Smiles and Faith

Update:

No one wants ‘worst case scenario’. But the only person I know who not only can handle worst case, but do it with elegance, integrity and a smile on her face - while comforting everyone around her, is my mom. We found out my mom Genie, has the most aggressive kind of brain cancer, Glioblastoma. We are going to meet with the oncologists at UW/Fred Hutch. Treatments can start in about two weeks. There is no cure but we are going to do everything we can to keep her with us as long as possible or as long as she wants to continue. We have been so blessed with so many loving and generous people in our world We are grateful for everyone who has checked in, donated, brought us food and kept us in their prayers. I haven’t been able to thank everyone individually, but know that we appreciate you all! This is just a super emotional time for us. Especially with my divorce, court dates and other BS, sometimes just doing daily life and trying to keep the kids’ live’s as normal as possible has been all I can handle in a day. Pics are from moms 43 staples from the craniotomy. They came out yesterday

Monday night, (8/19) we found out my mom, Genie, has brain cancer. We took her to the local ER in Ellensburg, after a week of forgetfulness and clumsiness. During the neurological test, I could tell it wasn’t good. I texted my oldest daughter to pack a bag and be ready for transport so I could take care of and bring my dad and other kids.

In what felt like a dream, the doctor came back and told us that Genie had a very large brain tumor. She was transported that night to UW in Seattle.

Genie was on the waitlist for surgery on Tuesday and finally had surgery Wednesday night. They were able to get all of the tumor but because it is likely a high-grade glioma, they had to remove some of the healthy brain tissue surrounding it to be sure they got all of it. She will still need a lot of treatment, radiation, and rehab.

As many know, my mom is the primary caregiver for my dad who has Parkinson’s. She is her grandkids' biggest (and loudest) cheerleader and my rock.

This week we have been blessed with support from friends and family with Venmo payments, Airbnb and Instacart gift cards, so we have been be able to stay in an Airbnb close to the hospital during this crucial time. This has been a huge blessing as I have not had to worry about food, and gas money for the big kids who are traveling back and forth almost daily, still working, going to football practice, and taking care of our houses and animals. I have been at the hospital and nearby to take care of my dad (who hasn’t left her side) and for my mom.

It is going to be a long few months of recovery and rehab. Learning to use her right side and to walk again. My parents don’t have good health insurance (one of the main reasons I had her taken to UW) they likely won’t be able to even afford the ambulance bill. There will be lots of driving to Seattle from home in Ellensburg. I will likely not be able to work much during this next few months as I have to be the primary caretaker for both of my parents, as well as my four kids.

We have had several family and friends contribute but also some ask for something to share with those who may know Genie from her bus driving days, church, or one of the millions of other things Genie did and helped out with. Which is why I created this ☺️