Caring for Cathy: Pictures & New Posts

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, February 20, 2008

Pictures & New Posts

Below are 4 new posts: Pictures from Jean, Note from Toby, Note from Barb S., & overview from the last week.

The pictures below were taken the week Jean was visiting... she just sent me a new CD since the first one wouldn't download. Thanks Jean! Wish you could have sent some of the sunny Florida weather to us too!! We are in a Blizzard here again!!! Uffda!!!
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Cathy with Remote in hand (These are the PJ's Cathy got from Gayle for Christmas) sitting in her chair. This chair happens to be her Grandma Minnie's.

Cathy & her Build-a-Bear

"Coffee Time" - this is in the kitchen on her unit... she drinks alot of coffee! One of the nurses (Angie) told us she brews Cathy coffee first thing in the morning! They have even started putting carafe's of coffee in the kitchen instead of the pot because Cathy was making so much!!!

Barb S. & Cathy

Cathy's New TV - notice how she has cleared off the counter, shelf, & bulletin board - she is constantly moving things around in her room. Restless & Busy.