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The O’Brien Family

Family

August 23, 2017

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Hi there! Welcome to the PMP blog, a journal about my work, life, travels, fashion, and the occasional dessert. Stay a while and say hello!

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It’s hard to believe that the teenager in the picture above was one of my very first clients. She’s now 13. In these years we have kept in touch, and I have seen just how much this family is loved by all around them.

Kevin and Suzanne have been married for 37 years, and were blessed with 3 children, 2 in-laws, and 2 grandchildren so far. Mom Suzanne is one of those super strong women, whose positivity and smile bring inspiration to all those around her. I asked all 3 of her children what their favorite thing about their mom was, and a common response was that she is very kind and selfless. 

On July 31 Suzanne was taken to the ER, where a large mass was found on her brain. They received the news that the tumor was malignant and a Glioblastoma (GBM). She went through surgery, and few days later attended her 40th class reunion. She’s one strong woman! 

From her youngest daughter, Kaitlin: 

For the next 42 days Suzanne will continue to take an oral chemotherapy pill (Temodar) every night before bed to stop/slow the growth of the small sliver of tumor left in her brain. The most common side effects are fatigue, loss of appetite, low blood platelet count, nausea, and weakness. Her doctor has prescribed an anti-nausea pill to prevent her from feeling sick and an antibiotic to prevent infection from low platelets. She will also be giving blood weekly so that her medical team can monitor her platelet count.

In addition to the chemo, she will be going to Waconia every weekday morning for radiation treatment to destroy the remaining tumor and any microscopic cells that can’t be seen. Common side effects of radiation are fatigue, hair loss where the radiation enters and leaves her head, scalp irritation and edema (swelling). She is taking a steroid to reduce swelling and an anti-seizure medication, because brain swelling can lead to seizures.

I will finish this post by saying that this family is in my heart, and more importantly, in my prayers. I’m glad they know God is the doctor of all doctors. Before finding out the exact diagnosis, Suzanne’s husband wrote: “I am prepared for this fight no matter the name of this enemy.” We are all fighting with you, Suzanne! 

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