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, February 5, 2009

Cathy is in Heaven now

Cathy passed away today at 3:30pm. I was sitting by her side stroking her hair & telling her we Loved her & that her boys were all going to be ok. Telling her it was ok to go & be with her Dad.

We are overwhelmed right now... so I will post more later.

Funeral & Memorial information will be posted as it comes available.

Thank You for all of your thoughts & prayers.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beth / Brad and FAMILY - my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Sending warm thoughts and prayers,
Love, Alicia

Nichelle said...

I am so sorry guys, I wish I could say or do something that would take all the pain and hurt away...but I know that the only one that can comfort is our Heavenly Father.
Beth, I am so glad that you could be with her, she needed a loving voice to tell her she could leave, and things would be ok.
I know that life has been tossed upside down, but remember to listen to what the kids say about grandma...they will shed a true innocent, childlike picture of how easy it is try to understand all of this.
Praying that God will wrap his loving arms around you and show you his grace, mercy and love. Knowing that he will never fail you...not even now.
your sis ...Nichelle

Anonymous said...

Hi Beth -
So sorry about Cathy. She's home now, kicking up her heals in heaven, something she hasn't been able to do in a LONG time! Playing with your dog Bud and bragging to everyone what great kids, grandkids and friends she has - all of whom took such good care of her. Take care of yourselves - this has been a long hard journey for your family and especially for you and Brad and the kids. Much love. L.

Anonymous said...

We here at TSHC have you and Brad in our thoughts and prayers!

Love,
hope

Gi said...

May the God of hope be with you in this time bringing you the comfort you need as only He can