3-4-14 Decisions...

    Yesterday was Mom's second appt with Dr. Obenchain.  Dad and Sally and I (Becky) were all in attendance- again.  In the waiting room we talked about life and about what was going on with all of our families.  Sally decided that she would do proxy chemo treatments for mom if it would allow her to get out of the house for 4 hours and enjoy some peace and quiet.  I talked about my date night with Chris this past weekend which consisted of a 20 min trip to Walgreens to pick up some prescriptions.  Dad continued to take pictures with his phone to show us the awesome enlargement detail...  we had a good time ;)
    Then we were taken to our room and visited with Dr. Obenchain for quite a while.  She went over some of the test results she had received and then proceeded to lay out treatment options, including chemo and/or hormone therapy, for mom to consider.  Mom was a ball of nerves.  It took some prodding, but she finally found the words that she needed to say... 
    Mom has known and felt all along that chemotherapy and other similar treatments are not the appropriate choice for her at this time.  She explained the feelings of peace and contentment that she continues to have with this choice.  We had a mini lesson with Dr O on temples (she got to tour the Gilbert temple), the plan of salvation, life after death, and our Faith in Jesus Christ.  Surprisingly Dr. O was very open and understanding.  She seemed to sense the peace and assurance  that my mom explained, and assured her that she would be there to help her and care for her regardless of Mom's choices on treatments. She also reiterated the fact that it was mom's choice.  That was what Mom needed to hear.  Mom continues to say that angels are watching over her and helping her through this.  I believe that Dr O is one of them.  We could not have hand picked a more caring doctor. 
    We understand that some may have a hard time with this decision.  Mom is very concerned that others may feel that deciding not to do treatments is just "giving up".  I don't believe that. That is not the way I feel about it.  Giving up is a decision based on hopelessness and fear.  Giving up is what people do when they feel they have no other choice.  "Letting go" and putting your trust in God is a decision based on Faith.  Faith in The Lord Jesus Christ and in His ability to lead us to the choices that are right for us.  Faith that there is a plan and that He knows us and that we are a part of that plan.  Peace and assurance accompany choices that are made with faith.  Peace and assurance have accompanied Mom throughout this decision process.  It has been a process of prayer and fasting and priesthood blessings.  Our family supports Mom in her decision to forgo chemo and hormone treatments, knowing that this decision was based on faith.  Mom will continue to do what she can naturally to help her body cope with this disease.  We are also very grateful to be able to rely on Dr. O for help with pain management and other side-effects that may arise.
    We need to thank everyone again for the continuous gifts of love and service that Mom and Dad receive.  There has been an outpouring of blessings.  We know there are so many willing hands and hearts and we are grateful to know that we have help ahead for the upcoming months.
    Mom is truly at peace with these decisions.  We understand that her health will most likely continue to decline- but we go forward with faith knowing this is the right decision.