linda update

[al from Canada]

I am deeply saddened to tell you all that Linda died today in the comfort of her own bedroom on her new 4-poster bed. Linda had been far more comfortable since we brought her home as her breathing had no apnea and was very regular. Around 2 this afternoon, I was holding her hand talking to her when I noticed she failed to take her next breath. Total peace and tranquility and her lips immediately turned into a smile. This was day # 15 since Linda lost consciousness and day# 10 with IV support!

Linda and I had a very close blended family. Linda leaves behind her two children 21 & 20 and my three; 19, 24 and 32 and our little grandaughter, 18 mos.

Linda, true to her giving nature, has donated her eyes to the eye bank for transplant, the one body part a cancer patient can donate. As well, there is a plan in place for further support to our local community hospital. I will elaborate later.

I would like to make two final comments: first, if you or a friend are considering having your final days at home; providing you have a full time support staff and appropriate pain management, it can be a bonding and life altering experience for your family and a very warming and relaxing place for the patient. Second, this support group has given us the courage to fight, look death in the eye and walk away, and in the end, with the strength of all your thoughts and prayers behind us, having the courage to fight, amaze the doctors again and again and finally, remind death that we are not going willingly anymore.

I plan to re-join the group as an active participant when things settle. You may ask why? Because I still have 2 daughters and a grandaughter PLUS, all my friends here in the support group.

not a good day today,
Al