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)

Friday, October 5, 2007

Nina


Cathy's sister Nina visited for a few weeks in September. She had planned on staying with her to help take care of her... but due to personal reasons she has decided to head back home to Georgia. Nina just recently retired from the Army & is starting her civilian life again. She said they had a nice visit & it was hard to leave her sister and go home.

They talk frequently on the phone. Although Cathy does not answer her Cell phone much anymore. She does however randomly call people. It is always a nice surprise to get a call from her... even though it is hard to have a conversation with her. She usually repeats what you say. When she leaves a message on my voicemail it is usually, "have a nice day". Which is what I say at the end of my message.

The picture above was taken during Deer Season 2005. The Family tradition... along with many other families in Wisconsin is to spend the week of Thanksgiving Deer Hunting. Actually, most of us ladies spend it bargain hunting! :)

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