We took Mom to see Dr. Aurora today and get the results of the MRI and to discuss future treatment options.
Dr. Aurora told us that the MRI showed that the cancer had worsened. There were more spots on the brain, and there was increased cancer on the spine.
Based on this, and the fact that she's had two complete rounds of chemotherapy with two different compounds, plus radiation, she decided that it was time to stop.
So, we are discontinuing treatment. While this news was not unexpected, it was still difficult to hear. But the impact that chemotherapy was having on Mom was not worth the results that she was getting. It just came down to that.
Dr. Aurora said he did not know how much time was left, but that he wanted whatever time that was to be as comfortable as possible.
We will be meeting with a hospice organization this week and more than likely begin that aspect of this journey.
I wish the news was better. But sometimes, it just isn't.
Again, thanks to everyone for their thoughts and good wishes. They are appreciated, as is everything that everyone has done to help Mom and Dad.
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Mike,
ReplyDeleteI struggle to find the right words to type as I read this, but please know that you and your family will forever be apart of my life. You, your father, your brother, and your mother all had a positive impact on my life. Some of my favorite childhood memories include all of us playing together happily on Mimosa Park. Your mother was always so kind and helpful, especially when it came to learning about computers. Considering my entire career has been spent in Learning Technology, I think I can say with confidence that your mother played an important part in that for me.
If I can do anything for you and your family, please let me know.
Drew Pruitt
My heart is heavy hearing this news. I am a better person, professionally and personally, for having known her. She is the best! May her remaining time be peaceful.
ReplyDeletePlease let me know, too, if I can do anything for you and the family.
Kathy Sales
Mike and Family,
ReplyDeleteI,too, am saddened by this news. Norma (and all of you) have given this the best fight that anyone could ever expect. I will pray for peace and comfort for all of you in the trying days ahead. Please continue to give Norma my love.
Nancy
Mike,
ReplyDeletePlease tell your mom my thoughts are with her. I don't think I can say it any better than Drew did, but she is a fantastically caring and inspiring teacher and a wonderful person. She had a hugely positive impact on me, and I'm sure on every student lucky enough to have known her. Please be strong for her, and thank you so much for maintaining this blog and keeping everyone informed.
Craig Smith
Mike,
ReplyDeleteYou are a brave and honest man. Surely this installment on your mother's fight with cancer was the hardest to write. It was the hardest to read. All said, I, and all of us who love Norma and your family, appreciate being included in the loop of information. I was able to get my dad to hospice where he knew no pain and was treated with dignity.
Norma and I teased each other about being cousins (which we were distantly by marriage only), but if I had had a sister I could not have been closer to her than we were and are now. My heart is breaking as I write to you. Norma never compromised her beliefs even when your brother was so ill. The respect, love, and admiration I have for her has never wavered. She, and your family, have a special place in the neighborhood of our hearts. Much love, Kathy (& Pat) Pruitt