Monday, June 3, 2013

Here's to Family

The results of the CT scan my mom had a few weeks ago showed no growth in her tumors. Only the tumor in her thyroid shrunk just a little. Because of these results, the doctor decided to keep her on folfox (the current chemo she has been on) for another two months of treatments. She will have another CT scan at the end to check the progress again and decide from there if there will be any changes.

From the talks I've had with her and check in calls, she gets tired more frequently now. Her hair has started to thin again. She has even started feeling nauseous and throwing up (sorry mom, but friends should know). I will catch her working on her quilts and doing things she loves which makes me feel so grateful. I am so happy she has energy to keep going. However hard it is and however sick she feels sometimes, I know she keeps going for us, her kiddies. I wish our family was closer so that we could be more helpful and share more memories together, but I know even when we can't see the daily struggles and feelings she has, that she thinks of us and finds it in her to keep going. I know we all think of her often and are amazed. There is nothing better than family and I feel so lucky to have mine. For those who haven't heard, the youngest in our family, Jason, is leaving in August to serve a two year LDS mission in the Philippines. I know it was a hard decision for him to make, but hard as it was our family is so proud of his decision. In January, we will welcome home Ian who is serving his mission in San Diego. My mom has been holding strong especially for him. He was gone when we learned about the cancer. I know when the two of them meet again, it will be a very sweet reunion. There is something about our family being apart, but feeling close. I love knowing I have them forever.

4 comments:

  1. That was so sweet Valarie! You have an amazing family! Love you!

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  2. Thank you for the update! There was nothing new when I checked last night and Dawna is so positive and beautiful that no one would know she was suffering if they didn't know the details. She remains in my prayers every day. You do have an amazing family. And I heartily endorse her wonderful book. I read most of it to my Mom - who later was inspired to share more of her stories with me.

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  3. You are truly a strong woman. Keep fighting Dawna!

    Mike and Lynn

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  4. Stay strong Dawna! What a sweet family - hugs to you all! And what a blessing to have 2 missionary sons out for a few months together! I love you my friend!
    HUGS!
    :)DeeDee, David & Family

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