Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Sarah's condition

Sarah is my oldest sibling. She has been fighting brain cancer. In May things got pretty scary for a few weeks. Then with chemo treatments she was living very well. She definitely had changed and was living with my parents and her boys had moved in with their Dad, but she was functioning and thinking very well. Before Christmas, Sarah's started showing short term memory loss again and her December 28th MRI was devastating. The doctor's told Sarah and my parents that chemo could no longer do anything for her and it was time for her to spend quality time with her family. She has changed by leaps and bounds in the last 5 weeks. Her short term memory is nonexistant. She cannot do the simplest of tasks without help. Her left side is extremely weak. She cannot balance on her own. Hospice is visiting a couple times a week. My mom has been at her side every minute. My mom is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. My sister Emily was able to come down from Utah for four days and spend a lot of time with her while she was staying at the in care family hospice facility getting her pain meds figured out. The reality and severity of her condition has hit all of us hard. It is really difficult to see the changes that have taken and are continuing to take place.

One amazing thing going on around us though is the kind, unselfish acts of those who want to show their support to our family. Women from my church have been amazing. It felt strange, when I was not sick to have these wonderful women bring dinner for me and my little family. At first I felt selfish to accept. However, it was amazing to feel the burden of my heart being lightened in this way. Having one less physical demand of my time was such a relief. Feeling that these women cared for me and wanted to help me and my family lifted my spirit. Just last night, my sweet cousin who has a new baby brought me a meal as well. For some reason it is just the sweetest show of love and support and it has meant so much to me. Not to mention the many friends offering to take my kids so that I can go and spend time with my sister. Even the act of bringing me a fountain drink has brought me the best feeling of being buoyed up by those that love me.

I know that my parents are experiencing this same kind of show of love and support from so many and I can't imagine how we would all get by without it. So thank you to everyone who has been offering support, thoughts, and prayers for Sarah, her sons, and our family! We couldn't do this alone.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about your sister's condition, Robin. But I'm glad so many people have shown such love for you guys. I wish I lived closer so I could bring you a meal or have your kids come play with mine! I'm sending you hugs across the miles, though.

Skye said...

I'm so sorry, I had no idea she had gotten so bad. Please know I love and I'm thinking of all of you.

Elizabeth said...

Oh Robin I am so sorry this is happening to Sarah and your family.
I hope you will all be surrounded by love and support at this time.
Ex

BrookiesCloset said...

I'm so grateful that you are close to your family right now and can spend time with them. Keep us updated with her condition. I'll be watching for news. So glad you have wonderful people around you to lift and support you. ~ Denise

Neff Family said...

<3.

jckhadlocks said...

I'm not going to say sorry but know that I love you and I am praying for you and your family. I'm excited for our trip so hopefully that gives you some relief of stress! :)

Macey said...

Robin,
This is so tough. I love Sarah and I am so sorry. HUGS

The Burtons said...

Such a tough time. Please let me know of I can do anything. It's hard to be a mom and keep up with the day to day activities. Please call me if you need anything!

Janel said...

I am a friend of Sarah's through Portia (Taylor) and I'm so truly saddened to learn that Sarah is on the down slope..I hope you know that my prayers are with Sarah and your family. I lost my sister, Shannon, in 2008 after a long battle with Cystic Fibrosis, so I can totally relate..The few times I was able to hang out with Sarah when Portia was here were so fun and for a time she was my only friend here in Arizona. If your Mom ever need's a break or someone to visit please don't hesitate to call me! I would be happy to visit!

Klin said...

Robin I am sad to hear about your sister. I'm keeping you and all of your family in my prayers. It is hard to watch someone suffer. May you find peace in your memories with her.

Full House said...

Robin I went to leave a message on Sarah's Facebook page and found the link to this post. I just wanted to tell you how much I love your family and have the best memories of Sarah. I hope you are able to feel some sort of peace through all of these little trials with your sissy.

Lots of loves,

Christina