An Update on Mom- She’s Home!

I want to give a quick update about my mom.

Last week I wrote this post about how she was diagnosed with lung and brain tumors. Then I kind of left you hanging! I actually left everyone hanging. Friends and family reached out to check on mom, and I was so overwhelmed by everything that I kind of just stopped replying and updating people. Things are starting to slow down so I thought I’d write a little update.

This is a totally different kind of post than my last update. I’m still sorting through my emotions about all of this and I’m not ready to share them. Once I process them and find the words, I may write more posts about this whole thing. For now, I’m just using this as an update about my mom’s health and then I’ll go back to my regularly scheduled “how to save money” posts.

As for mom, she’s doing great! It’s crazy to think that just 2 weeks ago she could barely talk or walk.

She was sent home on Tuesday after 10 days in the hospital. During her hospital stay she was diagnosed with 2 brain tumors, one tumor between her lungs, and nodules in her lungs- all cancerous. It was a lot to process in less than two weeks. She had brain surgery last Thursday to remove one of the tumors.

She is home and now living with us. It’s been an adjustment for everyone, but we are all doing well. The boys love having her around and she tells me that she likes being around the boys! My 14 year old little brother, Charlie, is staying with my sister, Tori.

Mom has been pretty confused, but a trip to the neurologist yesterday confirmed that it’s completely normal to be confused after brain surgery, especially when the patient still has another tumor. We were assured that as the brain heals and radiation begins, she will be less confused. This was great news for us as it’s been hard having mom so confused and frustrated. I know it’s been especially frustrating for mom.

We see the radiologist and oncologist next week to start a treatment plan.

Even though mom gets confused, she’s doing great. She can do almost everything on her own. Her left arm is still weak so it’s difficult to cook, open drinks, etc, but for the most part she needs very little help. I was very scared about assuming the role of caretaker, but so far we have had more fun together than stress. She’s even helping me around the house! Last night she read a book to the boys and had very little difficulty reading.

The stress has mostly come from figuring out the finances of taking care of another person and figuring out payment options for mom’s medical expenses. I have so much more to say about both of these topics, but like I said earlier, I’m still processing all of this and I want to respect the privacy of my mom.

Everyone’s thoughts and prayers have been greatly appreciated! I truly feel like mom is healing so well because of all of the positive thoughts and prayers surrounding her. Thank you so much for your support, kind words, and prayers.

The support we have had from our neighbors, friends, and church has been overwhelming. I am so very blessed to have such wonderful people in my life!