On June 29th Sharon went to the oncologist in the morning to get preliminary treatment so she could start radiation treatments on Monday. Later that day she had an appointment with her orthopedic surgeon and he ruled out bursitis, breakage, and tearing. It was definitely cancer causing the pain. The pain was so intense, Sharon felt ready to die that day. At this point she was still using the cane she bought on her New York trip to help her get around, but on this day we started pushing her around in a wheelchair.
Saturday the 30th, she was feeling much better and wanted to go around the block. She enjoyed having her grandchildren, Charlotte and Jack take turns pushing her around the block.
On the evening of the 4th of July, Sharon’s pain level was too high so we went to the ER for treatment. With her progression of pain and deteriorating mobility, she remained in a comfy chair in her bedroom most of the time.
On July 6, hospice began their services. Sharon's appetite slowed to just a few bites of something pleasurable, particularly some birthday crumb cake for our twins' special day. Our son, Nate, flew out from Texas to see her for a few days. We held a Sacrament meeting in our home on July 8th with Sharon so the family could share their loving thoughts and memories with her.
On the 9th, Monday night, around midnight we noticed another change in her. With all the boys, we were able to give her a blessing. The boys had an opportunity to express their love to their mother.
Later that week, a visit from Sharon’s sister, Maryanne, gave Sharon comfort. Sunday came around and in Sharon’s considerate nature, she urged me to go to Church but I couldn’t leave her side.
During her last week, Sharon progressively moved from her chair in the bedroom to a hospital air bed in the front living room. Immediately we could see she was more comfortable. I built her a curtain rod so she could have privacy when needed.
As the week progressed, her naps got longer and her breaths deepened.
On Friday the 20th, the hospice nurses came to check her vitals. We learned her lung capacity was at 98% with no sign of diminished lung capacity from the cancer. Meaning, the Tomotherapy succeeded at killing off the cancer in her lungs before it spread to her hip.
That evening we watched her closely with both twins here to help care for her. At 1:35am (July 21st) Sharon began to take her last breath when she passed away peacefully.
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Sharon always knew she wanted to donate her body to science. She has been taken to UCI where they can keep her body for up to 6 years. Afterwhich they will cremate her and spread her ashes at sea.
The Memorial for Sharon will be held on August 18th 2018, 3:00pm at 17130 Bastanchury Road, Yorba Linda CA 92886. Babysitting provided in the Nursery Room for small children. Per Sharon's special request, there will be a family-friendly party behind the church building at 5:00pm.
In closing thoughts regarding Tomotherapy-
We learned Chemotherapy is not the only "cure." Tomotherapy DID kill the cancer in Sharon's lung. It is not yet a well-known option to kill cancer because of the lack of understanding since it's fairly new. Sharon's case will be noted in the case to make Tomotherapy radiation a more widespread alternative. This route was not as harsh on the body because she did not lose hair or vomit. Her immune system was not destroyed as it would be with chemotherapy. Sharon chose this route based off her research, prayer, and understanding of her prognosis.In her case, she wanted to have the highest quality of life given the amount of time she was given. Choosing this route, her doctors were shocked by her lack of complications and how healthy her skin and immune system were working up to her last days of life.
Thank you to all those who have prayed for Sharon and helped us through this process.
-The Edwards Family
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