Lola M's passing

[StephN]

Lola's dear husband, Bob, shook himself through his grief to come to this site and find Lola's last post to use as a means of transmitting news of her passing. I am pasting in his message for those who missed it:


"Lola Ann passed away at 8:55pm on Monday evening, the 9th of Jan. She died peacefully at home with her husband, Bob and his son, Paul at her side. She has been fighting with MDS and GVHD for several months now after leaving Seattle. She spoke often of this board and others she was on to me. So I wanted to let all of you know. Her memorial Service will be held at 1pm on Saturday afternoon, on the 21st of Jan. The service will be at Shilo Hills Fellowship on 207 E. Lincoln Rd , Spokane, WA. 99208
Thank you all for your support of Lola.
Bob Mattfeld"

Lola was one of the very small number (2 or 3%) of cancer survivors who develop chemo-induced MDS - a kind of Leukemia. She was a great contributor to this site until that happened, then she spent her time trying to find others with her same rare condition and what to do about it.

She and her husband Bob ended up coming across the state to Seattle to consult at the Cancer Care Alliance which is part of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research group. There are very few specialists in the entire country who treat this problem, and she felt lucky to find one here who would take her case.

Her entire journal can be read at:
http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/input...e=lolamattfeld

She was doing pretty well after the transplant when she posted on getting Herceptin again. After that she fell and hurt her back, which was terribly painful. They finally were released from here and went back home for Lola's last weeks. She did have a nice Christian holiday surrounded by children, grandchildren and friends.

Her spirit was one of amazing strength and positive energy. She knew her chances were not great to come through this bone marrow transplant with complete success, but she put herself through it with great courage and grace. The strength it took to bear what she did especially after the complication of the back injury was monumental.

When I met Bob and Lola I could see how much love they had for each other. I could see that he would do anything in the world for her - and did. His heart is aching even though he has comfort in the Lord and knowing his beloved Lola is no longer in pain or physical distress.

She is resting in Peace.

[jag]

Very Sorry To Hear Of Lolas Passing...she Was A Strong Lady ...though I Never Met Her I Admired Her Courage...god Bless Her Family..

[Julie2]

I am sorry to hear Lola's passing . I happened to read many of her posts and she even replied to some of my posts. We surely miss her. My heart felt condolenses to her family and friends.

Julie

[lu ann]

Lola is past the hardest part of dieing. Her family and friends have just begun. I know so many others who have died and wonder what they are doing in heaven. Every day we live, we get closer to that reality. I hope and pray that I have as much courage as those who have gone before me. We will truly miss her strength and grace. Lu Ann.

[Barbara H.]

What sad news!!!! I remember Lola's posts on this site well. She was such a fighter and support even during her difficult times. My condolences go out to her friends and family.
Barbara H.

[Lolly]

I too remember Lola's wonderful spirit and cheerful posts, and especially the great picture of her and Bob in their bathing togs. I'll miss her and really appreciate Bob letting us know the sad news of her passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

<3 Lolly

[lu ann]

I just finished reading the entire journal and I can't see what I am writing because I am crying so hard. You just have to read it for yourself. Lu Ann.

[Celina]

Firstly, Steph..thank you for letting us know about her passing.

Through her own struggles, she was such a great support to me and my sister when we needed it most. I knew that she was quite ill, but at last I read she had completed her transplant and I suppose I thought all was successful. This is very sad news.
Bob, my thoughts are with you and your family. God Bless you all.

[Yorkiegirl]

Since I am fairly new to this group , I didn't know Lola.

I am so very, very sorry to hear of her passing.

I have tried to read her journal, and find I have to stop and go back again.

What a wonderful woman she was.

Many prayers for her family during this difficult time.


Vicki

[Kim in CA]

I was totally caught off guard at the news of Lola's passing. I had hoped/assumed that she was doing better. I know she was a kind and gentle person with huge heart and I would have loved to have met her. I am deeply saddened and yet so angry at this news. I will try to honor her spirtit and keep up the good fight until there is a cure. My heart and prayers go out to her family.

Kim in CA