|
Note added 0n 8/27 |
Am currently undergoing
radiation for both the brain and lung tumors. Met with the
medical Oncologist yesterday afternoon. His objective is for
continued quality, not quantity of life, and we FULLY agree with
that posture. We may or may not enter into a chemo regime when
the
radiation is complete, around the 10th of September. We are
going to have to ask LOTS of questions and think long and hard
on the Chemo subject! |
|
Note added 0n 8/28
Party |
Joe Washington and Buzz Thiebauth organized the damnedest Party
I have ever seen! There were people here from more years ago
than I can remember, MANY from the Shark Tank, Sta.41. We have
many pictures, most will NEVER be seen again and I will post
them on the frame to the right very soon. Most had come and gone
by the time this picture was taken and my labeling sucks but I
hope you can see them. There were over 50 folks in and out over
the afternoon, excluding the FD units from the area that were on
duty at the time. The duty Battalion Chief moved units around so
the duty units could visit! Thanks Jojo!!!!
I am not eloquent enough to
accurately describe how I feel about seeing everyone but many
made abrupt changes in their lives to attend and see me one last
time and I am so very grateful to them for that! God love you
brothers and sisters (and sons :) ) for what you did for me
tonight!
Additional - on edit************
Lord what a rush it was tonight! The old 41 crew and others
REALLY made my day and evening. Let no one EVER doubt the love
and compassion brother and sister Fire Fighters have for one
another!!!! It was truly the most heart warming thing I have
ever witnessed! God I love these
people!!!!! Thank you to EACH and every one!!!!!
|
 |
8/29
|
I am usually wide awake by 4 AM and out in my lawn chair doing
my daily reflection! Some of it brings tears, some evoke simply
memories, mostly good ones! As most know, I am an oldies music
freak and tie many parts of my life to the music of the time. I
think one song that seems to fit me better than most is by both
Sinatra and Presley - My Way
- Sinatra -
Presley
|
|
|
8/30 |
Well, its another week of radiation
ahead. Feeling pretty good but the treatments are making me
tired. Weight is staying up, am actually gaining some so that's
a good thing, I guess. Finally got up the courage to tell my
sister Kelly about the issue last night. She went through so
much when my mom was sick that it was emotionally very difficult
for me but I finally did it. Sorry sis!
I am blessed to have 8 brothers and
sisters that I love very much. I HOPE to be able to see most of
them soon. |
|
|
8/31 |
Not Having a great night, The Docs cut back on my Decadron and
it has really affected my balance
big time so going back to two a day. At times I feel like Arty
Johnson from the show Laugh in many years ago (little old guy on
bike) |
|
|
9/02 |
Much better night last night.
Seems like if I get tired my balance goes to hell! : ( For
all my medical brethren, I have a lower R lobe lung tumor that
has metastasized most notably to the right parietal portion of
my brain. This is what is causing the left arm an leg
dysfunction. Then there is a smaller lesion deep down, close to
the brain stem causing the balance issue. Now, always having to
see humor in even the worst situations there is a "Plus" to all
of this! No really!!!! If I am able to stumble past a woman's
backside, My left hand, not in control anyway, may brush against
her in a dragging fashion. Now certainly, I'm not going to be
slapped or called bad names. So I just get a knowing smile! I
will issue an apology however in an attempt to be gentlemanly
but what's done is done! : ))))))) LOLOL |
|
|
09/03 |
Yesterday was probably the
best day I have had in over a month from a physical point of
view. Seem to have developed what I call "rolling hiccups" as I
get like 4, 5, 6, in rapid succession. Sort of a pain! My hair
is coming out by the handfuls with just the radiation so I guess
even before Chemo, I will be as bald as a cue ball! Didn't see
that coming! LOL!
Barring any unforeseen input, we have decided to go with
chemo. Still have to discuss it with my primary phys. but IF it
will buy some quality time for me to be with my family, I can
man up enough to be sick. We shall see. |
|
|
9/04 |
Well, only have until next
Thursday and the radiation treatments are DONE! Have now lost
every bit of my hair! Blah! Still have the hiccups but can't
figure where they are coming from: ( Feel pretty good
today. As usual, A bit tired but pretty stable. |
|
|
9/06 |
OK, I'll admit it! Having always been just a tad vain about
my appearance LOL! (no comments from the peanut gallery : ) )
the hair loss thing is getting to me a little but I guess now is
not the time for vanity! Am gathering some caps to TRY and
salvage SOMETHING out of this "hair thing". One of my
firefighters said he was trying to find me something "stylish"!
LOL! Thanks Brett! Thank God for good health insurance! Looks
like my first week in the hospital and at the ER came out to
around 35K and that's not including the rest of the stuff or the
docs. Will finish up radiation this week then will be getting my
PET scans and THEN starting chemo around the end of the month.
We will then be on the road between treatments to MD, TN for an
RV rally,& TX. We will push the envelope as much as possible. |
|
|
9/08 |
Well, here we go down this
home stretch! Thursday will be my last radiation treatment! I
have slowly weaned myself back off the Decadron to one a day and
watching for noticeable changes. None so far! I would like
to think that the radiation has been responsible for the
improved balance and stability but won't know until the Decadron
has been completely removed.
Just a funny story I forgot about! Happened in the ER prior to
being discharged a month ago! ER nurse said as she was giving me
the first Decadron IV. She warned me that, her words now, I
would get a tingle "down there" as she pointed below my waist! I
think all can figure that one out! LOL : ) I told her any
tingle "down there" at my age was a positive thing and to
"let'er rip"! I don't think she was quite ready for that but she
should know not to say something like that to an old crusty
fireman! LOL! |
|
|
9/09 |
Last two days have been almost
perfect. Was able to take showers without using the hand grips
AND close my eyes without looking like I had a snoot full and
loosing my balance! For you younger folks, that's an old timey
term for being drunk! Just two more treatments and then we get
to the TOUGH part but I would say I'm 85 to 90%of what I was in
July. I think I get my PET and other stuff done on the 14th.
|
|
|
09/11 |
The most important part of the
day comes first! Its time to remember all of my brethren that
perished on 9/11, as well as all of the civilian lives lost.
Please never forget!!!!!
Had a terrific breakfast with
three of my good friends yesterday morning! Thanks to Buzz, Ted
and Mike! Finished up my radiation yesterday afternoon. I FEEL
like the brain tumors have shrunk somewhat due to the improved
stability while cutting back on the Decadron. Could be simply
wishful thinking however but will find out a bit more next week.
My PET and other scans will be done Monday and if other issues
don't pop up, we will head to my sister-in-laws in Tampa Tuesday
or Wednesday for a few days, probably until Sunday. |
|
|
9/13 |
Mornin' everyone. All is well
this AM except for the right ear infection. Taking antibiotics
for it but its still blocked somewhat. We won't know about the
results of the scans for awhile so I won't be posting much next
week unless there are changes in my daily status. We go to see
the medical Oncologist next Monday to see what the next step
will be. That will be on the 21st then if they think its a go,
will probably have the first chemo on the 22nd, a shot to boost
my RBC (red blood cell count) on Tuesday, then prepare fore my
son Steve's b-day party on Saturday, the 26th. Had planned on
smoking a sirloin roast and pork tenderloin for the party but
may have to teach Clint and Colin the art of "smokin" if I am
still sick from the chemo. Certainly not looking forward to
that!!! Blah! |
|
|
9/14 |
Really bzy day today! Heading to
the retired guys monthly "Brown Bagger" around 9 ish, then to my
MRI at 11:30, then the PET scan around 2:30. Will not have
results for a week so we will be heading off to Tampa on
Tuesday. Have a follow-up next Monday and will probably start
chemo on Tuesday the 22nd. I know I've already posted that but
just wanted to keep it all flowing! : )
***** On Edit *****
A great "Brown Bagger" this morning! Wish I could have stayed
longer but had two tests that couldn't be postponed. Marcy went
with me as they still don't trust me to drive! LOL ! I will post
a group picture soon! My great friend Schultzy will post the
blog address on the D Shift page soon! Thanks Rick!!!
|
|
|
9/16 |
Got to my SIL's late yesterday
afternoon. Was great to be on the road again, even if only for a
short trip! Feeling pretty good, everyone says I'm looking great
but I guess I have to question that a little! LOL! Weight is
down to 202 which is still about 15 lbs heaver than I was in
2000 so now I am fighting to keep my weight up! Go figure!
Anyway, will be heading home on Sunday. |
|
|
9/18 |
Great day yesterday! Went over
to some of our life long friends, George and Loretta's yesterday
afternoon and evening for a wonderful dinner and great
conversation, as always! Love you guy's!!!!!!!!!! |
|
|
9/21 |
OK, here we go! Got the
results from the PET scan today. Looks like the lesions (brain)
MAY be receding SOME but if they are dying , they can't tell
yet. If my mobility stays as it is then there is a good chance
they have/are, if my mobility goes to hell, then they have not.
Now for the rest of the story. As I suspected they have found
small growths on one of my lower left ribs, my adrenal gland and
liver. So, as we used to say, "he's ate up with it". IF Chemo is
going to happen, it will have to happen on my terms and
schedule! Sorry, don't mean to be a hard ass but what's going to
be will be so it may as well be on my schedule in as much as
that is possible! |
|
|
9/23 |
Well, turned out to be a bit
of a "Cluster you know what" yesterday! Earlier in the month,
they wanted me to enter into a clinical trial on some newer drug
combo's which we had decided to do. Had to go into the Medical
Oncologist yesterday and talk to the nurse that was heading the
trial for Florida Hosp. After signing the paper work and getting
ready to go, she said something about only having radiation on
the brain lesions and I told her "and the chest"! She was not
aware of the chest radiation and then said I was not eligible
for the trial since the chest had been done as well! I guess the
docs had a huddle over their screw up so we have ANOTHER meeting
to see what's next! Geeze, maybe too many docs spoil the
stew too! In a way it makes me feel more at home as its the same
thing the FD does! : ) |
|
|
9/24 |
And another beautiful morning!
welllll, I'm afraid I have to make a 180 degree reversal on our
earlier decision about chemo. Marcy and I have discussed this at
length and feel the chemo MAY increase my time here for a month
or so but probably not with the quality of life I want.
Obviously, no one knows just how long any of us have to live but
just seems to me like I'm just wasting what time I do have
sitting here, visiting doc's, getting tests, etc. Am going to
talk with my family this weekend about the decision and hope all
understand. As in the song, I'm going to spend this time "My
Way"! Will be heading to my son Steve's house this weekend,
Friday or Saturday for his 40th! More as we go along! |
|
|
9/26 |
Here we are at Steve's house
for his birthday. Its only about 30 min. from our home base so
was another short trip BUT in a week or so will be heading to
Maryland. Cracked ANOTHER windshield so that will have to be
fixed prior to leaving. This will be windshield # 3! : (
Well, gotta get to "smokin' a beef roast and a pork loin. Hope
it turns out OK! : ) |
|
|
9/28 |
Shoot, when it rains it pours!
Broken windshield, jack (left front), generator exhaust bent (a
bit) and need an oil change. All this before we can leave for MD
and VA. Geeze!!!! GREAT weekend at my eldest sons. Quite a few
of my family came and it was a great get together! Now the
pressure's on to get some loose ends wrapped up and leave
town!!! |
|
|
10/02 |
Another cool morning in Central
Florida! We are sort of "held Up" here at home waiting for parts
for our coach before getting on the road. One of our jacks (for
leveling) has not come in and the new windshield is lost in
transit! LOL ! On the health side, doing pretty good but I think
the tumor on the 4th left rib is starting to show itself in the
form of painful movement of my left arm around the left pectoral
(?SP) muscle. Seems like any movement is painful and I guess
stronger pain meds are close at hand! Damn, I hate taking
"stuff" but appears it may be almost time so I may as well get
used to it and quit whining! STILL can't get used to the "bald
thing" but there too, may as well get used to it! : ) |
|
|
10/03 |
Looks like everything is
coming together! The jack finally arrived and the new windshield
will be installed late Monday afternoon, so I will take the rig
to Cummins early Monday morning. With only the jack replacement
and an oil change, I should be back home in time for the
windshield folks. If all goes as planned, we should be outta
here on Tuesday. So we won't be rushed, we will head to TX
first, then on to Tellico Plains TN for our RV rally, then to VA
and MD. We have to be home no later than the 16th of November
for Marcy's Dr's appointment on the 17th. After that, we will
head to the Clearwater area (Tampa) for Thanksgiving, then leave
on the cruise out of Tampa to Belize for seven days. Anybody
else wanna come?? : )))
On the health side, feeling
pretty good (except for the shoulder and chest issue). Looks
like I am loosing about a pound a week or slightly less. I
wanted to loose weight earlier this year but think doing it this
way is a tad extreme and I certainly don't recommend this method
to anyone! LOL |
|
|
10/05 |
Well, HWH sent the wrong jack!
Cummins called them and they advised that there was a 4 week
backorder on the CORRECT jack so we are heading out anyway!! The
glass co. arrived early so they went down to Cummins and
installed the windshield, so all was not lost!
On the alternative treatment,
here's the skinny! the name is Protocell Alternative Cancer
Treatment. Basically, its an all natural anti-oxidant which I
have to take mixed with a drink (water) every six hours! Thanks
everyone for your prayers and concern! Feel free to use the
forum at. Oh, here's our travel
map (in right margin) |
 |
|
10/06 |
YEAH! On the road again!!!!
BUT, not without issues! Got to Gainesville and Marcy told me
"There's oil all over the truck and the back of the coach"! Sure
nuff, the coach is dripping oil! The fill port cap had come off
(after being serviced at Cummins yesterday) and the rest is
history! Should be in Dallas on Thursday afternoon. Am at
Tallahassee East KOA tonight |
|
|
10/08 |
Currently in Baton Rouge
(at a KOA)! Leaving this AM for Dallas but they had flood
warnings up for the area yesterday. For what its worth, The PACT
treatment seems to be drying up my skin cancers! LOL, maybe it
will do something for the really bad stuff inside! Thanks Mark
for the book as that's where we got the info on the PACT
treatment. |
|
|
10/09 |
Arrived Dallas yesterday
afternoon. Was warm, now raining and cool BUT I seem to have a
new appreciation for most any kind of weather! Will be here
until the 15th or so then head toward eastern TN then to MD on
the 24th or 25th. Then to VA about the 12th for a couple days
then home for a couple then on to Tampa for Thanksgiving. After
that, the cruise awaits!
Still doing the PACT. Its like
chewing up a mouth of multiple vitamins at once! BLAH! Mobility
still good although I seem to have MORE of the CRS, "Can't
Remember Shit" lately. I would like to think its simply being
tired and not "Old Timers" coming on! What a twist of fate THAT
would be! Having cancer but not remembering from day to day that
I did! LOL! |
|
|
10/11 |
Currently in Denton TX, just
north of Dallas. Been visiting with some of my kin here (one
sister and brother so far) but will be in Carrolton, just a few
miles south later today to visit more!
My left chest pain seems to
not be going away so I'm thinking it is the tumor on my rib
causing the issue. Balance and stability very good to excellent
so I am in hopes that the radiation treatments did indeed shrink
the brain lesion. Weight is gradually dropping but at less than
a pound a week rate, that's not bad for now! |
|
|
10/12 |
GREAT day yesterday! Went to
my aunt's house for a reunion of sorts. My baby sis had to work
but two of my brothers and scads of cousins were there. Since we
couldn't get them all in the same picture, did the guys then the
gals. Thanks to my brother Price for wedging me in between two
different ball games and driving all that way. Love ya!!! Price
is next to me , top right picture. My brother TC is next to me
on the bottom picture with Marcy in the background.
All pretty much the same on the health front. We will be leaving
here on Thursday and heading to east TN for our RV rally. |
  
|
|
10/14 |
Finally got the jack on the
coach replaced this morning! YEAH!!!!! Will be heading east in
the morning toward TN. Probably stop close to Little Rock then
on to Nashville then Tellico Plains TN for our rally. Feeling
pretty good, still have some nagging left chest and back pain
but all things considered, doing good! : ) |
|
|
10/19 |
Hello all! Arrived here in
Tellico Plains TN on Sat. A few folks here already with a good
sized group arriving today! Have 49 rigs in total which will be
our biggest group yet attending a rally. All continues about the
same on the health front but the cold here REALLY gets to me,
more than I thought it would. I get chilled easily but just have
to wear more heavy clothes. : ( |
|
|
10/23 |
A very enjoyable four days
with great folks! Will be heading out tomorrow or Sunday for MD.
Feeling good, lost about a pound in the last 10 days so all is
good! Trying to just get used to the chest and shoulder pain
since its not going to go away. |
|
|
10/27 |
Arrived "home" in Leonardtown
MD yesterday afternoon. I say home because Southern Maryland is
where I grew up and it has always been home to me. We will be
here for a couple weeks to visit family and friends before
heading to the northern neck of VA, then home for a day, then on
to Tampa for Thanksgiving. The cruise to Belize comes next, then
home for Christmas then on to Quartzite AZ! |
|
|
10/31 |
Went to Abners Crab House last
night with some of my friends from high school. Twas' a terrific
evening! Thanks to Mieke for putting it together! Still doing
the PACT treatments daily but the chest and back pain just keeps
getting worse by the day.
|
|
|
11/03 |
Have been feeling a little
under the weather so haven't posted. We continued on seeing old
friends on the 1st. Had dinner at the Gateway restaurant with a
few more folks than before. Got a truckload of hats to help
cover my poor old bald head! Thanks so much guys!!!! Now, here
is one from I THINK my Jr Prom. I'm the guy trying to be Buddy
Holly! LOL
My buddy Skip B. calls the
picture "Ears"!
More Pic's
  |
 
 
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11/05 |
Mornin all! Still feeling
rather poorly. Moderate amount of pain with no appetite. More
soon. |
|
|
11/07 |
The pain is still hanging in
there at about a "4". Stopped taking the PACT treatment as it
seemed to make me sick to my stomach. Will be pulling out of my
brothers place and slowly heading to FL. |
|
|
11/11 |
After spending a few days with
our long time friends on the northern neck of VA, we will be
slowly heading south today. Was able to eat a bit yesterday
which is a PLUS over the past few days. |
|
|
11/14 |
Finally arrived in FL. Stopped
at Beverly Beach Camptown to get our "beach fix". Was 73 upon
arrival! What a welcomed change!!!! Left side chest & back pain
is up to a "5". Be in Apopka Monday afternoon! |
|
|
11/20 |
Been awhile, had writers block
of sorts! Am now at my sister in laws house outside of Tampa.
Appetite has picked up substantially and weight is down to under
200 but thought it would be lower due to being sick a few weeks
back. Am going to restart the PACT treatment and see what
happens. Went to the doc's the other day and he wants to rule
out a pulmonary embolism as the cause of the back and chest pain
by me getting another X-Ray of the area. Me PERSONALLY, I think
the pain is muscular in nature but he's the doc. Will leave from
here on the 29th to head out on the cruise to Belize with our
two youngest kiddo's and will be back on 12/06. Have to order
more parts for the coach and will probably go to Lazy Days after
leaving Tampa for a day or so to get them installed then maybe
on to north Florida. Some of our camper friends will be
gathering in a little town called Carrabelle for the Christmas
Boat Parade. Then, who knows! We HOPE to head out of FL just
after Christmas towards Quartzite AZ (lord willing and the creek
don't rise). There will be about 25 of us meeting out in the
desert for a conflab of sorts. |
|
|
11/22 |
One of the great things about
being here is I get to be attended by niece! Lindsay is a PA
here in the area and sure does take good care of her old uncle
Skip! I love that child to pieces! Started raining a couple
hours ago, just a storm front rolling through. |
|
|
11/26 |
Happy Thanksgiving all!
Am missing most of my family
today but with jobs, school, distance, etc. Ya just can't all be
together anymore I guess. Clint will be here today then back
Sunday to board the ship with us and head to Belize. So far, the
projected weather looks good but ya never know. I may not be
able to post from the ship but seems like I SHOULD. We will be
on the Carnival "Legend"
for 7 days |
|
|
11/27 |
Had to take my first MS Contin
last night. Just looking for a good nights sleep, but it didn't
happen. I was a little afraid to start down that road with the
narcotics but honestly didn't notice any difference. Have tried
all the OTC (pain relievers) as well as Ambian and Lunesta to
sleep. Nada! Around 2 AM I just came to the living area of the
coach and slept in my recliner till 6 or so. Geeze!!!! It has
become rather chilly here so I hope that the weather in MX &
Belize will be warmer. Supposed to be! |
|
|
11/28 |
I think I don't react well to
Morphine. Didn't feel bad but couldn't keep anything on my
stomach yesterday. Had a pretty good night with my pain patches
and some OTC pain relievers. Was still awake at my usual times
(Dr Pepper times 10, 2, 4) but very little pain or discomfort in
my chest and back. That's a first in a few weeks. |
|
|
12/06 |
Finally back in Tampa from the
cruise. Will take me awhile to catch up but I will. |
|
|
12/10 |
Now in Carrabelle, FL( south
of Tallassee on the gulf) . Will be here until Sunday then head
to Red Bay, AL for an appointment to have work done on the
coach. On another front, the back and chest pain seem to be a
bit worse and a bit more wide spread. I think, at least for now,
I have found that Darvon seems to get a hold on pain better than
anything else without making me sick. |
|
|
12/12 |
Cold and raining here in
Carrabelle. I think the group is just going to huddle up in the
club house tonight and skip the boat parade. We have five rigs
here, all well wonderful friends. We are about 20 feet from the gulf
so if it clears up, the view will be great.
|
|
|
12/16 |
Colder than a well diggers
butt here in Red Bay AL. this morning! Our inverter went out
about 6 last night which means no heat. One of the guys here
that runs his own shop worked 3 hours doing a work around so we
could have heat! We should be going into a repair bay this
morning to see how many thousands of bucks this issue is going
to take to resolve. : ( |
|
|
12/18 |
All done in Red Bay and
heading home for Christmas then off on the 26th. Got all of the
"oh shits" fixed so everything is right with the world, at least
for now. On the health side, not a lot of change. Still quite a
bit of pain but none of the meds are working very well. To keep
pain in check a little I need to sit up and sleep, either in bed
or in my chair. |
|
|
12/19 |
Heading to the barn! Just east
of Tallahassee tonight will be home Sunday afternoon. Hope to
head back out Saturday the 26th. |
|
|
12/20 |
At the house. Will see what we
can do here for a few days then head to my sons house in Lake
county Christmas eve and day. Feeling pretty lousy, had to go
back on the Morphine due to the chest and back pain. Am still
hoping to head west on Saturday. I hear from my friends on Facebook that
Southern MD got hammered with snow. I'm sure our
friends Augie & Bobbie got it too! : ( |
|
|
12/23 |
Visited the Oncologist today
and had a PET scan. Going tomorrow morning for a CAT scan. He
upped my MS Contin to 30 mg (from 15) for pain. Won't know more
until Jan 4th. Will head out Saturday morning to AZ. I think he
still wants to do Chemo. |
|
|
12/24 |
Wow, at my eldest sons house
for Christmas : ) . Got a call this AM from my Oncologist with
good news and some not so good. It seems like the initial
radiation did its job by shrinking the brain tumors. The bad
news is some of the other cancers have spread somewhat and the
rib (bone) cancer is getting progressively worse, hence the pain. He's
concerned that any injury to my rib would probably end up as a
fracture so does not want me traveling. Not sure what steps he
wants to take but we will stay in town at least till we have
a meeting with him on the 4th. |
|
|
12/27 |
I guess its a good thing we
didn't head out. The inverter has once again taken a dump after
being "repaired" at Red Bay last week. So, made an appointment
with Lazy Days (Shudddder) for next week. Same issue as before
but the factory is closed until the 4th. Depending on what my
doc wants to do when we meet with him on the 4th, we MAY NOT get
to head west as planned. Damnit! I hope everyone had a great
Christmas, I sure did! |
|
|
12/30 |
Well stuff took a turn for the
worse yesterday afternoon due to seizure activity so Marcy and
the kids got my stubborn ass self to the hosp. I guess the folks
there saw "Dead man walking" and got excited as "I'm now all set
up for hospice and have my DNR orders ready! For those not familiar
that means "do not recusitate"or "if dead, leave
dead!!" A couple of the guys dropped by this morning to say
howdy. Kim Thiebauth with Hospice also dropped in and it was
great to see her again. Apparently I was a real horse's ass
yesterday to a point my son the cop threatened to baker act me
into the ER lol. Somewhat funny today but I am embarrassed to
tears today but I don't remember any of it! |
|
|
01/01 |
Happy new
year all! My year starts with an impacted bowel ! LOL Geeze!!
Had a terrific visit from the Fire Chief and Chief Fitz
yesterday which I enjoyed immensely! Thanks boss! It meant a lot
to me! As soon as I can get back on the road I will do as
promised and make a trip to Admin in the coach. Not a great
night so far with both the bowel and the normal chest and back
pain. Going to try to sleep in the bed tonight so we'll see how
that goes.
The doc and nurse from
Hospice came by early in the AM. I guess that's called a rude
awaking LOL! All the stuff was delivered like the walker, wheelchair, etc. When that stuff comes you know your shit's weak!
Fortunately, I don't need it yet but I have a feeling its not
far off. |
|
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01/04 |
Back from the
oncologist. Doesn't sound good for the home team. He convinced
us to go after the chemo seeing the amount of spread and
severity of the cancers. He is convinced its now the time to be
aggressive so that's my path. We get my port in this week and
start the chemo next week. |
|
|
01/06 |
Got my port
in today. Had to be at the hospital @ 5 AM. BLAH! Didn't get
home until after 3. Long day for Marcy to just have to "hang
out". Will Call the Oncologist in the AM and make sure that
Tuesday next week will be the chemo start date. The port area is
a bit painful but bearable. Want to head back to Dunedin this
weekend for my nephews b-day party. |
|
|
01/07 |
Hope to head
to the FL Keys Next week where its WARMER! Due to treatments
will not be able to go to AZ damnit! |
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01/09 |
Boy is it
nasty in central FL. Have lived here since the mid 70's and
NEVER have I remembered it being this nasty this long. Will be
in Dunedin (Tampa) a couple days, then head to the house for a
couple days for appt's then on to the keys for a few (KOA), then
towards home for treatment IF it appears the first one made a
difference. Will try to get a space at TGO for our informal
gathering on the 6th of Feb. If not, we will just drive over.
The bowel obstruction is
making me feel really shitty, LOL, No pun intended. Since I
again decided to try the chemo, the Hospice stuff had to be
rescinded for now. It will be restarted when we find out if we
will continue chemo. |
|
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01/11 |
Well, back
home for a week of tests and chemo : ( then hopefully to the
keys for a bit more warmth! The bowel obstruction is pretty much
gone, at least for now |
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01/14 |
First round
of chemo done yesterday afternoon. Went well. Still some
left side chest pain when it "breaks out" a few hours before
meds are due again. Slept in my recliner last night hoping that
if I became ill I wouldn't make a mess in the coach. Have to
return to the doc today for a shot to build up my WBC's as my
white ones are going bonkers. Heading to the lower keys tomorrow
and will be there all next week.
If you have a couple bucks to
spare, please send it along to the Red Cross for Haiti |
|
|
01/15 |
Chemo first
round done and follow up shots completed. So far so good. Going
to head south today and will be about 25 miles north of Key West
tomorrow night for a week or so. |
|
|
01/16 |
Ahhh warmth!
Was in the upper 70's on the way down and in the 60's last
night. I woke up at three and got into my chair outside in just
my shirt sleeves! Just "Chillin". Pretty nice campground could
not get a waterfront site but that's OK. |
|
|
01/20 |
Still in the
Keys but will be heading out Friday Morning heading to the house
for an appt with the oncologist on Monday. We will head back out
for the Titusville area midweek to meet with some wonderful
friends next weekend. |
|
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01/23 |
Made a slight
change. Instead of heading directly home, we are going up the
west coast through Sanibel Island, then toward home for an
appointment with the oncologist. Will have another treatment
prior to heading to the Great Outdoors in Titusville.
|
|
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01/25/ |
Pork Rinds???
As most of you know, I have not wanted to eat over a number of
weeks. Last week Marcy bought a bag of "hot" skins for me and I
gobbled them up. For whatever reason, this has made me, while
not ravenous, a little more hungry : ) ! I don't think my doc
would approve but it works for me! LOL
We have been at a small and
CROWDED campground in the Sanibel area but have to leave today.
We will be staying with a friend close by for a couple days then
head north and be home probably Friday. Then comes another
treatment and then off to TGO (The Great Outdoors) for a week
then somewhere else. Saw a couple dolphins in the inlet last
night, about 100 ft from the coach. Very cool!
Medical things SEEM to be
about the same for now. Still no sickness from the first chemo
treatment but am holding my breath. |
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01/28 |
Well damn,
home again for about a week to visit my doc and get another
chemo then off to the coast. My Pork Rinds are still being
gobbled up and my overall appetite has improved so that's all
good. |
|
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02/04 |
Wow!
Yesterday was a bad one. Had a reaction to one of the chemo
drugs. My bp fell to the floor and I was REALLY ill for a while.
Lasted for about an hour and had the folks there pretty shook
up, including me! Not sure I have ever felt that badly. Took
about two hours to stabilize. Get a shot this afternoon then off
to TGO in the morning for our RV gathering. It will be great to
see old friends and some new ones as well! |
|
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02/05 |
At TGO site
361 Plantation Dr. thanks to my old friend Don Payne. Quite a
few folks came by to say hi but will see all tomorrow. Feeling
pretty good but no appetite. Guess the pork rinds will have to
do their magic again. |
|
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02/06 |
Great night
at TGO and many old and new friends were present. As usual, too
much food LOL. Getting colder by the minute, supposed to be in
he lower 40's tonight AND maybe a shuttle launch around 4:30 AM.
Pretty weak health wise. Will have to get in for another PET on
Wed. |
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02/09 |
Leaving TGO
this morning, heading home for a few days. Feeling pretty crappy
and weaker but will make it. PET scan tomorrow. |
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02/12 |
Missed my
appointment Wed due to not feeling well, will do it next week.
Feeling OK today, not great but OK. Having problems keeping
fluids down. Absolutely NO appetite. |
|
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02/18 |
Sorry all.
Had my PET & CAT yesterday. Took from 9:15 to about 4:30. Will
visit the doc on Monday. Some of the pain has diminished so it
seems like the chemo has made some impact but I continue to
loose weight at a fair rate. I give myself about 2 months at the
outside. We will decide Monday if any more chemo will be
attempted. I feel OK for now. |
|
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02/22 |
Visited my
Oncologist this A.M. About 90% of the tumors have shrunk about
50% since started. Will have another chemo tomorrow at the doc's
Orlando office so he can be there to watch me in case I have
another adverse reaction. For now, I am encouraged.
Kaye and Bernie dropped in to
see us on their way to S/W FL. We REALLY appreciated them taking
the time to stop by. Love you guys! |
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02/23 |
# 3 chemo
complete. Went well without issues. Have to get another shot
tomorrow then off to Tampa area for a week or so. |
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02/27 |
Arrived Tampa
area Thursday afternoon. Feeling sorta punk with more bone pain
than usual. Got my doc here with me and she always looks after
me : ) Looking to see our friends George & Loretta so I hope
they call. |
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03/03 |
Got a call
from my doc's office yest. Seems like one of my blood tests was
screwy so will have to get it done again OR I have some serious
issues somewhere. Like I didn't already know that somewhat! LOL
Still in Dunedin, in the COLD & wind! |
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03/11 |
Sorry for the
delay in posting. Am now hanging out at the beach. Its chilly
but not bad. Wanted to spend a bit more time away before next
week of doctor visits, chemo treatments, etc. Lord willing, we
will head out to Gulf Shores AL in early April for our Spring
Rally then who knows. |
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03/13 |
Finally got
some beach sunshine! Will be heading to the house tomorrow!
Blah! |
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03/17 |
Got # 4 chemo
done yesterday and feeling OK today. Hard part now will be to
sit here at the house for 3 weeks till the next one as have
stuff going on that we can't change then we will be heading to
Gulf Shores AL for the rally. |
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3/23 |
One of my
sons arrived yesterday from Colorado. It was great seeing him
again. Will have six of my kids here Wed. afternoon for a
"gathering". Its difficult for Sara as she still has 2 babies at
home but I sure do appreciate it. Feeling OK, a week after my
fourth chemo but did have some bone pain for a week but that
seems to be diminishing now. Will be leaving FL on the 10th
(April) heading to Gulf Shores AL for an RV rally then who knows.
|
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3/25 |
All the kids
were here for a few hours yesterday. Was a terrific
afternoon. Thanks kids!
 
 |
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3/31 |
Another
battery of tests done Mon & Tuesday. Drank what seems like a
gallon of contrast dye but won't will not have any results for a
couple days. Next week around the 8th I have another round of
chemo then we shall see. Not feeling bad but still loosing
weight. Down to around 150 lbs! Will head to Gulf Shores AL on
the 10th. |
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4/6 |
Not much
going on, just cant wait to get back on the road. Three
appointments this week then "outta here" to Gulf Shores AL then
on to MD. |
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4/7 |
Well, the
results are back from my last battery of tests. Marked
improvement from the last one on most of the lesions but some
fluid around the tumor in the lung. Will head out to Gulf Shores
then head to Maryland. We will hopefully be able to get an
appointment with an Oncologist in Maryland so I can get a chemo
treatment while away. Chemo tomorrow and shot on Friday then
GONE Sat. morning. |
|
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4/13 |
We are at our
RV rally in Gulf Shores AL. We expect around 100 rigs here which
is about 50 more than we have had in the past. Just a GREAT
bunch of folks! Feeling weak with some leg pains but overall,
not bad. |
|
|
4/17 |
The rally has
gone better than expected! Ended up with about 98 rigs but some
had to leave early :-( . A collection was taken up by the
members and a mobile detail co. here hired to wash and wax our
rig as a thank you. These folks are WONDERFUL WONDERFUL people!
Health wise, doesn't take much to get me tired. Leg and back
pain pain has subsided a little. Still not able to eat so my
weight is dropping quite a bit. Geeze, am already skin & bones
LOL! |
|
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4/21 |
AFTER A
FANTASTIC RALLY, we are heading to Maryland. Most of the camp
grounds will not open until May 1st so we may have to sponge off
my brother for a few days. Will get my chemo treatment in MD.
Feeling OK, about 6 out of 10. Same pain as before. |
|
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4/22 |
We are now in
Southern MD (Leonardtown). Will visit the oncologist tomorrow
and probably going to get chemo early next week. Going to TRY to
get into Breezy Point on the first of May or Patuxant Campground
off Broomes Island Rd. |
|
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4/24 |
Visited my
"away from home" oncologist yesterday to set up my next
treatment. He spent about 30 minutes with me to get the scoop
then set up an appt for chemo next Thursday and Friday morning.
We hope to be able to move to Breezy Point around the 1st of
May. Not sure how long we will be staying, probably a couple
weeks. |
|
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4/27 |
Well, took a
fall this morning out on the driveway and figures that I would
fall on my L side which is one of a few places my bone cancer
appears (hip, chest and femur). Walking hurts a bit but for now,
sitting is OK. Marcy made me a couple 1 & 1/2 foam pads to sit
and lay on which has really helped. Having lost so much weight
my "personal padding" is gone. |
|
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4/29 |
Off to get a
blood test and chemo this morning so it will be a long day. Felt
a bit off the mark yesterday, not terrible, just kinda blah.
Don't feel like doing much, just hanging out. I feel best when I
see Marcy having fun and enjoying herself even though I'm not
involved much. Time will come soon that I won't be around so it
helps to see her somewhat happy. Walking is improved with just
some soreness in the left thigh after the fall. |
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4/29 |
Well, this
aint good. No chemo today because my platelet count is half what it
should be and my BP is like 85/66. Going to contact my doc at
home tomorrow to see if he and my doc here to see how they want
to proceed. We may need to come home to get what ever is
possible accomplished. We may be approaching the end of the line
but no towels are being thrown in yet! |
|
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5/6 |
Good news for
us. My palette count is dead normal (poor choice of words, lol).
Took my chemo without incident. They even served us lunch
starting with MARYLAND crab soup which was the best I have had
in years. Along with sliced turkey, red potatoes and green
beans. Was excellent!. We will be moving to Patuxant Campsites
on Williams Wharf Rd (Brooms Island) Friday morning then go back
to the hospital for a shot. For now, we are going to pay for a
month, maybe not stay, but going to try. Its across the road
from the river so I hope momma can wet her fishing line. Hope my
friends from CSHS can drop by to visit, would love to see
everyone again. |
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5/7 |
At Patuxant
Campground. Got my shot after chemo this afternoon and all seems
well. May stay for the remainder of the month. Have developed
quite a bit of pain in the left hip and leg. Nice folks at the
CG. Almost all 30 amp and no sewer. We hooked one of a handful
of 50 amp. Would prefer sewer to 50 amp but ya gotta give up
something for location huh?? LOL The Patuxant River was the
entry point for the British fleet in the war of 1812. Just
across from us a bit is where the British army discharged all
the horses at a place called Horse Landing, a few miles south of
Benedict, then proceeded to burn Washington about 40 miles
north.
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5/9 |
Great visit
from my friend Mieke from high school last night! Was cold and VERY
windy (was 40 last night) |
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|
5/11 |
Two of my
oldest friends visited last night. Moe & Jenny Mattera have
always been considered family, brother & sister. I do love them
so! |
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5/13 |
I can't catch
a break! Weather is cold/cool with rain almost every day. Hurts
my leg! Weight loss is like a runaway freight but not much I can
do about it now, am just over 130 lbs.
My brother in law came by to
see us today. Haven't seen him in years but we have been like
brothers for MANY years. He is a wonderful guy and firefighter.
Love ya bro!!!! |
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5/15 |
Bad day.
Feeling pretty rough. Stomach issues and I think it related to
my liver and if no improvement, will call the doc. This is as
bad as I have felt since the beginning. |
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5/16 |
Feeling a bit
better today. : ) Marcy called the doc yesterday. He wasn't
terribly concerned but suggested a path of hydration and
Robitussin. Marcy got to drive a Bobcat while they worked on a
retaining wall. She had a ball. She went out early evening and
caught 2 hard heads (croakers). She was tickled!! LOL |
|
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5/19 |
Got up this
morning unable to breathe. Marcy rushed me off to the hospital.
We sat there until after 2pm getting tests. So, I have to visit
my oncologist tomorrow morning. If there is anything ANYONE can
do we will think about heading home but as I suspect, its simply
a progression of the disease. |
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5/20 |
Well, another
visit to the doc this morning. Some good, some bad. Usually,
chemo goes for 6 rounds. I finished 6 two weeks ago, so we are
going to do some conferences with the two docs to see how to
proceed. Now for the bad! When I fell a few weeks back,
apparently I fractured 2 vertebrae (compression fx) but so far,
haven't presented itself too badly. I just need to be very
careful and SLOW! |
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5/22 |
Great night
socially. Had dinner with some of my high school friends and as
always, realized how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends
and family. Health wise, quite a bit of left leg pain and moving
VERY slowly so as not to fall again. |
|
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5/25 |
Still at
Patuxant Campground. Had a visit from Shannon & Gill and Kaye &
Bernie Sunday. As usual, it was terrific to be with old friends.
Health wise, still in a bit of a slide backwards with the
left leg pain continuing. Have a bit of fluid building in my
lung and taking antibiotic for it. Have had 6 rounds of chemo so
not sure if we will continue but will see the doc next week for
a decision. |
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5/27 |
My buddy Mike
Chaney stopped by yesterday to visit. Thanks Mike!!! Then today,
Lou and Mary Heindel, (member
Lheindel) dropped by on their way to Pax River. It was terrific
seeing them again too! |
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5/29 |
More thunder,
lightning and RAIN BUT warm so that's a plus. Started taking oxy
again last week for the leg pain. Works for a couple hours then
starts again. Damn! Will see the doc here in Calvert County this
week to see if the chemo is over. We shall see. As of now, we
will pack up on June 4th and head to FL. |
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5/31 |
Rough night
last night. Pain in the left leg and chest so couldn't get any
rest. Kept Marcy & Colin up half the night. They have been
wonderful!!! Thanks guys, I do love you both. |
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6/01 |
Looks like we
are heading home tomorrow and arrive Friday. I think its time to
be with my wife, children and grand kids. I wish I had realized
earlier in my life how wonderful all these people are so I'm
somewhat ashamed of myself for not being a better friend,
husband and father. |
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6/03 |
In Santee SC
tonight. SHOULD be home tomorrow afternoon. Have been weaker
than usual today so I guess it really was time to go home. Guess
we will again enlist the help of our good friend Kim Thiebauth
to hook us back up with Hospice for this last leg of my life's
journey. Thank God Marcy & I had a few years to travel and enjoy
our lives although I thought it would go on for more years BUT
its not to be. Next week I will start going through all my old
pictures so whom ever wants them, they will know who the people
are. |
|
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6/04 |
HOME! Have to
conflab with some doc's this week to see where we go from here.
I suspect its simply going to be a waiting game for now. |
|
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6/06 |
Well, got
good family news yesterday. My eldest grandson received a full
ride Track scholarship to UNC. We are all very proud of him!!!
Feeling rather poorly today and missed a visit with two of the
grands, Damnit! Doc visit wed then POSSIBLY off to Tampa to
visit my SIL's family. Its REALLY going to be a day by day
existence from here forward. |
|
|
6/14 |
Sorry for the
long delay. This week we are catching up on visits to docs, KAT
and PET scans and possibly more chemo or radiation. The leg and
hip really smart now, even with raising my MS rate and dosage.
Had a great weekend though. My Niece and nephew, sister in laws,
and sons came over as well. No pictures darnit!! |
|
|
6/30 |
Dear
Family and Friends,
I know
that I will not be able to “wax as eloquently” as Skip has
throughout this blog. But I will try….
It is
with a very heavy heart that I am writing this entry. Skip
went back into Hospice care on Monday. It may be days or hours
before he passes but at least he is getting his wish by staying
in our motor home. Skip is set up with a hospital bed and all
the comforts needed to finish “Doing It His Way as ”The “Bus” is
our home. He is now resting comfortably. Hospice has been
wonderful! Needless to say – this is a first for our Hospice!
Last
Wednesday, June 22, we had to make a trip to the ER concerning
some breathing issues. Skip was able to come home with
medications for breathing and antibiotics. Later that
afternoon, our second oldest son, a LPN, arrived from Colorado
for a visit. Unfortunately, from Wednesday afternoon until
Monday, Skip steadily declined. He has not left the motor home
since around 4pm Monday.
Fortunately, last Saturday, (6) of his (7) children and two of
his grandchildren, were here. Our niece, her husband, and their
son were also here. We had a wonderful bar-b-que and great
family fun.
We always
knew this day would come, and pushed the envelope. We also
thank God that the chemo gave us the extra time to live our
dream.
I hope
that everyone will take time to cherish their loved ones and to
live each day to the fullest. I also know that our journey with
Skip is not over as he has touched so many lives and will
continue to live on, especially in his children and
grandchildren. His will leave a legacy of 5 sons, 2 daughters, 9
grandsons and 1 granddaughter.
Thanks to
all of you for your prayers and well wishes through these
difficult times.
Marcy |
|
|
7/1 |
Clint and Colin's birthday is
today. For those of you who don't know us, Clint is our #4 son
turning 22 today and Colin is our #5 son turning 18 today. We
have told Skip that we are being greedy and that if he feels it
is time to begin his journey, he has to wait until after
12:01am. I keep telling him what time it is and singing
Happy Birthday.
I want to share a poem
written by Colin with his permission. Although written a few years ago for an
English assignment, this poem reflects what I see as an inner
peace within Colin. His insight into life and death amazes me.
Through these tough times - Skip has made the comment that I was
his rock. Well, Colin has been my rock!
The Veil
One may pass on through many
different means.
Sometimes it is without pain,
Sometimes it is the sheer grip
of pain.
From dying with a surrounding
feeling of sadness,
To the rage or cruelty of an
assailant.
Our own mortal tapestry is
sown with a similar thread,
A thread that is sown into the
fate of all things:
Death’s Embrace.
What is to become of the man
that once was?
His body may yet return to the
earth that nurtured him,
But what of his mind? His
Spirit? His soul?
Will his will transcend him
into the sky,
To pass through a veil between
two similarly different worlds?
Perhaps those less fortunate
in death
Must remain in this realm, as
mere shades before being allowed to pass.
Or perhaps the worst fate of
all: Nothingness.
While the final meeting with
Death is inevitable,
And what lies after our last
breath is unknown,
We as people must believe that
our fate is set,
But we must act like it is
not.
We still have many things to
be accomplished.
By: Colin Wathen
|
|
|
7/2 |
Skip took his
last breath at 12:05 am today. He struggled (not in pain
but to hang on) from about 2pm 7/1 to make it to 7/2. Skip made
a promise to pass after the boy's birthday. He kept his promise.
Thank you honey for being
so strong and showing so much love and courage to hold on until
after mid-night. I am resting a lot easier knowing that you are
at peace and with your mom and dad and my mom and dad. I
know you and my mom butted heads often but she still loves you!
We fought a hell of a fight
and had a chance to reach the goals that we set - rally's,
Christmas, our cruise with the boys, our 25th wedding
anniversary, and the boy's birthday. You are the love of
my life and I am in awe of the strength you showed through out
the past year and especially last night! Rest in peace my love
and know that you will always be with me! |
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