The Kofford Family relocates to Colorado after 40 years as Californians. In December of 2007, Grandma Lorraine is diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Sadly, she passed away on Dec. 26th, 2008 after a year long courageous battle. Follow our journey as we keep Lorraine's memory alive, and as we learn to appreciate that each day we are given, is a gift to be enjoyed!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~Maria Robertson

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Home to California...

Yesterday my mom's Hospice nurse called to keep me up to date on what the nurses are doing to keep her comfortable and pain free. I speak with my mom or her caregiver daily, but as you know, my mom doesn't complain and doesn't want me to worry. I think mothers always want to protect their children whether they are young or grown.

The Hospice nurse said my mom's increasing chest pain is most likely a sign of disease progression. She has also developed an infection they are treating with antibiotics. Increased swelling around her neck and back may also be a sign that her Hodgkins Disease has returned. Of course when you are under Hospice care, there are no diagnostic tests, everything is geared toward comfort care so some questions will never be answered. Her heart rate was also elevated and the nurse thought that we are coming to a new stage in her cancer journey.

I was able to get a flight out tonight, and will keep you posted. Her health has declined significantly since our last visit, so I know this will be a difficult trip. We had an especially touching phone conversation yesterday, and she was so clear minded at the time, that it was truly a gift to "have her back" if even for a few minutes. I am very glad that we had the chance to say so many important things to one another. I wanted her to know how proud I was of her and how she has handled herself with such grace throughout this entire year. I also told her that I knew she would need to join my dad soon, and that her influence would be with me always. The emotional talks like these are so heartbreaking, but I know we both felt as though we said what we needed to, and that brought us both peace.

13 comments:

Mindy said...

I will be praying for you and your mom!

LenaLoo said...

Prayers coming your way! My mom taught at North Whittier (Andrews) in the late 80's and early 90's :) Small world...

ShutUpandRun said...

What an incredibly special converation. I am glad you are able to go back to be with her. Much love to you!

Lucy Marie said...

I will be praying for you and your mom during this visit and through the holiday season. God bless you.

Kim said...

Denise, You are in my prayers. If there is anything you need please don't hesitate to call. I will be in Red Bluff tomorrow afternoon.

May the peace of God rule in your heart.

Love always,
Kim

This and That said...

Hi Denise, I am Kim's SIL (Karen) and I have been following your blog for a while. I just want to let you know that you and your mom have been a blessing to me and that I will be praying for you both in the days to come.

Kim said...

Hi, Denise. What a gift your wonderful conversation was with your mom. It was a blessing for all of us to read, I'm sure. I want you to know that my schedule is wide open now and I can do anything you might need! I am not working at Prestige Home & Gifts any longer, and I am on Winter Break from classes until January 12. I will be talking to you. Fly safe. Warren will be there to pick you up, and I told him to give you a great big hug from me.
love, kim l.

Bryce, Suzanne, David & Toby Drummond said...

All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if you need anything when you come to town.
Love & Prayers
The Drummonds

LvPoohBr2 said...

I'm praying that this visit is all and more than you hope it to be. I'm praying that your mom will be in good spirits and that you are both able to enjoy each other's company more than ever.

Lorri said...

Praying for you Denise...thanks for the update. I can't imagine how hard this is but I'm very glad that you got to leave last night to be there in person. Love, Lorri

glitzen said...

Oh Denise, I ache for you. I admire you for your strength, and I admire your wonderful mother and wish I could know her. Her sweet face is on my mind today, and in my prayers. I pray comfort on you all, wisdom for the hospice crew, peace and grace on the following days, whatever they may bring. Know that all of us care SO MUCH.

Sue said...

Travel safely and know you and your mom are in my thoughts and prayers.

Much love,
Sue

Laura said...

Hope you brought your Lap Top with you to California Denise so you can see all the wonderful comments your friends have left you!

We love you all so much! We will be thinking of you all and praying for you!

The DeClercq's