Homecoming in Philadelphia-Reunion of a Lifetime

For those of you who have been touched, inspired, encouraged, or loved by my beautiful Mom I just wanted to offer a little more information about what has been going on in the past few days. 

This past Sunday we knew something had changed with Mom.  I got a call from my Stepdad and he informed me that she had been sleeping more than ususal and had started dropping things-her hands were  also jerking.

I made plans to travel to Philadelphia Monday morning.  On the way to Philly, though, the decision was made to carry Mom to the UAB hospital-she had been receiving radiation treatments at a clinic affiliated with UAB.  So, I turned my car around, and got back to Birmingham as fast as I could.

When I arrived, she was barely coherent and extremely confused.  Her bloodwork let us know that the cancer in her liver was causing all of her symptoms.  Her ammonia level was elevated and we understood that this was the cause of her disorientation.

She was admitted to the hospital and we began measures to bring her ammonia levels down.  She improved throughout the night, and by Tuesday morning she was able to communicate with us much better.

My brother arrived from Tampa, and was I was so glad that he did because later that morning we were shown Mom's MRI and were told that there was nothing that they could do to treat this terrrible disease.

Shocked and heartbroken, we began discussing what Mom would do if she were able to decide.  After much deliberation we came to the conclusion that she would just want to be at home.  When she was alert enough to bring it up, Craig asked her how she felt about going home and she replied, "nothing sounds more wonderful." My heart was filled with joy. 

So, here we are, back home, all of us together, celebrating Mom.  She continues to fight even though she is exhausted and in more pain than I can imagine.  She is happy to be home, and knows she is loved tremendously.  She hasn't given  up on this fight, or on us, and I know she never will. 

The Lord has been good to us, and I know Jesus has her in his arms this very minute.  Your prayers have given us the strength that we didn't know we had, and the hope that this is all for a reason. 

"I know the plans I have for you says the Lord...to give you a future and a hope" Jeremiah 29:11

Please continue to lift up prayers.  We know He hears them, we know He is answering them according to His perfect plan.

Mom with her "puppy"

Mom and Doyle

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Being silly at Jermome Tank's