Lola M's passing

StephN · 01-11-2006, 01:36 PM

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 · 01-11-2006, 02:03 PM

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 · 01-11-2006, 02:09 PM

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 · 01-11-2006, 02:20 PM

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. · 01-11-2006, 03:09 PM

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 · 01-11-2006, 03:25 PM

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

Nicola · 01-11-2006, 04:42 PM

Although I unfortunately did not know Lola or have the pleasure of reading her posts as I am fairly new to the site, my heart goes out to Bob and all of their family and friends. I know that God is holding Lola in His loving arms and that He will comfort you all and give you strength during this very difficult time. My prayers are with you.

Hugs & God Bless,
Nicola

al from Canada · 01-11-2006, 05:56 PM

you loose friends occassionally. Lola and I e-mailed back and forth numerous times, especially after her recent diagnosis, and I am very saddened by her loss. My heart goes out to her family, and especially Bob, who I have never met but can't even come close to imagining how he feels today!

Maybe that's why I felt an urgency to query people?? Lately when I have thought of Lola, I always concluded that she was researching in her new support group. We all knew she was sick, as so many of us are but... this is like a bolt of lightning!

All my best to Bob and her family
Al

Julie · 01-11-2006, 06:49 PM

I have followed Bob and Lola's journey for months now, through their sometimes painful, always eloquent journal entries. Truly devoted to each other, both fought hard for a cure, and both showed tremendous grace and strength when they learned the outcome was not what they had hoped for.

I was shocked when I checked the journal yesterday and saw that Lola had passed. I got tears in my eyes and thought, "It's too soon".

But it's always too soon.

Prayers for peace, strength and acceptance to Bob and his family, and for a cure in 2006.

Sandy H · 01-11-2006, 07:06 PM

I am sadden to hear of Lola's passing. I knew she wasn't doing well but didn't realize she was this bad. When we loose one of our sisters on this board it is like one of our family. I never met her only on this board. She and I had e-mailed off the board sharing our strong faith although not for a while as she was trying to stay ahead of this disease. Finally she is free now, to enjoy eternal rest with no more pain and struggles of this world. Prayers go to Bob and the family for strength to endure the next several days of grief and yet happiness knowing she is without pain and in a much better place. God bless. Sandy

TriciaK · 01-11-2006, 07:12 PM

I, too, have been touched by Lola's passing, and feel a special admiration and appreciation for Bob in letting us all know so we could grieve, too, and send our love and condolenses to him and the family. We all know none of us will get out of this world alive, but Lola has enriched our lives through her valient fight and in allowing us all to share it with her through her entries. I add my prayers to all these others. Hugs, Tricia

lu ann · 01-11-2006, 07:13 PM

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 · 01-11-2006, 07:22 PM

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 · 01-11-2006, 08:08 PM

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

Lisa · 01-11-2006, 09:45 PM

It's so hard to lose a family member. We spend time praying and trying to help one another. Yet, we only have a skeleton idea of who each other is. What did their homes look like, their families, how about their pets, their color of car, etc? And yet, we all can empathize with the good and bad we go through since we're all in this very shaky boat together.

My impression of Lola was a very strong woman who was facing a huge double-whammy. It's a shock that she is "suddenly" on the other side, watchin all of us.

Steph, if you can, please send our sympathies to her family.

Love and light,

Lisa

IRENE FROM TAMPA · 01-12-2006, 05:33 AM

I was so sorry to hear of Lola's passing.

I always looked forward to reading Lola's post whenever I saw one. She had such a great sense of humor which always started my day off with laughter.

She will surely be missed by all.

Sheila · 01-12-2006, 06:01 AM

To Bob and Lola's family

I too will miss Lola's spunky spirit, you could hear her laughter in her posts...she brightened many days for me and others...and moved us all with her strong faith. She is now watching down on all of us.
With Sympathy

01-12-2006, 06:32 AM

What a huge loss, of someone whose truly amazing character came through so clear through the mists of the internet. I learned so much from Lola's example and am so sorry to hear of her death...

Jeff

Cindi · 01-12-2006, 10:50 AM

I will miss Lola's posts. She was a very courageous lady. I will pray for her family during this time.

Thank you Steph, for the fine note you wrote about Lola. A true tribute.

Cindi.

AlaskaAngel · 01-12-2006, 10:59 AM

Lola made so many friends. I can't know all that the news must mean to you, Steph, all I know is that you were there for her. That is such a gift to share. Thank you for being there like a guardian angel and helping Lola and her husband when they were strangers to Seattle and to much of the medical maze.

As ever,

AlaskaAngel