Mom's long day yesterday ended with two of her granddaughters' hugs and kisses, a cup full of delicious stew, and a piece of yummy cake. We enjoyed watching a nature show on PBS and learning about family habits of a funny bunch of monkeys, and if we hadn't been in this hospital, we probably would have all fallen asleep listening to monkey chatter on TV. But alas, this is a hospital, so a nurse came in to give Mom her medicine, and the PBS peacefulness was disrupted and we exited. Mom and Daddy both slept well.
We're thankful for the healing rest, because the news this morning wasn't great. The MRI results shows the tumor is actually a little larger now than before the last MRI. Sigh. That's not at all what we wanted, but it is what we were warned about. Sometimes the scan taken at the end of radiation shows a scary picture. So we got that.
The plan now is to keep radiation today and tomorrow, Mom's last two days of that. In the last day or two we've been seeing a slight decline in Mom's speech abilities, and she's been a little more confused and forgetful; the right side of her mouth dropped a little yesterday, too. So her oncologist is going to talk with the neurosurgeon and discuss other options now, and he is raising her steroid dosage back to the previous level to help with the again decreased language abilities.
What's interesting, and what the oncologist could not explain, is why Mom is actually 100% better at speech and motor skills now than when the previous scan was taken. The tumor has grown, but so have her abilities. So that's not logical. I suppose brain tumors aren't supposed to be logical, they are mystical, frightful beasts that can sometimes be managed but certainly not controlled.
I'm choosing to believe the unaffected part of Mom's brain is compensating for the beast. It's putting up a good fight, and it's telling her she can grasp an Oreo cookie, and she can clasp her hands together. She can raise her leg, rotate her foot, and she can wiggle her toes. None of those things could she do three weeks ago. Focus on the good news, the progress she has made.
Ending on a good note, Mom really enjoyed two letters from former students this morning. Caroline had received them in her Sunday School, from friends of a friend. I love how that network works. :) Mom was so happy to hear from these girls, how they are doing in school, how their families are, what their college and career plans are, what their spring break plans are. Thanks, girls, for sharing happy thoughts and stories with Mom. She loves you so much!
9 comments:
Alicia, what's the plan for next week? Will they extend her radiation therapy? Is she still moving to a rehabiliation facility? I suppose these are all still unknowns.
I'm sorry for the disppointing news; expected or not it's hard to hear. You are smart to focus on the positive, but I know that can be hard sometimes too. Continue to blanket her with love and those of us on the outside will continue to pray for God's healing.
XO,
Mary
Glad she got the Letters. I cant express how much I miss being in her class, it was a life changing year for me. I am so glad she is doing better and is so close to being done with the radiation treatments for awhile. I have my youth group continually praying for her. She is such a strong person and I have no doubt that she will fight until she is back on her feet and out of that hospital for good. Thank you so much for sharing her fight/journey with us, we will continue praying.
With much Love,
Kirstyn Sanders
Plan for now is the same as before. Hopefully rehab facility Friday afternoon. Fingers crossed.
No more radiation, her limit was 4 weeks and that's tomorrow.
I am really sorry about the outcome of the MRI :(
BUT, on the other hand, like you said, there ARE two more radiations left, and maybe, if God wills, Mrs. Worrell will improve.
I know why Mrs. Worrell's abilities are growing while the tumor is, it's because it's Mrs. Worrell, and she can make miracles happen :)
We love you Mrs. Worrell, keep working hard, you're still in our prayers!
The MRI results were disappointing, but Judy's progress is encouraging.
Here's a joke to hopefully brighten spirits: What does a polar bear get when he sits on the ice too long? Polaroids!
We Miss you MRS. WORRELL!!! I can't believe you are getting better.. in some aspects!! We are ready for STAAR so don't you worry about us.. We got it in the bag and all you really need to focus about is getting BETTER!!! Love you and Miss you!!! :)
So sorry about the MRI results but what is promising and what should be focused on like you are, is all the improvements she has made! Do u know what rehab facility? Keep up the positive support! I'll keep up the thoughts and prayers!
Alicia,
Mary said it well above. Can't put into words how we hear your strength in all this. What a wonderful daughter you are to her! It is great for the "network" to read your updates. Your blanket of love for your Mom is evident in staying positive and finding the good by sharing a monkey story, student letters and her getting hugs from grandkids and you. We will continue to pray for Judy's healing and peace in all. Hope you have a good day.
((Hugs!)) & Love to all!
The McDowells <3
Hi again! :)
Do you know how we could send Mrs. Worrell some pictures we got for her? Because I have some and I would like to send them to her, but I have no idea how :(
Thanks! :)
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