Our Mom's Cancer Journey~

Our mom, Laurie, found out she had numerous tumors in her brain May of 2022 after noticing headaches and having several instances of loss of ability to speak. After going to her doctor and meeting with several specialists, she was told she likely had cancer that spread to the brain. Her oncologist advised her to continue the process of seeing several specialists in order to locate the origin of the cancer and to schedule an immediate removal of her largest brain tumor.

She had her surgery at the end of May and spent several days in rehab prior to coming home. After her surgery, things continued to look promising with confirmation that the cancer did not start anywhere else within her body. She simply took care of herself with help from family and friends and awaited the results from the biopsy.

In the weeks following, the lab results showed she had glioblastoma multiforme and a new MRI showed that her cancer spread rapidly. At this point, her oncologist explained that things did not look so promising as this cancer was fatal, quick, and without a cure. She realized that she had only a matter of weeks to months to live. With support from her family, she opted out of radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Our mom accepted her news with dignity, strength, and courage. She set out to enjoy the time and prepared to go to her final resting place- her HEAVEN- where she could be an angel looking down and caring for each and everyone who cared for her over the years.

She expressed being sad that she couldn't finish up some of her life goals, but she looked forward to always being with her grandchildren and those close to her when she was gone.

We lost her on Friday August 12, 2022- she got her 'angel wings' and no longer was confined by pain.

It was a bittersweet blessing for our family to walk through this journey with her. She always had someone (often both of us and her siblings) with her at every appointment, hospitalization, and hospice stay.

Further, she was never alone because of all the prayers and love being given to her from her friends as well. For that, we are forever grateful. Thank you to everyone who loved her and reached out during this time.