Little Star, my mom

[boston bean]

Little Star my mom, went to the hospital last October around the time of her 73rd birthday. She was complaining of stomach pain. They ran a CT scan where they caught a glimpse of a left lung mass. They ran another CT of her lungs which showed a large mass. She also had an immense amount of fluid around her heart.

The next few days were a blur, but she had major surgery and where they placed a tube to drain the fluid and they took biopsies. The biopsies were all negative for cancer. However that hope was short lived as a month later when they removed the tube they completed a radiologic guided biopsy. Those results were positive for lung cancer.

We met with surgeons and geriatric oncologists. Mom did not want treatment and all the doctors agreed. It would hasten her death. She has lived with me in an in-law apartment for many years. So, I took her home and moved her in with me and have been caring for her.

She has a decline which is expected. I don’t know how much longer I have with her, but my only prayers are to have limited suffering. If you believe in prayer, please pray for the same for her. She has led quite a life where she escaped a brutal marriage and found love again. She has four, daughters who she worked multiple jobs to keep food on the table and roof over our heads. We were always first. She is the best mom anyone could ever want. I am going to miss my best friend and rock when she is called home.

I am working with hospice, but have not needed them again until yesterday. She is in pain. It is a weekend. They helped to get her some pain meds. The medication is helping a little bit. With the COVID, things are screwed up. I am doing my best and expect to see them on Monday. I cannot have her removed from this house. If I do, I and my sisters will never see her again due to Covid and no visiting restrictions. Plus My solemn promise to her is to not ever put her in a home and I intend to keep that promise.

Any how, I am also writing for her. She has been a member of DU for as long as I have. DU for a decade and a half has been our political home and family. DU has given rise to many conversations between us and also an education. It has pissed us off and has given us joy. She loves DU and I want you all to know that.

Love to all,
Little Star and boston bean