Walking In The Unknown

Hi Everyone!  Bri and I are sitting on the bed together and wanted to update the blog with the recent events.  I'm gun-shy to blog since I know how well my wife writes. I'm a B or B- English student so work with me! Nevertheless, she no longer has the ability to update the blog due to her condition but it remains the best communication tool to family and friends.

We've enjoyed the last month seeing a variety of family and friends who have visited.  We have certainly been the recipients of delicious and beautiful gifts. The goodness of people continues to amaze our family.

The last two Fridays have been eventful for us.  On March 4th, Teri had to rush Bri into Sutter Emergency Room after she started experiencing a loss of faculties such as speech, memory, and awareness.  It looks like Bri experienced another T.I.A. (mini-stroke) but nothing was conlcusive. After some tests at the hospital, they decided nothing could be done and she was sent back home.  We were greatful that Mark and Gary were traveling up to Roseville and were able to make it to the hospital to help Teri in the ER. 

Then, this past Friday we had an appointment with Dr. Tanaka to review the lastest scans.  We had a hunch about the results due to the increased pain over the past couple weeks.  The doctor walked us through the scans and compared them side by side to scans from December which showed a "marked increase in tumor growth."  Cancer continues to spread in the brain, lungs, liver, pelvic area, sternum, and intestines.  Unfortunately, its becoming simpler to state where the cancer is not.  Most of our time with the physician was spent on strategizing how to manage pain, nausea, and constipation.  We have become mindful on how and when to use the proper pain medications to balance relief, yet preserve some alertness so Bri can still have interaction with the family.

With the heavy pain medications needed, Bri sleeps the majority of the day.  She is able to awake for an hour here and there to eat, medicate, and be with the kids.  Then she weakens and we force her back to bed.  She tells me most of her thoughts are clear but she has difficulty in speaking them and her clarity is becoming more challenged.  We are continued to be blessed with wonderful family and friends who help in a variety of ways and feel like we have the needed resources to properly care for her.

As we walk into the unknown in these coming weeks and months, we continue to have faith in our Lord and his plan for our family.  One of the most humbling experiences for me this weekend was when I individually sat down and talked with Kaden and Kambria about Mom's condition and our latest scan results.  Kaden was quick to tell me that he wants to be an example to the other kids in how he reacts to Mom's situation.  Then I observe him scratching Mom's back, getting her small comforts, and being so gentle with her.  The most common question I receive is "how are the kids doing."  Well, as heaven would have it, the children are teaching Dad how to deal with things.  Their little spirits are full of love, acceptance, and more understanding of faith and trust than we give them credit for.  But what else would you expect from kids with such an amazing Mother.  Their strength and understanding is amazing.

Thank you again to all those who have contributed to our family in any way.  We love you all and will continue to keep you posted.    -Eric