Wednesday, on Linda's 58th birthday, after being achy and uncomfortable most of winter, she has a biopsy of a spot on her lung and spine. At that time, pain was tolerable.
Thursday, late in the evening, she and Duane headed to Mercy ER because the pain in her back had become unbearable. She was admitted. Friday, they ran a barrage of tests as Chalupa boys and wives showed up at her side. They performed a head CT, an MRI, and a full-body nuclear bone scan. It was determined that she has stage 4 cancer, that originated in her lungs and moved to her spine (spinal metastasis).
The family spent Friday and Saturday with her, doing what we could. Carter and Courtney colored pictures and talked to Grandma (at one point, Carter said, "Grandma, do you want to talk about something? Yesterday I got an owie on my knee."). We drew faces on our toes (I think, to some degree, Carter has an idea that something isn't right. I've always drawn faces with her, usually happy ones. She wanted me to draw a "sad" on one foot and a "mad" on the other. "Sad" and "mad" don't begin to cover it). The boys watched basketball and caught her up on games, scores and blow-outs. We did what we could.
Currently, we don't know much more than we did Friday. The brain and leg scans came back negative for cancer, which is a great thing. She's a fighter, and one of the toughest mama's I've ever met! And we know she'll fight hard. We're all just taking things small steps at a time, and being there for Linda and one another. Be sure to keep her in your prayers and thoughts. We'll post more as we know more.
Thursday, late in the evening, she and Duane headed to Mercy ER because the pain in her back had become unbearable. She was admitted. Friday, they ran a barrage of tests as Chalupa boys and wives showed up at her side. They performed a head CT, an MRI, and a full-body nuclear bone scan. It was determined that she has stage 4 cancer, that originated in her lungs and moved to her spine (spinal metastasis).
The family spent Friday and Saturday with her, doing what we could. Carter and Courtney colored pictures and talked to Grandma (at one point, Carter said, "Grandma, do you want to talk about something? Yesterday I got an owie on my knee."). We drew faces on our toes (I think, to some degree, Carter has an idea that something isn't right. I've always drawn faces with her, usually happy ones. She wanted me to draw a "sad" on one foot and a "mad" on the other. "Sad" and "mad" don't begin to cover it). The boys watched basketball and caught her up on games, scores and blow-outs. We did what we could.
Currently, we don't know much more than we did Friday. The brain and leg scans came back negative for cancer, which is a great thing. She's a fighter, and one of the toughest mama's I've ever met! And we know she'll fight hard. We're all just taking things small steps at a time, and being there for Linda and one another. Be sure to keep her in your prayers and thoughts. We'll post more as we know more.
Kelly & Andy, I am so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Scott and I both know what you are going through. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
I have not been around much in the last few years but I have kept track of my "second family". Dad called to tell me the news and it's heartbreaking. I will pray for you all and keep you in my thoughts. If there is anything I can do to help just call. 319-331-5909
Bobby
Ah, you know...just me. You know where we are and that we will be whenever...whenever you need us! Hang in there, we are thinking of you all!
We're thinking of you and your family at this time. Please keep us updated.