Kathleen Brown Obituary, Dayton, OR | Obituaries | Macy & Son Funeral Directors, McMinnville, Oregon

Kathleen Brown Obituary, Dayton, OR | Obituaries | Macy & Son Funeral Directors, McMinnville, Oregon

Easter Sunday

Yesterday morning the kids woke up to a yard full of suprises left by the Easter Bunny, aka, Kathy Krake and my amazing nephew Jake. It was a very kind gesture and brightened the little one's day. While Kami, Aunt Carrie, Anthony, Stephanie and Nick took Grandma to church, I stayed with Mom. Since she wasn't able to go to church I read to her from her bible. Luke and John, specificly Jesus' resurrection. I then played one of her favorite songs from a Bill Gaither CD. She seemed to enjoy it, relaxing her brow as I spoke of the empty tomb. Kami worked hard in the kitchen and made us a wonderful Easter dinner. At times, while we ate, talked and laughed, I thought of my Mom. Even though she was in the other room sleeping I felt her absence. It was hard but I knew she'd want me to have fun and celebrate. Since she was diagnosed with cancer her main concern was not herself, it was all of us. This experience is definitely bringing us closer as a family, bonding us in such an intimate way. Its nice to be able to find something positive from a difficult situation.

Another day...

Yesterday we had a good day as a family hanging out watching X Files, we kept going through trying to find Mom's favorite ones. Its nice to have family, to have stories, to share laughter. As hard as this experience is, it would be much worse if we didn't have each other. At times, this house is utter chaos...all the dogs, kids, people, laundry and dishes but we all just work together with some help from very good friends. I'm sure Mom enjoys hearing everything. Enjoys, at any moment, having one of us wander in just to hold her hand, kiss her forehead or say how much we love her. She sleeps most of the day and seems to be comfortable which is our main concern. Mornings and evenings are when she's the most responsive, so we tend to linger, holding on to these moments. This is such an odd experience emotionally. My grief, along with everyone else's is very deep. I'm constantly processing what's happening and although its hard I'm so glad I'm here, taking care of her. After all my Mom has done for me, its the least I can do for her. Again, I'd like to thank everyone. The visits, food, prayers...we appreciate everything and I know Mom does as well.

Update

Every time I've spoken with someone about how we are doing as a family my answer is, we're coping. Its all we can do. Its not easy to see Mom go through this, its a constant struggle. My mind keeps traveling back to all the many memories I have with her. Going to work at OMI after school, hanging out with her and Kelly, watching the X Files together, having her tickle my back to sleep, our many trips to the coast to hunt for rocks and all of the great times we've had since Maggie and Garrett have come along. I feel blessed to have all these memories and I'm sad there will come a time very soon when all I will have of Mom are memories. She's been sleeping a lot lately. Not really able to say more than a few words at a time. Every time I go in her room I tell her I love her and each time she tells me she loves me too, I love being able to hear it. We're still having visitors come, even though Mom's very weak and not alert, she recognizes when someone's here. I'd like to thank all who have been able to visit or have offered to help us out, we truly appreciate it. As always, please continue to pray for Mom and our family. Thank you all so much.

Mom's fight...

I hate to share this news after my last update but this is what cancer is all about…ups and downs, it's a fight. Mom had a day or two of feeling a touch better before she started experiencing more pain as well as nausea and vomiting. A trip to the ER confirmed that the cancer in her liver had progressed and her gallbladder was obstructed. Today Kami took Mom to her appointment at the Cancer Center where Dr. O'Brien confirmed that in the last three weeks all of the tumors had doubled in size once again. Unfortunately chemotherapy is no longer an option and today hospice will take over Mom's care at home, making her as comfortable as possible. At this point she has 4-6 weeks left. This, of course, is extremely difficult for us. Even in the face of it being terminal, we thought we had more time. If anyone would like to see Mom before she passes please do so, we know how much she means to all of her many friends and what you all mean to her. I ask that you just call the house first and talk with one of us, (503) 864-3531. I also want to say, never take anyone for granted. Make each day count. It seems cliche to say that but you never really know how much time you have left with your loved ones. I never thought I'd lose my Mom this young. I thought I'd have grandkids of my own. She has always meant the world to me, to our entire family. She has always been there for us, fought for us, loved us. Please continue to pray for Mom, that she can be comfortable and at peace. Pray for our family especially for Carter and Maggie and again, please don't be afraid to visit. Thanks again, we appreciate all of you just as Mom does.

Progress Report

Since being discharged from the hospital a little over 2 weeks ago Mom has continued to improve. She's had 3 chemo appointments now, they are every Friday, and yesterday she called to say that for the first time in over a month, the pain she's been experiencing in her ribs is almost gone. This is great news because it means she's not having to take all the pain medication and that the tumors must be shrinking. Her mental health has improved which I think has a great deal to do with all of the prayers and well wishes from her many good friends and family. I'd like to thank all of you for loving my mother so much as I know all of you are aware she deserves it. She truly is the most amazing and selfless woman I know and I am so blessed that she's mine. Right now Kami, Nathan and Axl are in Utah finishing up some things and will be heading back to Oregon Tuesday or Wednesday. Aunt Carrie, who we are so thankful to have, is staying in Dayton with Mom and Carter is in Newport with me. He and Maggie, whether they'd admit it or not, have been having a blast. I will continue updating everyone as often as I can and again, thank you for caring. ~Wendy

Small Update...

Mom was able to go home today! She called me and I must say, it was so nice to talk with her...which I hadn't done since Tuesday afternoon. She sounded well and was very happy to be home in her own bed. She's still experiencing pain due to what Dr. O'Brien believes are the tumors pressing against the rib cage but if she lays down she's alright. Tomorrow she will begin chemo again, Dr. O'Brien wants to start shrinking those tumors so that Mom's pain will go away. Again, I ask that you all keep praying for her and our family and I will keep everyone updated as often as possible.
~Wendy