Link to online obituaries and photo slideshow:
Friday, December 20, 2013
Monday, December 2, 2013
A final thought
It is with a heavy heart that I write this last blog post in
honor of Greg. He has bravely battled Ewing’s Sarcoma since February. This past
Friday, November 29, his breathing became labored and he finally realized we
needed to go to the ER. We called the paramedics and Greg was transported to
the hospital and was switched from his nasal oxygen to a full mask. After
X-rays, the doctors determined there was quite a bit of fluid in his lungs and
he underwent a risky procedure to drain some of the fluid. To our dismay, after
1.5 liters of fluid were removed his lungs refilled. At this point it became
clear he needed to be admitted to the hospital. As always, his doctor Brian Van
Tine pulled some strings and made sure we got a good room with the best nurses
to help us through this time and keep Greg as comfortable as possible.
Once admitted, Greg was put on a CPAP to ensure his blood
oxygen levels were sufficient. However, the mask was cumbersome and
claustrophobic. It gave Greg a dry mouth which could be remedied with sips of
cold water. However, taking a drink was quite an anxiety inducing process since
it required removal of the CPAP mask. As his condition worsened, Greg got
increasingly anxious with the mask. There were several scary incidents where
Greg speedily removed the mask and was left gasping for air.
On Saturday, mountains were moved and after a stressful,
anxiety and pain filled morning, a catheter was put in to remove the fluid.
This provided some relief, but not to the extent we were hoping. In the early
hours of Sunday morning, Greg made it clear he was ready to be switched to a
comfort care plan. All antibiotics and blood products were stopped. Instead,
the focus is now on keeping Greg as comfortable as possible in these last few
days. Brian spent quite a bit of time making sure he was comfortable and calm
and helped switch him from the CPAP to a much more comfortable oxygen mask.
We have been blessed to have wonderful support and company
from Greg’s family and friends. All of Greg’s sisters and their families were
here for the holiday. His aunts and uncles Julie, Clayton, Barb and Gary all
came down as well. Barb and Gary’s children also joined them. Additionally, the nurses we have had helping
us out have been phenomenal – in particular Lisa and Kathy. Day and night they
have been hard at work making Greg and all of use comfortable.
I feel honored to be a part of his life. He changed every
person’s life who he met. His attitude about everything was truly
awe-inspiring. Never one to complain, many people didn’t realize the severity
of his cancer or the intensity of his pain. Even as he suffered, he continued
to help all of us deal with the feelings we had. He was a constant source of
calm which spread to everyone in his presence. He was loved by many, a true
testament to his amazing personality. I will miss him forever; he has a special
place in my heart and in my soul. I know I am a better person having known him.
-Anna-
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