Mother's Day + Mom's Next Steps

We had a lovely Mother's Day down at Crystal Cove. Our reservations were for The Beachcomber at 5:45pm and we were seated right away. Mom had the filet mignon, and opened her gifts to a beautiful view of the ocean. It was the perfect time of day, because the sun was getting ready to set.

Nate told Mom I was up really late painting this oil on canvas.

 Afterwards, we walked along the water's edge and made her (and ourselves!) laugh by my repeated attempts to get on Nathan's back for a piggy-back ride.  

It's not as easy as it looks, folks!

But we finally got it right.

This time was a welcome distraction for all. I just received word that Mom is going to have surgery on Thursday to install a port in her head so that chemo can now also be administered to her spinal fluid. She will stay in the hospital for two days. All signs are pointing to her now having cancer in her spinal fluid. This is likely the cause of her loss of vision in one eye. 

Ommaya Reservoir

We're not thrilled that this has to be done, but have little choice. If we leave everything as is, she could loose the sight in her other eye, and her ability to swallow. If she responds to the chemo, she could regain her vision...something that would vastly improve her quality of life. It is the one side effect that bothers her the most. 

Courage, strength and grace