I just wanted to give an update on what is going on with Jo's mother. Earlier today, Jo had the most difficult conversation of her life and said goodbye to her mother. They will never speak again. Mom has decided that it's time and said her goodbyes. She has asked the doctor to sedate her and stop all fluids and TPN, and just let her go.

Please keep her and Rooster in your thoughts and prayers. She appreciates all the support from this community.

Thank you for letting us know, Snack. Please send her my love. My heart is with her and Rooster during this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything she needs. (w)

Jo my thougts are with you and your family right now. It is hard for to read this. My Mom has been really sick from the chemotherapy for the past two months. She has one more round starting tomorrow. After that she says she is done with treatment. She's worn out. I knew this was coming but I am feeling unprepared. I guess I am still in denial. I don't even want to think of the world without her. We had a really nice Easter brunch and she was feeling well today.

Snack,

Thanks so much for posting this. I was hoping we would get word as to how things are going. Please tell Jo she is in my thoughts. Thanks.

Jo and Rooster are close in thoughts and peaceful energy is being sent from Bully and i.

We are just a phone call away if you need anything sweety.

*hugs.

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My thoughts and prayers go out to Jo, Rooster, and your sister, Jo..

Hugs and I am sorry to hear of this; if you need anything please give me a call.

Zimmeh

re. update from Snacktime
 

Snack, thanks for letting us know how things are now. Please relay my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time of transitioning.
Jean

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jo and her mother.... This is a difficult time but know that you're all supported by our care.

Thank you everyone....so much.

I had asked Snack to come post an update when I couldn't yesterday...mostly because you have all been so supportive of me during this incredibly difficult time, and I am immensely grateful to all of you.

I keep waiting for the phone to ring from the hospital to tell me she has passed, even though I know it may not be right away. It's a strange feeling to know that she is essentially gone into unconsciousness and we'll never speak again...but that her body is still there, hanging on for a little longer.

Her decision was to be kept unconscious and pain-free until the end, with hydration and TPN removed. Since she is already going into kidney failure, the end will be very soon.

She has made arrangements to donate her body for medical research on Crohn's disease, since it was 50 years of that disease that set her up for this final cancer that is killing her. She hopes that perhaps doctors can learn something from her that will help others...especially Rooster, who she loves more than anyone on the earth, and who has all of the genetic disposition for Crohn's.

It's the most generous thing she's done in her life....and it still amazes me that she made that choice in full knowledge of what it entails.

I have started work on the scrapbook she asked me to make for my son....with all of the silly pictures I have of the two of them together....wearing funny goggles, sword-fighting, mom in a "coonskin" cap....a helmet....the goofiest hat at Disney....always with Rooster, laughing with him, being his constant willing companion into fantasy and silliness.

The first picture in the book was taken when he was about 2 weeks old....she is holding him up in front of her face...and the look on both of their faces is identical....excitement.

Jo,

I am so very sorry.. Saying goodbye to a loved one is the hardest thing we ever have to do.
Your memories make me smile and are a reminder to all of us to hold those we love close, to laugh lots and to make many memories of our own.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you as well as a reminder that you are surrounded by people who are here for you. I hope that you will continue to share those memories with us.

Gentle hugs

I am completely beside myself, and hesitate to even come in here and post...

I found out today that Mom woke up on Monday....something she did not expect, and was furious. Since then she has been in and out of consciousness, and they are still trying to figure out the level of sedation she needs. This has been an issue with anesthesia and her....and she has woken up during surgery a few times previously....horrifying thought.

Some days I hate Google....especially today when I learned that death by dehydration takes a week or ten days.

Cancer sucks....this whole thing sucks.

Dear Jo, That's got to be so very hard on you. I'm guessing that it is not easy to find the right level of sedation without dosing her so much as to actually cause her death---dogone hopspital being afraid of lawsuits. Your Mom has been a strong warrior to survive for many years and now that she is emotionally ready to transition, her body is still not releasing. I pray for a peacefull releasing for her and a joyfull arrival on the other side. My prayers continue to be with you and yours. Jean

{{{{Jo}}}} My mom used to do the same thing and it is indeed horrifying to contemplate.

I don't know what to say except that we are here for you and yes, cancer sucks big time!

All my love, Novela :rrose:

Glad you are here
 

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Hi Jo,
Always glad to read your posts and updates, because Cancer Sucks.

Cancer sucks for those that don't have cancer because we are painfully aware that our loved one is leaving us. Glad to see your Mom's suffering is almost over. My heart goes out to you and the Rooster.

Cancer sucks and I can come here and spit it out...:mohawk:[/COLOR][/B]:

:praying: ((((MOM)))) :praying:
So as "they" say, keep coming back and share with us.

Mom passed away early this morning. She was still unconscious so it was, at least, peaceful at the end.

Thank you so much to everyone for the support you've given me through this whole process....and thank you Tommi....I saw that salute to cancer and laughed so hard I cried....and know that Mom would have happily given that salute herself.

Hugs to you all.

Jo... You are continually in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in memories and the knowledge that that the suffering is finally over for Mom. Sending you many hugs in return.

For Jo ~
 

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You are now the Sun -
what need have you for a crown?
You have vanished from this world -
what need have you to tie your robe?

I’ve heard that you can barely see your soul.
... But why look at all? -
yours is now the Soul of Souls!
~Rumi

Jo and family.
 

Jo,im sending you all the healing light I can muster,may it help you and the family at this time.I feel your pain,I know where you are comeing from as the strong are chosen...my friend be at peace.

Hugs Jo! If you need anything, please let me know.

From my family to you and your family,

Zimmeh

Jo, I'm so sorry to hear this. My prayers go out to you and your family and Snack. I also know this pain it will be 4yrs next month for my mom with cancer. It's so not fair .... Many blessings sweet lady !:rrose:

Jo, may you and your family be surrounded with love and peace in your deepest sorrow.

Just got a call that an Uncle passed...had been fighting cancer for several yrs.

Jo.

There is nothing else to say but to tell you that you are in my thoughts and prayers. And also to tell you that I really mean that.

I know that your mom was not the perfect mother and you have had mixed feelings about her, but that doesn't mean pain and loss is not deep. I am so sorry.

I am around, my friend.

I am sorry to hear that. I hope his loss is not too difficult for you.

I know this isn't the "What Are You Listening To Now" thread, but a good friend sent me this....wonderful stuff and so true for me. :rrose:

Checking in..
 

How is everyone doing? Jo.. you have very much been on my mind. I hope you are finding some peace and healing.

It's a beautiful, sunny day here in Alaska. It's supposed to warm up and maybe get into the mid 50's. Cold to the rest of you I'm sure, but for those that live here, it's reason to put on shorts and tank tops. I still haven't quite adapted to the temperatures here but I have to admit that the 50's sound wonderful, especially compared to the sub zero temps we had during the winter. The sights and sounds of spring are everywhere. I love Spring. It represents life and new beginnings. It renews our energy and everyone seems to smile more; smiles that are wonderfully contagious.

I have had lots of little reminders as of late to be thankful for the little things.. Well to others they may seem little, but we all know better don't we...? I take much less for granted nowadays and while I still have my occasional grumpy and/or feel like "poo" days here and there, there is no doubt that life is much more precious to me after Cancer. The little things are much more visible and are viewed with new and appreciative eyes.

Cancer can steal many things from us, but I am learning to find those little things that it cannot take away from me. I'd say that's progress of the best kind.

I hope you all are finding and enjoying the little things too...

Glad you are hvaing such a heat wave. :)

"""Cancer can steal many things from us, but I am learning to find those little things that it cannot take away from me. I'd say that's progress of the best kind."""

Yes, Vonni, we see progress in the little things. Green, a favorite thing. To many it is just a primary color. I watch for the sprigs of green in my tended yard.

My garden is in bloom.New growth, the fresh bright colors and a reminder that, in all things there is hope.

Hope the dirt will open and a little green sprout will grow into something wonderful every year, and we thrill to see it again and again.

I will plant my 8th rose bush in a few weeks. May 15th I will celebrate 8 cancer free years.

sorry Jo
 

the people I've lost to cancer : (it feels like a fucking lot some days but it has given me a bigger appreciation of how I want to live and I'm now a lot less tolerant of nonsense)
both good things!


childhood friend to leukemia
two male friends to Aids
two time breast cancer survivor (mom) who then developed brain cancer
friend with liver cancer
co-worker with pancreatic cancer
best friend of 27 years to cancer / sleep apnea / heart failure ( a combo)
grandma
great aunt


(grieving is a fucking bitch).....(f):candle:(f)

Woke up to the newd that a HS friend - very talented young lady, passed away after battling cancer for a year or month...either way...I am totally shocked and speechless! Life is so short....

Sorry for your loss
 

UPDATE on our beloved Debby!!!!
 

Thanks so much for the update, Clay!

You've suffered so many losses. Lives that were taken too soon. Living life YOUR way and being less tolerant of nonsense are very, very good things. To do anything else only cheats ourselves in the long run. Thank you for the reminder and for sharing.

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend =( Keep your memories of her close and remember her always with a smile. Sending you gentle hugs.

Thank you for the update Clay. Glad to hear that she is doing well. Sending thoughts of healing.