I’m still here!

As Christmas nears and I’m finally settling back into life with Mr. Forager, I thought I would check in with you, dear Artsies, and let you know what’s been happening over the last few months.

First of all, thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the sweet and thoughtful comments, messages, and emails.  They truly were a balm for my soul and often came at the times when I needed them most.

Going home was harder than I ever imagined it would be.  My mom’s initial reaction to the super strong doses of chemo left her body incredibly weak and thin.  I wish I could say that improved while I was there.  The stress of watching my mom struggle, of watching her decline, and being away from my dear husband made for an emotional few months.

I think Mr. F and I underestimated how difficult it would be for us to be apart.  To go through those emotions each day may have been a bit more bearable had I been able to go home to my own bed and the arms of my husband every night.  So mid-November, we decided to set a date for me to return home.  My mom and I had already talked about it, she knew I couldn’t stay forever.  Just as I know that she won’t be here forever.

The week before my flight, Mom’s oncologist determined that she needed to halt chemo treatment.  Although it was working to a degree, the chemo was doing her body more harm than good.  So we made Thanksgiving a very special day, surrounded her with her favorite foods and people and traditions.  A CT scan was to be done on the next Tuesday, and I left the following Friday.  Unfortunately, the CT scan showed an inoperable mass on her liver.  My mom is left with two options for further treatment and the option to stop treatment altogether. The odds aren’t good for either of the treatment options.  Depending on her decision, I may be headed back to Florida early next year.

But for now, I’m back in California with Mr. F.  Enjoying our time together and waiting.  Thank you again for all your thoughts and prayers!

Hope to be back in full swing soon.  Hope your holidays are filled with love!