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lost weight, still has trouble with her bowel movements, but still manages to work four days a week. Nonetheless, she continues to makes time to attend Zak's basketball games, take Bryan and his friends to the movies, and pick her grandson up from daycare every day.

During recent interviews of the other family members each of Deb's children talked about how the disease has affected them.

"I had to get through school everyday. And it's harder here at home," said Ashlee, the youngest daughter. The consensus amongst the Swords children is that there is a growing closeness among each family member.

Zak said, "Sarah, Ashlee, Bryan, and I have grown closer because we've had to go through it together." Within the family, everyone tries to help out more in order to try to make things easier on Deb.

Zak continued, "And I have to get my stuff done because I have to. I don't want to cause mom any trouble."

Sarah, the oldest, has tried to take upon a motherly role for her younger siblings. "I try to help out with the bills and stuff but she doesn't let me. I buy groceries and stuff and I try to shelter the kids from it."

Deb's reaction to the situation began with denial, "I had to overcome the realization that it was happening to me. At first it was like this couldn't be happening to me. Then there was depression. It was like, why me?"

Her feelings and outlook on life have since changed. Still today, she continues to take care of her family while working a part time job at a local bar and frequenting the hospital in order to get the necessary tests and treatments.

"It makes you realize the importance of life. Some of the small things don't mean as much anymore," said Deb.

Learn more about this author, Christina Neal.
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