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.