Scan Results and Charlie Parker

Hello dear friends and family,

As you may have heard, the results of the July 18 scan were mixed-- no visible tumor in the cerebellum but swelling in the frontal lobe (according to Dr. Breneman).  While we are of course happy that the radiation seemed to be effective in eliminating the tumors, we are facing the reality that Mom's condition is declining.  She is no longer able to walk or talk much and even eating has become a bit of a struggle.

At the appointment Dr. Breneman suggested that it might be a good time to contact hospice.  Yesterday, we met with two wonderful people, Tammy Eigel and Doug Schanding, both fellow Prince of Peace goers, to complete the admit process for hospice.  It was an emotional meeting; Tammy's daughter was a student of Ms. Rosie's in preschool and the two of them were kindred spirits. "Nettie loved bugs," Tammy said.  That pretty much cemented the bond.  But the discussions were fruitful and ultimately, we decided that it would be best not to seek further treatment at this time.  Of course, that can change, as both Tammy and Doug assured us, but for now, a little peace is in order.

The visiting nurses will be in today to do their first check-in.  A wheelchair has been ordered.  Dad expects to check-in with Dr. Breneman this afternoon with a few questions and to hear the results of the tumor board meeting.  So I will keep you posted as developments unfold.

To close, I will share another bit from the quote wall.  Charlie Parker's words were written in Mom's beautiful print: "Music is your experience, your thoughts, your wisdom.  If you don't live it, it won't come out of your horn."  She has been singing along lately as we sing.  Yesterday, the Chestnuts were "serenading" her with our regular Tuesday night practice.  She looked up and smiled for a moment.  She seemed to enjoy the personal concert, and I saw her fingers moving with the music.  I think she was dancing.

Dance on,
jk

Radiation Complete, Scan Soon

Hello friends and family,

Just wanted to write a little to let you know how Mom is doing.  She finished her radiation treatments (twenty-four in total) a couple of weeks ago and will have her next scan July 18th.  She has been able to get out and do things, but the going is slow and sometimes requires two people to help her get where she needs to go.  Most of the time, she can manage holding two hands, but this weekend it was nice to have wonderful people around and there could always be a support person on each arm (sometimes an extra or two to get the door or smooth a rug).  She went to the parade and watched from our good friends' front walk.  She joined the Cheathams for their annual fireworks party.  And she made it down to Aunt Georgie's Regatta festivities.  She is amazing.  She seems to really enjoy these outings.  And she loves seeing everyone, even if she cannot always express it.  As she was leaving Aunt Georgie's, she said, "I'm really glad Dad-- " and then she made a beckoning motion with her hand.  "Brought you?" I asked.

"Yes," she said.

Yes.  It always cheers me to be around her.  She seems relaxed and at ease most of the time, and if not, she has discovered that chewing gum helps relax her.  So we are stocked up on gum.  :)

Thank you all for your kind words, kind thoughts, kind gestures.  I was at the house early this morning and saw a quote Mom copied and stuck to the bathroom wall (if you've ever been to their house, you know about the quote wall):  "A good exercise for the heart is to bend down and help another up."  Many hearts are getting a lot of good exercise these days.

Love to all,
jk