My Mom: Her Brave Battle to Beat Cancer

“You are one tough lady,” said Dr. Ashley Case from the Hope Women’s Cancer Centers on March 19^th, the day my mom had what the doctors hope will be her last chemotherapy treatment for stage three ovarian cancer. My mom called it her early birthday present, and today we celebrate her birthday with a huge amount of joy and relief.  Since her diagnosis in August, my mom has valiantly fought for her life through seven chemotherapy treatments and one major surgery. When it comes to ovarian cancer, she will never be told she is cancer free, but her current prognosis is really good, and she will now have regular screenings every three months.  Her cancer count has gone from 687.4 since being diagnosed in August all the way down to 5.0 (0-35 is normal).  And, we are thrilled!

If you read my earlier post about my mom, you know how awesome my mom is. She has proven to be even stronger, more courageous, and more of a champion than I could ever imagine. In the seven months since we received Mom’s cancer diagnosis, she and my dad have raised the bar on caring, compassion, and courage in their marriage. Last year, I made the video below to celebrate their 50^th anniversary. In the video, my mom said “He’s very good to me, he takes good care of me when I get sick.” Little did she know at the time just how much that would come into play this year. My brother and I have alternated trips to come and help, but my dad has been the primary caregiver.  He has done amazing. 

Some snapshots from my mom’s cancer battle:

• Early on, the doctors told my parents the best recipe for success was for Mom to accept help when she needs it and continue to do the things she loves when she feels like it. The first one was hard for her.  The second one was hard for us.  But, Mom soon became more comfortable with my dad, their friends, my brother and I all helping out in whatever ways were needed.  My parents’ church and their friends have provided many meals. I became top chef for an extended period of time as well. But, we also had to all give Mom freedom to do what she loves to do whenever she said she felt up to it. Sometimes, that meant getting out of the way and letting her do whatever she felt like doing. 

• My mom has continued to coordinate the monthly “Happy Tuesday” free luncheon for local seniors. Some months, she still cooked much of the food.  Other months, she organized and allowed others to prepare the meals. 

• Mom unexpectedly had to go into the hospital several days before her planned surgery in December. Her biggest concern was she did not have all of the Christmas gifts and baked goods ready that she planned to give to everyone. My dad and I added some Santa duties this year to help bridge the gap. We also learned the secrets to her secret chocolate candy recipe as we all worked together to keep the tradition alive.

• On multiple occasions, the pastor at my parents’ church has come to their home or the hospital and held communion with my parents and us. Church attendance has not been possible much of this time, but my parents’ Christian faith has been an intricate part in this battle.  It has been a joy and privilege for me to pray for my mom in person and over the phone.  “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29

• The prayers, cards and the outpouring of love through calls, emails, and social media have been encouraging and heartwarming to all of us. Thank you to all of you who helped out in any way you could.

I cannot tell you how old my mom is today, March 31, 2014. That’s a family secret. She would probably tell you she’s 39 and holding. I’m 43, so its definitely magical mother math.  I can tell you that no doctor or nurse who has treated her in the past seven months could believe she is the age she is, and they have all been overwhelmingly blown away with the fight she has put forth for a woman of any age.  You see my mom is a warrior.  As the drawing suggests, she's a real life hero who literally handles pain better than anyone I have ever met.  And, as painful and traumatizing as cancer has been to her body, her spirit and her strength have been in overdrive. She’s a fighter, and she’s winning this battle.  The doctor is right.  My mom is one tough lady. 

Happy Birthday Mom! #bestmomever  Love, Mark