PRAYER REQUEST for ZACS MOM - (Update at post #490 - sadly, she has passed away)

[Hi Heels]

From Tom, ZM's husband:

Sorry for the long silence.... It has been quite a ride.

On Monday 8/28 we met with ZM's oncologist to learn the results of the chest and abdomen CT scans. As I told you in my last update, all the news was good and we decided to switch to the chemo pill since ZMs veins were shrinking. We had great fun for the rest of the week planning how to use the time we would be getting back since she would not be sitting in the infusion room for 4 hours every Friday.

Over the labor day weekend (Sept 3,4) ZM began to have problems moving her left side and she become quiet and hard to communicate with. On Tuesday morning (Sept 5) she slipped into a near comma state and was taken to the hospital via 911 services. In the ER they ordered a brain scan and delivered the news that the cancer had spread to her brain and she had multiple tumors causing lesions in the right side of her brain, some as large as 5 centimeters. These were also causing swelling in her brain and increased pain. ZM's oncologist ordered more test and then told us that the tumors causing the lesions were inoperable. We were told that our options were to (1) simply give up and go home with hospice care or (2) try some radiation of the brain. The radiation may result in some temporary improvement or at least make ZM more comfortable.

So on Thursday (9/07) we moved ZM to a hospital in Plano, TX where she could receive radiation treatments as an inpatient. By now ZM was basically in a coma and could not move her left arm o r leg and could not even force her eyes to look to the left. That afternoon, they developed a treatment mask for her and did the first radiation treatment. After a 3 hour sleep ZM woke up able to move her left arm and leg some. A combination of steroids was prescribed to shrink the swelling in her brain. On Friday afternoon she received a 5 minute radiation treatment and following an hours sleep she woke with full use of her body, sat up in bed and pronounced herself hungry for the first time in weeks. Radiation is only done Monday thru Friday, so we hung around in the hospital over the weekend with ZM improving by the hour. The Doctors have all said they are astonished with her recovery/progress. They are now referring to her as their September miracle.

Following radiation on Monday (9/11) she was released from the hospital and I brought her home. She is 100% off the oxygen now and has had no pain medication since Thursday (9/07). She requires a walker to get around, but is getting stronger each day. We return to the hospital in Plano (30 miles each way) for radiation treatments and she continues to take the steroid to reduce the swelling. All this activity has left her with a bit of confusion, but today she tried to get on line and read some of her email.(Since she hasn't looked at email in well over a month you can imagine the stack of mail she has.)

We will continue the daily radiation treatments on Monday and Tuesday (9/26). After that she'll continue on the steroids but will return to her regular daily activities. ZM and I believe that -- Thanks to the prays and good thoughts - this is a permanent fix. However, she'll be returning to the doctors for blood work and check-ups on 10/10. Hopefully she'll get a clean bill of health at that time.

Thanks so much to everyone for the cards, emails and keeping her in your prayers.

See? OUr "treatment" is working. PLEASE keep this wonderful FRiend in your thoughts and prayers! God bless!

[EDINVA]

I am sorry to read this. What a difficult time for ZM, Tom, an their family. I trust the Lord will take extra loving care watching over her and them. We send our prayrs.

[fatima]

Hi Heels,I will pray for ZACS MOM and her family.God bless,fatima

[Prime Choice]

I deeply regret this turn of events. Will pray that Joan and her family be comforted in this most difficult time.

[OldFriend]

Sad sad prayers. How heartbreaking.

[La Enchiladita]

Amen, FRiend.

[freema]

Nooooooooooooo. God, give her beauty, too, and joy, and enough love to carry them all on the wings of Eagles. Zacs Mom

[Marine_Uncle]

Let us place this precious soul into HIS hands. If it is to be she shall get better. If not, then it is HIS will for another course to be expected.
God willing, HE shall hear our prayers going up for Zacs Mom and her loved ones, and provide a way for them all to get through these very tough times.
May HIS tender mercy be upon them at this time and in the future.

[hoosiermama]

AMEN

[firewalk]

heartfelt prayers for comfort and peace

[Enterprise]

Thanks bitt. This is sad, sad, sad. My prayers for comfort and healing, if it be HIS will.

[jazusamo]

Prayers for Zacs Mom and her family.

[SeaBiscuit]

:^)

[AZamericonnie]

Thank you for the update....she was heavy on my mind last night & today.

Prayers continue....

[SuzyQue]

Prayers here, too.

[Kimmers]

Thank you for the update. I am honored to be able to pray for her. I may not remember all the names of our FReeper family that need prayers but God knows and I always send prayers for all the FReepers needing his healing and strength.......God Bless

[mass55th]

I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers for a very brave woman, who has taught us all the true meaning of courage and strength. May the Lord shine down on her and her family, giving them support and comfort at this time.

[kenth]

Prayers for ZacsMom and her family. May Jesus comfort them all.

[STARWISE]

What a blessing .... prayers for ZM ... may His abundant merciful healing continue.

[paulat]

Update @ #117.

Loving thoughts and prayers....

[Pegita]

It is unto You, O Lord, that we return, with tearful eyes yet praising hearts, for it is Your hand that holds the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind. Job 12:10. Thank You that it is from You that we receive life, both mortal and eternal, and that You, not man, are the Author and Finisher of our Faith.

May it yet be, Merciful Father, that You will draw Zac's Mom back from the edge of this life, that her beloved Tom and family might rejoice with many more days in her presence. Comfort their hearts as they stand in anguish over her ... calm their fears as they dread a time without her ... reassure them that parting is but momentary yet eternal life and joy are forever.

Make unto Yourself a sanctuary where Joan now lies, that she might commune with the Heavenlies in words and melodies heard only by her, that she not be afraid. Surround her family and friends with the sweetest spirit of love, that they might rejoice in the midst of sorrow. And may it be, Merciful Father, that she will will rise up to be with her family yet a little while longer, to the everlasting Glory and Honor of Your Name.

Hear our prayer, O Lord ...
Hear our prayer, O Lord ...
Incline thine ear to us
And grant us thy peace. Amen ...