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)

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Thanks!

I wanted to quickly way THANK YOU to a few people who have helped me get through these past few days... which in turn helps me have patience & understanding with Cathy, giving me strength

Thanks to:

Rhonda for stopping & calling & emailing & all the yummy snacks!
Jean for calling & caring... even from Florida!
Charlene for calling & always being willing to help... We are Thinking of You!
Tracy for listening again & again & again
Toby for listening & understanding
Mom for helping with Cathy and the kids & listening
Grandma Gladys for great advice
Angie for being such an Amazing friend!
Marty for checking in & being a protective & Loving Uncle
Nicole for listening & offering help
Jennifer - for calling tonight & giving me the best advice, talking to someone who knows exactly what we are going through is priceless! (We met her at Mayo... her younger brother has FTD! Yes... you can get it as young as 17, 26, 32...)
Gayle for being there exactly when I needed you & for understanding.
FTD support forum - my new worldwide friends that have given advice & support
Roxanne - for caring for our dog since Christmas! So she is in a safe home!!!!
And to all the family & friends who call, send emails, cards, & prayers.

*The next week is going to be so hard for Cathy. I hope & pray you will all keep her in your thoughts & prayers. I hope that it will go smoother than I expect it to... And I hope she knows how much we LOVE her!
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