October 22, 2015

It breaks my heart to pass on the information contained in this update. At the time of our previous post to this blog, Marjie was in therapy at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Sandy, Utah. She had just completed radiation treatments for a tumor on her spine.  Marjie and I have been very pleased with the care she has received at HealthSouth. The compassionate dedication of the staff here is something we will always remember.  She had been working very hard in therapy sessions.  Her balance had improved and she had regained some movement in her right leg until a short time ago when extreme fatigue set in. Marjie had an MRI of the brain and spine on October 20th. She had been declining recently in several ways, including extreme fatigue, some cognitive loss, and loss of balance.  The MRI showed the tumor has spread to multiple parts of her brain and spinal cord. This new growth has occurred over a very short period of time (since the last MRI in September) and despite ongoing chemotherapy and the best known treatment to battle this type of tumor. For reasons we just don't know, Marjie's tumor has been unusually aggressive and resistant to treatment. 

At this point, the doctors are recommending no further treatment as the potential benefit is not adequate to put her through the process. After discussing options, Marjie and Scott have decided to travel back to Twin Falls as soon as possible and arrange for hospice care at home.  We feel this decision will provide the best comfort and quality of life possible in a compassionate, realistic manner.  As Marjie and I prepare to return home to Twin Falls, we are trying to take comfort in our belief that Marjie's primary care is in God's hands now. 

I trust that all of us who know and love Marjie will continue to do what we can to support and comfort her.  She has not been in significant pain, and she sleeps comfortably much of the time. She has some cognitive issues, but during periods when she is awake and alert her memory and ability to communicate is currently quite good.  Unfortunately the chemotherapy she has been taking has caused her to lose much of her voice, so patience is needed to understand her sometimes.  Talking on the phone is no longer possible.  Our oncologist explained that if there is anything humane about this type of cancer, it is the fact that typically there is no significant pain to the patient. Sometimes headaches, but Marjie has been free of those so far. The progression is usually just a more severe version of the symptoms she is already experiencing (extreme fatigue, gradual loss of cognitive ability, weakness, and shutdown of functions.)

Marjie and I wish to thank so many people for their care and compassion.  I have time to include here only a partial list. We thank all of the staff at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital.  We are sincerely grateful to everyone at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital in Sandy, Utah. HealthSouth has been our home for about the last 5 weeks.  We thank our wonderful friend Griselda, and all who were involved in honoring Marjie at the O'Leary 5K Run/Walk last weekend. And we thank all of you who have followed Marjie through this difficult journey. We are grateful for all of the love, support, good thoughts, and prayers that have been sent our way.  

Much Love to All,

Scott and Marjie.