Our Families Journey Caring for a Mom with FTLD-MND

It is important to know as you read this journal that this was Cathy's life post diagnosis...

To know Cathy Truly you must know that she was: a Wife, Mother of 3 boys, Grandmother of 9, Sister, Niece, Aunt, Daughter, and Friend.

Our families journey began with Cathy's diagnosis the week of Thanksgiving 2006, Cathy was 52. Her original diagnosis was Pick's Disease/FTD. Looking back her symptoms most likely began 3-5 years before diagnosis. Most of the Doctors have told us that from onset of symptoms to death... the average timeframe is 4-7 years. (sigh) In the end her brain autopsy showed Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration with Motor Neuron Disease FTLD-MND. (Basically... Frontal Lobe Dementia with Lou Gehrig's Disease)

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Family Tree

This family picture was taken in 1998.

This is a quick view of Cathy's Family Tree... to help with reading this journal:

Husband: Gayle

3 Sons: Toby, Brad, & Ryan

Toby's Family: Wife- Tracy, 3 kids (update... 4 kids!)

Brad's Family: Wife - Beth, 2 kids - Chase & Mia

Ryan's Family: Wife - Gretchen, 2 kids

Sister: Nina - her daughter is Nicole

Brothers: 3, one deceased

Dad: Noble - died of Lou Gehrig's disease in his 50's

Mom: June - died of lung cancer in the 90's, the boys never met her...

Aunt Charlene: Noble's sister who stays in touch & visits frequently

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Thursday, March 15, 2007

visit

Grandma & Chase - Winter 2000


Sledding down Grandma & Grandpa's Hill

Location: Wisconsin


Brought the kiddos up to see Grandma & Grandpa for the weekend. Chase does notice how Grandma is changing but he is so patient with her. Mia climbs up next to her to watch a movie or ask her about her book. We tried a few crafts but she isn't able to participate anymore. She spent most of the weekend on the couch with a book or watching a movie. I have noticed that she watches the Disney Channel alot. It is almost like she is a kid again sometimes. She begins laughing so loudly. But... she seems happy & doesn't seem to notice things are different.

There was still a little bit of snow on the ground... we tried sledding down the hill in front of the house with Amy & Angelina. The kids enjoyed the weekend!

One more memory to add to the list.
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