RE: Low Family Update  

Dear Family and Friends:

I hope this finds you well.

Since I don’t have everyone’s email addresses, I’m posting a private update using my work website to reach as many of you as possible without adding to your texts and FB messages.

Mom and Dad: As you may recall, they relocated on 2/15 from their home in Naples to the Terrace at Newark Assisted Living. They shared a suite until 8/1 when I made the decision that Mom would be better served living in the Memory Care wing, and Dad continued to stay in the suite. Beginning in August, and increasingly over the next several weeks, his falls became more frequent.  In mid-September, Dad was hospitalized several times and later moved to rehabilitation in Clifton Springs Hospital.

Due to the progression of the Parkinson's Disease, he’s unable to return to Assisted Living and is now receiving care in the Clifton Springs Hospital Nursing Home. Dad’s ability to walk without the assistance of a walker (and hands-on help) is significantly compromised — he’s much safer using a wheelchair. All I can really say is that Parkinson's has taken its ugly toll on him. I try to reflect and remember the man that cleared one acre of land by hand himself (at the Stid Hill house for those that are keeping count of many Low family moves).

Mom will continue to stay at the Terrace of Newark for the time being. She was recently diagnosed with cancer that appears to have originated in her left breast and metastasized to her neck (on the Parotic Gland), putting pressure on the Carodit Artery. The combination of Alzheimer’s, potential cancer locations, and her age limit treatments options. In conversation with her oncologist today, I asked for two referrals.

One is to a breast clinic for a biopsy (minor, same-day procedure) to confirm the lesion is cancerous and identify what, if any, relationship it has to the neck mass. The second is to a radiologist who will inform a treatment plan to shrink the neck mass. Collectively, the aim is to “slow-down” the cancer(s) as much as possible with radiology and possibly harmonal therapy. Mom is not a good candidate for invasive surgery and chemotherapy.

Luckily — as if there could be any “luck” — Mom isn't in any discomfort and I suspect due to the Alzhimer’s she is not under any distress. The Terrace at Newark care team reports back to me how much help Mom enjoys vacuuming the floor and folding laundry.  It was always "her way" to get things done, and nothing has changed in that regard. I’m not sure she recognizes many anymore, but I believe deep down she still knows those that love her. When I see Mom she is cheerful and tells me “the kids are doing great!” I like to believe she remembers the thousands of students she taught over 30 years.

If you try to call Dad and get his voicemail, please hang up. He's not retrieving messages and it's best to try again. Dad and Mom would certainly appreciate visitors.   

Amanda, Solana & Ellie: They moved to Bloomfield, which is much closer to work for Amanda and Solana. Ellie (13) continues to attend the Naples School district. The house in Naples is vacant and I may rent either its top or bottom floors. If there’s anyone in the family looking for a place to live on a temporary basis — please give me a call.

Thanks for your continued support and prayers, which are deeply appreciated. As I continue to make decisions about Mom’s and Dad’s course of care and locations, I’ll be sure to keep you informed.

Please feel free to reach out with questions or for more detailed information at 631-885-5661/ craig@greatbaycommunications.com.

Best,

Craig