It saddens us to have to write this update as we all have fought so hard and come so far---ESPECIALLY Mom. But unfortunately God has other plans.
We met with Mom's team of doctors last night and received the unfortunate news that her Cancer is aggressively spreading. It is currently throughout her brain and into her bone marrow. With such news the doctors explained that even if Mom was healthy enough to try chemotherapy in the next few weeks, there currently isn't a successful treatment for Colon Cancer that's matasisized to the brain.
She is still struggling with her breathing so she now has a tracheotomy to help her. We hope she will improve some so we can hear her talk again and ideally take her home to rest comfortably, but the doctors say that we may not have that chance.
For now, her immediate family is by her side and ensuring she's comfortable and at ease. We are gauging the situation day by day and when the time comes to make the decision about her living will, we will have to say goodbye.
We continue to share everyone's love and prayers with Mom as she's able to communicate with us through head nods and hand motions. We can't thank you enough for your continued support and I personally want to emphasize how thankful my Mom is. If the situation were different, she'd be hand writing each and every one of you a personal note (not an email!). :)
Stay tuned to the blog for next steps, we are imaging we'll need to say our goodbyes within the upcoming weeks, not months. We will certainly let everyone know when the time comes and we will post all of the information here on the blog for the service details.
Thanks again and much, much love to all. God bless.
Jen, Albert, Jake, Shawn, Lisa & Steph
14 comments:
To all of the Ostrich family especially Kate,
Our prayers and thoughts remain with all of you. There are no words to describe the sadness that we are feeling, and cannot even comprehend what you all are going through right now. Please give Kate all of our love and we pray that God will ease her pain and give her the strength that she will need in the time to come. Please give her a kiss and a hug for us. We love you Kate.
God bless, comfort, and carry you through ,
Al and Debbie
Dear Ostrich family,
Words cannot describe our deep sadness. You know we are here for you and send our love to Kate, Albert, Jen, Shawn, Jake, Stephanie and Lisa. Love, Sally & Kent
Jennie-O,
John and I want you to know that our prayers are with you even more now that you've received this devastating news. We pray that God will continue to hold your mom in His hands and give her peace and comfort in the upcoming days. We're thinking of you and praying for strength for you as well!
Hugs,
John and Carol Carter
Ostrich family - I was so saddened to read about Kate's status. My family will continue to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. I pray that the Lord will give you all strength during this difficult time. Cherish the time you have with your mother. No matter what happens Kate will live on in each of you...and in everyone's life that she touched.
Sincerely,
The Carter and Russell families
What devastating news. Words cannot describe the horror that you are al experiencing and that we are feeling. We can only hope and pray that God eases her suffering and gives her peace soon. We am so very sorry for you all. God bless you Kate.
We were saddened to hear the news today about Mrs. O and pray that God gives all of you the strength needed to continue on this journey. God Bless Susan & Jeff, Matt & Kurt
We were all hoping for any other news than this. Stay strong and together knowing how much love and prayers are there for you all. Wishing I was closer, but please know I'm here for you all!
Debbi
Although it has been several years since we have seen Mrs. O, there are many things which make me smile when I think of her...the smile she always wears on her face, her unconditional love for family, her passion for golf, basically, her zest for life. One memory, in particular, stays with me and that is December 25, 1993. This would be the day that Joe asked me to marry him. Little did I know your family already knew of his plans in advance but your Mom always promised that when the big day happened, a celebration would be in order! And a celebration it was! We walked into the O's house that evening to the finest champagne and crystal glasses awaiting us and even more, immeasurable amounts of love filling the home. Your Mom was genuinely happy for us and cared about our future. It is that kindness that is equatable with the words "Kate Ostrich" and what makes her an unforgettable person. What an incredible Mummers strutter she was at our wedding too! All of you are in our thoughts and prayers as you travel this journey together. Just do what Mrs. O does so well and that is love...
The Richardsons(Joe, Kelly, Ian, Mackenzie, Reilly & Kerry)
Aunt Kate, I love you more than words can say. You have always been the coolest! I treasure every memory with you. (Remember Madeline's bat mitzvah when we got on stage and sang "Bad Girls"? An unforgettable performance.)
You are a wonderful, caring, remarkable person, and I admire so many things about you. Your cooking, your sense of humor, your down-to-earth wisdom that is always right on target, your huge heart, your deep connection to your children.
Sending you much love now and forever...and much love to the rest of my incredible family.
--Linda
Hi Jen,
Your Mom and your family are in my prayers ... my heart breaks for you reading your latest posting. I had no idea she was at Penn and you were back in Philly, I hope you don't mind Rani shared this with Trish and I. Please if there is anything we can do to support you through this time (and snowstorm) let me know, Im still close by in Fairmount.
Sending friendship and love your way.
Shaun
I wake up in the morning wishing this was all a bad dream...but it is not and our hearts are broken by this terrible news. We pray that God gives you and the flock strength to continue on to peace. Linda said it all.. in addition Kate, you are a first class sister-in-law but most important to me you are one of my best friends. We had serious talks but we sure had a lot of laughs. Sherb will never forget you cutting the rug at the Country Club and all the wonderful things we did as a family. You have to be so proud and feel so loved by your flock!
We love you Kate and our prayers are with you and your family. God bless you. Love, Sherb, Dianne, Mike, Jimmy, AnnMarie, Todd, Katie, Julie, Hannah and Emily
Aunt Kate,
Peace be onto you. You have fought the good fight and you have done well, warrior. Rest with the knowledge you have won and leave the world a better place for all you have done.
I salute you with love and respect from Baghdad,
Capt. Jay Ostrich
To the Ostrich Family,
I know we have been through good and bad times over many many years. However this is one time I sincerely regret. Kate is a wonderful person to all and a loving wife to Albert and a good mother to her three children. I am so sorry to hear about her condition and I hope the best for all of you.
Cousin Gary Davis
Dearest Aunt Kate,
As a child I always looked forward to stopping by your house as you always made us feel welcome and loved. You always added some spice to every family gathering making sure that laughter and fun were part of every event. You never let us sit if we had the chance to dance. I also admired what kind of a mom you are to your kids. I wish you peace and a chance to be pain free once again. We love and cherish you.
Uncle Al, Jen, Shawn Jake, Lisa and Steph you are amazing and I am so proud of the strength you have shown for Kate. You are all truly awesome.
Love Janelle
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