Life is Worth Living

Updates have been few and far between. I would apologize but that would be silly. You see, this cancer thing has a mind of it's own but the bastard underestimated who it decided to inhabit. Lorrie has a mind of her own and has proven time and time again that she is in charge. Over the last few months we have all been looking for answers and trying to make some sense of what is happening. It becomes clear, time and time again, that something is happening. No one can find a timeline that fits our situation. We asked "How long do we have?" many times when we first turned to Hospice for help. We even tried some more, disguising the question, "What happens now?". The answer is always the same, and really, no answer at all.

Over the past couple of months it's easy to see that cancer has had an affect on Lorrie. She grows increasingly tired. Her short term memory is, well, short. Often seizures are there to remind us of the reality of the situation. All of that is the cancer.

Lorrie, well, that's different a different story. She is, and has been, determined to do what she wants to do. She's rolling around on her scooter, hopping along on her crutches, and occasionally limps if she has to.

Lorrie and Phillip in their apartment in Germany

In the last year I have spent so much time with her. Getting to know each other, laughing together and sharing our life stories. Since not much with the cancer changes, and really, who wants to write and read about cancer updates all the time? I thought I would start recording some of the stories and experiences she has shared with me. Lorrie is amazing and I have learned more from her in just over a year than from most people in half a lifetime.

Lorrie was born in Redding, PA. then moved to Shelton, WA and then to Spokane, WA by the time she was one or two years old. Grew up in the Spokane area until she and Bob married in March 12th, 1976. Then they moved to West Virginia while Bob had military training and then to New York for 9 months while Bob finished his law degree at NYU. Then they were stationed in Frankfurt, Germany (where Phillip was born) for 18 months, and then Fulda, Germany for 18 months. Bob was then stationed in Sierra Vista, Arizona (where Nicole was born) for 12 months. Then, back to Spokane for the last 26 years. As you can imagine she has fascinating stories (at least I think so) to tell from her travels and life. Stay tuned for some of these stories. She has truly lived the life she was given!

Broken Leg

Despite low energy, Lorrie continues to be positive and as always is a role model for strength and determination!
It was determined that Lorrie was having seizures due to the cancer spots on her brain. A couple weeks ago, after starting ant-seizure meds, Lorrie suffered a large seizure which resulted in a severely broken ankle. Hospice called an ambulance to transport her to the hospital where they took x-rays. After they determined the break they reset the bones. She then spent the night in the hospital and then waited a full day (no food or drink!) for the orthopedic surgeon to consult, due to mis-communication between hospital staff. As it turned out, surgery was not an option. Finally released, she wore a soft cast while they waited for swelling to subside. During this time she needed help in doing everything and was feeling a little blue for the loss of independence. Lorrie was determined to find a way to regain her independence, again. She was to get her cast on May 20th. After getting to the doctors office and waiting quite a while Bob and Lorrie were told the x-ray machine had broken just before they got there. The doctor had to x-ray the bones to make sure they were still in position to heal properly, before he put a cast on it. Discouraged again, they returned home. Finally on May 25th, also her and Bob's birthday, Lorrie got her hard cast! The grandkids had a part in the color choice, Grandma Lorrie happily obliged and got a bright green cast. Connor, Aubrey, Alli and Olivia were so excited to "sign" her cast that they went a little overboard and wrote love notes to Grandma, taking up most of the room! Ooops! With the hard cast and some tutoring from the orthopedic physician Lorrie had a breakthrough and figured out how to get around better. They also ordered a leg-scooter that she can set her broken leg on and push around with her good one. She has regained her independence and is looking forward to getting out of the house once in a while.

We are all very grateful for all of the volunteers who come and spend time with Lorrie, offer service, and prepare meals. This would be much harder without your love and support~ Thank You!

Susan G. Komen Race~ April 17th, 2011

 On April 17th, 2011, Nicole, Paul, Phillip and Megan participated in the Eastern Washington Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure. Team Name: For the Love of Lorrie.

It was amazing to see all of the people gathered together to raise money and support a cause that is so near and dear to us. We didn't raise as much money as we would have liked to, but we plan on making the race a family tradition. Our goal, next year, is to have a larger team and raise more money in honor of Mom.

If you would like to join our team next year, please let us know and we will keep you posted on the details.

(to see a larger image, click on the photo)

Thank you for your love and support!

 

Just hanging out before the start.

Balloon release for all of the survivors

 

Seeing all the supporters, at times was emotional

Race markers

The real race of the day begins!

Which Dompier boy will be the first out?

The winner is: Phillip!

After the race photo with our SURVIVOR! 

Say "Cheese"!

We would love to collect as many photos of Lorrie as we can. If you have pictures you'd like to share on this web-site or with the family, please email them to us at Phillip's email address: hotrod42911@gmail.com .

Thank you again for your love and support!

Tuesday March 22, 2011

Today was the routine visit from the Hospice nurse. Lorrie is often tired and her sleeping has increased to about 18 hours per day. Lately we have been noticing some issues with balance and short term memory loss. All of this is normal with her condition. As always Lorrie has a wonderful attitude and loves visiting with everyone.

If you would like to come for a visit we are happy to welcome you. If you could please call Phillip at 385-7431 or Bob at 216-1411 and schedule a time that would work best for everyone. At this time afternoon and early evenings work best for Lorrie.


Thank you so much for your love and care! 

Lorrie's Story

In 2003 Lorrie was diagnosed with breast cancer.  After a heroic fight of Chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy she was "in remission". After two and a half years in remission, cancer was found in a routine scan. In 2006 Lorrie started treatment again. In the past year Lorrie has been through more chemotherapy and radiation treatments. In January 2011 her doctors found a tumor on her brain. She began radiation treatments immediately. At the end of January Bob and Lorrie enjoyed a trip together to Hawaii thanks to a generous donation of a time-share from dear friends. At a recent doctors visit at the beginning of March (2011) after reviewing her scans and attempting another round of chemotherapy, together, with Lorrie's doctors Bob and Lorrie decided to cease all treatments and seek the help and care of Hospice. The goal at this time is to make sure Lorrie is comfortable and well taken care of.