A Comment from Leni & A Bon-Bon Conspiracy

Hi. My Mom is doing pretty good. Above all else, she stays grounded in the moment - living one day at a time. She and I spent time in her garden yesterday, and she struggled to think about what kind of message to post.

In the end, I told her to think simply.

She replied, "Thanks for the continued thoughts and prayers. Having family here is greatly appreciated. My body is still tired and weak. My attitude continues to be positive."

So, while many things are challenging for her, she has the most amazing outlook. With all that she has been through, rarely is she negative. She is working really hard to keep her fluid intake up and to eat. And the sense of humor remains. She actually tried to convince Grace, my wife, to get her into the car so that the two of them could go get bon-bons! We ran out of these bite-sized chocolate covered ice cream goodies the other day, and they are about the only kind of desert treat that she can eat right now.

The comments are great. Keep posting, and we'll keep reading them to her.
- Patrick

A Doctor's visit and the Power of Being Positive

Hi. Patrick again. Leni visited the doctor on Monday. He decided to postpone her next chemotherapy session until she is a bit stronger. She also needs to get her fluid intake up, as well as her white blood cell count. We've started medications to help in this area. We'll be back in his office for a follow up on March 10, and make decisions then on continued chemotherapy.

Once again, she loves hearing from you - either as comments here on the blog, or in cards and phone calls. We constantly read these to her, and it brings a smile to her face, and tears of happiness to her eyes. She feels very loved and very lucky to have such great friends and family. She and I are working on a more detailed post, which we'll try to get to you soon!

Thanks once again for thinking of us - please do not underestimate the power of positive thinking. Hearing from you today gave her great peace as she settled in for the evening.

One week After Chemotherapy

Hi - this is Patrick, I'm Leni's third son. I live in Montreal. I arrived in Sacramento this week, to be with my four brothers and our significant others through the coming weekend, and to take care of my mom. We will be here to care for her and give her strength.

We have decided to continue using this blog to communicate for her. My mom wants everyone to know that she draws much comfort from the thoughts and prayers you are offering. She likes it very much when we read her the many cards that she receives.

Last night we spent a few moments in her garden, which gives her great joy. I watched her smile as several birds flew over the house. And this morning at daybreak, we sat quietly in front of an open door, watching the sun light the eastern sky. She really loved this. She commented how often people do not appreciate such simple moments.

This morning I asked her what I should write for her - what did she want to communicate. She wants everyone to know that she is in a difficult part of the illness. She wants you to know that her sons will be her communicators over the coming weeks, as she is really trying to conserve her energy. She spends much of her time sleeping or lying comfortably in bed. She also wants everyone to know that she is looking forward to her doctor's appointment this Monday. She is curious to get an updated prognosis and most of us will go with her to the doctor's office.

Mom started intravenous chemotherapy on Wed Feb 13. She had four sessions, from Wed to Sat. She suffered from side effects which were difficult for her, but she is steadily regaining her strength, eating more and remaining awake for longer periods of time each day.

Last weekend, she asked Colleen and Mandy to cut her hair. She sat out in her garden, while the girls did a great job cutting. She looks great, and she really likes the result.

For those of you who have called, sent emails, cards or gifts, we can't tell you how much we appreciate your concern and your thoughts. It means a lot to her, and it means a lot to us to know that so many people are thinking of her.

Many people ask how they can help. What can you do? You can continue to reach out to my brothers and I via email or phone calls. You can send her a card. She very much likes to hear that people are thinking of her. It provides her great strength. You can take pause in your day, spend a moment and breathe the early morning air or watch the sun rise and set and think of her. She would gather great comfort knowing that you are doing this for her.

Diagnosis II – (Kevin and Michael on behalf of mom)

Today, we took mom in for an oncology appointment with Dr. Quadro. He confirmed Stage 4 melanoma on mom’s liver. The liver is likely the secondary site, with her eye likely being the primary site. The cancer, and the fact that it is on her liver, remove surgery as an option. This is an aggressive and explosive growing cancer. As such the doctor is prescribing an aggressive treatment regiment of intravenous chemotherapy on an outpatient basis. Mom will begin treatment on Wednesday February 13. Her treatment will be 4 chemotherapy days every three weeks. The first set of treatments will likely last 2 – 4 months. The doctor confirms, this treatment is not a cure, but will buy mom time.

Right now mom is expecting to fight this and has hope. She will need all your support over time to beat this. What can you do?

• Mom would like as much support from all her friends and family;
  She needs your prayers, well wishes and thoughts. She is already fatigued and her chemo. is likely to only increase it. She will not be answering the phone or door much, but will rely on your continued prayer. Please continue to keep her in your thoughts, and post messages of support to this page.
• She will need direct care for spirit, program, food/necessity, transportation and medical treatment. As a family, we will likely ask as many of you as possible for support in all of these categories. We will ask you through this page, email or otherwise for help.
• To read up on cancer, please see this Dr. Quadro recommended site http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Aboutcancer.