We're back after an unexpected break!
In this episode, I'm opening up about losing my mom to colon cancer. From the phone call that made me hyperventilate to navigating impossible treatment decisions, this is my story of hope, delusion, and watching my mom fight to stay present for her grandkids until the very end.
0:00 - Why we've been gone
2:05 - The diagnosis: that phone call from Aunt Joy
5:00 - Meeting with surgeons and the urgency to remove the mass
6:50 - Surgery day and what they found
8:50 - The chemo treatment that went horribly wrong
11:00 - Choosing quality of life over aggressive treatment
14:00 - The pill form chemo and a year of stability
16:00 - Noticing the gradual decline at Emma's dance competition
20:00 - Mom's determination to show up for every game
22:00 - The ER visit in October that changed everything
25:00 - Hospital transfers and the pain they couldn't control
28:30 - The moment I knew we needed hospice
Content Warning: I talk about cancer, medical procedures, end-of-life care, and grief. We use dark humor as a coping mechanism because honestly, what else are you supposed to do?
This is Part 1 of 3.
