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)

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Note From Barb

Hi everyone, Just got home from Pine View. When I went over there, Jean and your mom were just coming outside. Perfect timing because Jean had to leave so Cathy and I went for a walk over to the animal shelter. She went right for a cute chocolate lab, she also enjoyed the baby kittens. Then she wanted to go for a ride so we went in the country. Coming back she spotted Dave working, rolled down her window and said his name so he came over and talked to her. On Tues. we enjoyed sing along and birthday cake and ice cream for May birthdays. Then we went for a walk outside it was so nice. She got pretty winded though. That evening I checked in on her again because it was stormy and last week Jean said she was alittle uneasy with storm warnings. She was fine and ready for bed. Sunday Gayle brought her out to Hatfield and she came right over with big hugs for Pete and I. Then Gayle and I went for a walk around the campground with her. Hope the weather is nice Sunday so she can come out to Hatfield with Ryan and family and your dad. Love to you all. Barb

No comments: