Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Update on Joanne McGuckin

Hello Everyone,

Here is the first post of a Blog I've created in honor of my mom, Joanne McGuckin. I've always wanted to start a blog, but I guess I was hoping it would be under different circumstances. We've used caring bridge in the past to update you on the events going on with my mom, but we feels that this will be a better way to communicate with you all. Please feel free to reply to these posts, and I will do my best to keep everyone updated on the latest.

As most of you know , mom's cancer has aggressively spread and is now in the 4th stage. This came as a big shock to all of us. Just to give you a bit of perspective, every cancer is staged differently and Adrenal Cortical Cancer (ACC) only has 4 stages.

Adrenal Cancer is rare. It affects one patient per 1 million in the population worldwide. If you happen to Google this disease you will not find promising outcomes or much hope. The best site I have found to answer my questions is the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.

Mom went into the E.R. Sunday night with strong abdominal pains and was admitted shortly after. She is extremely uncomfortable and has a hard time resting and sleeping due to the pain in her abdomen. She is also having shoulder pain, which we think is related to muscle tightness. We met with the chemotherapy nurse this morning and found out that Mom is having a problem with her kidneys. In order to administer the chemotherapy, her kidneys need to be functioning properly. The renal (kidney) doctor is trying to get her kidneys up and running but things are not looking good.


I know many of you have asked how you can help. We truly believe that God is in control of this situation and we ask that you would pray that mom’s kidneys would heal so that she can get this chemotherapy. We’ve all been praying for God’s will in this situation because we know He knows what’s best for her body. He created it.

I know many of you want to see her, and at this time, I think she wants visitors. If that changes, I will let you know, but before you decide to visit her, please keep these things below in mind.


1. Most of her doctor’s see her in the mornings so we ask that you don’t come until the afternoon or evenings.

2. If she is resting or sleeping please do not disturb her. She is very weak and she NEEDS every bit of rest that she can get.

3. Please don’t require conversations with her. Just being next to her and maybe holding her hand is all she needs.

4. Please be respectful of our family and wait for us to update you on all that is going on. This is an extremely difficult time for us, and although text messages, and phone calls are meant only out of love and concern, please keep in mind that we have too many people wanting to know what is going on right now.


Mom is having a hard time eating solid foods; so if you feel inclined to do so, pick up a jamba juice gift card for her if you think of it. We will update you with more information as soon as we have it.

Blessing,
Audra

11 comments:

  1. Hi guys- I know it's been awhile since I've seen you, but I wanted you to know you're all in my prayers. Love ya.

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  2. Audra,
    You may want to add to your list that anyone with a cold or just recovering from illness probably shouldn't visit. :) We are praying for your mom and for your whole family. The Lord's peace and comfort and blessings be on you all during this difficult time.
    Shannon Szymanski

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  3. Hi honey, we are praying day and night. Love you so much. Karie

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  4. PRAYING and love you very much!!!!
    Lisa

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  5. Thank you everyone for your prayers.
    Shannon, that is a good point. She hasn't actually started chemo yet, but as soon as she does, I will mention it.

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  6. 8:30 Friday night (1/21). You are all on our hearts and minds and Don and I are praying for perfect peace in Christ. cj

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  7. Audra..please update us. Love you, cj (Sunday noon)

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  8. WE ARE PRAYING!!!!!
    Thanks very much for the updates Audra.
    Vic & Debbie Ruslavik
    Calvary Chapel Philly
    (visited AZ in 1997 in hopes of relocation. Your folks helped us alot during our 2 wk. stay. They are both very special people!!)

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  9. Praying for God's peace to cover your household during this time. Please let your mom know how much we love her and have only the best memories serving in youth with her and your dad.
    - Micah and Christy Claycamp - Kaharlyk, Ukraine

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