla told Jack today that her gift to him is her life and that she wants to be alive tomorrow. As they have served each other faithfully over the years, Jack is now having the opportunity to serve his wife in sickness and in health. And may I add... I think he is starring! May they both have the strength tomorrow to appreciate the day and their love for each other.
Dave reiterated that the next 12-24 hours are critical. Please pray that the doctors can successfully diagnose the infection and treat it effectively and her body would respond to the antibiotics, that her blood pressure and other vitals will remain stable, and that each family member will have the strength and peace of God through this. Again, with the most genuine sincerity, both Dave and Heather expressed their gratitude for your prayers, your visits, your love and concern. They know you are praying and are seeing God at work. So, on behalf of the Tesch's once again, thank you, thank you, thank you. May you be blessed.
Pamela Schurmann
Karla's Health Update 12/28/08
Heather called this morning and asked me to pray and update you on Karla's status. Karla was moved into ICU at Scottsdale Osborn last night. It looks that she may have pneumonia and the doctors have communicated that the next 24 hours are critical. Heather and Dave are on their way to see her now and will bring another update when they are able.
Please continue to pray for Karla and I know that the Tesch family is grateful for your support and prayers.
Pamela Schurmann
(Friend)
Please continue to pray for Karla and I know that the Tesch family is grateful for your support and prayers.
Pamela Schurmann
(Friend)
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Karla's Health Update 12/27/08
Mom needed some morphine today along with her other pain medicine. She is in a lot of pain and continues to be quite shaky and tired. We are grateful that she continues to want to fight and get better as we see the challenges she faces.
We find ourselves stepping into the hallway to cry as when she sees us cry, she cries too. We step back into her room and find strength from our Lord to be strong for her and maintain a peaceful, comforting atmosphere for her. She rests much easier when someone is sitting by her bedside. She likes when we say encouraging things to her and pray for her. She enjoys our company and humor.
Thank you for your continued prayers and loving support through this time in our lives.
Most grateful,
Heather Hofman
We find ourselves stepping into the hallway to cry as when she sees us cry, she cries too. We step back into her room and find strength from our Lord to be strong for her and maintain a peaceful, comforting atmosphere for her. She rests much easier when someone is sitting by her bedside. She likes when we say encouraging things to her and pray for her. She enjoys our company and humor.
Thank you for your continued prayers and loving support through this time in our lives.
Most grateful,
Heather Hofman
Karla's Health Update 12/27/2008
Good Evening,
Adjusting to new places and schedules is never easy. Mom is doing her best to adjust well. The new facility is a bit busier and quiet times are less frequent. She commented that the food tasted better than in the hospital and ate a little more than usual. She is trying her best to sit up with assistance. She is so happy to have family and friends visit that it often brings her to tears. She appears to be more alert but the strength to carry long conversations drains her. She is so thankful for the assistance given to her. Please continue to pray for increased appetite and desire to eat. Pray that strength and added mobility would return and be of encouragement to Mom to further work through this difficult time. She is a real trooper and feels more at rest when family or friends are near and sleeps better during these times.
She appreciates your continued thoughts and prayers as well as our entire family.
Dave Hofman
Adjusting to new places and schedules is never easy. Mom is doing her best to adjust well. The new facility is a bit busier and quiet times are less frequent. She commented that the food tasted better than in the hospital and ate a little more than usual. She is trying her best to sit up with assistance. She is so happy to have family and friends visit that it often brings her to tears. She appears to be more alert but the strength to carry long conversations drains her. She is so thankful for the assistance given to her. Please continue to pray for increased appetite and desire to eat. Pray that strength and added mobility would return and be of encouragement to Mom to further work through this difficult time. She is a real trooper and feels more at rest when family or friends are near and sleeps better during these times.
She appreciates your continued thoughts and prayers as well as our entire family.
Dave Hofman
Friday, December 26, 2008
Karla's Health Update 12/26/08
Good Morning,
It was decided that it would be best if Mom was moved to a better facility that can better meet her needs right now. She was moved to Scottsdale Nursing and Rehab last night. She will have physical therapy three times a day for now. Her dilantin level went down to 19 yesterday. We are grateful for this continuous improvement. She is very limited in her strength and mobility at this time.
It was a tough day watching Mom continue to struggle, be in discomfort, and cry. She continues to be determined to get better, beat the odds, and bless those around her. She attempts to do small exercises while in her bed such as finger walks up to lifted knees, ankle pumps, pulling her arms above her head, etc. She is still very appreciative and grateful. She is quick to thank you for anything you do for her. When her nurse, Jenny, at the hospital was leaving her shift, she introduced Mom to the next shift nurse. Mom told Jenny how much she appreciated how gentle and caring Jenny had been to her, with tears in her eyes. Jenny then told Mom she just had to give her a hug as she also cried. Mom continues to be the sweet loving person she is.
Dad has been very strong. He is tired and not liking coming home to an empty house. It has been a difficult few days for all of us. But, we are grateful we have the Lord helping us with this all, we have each other, and we have you. Thank you dear family and friends.
Please continue to pray for Mom's health to improve, dilantin levels to continue to lower, that she is protected from the cancer spreading/worsening while off of chemo for now, she gains more strength and mobility, discomforts stop, and she remains positive.
Many blessings to you all,
Heather Hofman
It was decided that it would be best if Mom was moved to a better facility that can better meet her needs right now. She was moved to Scottsdale Nursing and Rehab last night. She will have physical therapy three times a day for now. Her dilantin level went down to 19 yesterday. We are grateful for this continuous improvement. She is very limited in her strength and mobility at this time.
It was a tough day watching Mom continue to struggle, be in discomfort, and cry. She continues to be determined to get better, beat the odds, and bless those around her. She attempts to do small exercises while in her bed such as finger walks up to lifted knees, ankle pumps, pulling her arms above her head, etc. She is still very appreciative and grateful. She is quick to thank you for anything you do for her. When her nurse, Jenny, at the hospital was leaving her shift, she introduced Mom to the next shift nurse. Mom told Jenny how much she appreciated how gentle and caring Jenny had been to her, with tears in her eyes. Jenny then told Mom she just had to give her a hug as she also cried. Mom continues to be the sweet loving person she is.
Dad has been very strong. He is tired and not liking coming home to an empty house. It has been a difficult few days for all of us. But, we are grateful we have the Lord helping us with this all, we have each other, and we have you. Thank you dear family and friends.
Please continue to pray for Mom's health to improve, dilantin levels to continue to lower, that she is protected from the cancer spreading/worsening while off of chemo for now, she gains more strength and mobility, discomforts stop, and she remains positive.
Many blessings to you all,
Heather Hofman
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Karla's Health Update 12/24/08
Merry Christmas Eve to you all.
We wanted to share some new updates concerning Mom. Some tests have been done and we have some results to share. One being that her liver enzymes are doing better...small improvement, but better. Thank you, Lord. Another being that her dilantin was at 30 when she was admitted into the hospital on Sunday. The dilantin level is now at 23. They want her at a 10-15 range. She is gaining a bit of strength. She is a bit less dizzy and is eating more. They did not do a MRI due to metal being part of her tissue expanders at this time. She is having a difficult time with discomforts...the discomforts of the tissue expanders, shoulder pain, some skin sensitivity due to one of her chemos, stiffness are a few of the main ones. She loves to hear encouragement and hangs onto each word of encouragement. She is disappointed that she is in the hospital during Christmas but we've been letting her know we'll do Christmas when she is home. She needs to gain some more strength prior to leaving the hospital. We are blessed to be able to spend time with her in the hospital.
We will continue to keep you posted. Thank you for your prayers and and coming alongside of us through this.
Merry Christmas to you all,
Heather Hofman
We wanted to share some new updates concerning Mom. Some tests have been done and we have some results to share. One being that her liver enzymes are doing better...small improvement, but better. Thank you, Lord. Another being that her dilantin was at 30 when she was admitted into the hospital on Sunday. The dilantin level is now at 23. They want her at a 10-15 range. She is gaining a bit of strength. She is a bit less dizzy and is eating more. They did not do a MRI due to metal being part of her tissue expanders at this time. She is having a difficult time with discomforts...the discomforts of the tissue expanders, shoulder pain, some skin sensitivity due to one of her chemos, stiffness are a few of the main ones. She loves to hear encouragement and hangs onto each word of encouragement. She is disappointed that she is in the hospital during Christmas but we've been letting her know we'll do Christmas when she is home. She needs to gain some more strength prior to leaving the hospital. We are blessed to be able to spend time with her in the hospital.
We will continue to keep you posted. Thank you for your prayers and and coming alongside of us through this.
Merry Christmas to you all,
Heather Hofman
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Karla's Health Update 12/23/08
Good morning,
We have had an eventful couple of days that we wanted to share with you all. Mom's dizziness increased even more. She would make long and strong sways from left to right just with sitting up and needed us to keep her stable in a sitting up position.
She was admitted into ER yesterday just before noon. The doctors are stating that she has all the symptoms of dilantin toxicity. Dilantin is the medication Mom has taken for over three decades due to her epilepsy. She has not had a seizure since 1976. Mom approached doctors awhile back about the possibility of getting off of dilantin since her seizures seemed to not be an issue anymore. She was advised to continue to take dilantin at that time with the thought of not taking dilantin possibly spurring on seizures once again. But, now they are determining that her dilantin levels in her body are too high as well as her blood pressure medicine, causing her the many symptoms we were thinking were side effects of chemo. She is in Good Samaritan Hospital that is well known for their expertise in toxicity situations.
They are going to have several tests done to check and monitor her from here. A CT scan was run and it looked great! We cried tears of joy as we so wanted to find out that cancer had not spread to her brain. A MRI will be done today. Her blood pressure was also doing so much better yesterday.
They are wanting to keep her in the hospital in order to have the dilantin levels decrease and monitor her closely during this change to her system. Mom is not looking forward to more tests done but also realizes that this is all part of the process of getting better after we remind her of this. She also has said several times that she doesn't want to be in the hospital over Christmas. We've reminded her that we can celebrate Christmas any day and we want to get her where she can enjoy Christmas if she is not out by then.
She continues to thank us for soothing her with comforting words, encouraging her, being there for her, etc. She is amazing. We've had to remind her that it is okay to keep her eyes closed while the doctors are talking to her and that she is not being impolite in doing so. Mom continues to think of others first.
Dad has been a wonderful nurse to Mom. He has done so well that she didn't want to go to the hospital because they won't come and assist her as quickly as Dad does. Of course Dad has taken opportunity to mention that he has been doing his job too well with his cute teasing twinkle in his eye. I also wanted to let you know that Dad was able to go golfing one afternoon with a friend of his during the week last week while a nurse friend stayed at Mom's side. Dad got a hole in one! He was excited to come home to tell Mom. He has golfed for fifty years and finally got his first hole in one.
We will continue to keep you posted. Thank you family and friends. We treasure you dearly. Blessings to you all this Christmas season. We are finding that Christmas has a deeper, richer meaning as we go through this challenge with Mom and see His hand on our lives. Thank you, Lord.
Gratefully yours,
Heather Hofman
We have had an eventful couple of days that we wanted to share with you all. Mom's dizziness increased even more. She would make long and strong sways from left to right just with sitting up and needed us to keep her stable in a sitting up position.
She was admitted into ER yesterday just before noon. The doctors are stating that she has all the symptoms of dilantin toxicity. Dilantin is the medication Mom has taken for over three decades due to her epilepsy. She has not had a seizure since 1976. Mom approached doctors awhile back about the possibility of getting off of dilantin since her seizures seemed to not be an issue anymore. She was advised to continue to take dilantin at that time with the thought of not taking dilantin possibly spurring on seizures once again. But, now they are determining that her dilantin levels in her body are too high as well as her blood pressure medicine, causing her the many symptoms we were thinking were side effects of chemo. She is in Good Samaritan Hospital that is well known for their expertise in toxicity situations.
They are going to have several tests done to check and monitor her from here. A CT scan was run and it looked great! We cried tears of joy as we so wanted to find out that cancer had not spread to her brain. A MRI will be done today. Her blood pressure was also doing so much better yesterday.
They are wanting to keep her in the hospital in order to have the dilantin levels decrease and monitor her closely during this change to her system. Mom is not looking forward to more tests done but also realizes that this is all part of the process of getting better after we remind her of this. She also has said several times that she doesn't want to be in the hospital over Christmas. We've reminded her that we can celebrate Christmas any day and we want to get her where she can enjoy Christmas if she is not out by then.
She continues to thank us for soothing her with comforting words, encouraging her, being there for her, etc. She is amazing. We've had to remind her that it is okay to keep her eyes closed while the doctors are talking to her and that she is not being impolite in doing so. Mom continues to think of others first.
Dad has been a wonderful nurse to Mom. He has done so well that she didn't want to go to the hospital because they won't come and assist her as quickly as Dad does. Of course Dad has taken opportunity to mention that he has been doing his job too well with his cute teasing twinkle in his eye. I also wanted to let you know that Dad was able to go golfing one afternoon with a friend of his during the week last week while a nurse friend stayed at Mom's side. Dad got a hole in one! He was excited to come home to tell Mom. He has golfed for fifty years and finally got his first hole in one.
We will continue to keep you posted. Thank you family and friends. We treasure you dearly. Blessings to you all this Christmas season. We are finding that Christmas has a deeper, richer meaning as we go through this challenge with Mom and see His hand on our lives. Thank you, Lord.
Gratefully yours,
Heather Hofman
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Karla's Health Update 12/20/08
Heather wrote...
Well, Christmas is just around the corner. We do hope you are enjoying this beautiful season and the beautiful meaning behind it all.
After having two weeks of the new IV chemo, Mom is enjoying a bit of a break from it. It was decided that the new IV chemo schedule would be Dec. 30th rather than Dec. 23rd. This giving a chance for Mom to be able to possibly enjoy the holidays a bit more as well as Mom and Dad's 39th wedding anniversary on Dec. 29th.
We are not certain as to the effectiveness of this chemo. Blood tests will be done soon to determine this. A new concern is that Mom has been experiencing extreme dizziness for the last four days. Even keeping her eyes open for short periods of time contributes to the dizziness. The dizziness is even more evident during the nights. The doctor has suggested that it may be due to her blood pressure medicine. In an effort to rid Mom of the dizziness difficulties, the blood pressure medicine has been cancelled temporarily.
Mom's brother, Kirby, was able to fly out for a quick visit. This was a real treat for Mom as well as the rest of us. Dad's sister, Mary Ann, also came to help and spend time with the family. Her visit and help was well appreciated. Thank you to all of you for your kind words, Christmas cards and letters, encouragement, visits, meals, support, and prayers. When the mail comes each day, Dad makes sure to read them all to Mom when she is awake. She looks forward to this each day.
Mom and Dad were able to get their Christmas letter out and were so grateful it is a task that is done. Sending Christmas letters/cards out is very important to Mom and Dad and they didn't want to skip doing so this year. They are taking one day at a time with what tasks can be done. They want to apologize to all of you for not keeping up on email. Family and friends are so important to Mom and Dad and they so desire to not lose touch with you. As Dad often quotes, "Life is relationships." Please know that not hearing from them in email, etc. is only due to the temporary situations they are in with the chemo and side effects consuming much of their time. Despite the difficult journey this has been, Mom and Dad are enjoying each other and look forward to each new day.
Mom still loves to be fun and hear fun happening around her. It means so much when we are all there at the house. She may not say much but she loves to hear us all relate with each other. She listens in on our stories we share with each other. When she does join in, she spends much of her talking time thanking those within listening range for...being there, for getting her toast, for encouraging her to keep hydrated, for caring for her and she also apologizes for not keeping her eyes open or saying much. She has an amazing outlook on all of this going on in her life and inspires us all. Many people find themselves gravitating to becoming grouchy, grumpy, and difficult in situations such as hers. But not Mom, she is amazing. I think about what it would be like for me to be in her situation and I can easily see myself turning into a "Woe is me Diva" and being irritable. Thank you, Mom, for modeling what it is to bear good fruit every day, in every situation.
Well, Christmas is just around the corner. We do hope you are enjoying this beautiful season and the beautiful meaning behind it all.
After having two weeks of the new IV chemo, Mom is enjoying a bit of a break from it. It was decided that the new IV chemo schedule would be Dec. 30th rather than Dec. 23rd. This giving a chance for Mom to be able to possibly enjoy the holidays a bit more as well as Mom and Dad's 39th wedding anniversary on Dec. 29th.
We are not certain as to the effectiveness of this chemo. Blood tests will be done soon to determine this. A new concern is that Mom has been experiencing extreme dizziness for the last four days. Even keeping her eyes open for short periods of time contributes to the dizziness. The dizziness is even more evident during the nights. The doctor has suggested that it may be due to her blood pressure medicine. In an effort to rid Mom of the dizziness difficulties, the blood pressure medicine has been cancelled temporarily.
Mom's brother, Kirby, was able to fly out for a quick visit. This was a real treat for Mom as well as the rest of us. Dad's sister, Mary Ann, also came to help and spend time with the family. Her visit and help was well appreciated. Thank you to all of you for your kind words, Christmas cards and letters, encouragement, visits, meals, support, and prayers. When the mail comes each day, Dad makes sure to read them all to Mom when she is awake. She looks forward to this each day.
Mom and Dad were able to get their Christmas letter out and were so grateful it is a task that is done. Sending Christmas letters/cards out is very important to Mom and Dad and they didn't want to skip doing so this year. They are taking one day at a time with what tasks can be done. They want to apologize to all of you for not keeping up on email. Family and friends are so important to Mom and Dad and they so desire to not lose touch with you. As Dad often quotes, "Life is relationships." Please know that not hearing from them in email, etc. is only due to the temporary situations they are in with the chemo and side effects consuming much of their time. Despite the difficult journey this has been, Mom and Dad are enjoying each other and look forward to each new day.
Mom still loves to be fun and hear fun happening around her. It means so much when we are all there at the house. She may not say much but she loves to hear us all relate with each other. She listens in on our stories we share with each other. When she does join in, she spends much of her talking time thanking those within listening range for...being there, for getting her toast, for encouraging her to keep hydrated, for caring for her and she also apologizes for not keeping her eyes open or saying much. She has an amazing outlook on all of this going on in her life and inspires us all. Many people find themselves gravitating to becoming grouchy, grumpy, and difficult in situations such as hers. But not Mom, she is amazing. I think about what it would be like for me to be in her situation and I can easily see myself turning into a "Woe is me Diva" and being irritable. Thank you, Mom, for modeling what it is to bear good fruit every day, in every situation.
Well, it is with grateful hearts that we again tell you, Thank you. Thank you for being strong for us, thank you for praying with us, thank you for cheering Mom on. We are humbled and moved to tears many times. This means more than we can truly express.
May your Christmas be exceptionally beautiful and memorable. May Jesus be your honored guest and fill your home with His love for you.
Blessings,
Heather Hofman
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Mom's Health Update 12/7/08
Heather writes:
December Greetings to you all.
Thank you again, for praying and caring during this difficult time with Mom.
Thanksgiving was wonderful. Mom has been struggling with smells making her nauseous. She was concerned that scrumptious Thanksgiving smells would be difficult for her. But, she did just fine! Tom, Margie, and their boys hosted a fabulous Thanksgiving. We brought Mom's pillow and blankie in case she needed to rest. Ryan had so kindly prepared his room to let Mom use it as her siesta spot. She found Toby's shoulder to be a great resting spot and did a couple of laps in the house with her walker. We had a great time being together.
The day after Thanksgiving, Sue, Mom's cousin came to be with Mom. She brought her naturally nurturing way about her and blessed Mom and Dad with sweet company, Midwest comfort food, practical care, and lots of love.
Well, as Mom words it, she "flunked" xeloda. This the oral chemo that they had her on for a week. I don't know that I will call it "flunked" for a couple of reasons. One being that it worked! Only 40% of patients that have taken it have had positive results...she's one of the 40%! Her liver enzymes and cancer markers are lower...still high but better. Another reason I would say that Mom didn't "flunk" xeloda, is that she endured this extremely strong chemo and it's side effects for a week! This is no little endeavor.
Another praise is that during the following week of no chemo, her liver enzymes didn't worsen! Thank you, Lord!
The new plan of action is IV rounds of chemo. Her first was on Dec. 2nd, and it was an extremely high dose for the time. As a friend has reminded us, chemo is a double-edged sword. The side effects are fierce at times...nausea, extreme exhaustion, dizziness, and shakiness have been the most dominant recently. She goes for another round of this chemo on Dec. 9th and then again on Dec. 23rd. Our prayer request is that this chemo works well at killing off the cancer and the side effects do not become overbearing. Please pray with us about this.
Mom has been very stiff, most likely from inactivity. She has needed assistance with many tasks. She has found a walker to be a form of transportation for her recently. Due to her liver sitting on her diaphragm, it is difficult for Mom to have long conversations. It is very difficult to see Mom endure so much pain and discomfort. She told me the other day, "Don't worry Heather, this is the chemo causing me to have a hard time."
Mom has reflected on much during this. Your endless support of prayers, cards, food, visits, and encouragement have meant so much. She also has been reflecting on how much of a saint her own mother was...having very limited mobility most of her adult life. Mom said she now realizes, from a bit of experience, what life was like for her mom. Perspective from someone else's shoes can be so eye-opening and life changing.
We, as a family, feel so blessed to have all of you go through this with us. I know we probably overdo it with saying thank you, but we just feel that we can't say it enough. So, thank you and please keep praying.
Blessings,
Heather Hofman
December Greetings to you all.
Thank you again, for praying and caring during this difficult time with Mom.
Thanksgiving was wonderful. Mom has been struggling with smells making her nauseous. She was concerned that scrumptious Thanksgiving smells would be difficult for her. But, she did just fine! Tom, Margie, and their boys hosted a fabulous Thanksgiving. We brought Mom's pillow and blankie in case she needed to rest. Ryan had so kindly prepared his room to let Mom use it as her siesta spot. She found Toby's shoulder to be a great resting spot and did a couple of laps in the house with her walker. We had a great time being together.
The day after Thanksgiving, Sue, Mom's cousin came to be with Mom. She brought her naturally nurturing way about her and blessed Mom and Dad with sweet company, Midwest comfort food, practical care, and lots of love.
Well, as Mom words it, she "flunked" xeloda. This the oral chemo that they had her on for a week. I don't know that I will call it "flunked" for a couple of reasons. One being that it worked! Only 40% of patients that have taken it have had positive results...she's one of the 40%! Her liver enzymes and cancer markers are lower...still high but better. Another reason I would say that Mom didn't "flunk" xeloda, is that she endured this extremely strong chemo and it's side effects for a week! This is no little endeavor.
Another praise is that during the following week of no chemo, her liver enzymes didn't worsen! Thank you, Lord!
The new plan of action is IV rounds of chemo. Her first was on Dec. 2nd, and it was an extremely high dose for the time. As a friend has reminded us, chemo is a double-edged sword. The side effects are fierce at times...nausea, extreme exhaustion, dizziness, and shakiness have been the most dominant recently. She goes for another round of this chemo on Dec. 9th and then again on Dec. 23rd. Our prayer request is that this chemo works well at killing off the cancer and the side effects do not become overbearing. Please pray with us about this.
Mom has been very stiff, most likely from inactivity. She has needed assistance with many tasks. She has found a walker to be a form of transportation for her recently. Due to her liver sitting on her diaphragm, it is difficult for Mom to have long conversations. It is very difficult to see Mom endure so much pain and discomfort. She told me the other day, "Don't worry Heather, this is the chemo causing me to have a hard time."
Mom has reflected on much during this. Your endless support of prayers, cards, food, visits, and encouragement have meant so much. She also has been reflecting on how much of a saint her own mother was...having very limited mobility most of her adult life. Mom said she now realizes, from a bit of experience, what life was like for her mom. Perspective from someone else's shoes can be so eye-opening and life changing.
We, as a family, feel so blessed to have all of you go through this with us. I know we probably overdo it with saying thank you, but we just feel that we can't say it enough. So, thank you and please keep praying.
Blessings,
Heather Hofman
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