Paulette Bergren Oost
Donation protected
As most of you know, my beautiful mother was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in April. The plan was to begin chemotherapy in hopes to shrink it enough to surgically remove. This was promising news. She had her first treatment in May and her second in July. Unfortunately 9 days after each chemo we ended up in the emergency room with fever, and dangerous blood count levels.
In August she was transferred to a nursing/rehab facility to regain her strength in hopes of trying a new chemo regimen. She was doing very well and we were discussing bringing her home then a few days before discharge her right hand became weak and her coordination was off. We knew something wasn't right so took her for Oncology apt. The Dr. predicted from seeing her that the cancer had spread to her brain. We had a CT scan & MRI scheduled for Oct 10 but on Wed Oct 7, I received a call from the nursing home to say that her blood count levels were critical and they were transporting her to ER. CT scan and MRI confirmed 6 lesions on her brain. We met with radiologist and decided on steroids and radiation for 10 days to give her some short term relief and to allow her some "quality time". Prognosis given was grim and she didn't / doesn't want to know. Today would have been her 5th day of radiation, however she was found to be lethargic this morning and very confused. Dr ordered CT scan but on the way she had a seizure that lasted several minutes. Dr called me at work and said we should come. Thankfully when we arrived, we found that she pulled through. Sadly she has not woken for more than 15 mins all day and her speech is impaired. They did EEG and we are awaiting the results.
Regretfully she never had a life insurance policy and has said in the past, " just creamate me and bury me next to my Jack since its cheapest". I know this is not her preference so I want to do all I can to give her proper wake and burial service when the time comes. We are hoping for a miracle, but we are all realistic. She is an amazing woman that has touched the lives of many, especially the wonderful nurses and Drs caring for her.
If you can help in any way it would be wholeheartedly appreciated. She is religious and would appreciate all the prayers you can offer. St. Jude is "her" Saint.
I will update as more information is available.
In August she was transferred to a nursing/rehab facility to regain her strength in hopes of trying a new chemo regimen. She was doing very well and we were discussing bringing her home then a few days before discharge her right hand became weak and her coordination was off. We knew something wasn't right so took her for Oncology apt. The Dr. predicted from seeing her that the cancer had spread to her brain. We had a CT scan & MRI scheduled for Oct 10 but on Wed Oct 7, I received a call from the nursing home to say that her blood count levels were critical and they were transporting her to ER. CT scan and MRI confirmed 6 lesions on her brain. We met with radiologist and decided on steroids and radiation for 10 days to give her some short term relief and to allow her some "quality time". Prognosis given was grim and she didn't / doesn't want to know. Today would have been her 5th day of radiation, however she was found to be lethargic this morning and very confused. Dr ordered CT scan but on the way she had a seizure that lasted several minutes. Dr called me at work and said we should come. Thankfully when we arrived, we found that she pulled through. Sadly she has not woken for more than 15 mins all day and her speech is impaired. They did EEG and we are awaiting the results.
Regretfully she never had a life insurance policy and has said in the past, " just creamate me and bury me next to my Jack since its cheapest". I know this is not her preference so I want to do all I can to give her proper wake and burial service when the time comes. We are hoping for a miracle, but we are all realistic. She is an amazing woman that has touched the lives of many, especially the wonderful nurses and Drs caring for her.
If you can help in any way it would be wholeheartedly appreciated. She is religious and would appreciate all the prayers you can offer. St. Jude is "her" Saint.
I will update as more information is available.
Organizer
Aimee Volanti
Organizer
Palatine, IL