For those of you who don't already know, my name is Kela and my mother in law Debra (also known as Granny) was recently diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer... The fear of our children growing up hearing memories of their Granny rather than actually making new ones with her has became an unbearable realization for all of our loved ones. Although we are trying to remain optimistic and are constantly praying for a miracle we are preparing for the worst.
Granny's story...
Debbie (57 years young) went to the doctor because she was having trouble breathing and could no longer lay down without feeling like she was suffocating. They determined that she had pneumonia so they drained 1.5 liters from her lungs and prescribed her oral antibiotics to help clear up the infection . Five days later she was taken back in because her condition was not improving and was given antibiotics through an IV and had another 1.7 liters of fluid removed. At this point the doctors start mentioning the possibility of cancer and shortly after a scan indicates a mass about 3 cm in diameter in her bronchial. She was sent home and ordered to stay on oxygen 24/7 to maintain her breathing while we waiting for the results from the biopsy-which eventually confirmed that it was small cell cancer (this means that it is an aggressive cancer that grows and spreads faster than non cell cancer.) Now she is having to go in every 3 days to get her lungs drained and her right lung is now partially collapsed. She was finally able to meet with her oncologist this last Thursday which is when we were informed of her options- If she decided to go without chemo she could possibly live up to 4 months or she could try chemo and extend her time with us for an additional two months. But we have decided to decline treatment and this is why...
Something most people don't know...
Is that in addition to cancer Debbie also has to consider her mental health as well due to the fact that she is schizophrenic bipolar. Unfortunately her psych meds had to be lowered during her stay at the hospital and with the recent stress of everything she is having a mild episode and chemo would just cause her mental state to decline.
What she is asking...
Since she has temporarily "checked out" all she has been talking about is going back to her home with her Ohana (the Hawaiian term for family) and spending time with her brothers and sisters who she hasn't seen in 15 years. If you know Debbie at all, you known that she is the most selfless person you have ever met- and NEVER asks for anything for herself and is constantly looking out for others well being. That is how we know how special this last trip is to her and we have worked every angle to try to make this wish a reality but we can't do it alone. First and formost, please please keep Debbie and our family in your thoughts and prayers and pray for her health and well being....and if you can please help us get our Granny back to her happy place- her home. ♡
Granny's story...
Debbie (57 years young) went to the doctor because she was having trouble breathing and could no longer lay down without feeling like she was suffocating. They determined that she had pneumonia so they drained 1.5 liters from her lungs and prescribed her oral antibiotics to help clear up the infection . Five days later she was taken back in because her condition was not improving and was given antibiotics through an IV and had another 1.7 liters of fluid removed. At this point the doctors start mentioning the possibility of cancer and shortly after a scan indicates a mass about 3 cm in diameter in her bronchial. She was sent home and ordered to stay on oxygen 24/7 to maintain her breathing while we waiting for the results from the biopsy-which eventually confirmed that it was small cell cancer (this means that it is an aggressive cancer that grows and spreads faster than non cell cancer.) Now she is having to go in every 3 days to get her lungs drained and her right lung is now partially collapsed. She was finally able to meet with her oncologist this last Thursday which is when we were informed of her options- If she decided to go without chemo she could possibly live up to 4 months or she could try chemo and extend her time with us for an additional two months. But we have decided to decline treatment and this is why...
Something most people don't know...
Is that in addition to cancer Debbie also has to consider her mental health as well due to the fact that she is schizophrenic bipolar. Unfortunately her psych meds had to be lowered during her stay at the hospital and with the recent stress of everything she is having a mild episode and chemo would just cause her mental state to decline.
What she is asking...
Since she has temporarily "checked out" all she has been talking about is going back to her home with her Ohana (the Hawaiian term for family) and spending time with her brothers and sisters who she hasn't seen in 15 years. If you know Debbie at all, you known that she is the most selfless person you have ever met- and NEVER asks for anything for herself and is constantly looking out for others well being. That is how we know how special this last trip is to her and we have worked every angle to try to make this wish a reality but we can't do it alone. First and formost, please please keep Debbie and our family in your thoughts and prayers and pray for her health and well being....and if you can please help us get our Granny back to her happy place- her home. ♡
Organizer
kela Madeiros
Organizer
Grass Valley, CA