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-

14 comments:

  1. Many prayers to Greg, his family and loved ones. So sorry to hear this. It is of no doubt that Greg has touched many lives and that is something that lives on forever. From an old Kuemper classmate, Katie (Klocke) Holtz

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  2. I've cared for a couple of patients on my rotations in similar situations, so it was easy for me to see Greg's strength and calmness in all of the things he wrote. That is something that I will remember about him forever. I will continue to keep Greg and his loved ones in my thoughts and prayers.

    From another Kuemper classmate,
    Jessica Odendahl Zimmerman

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  3. I have only known Greg through my contact with his Aunt Deb. You cannot put into words the passion with which I have learned about Greg and his wonderful life. My prayers and thoughts go out to all who are touched by Greg's presence now and forevermore.

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  4. Greg- I have had a whole army of people praying for you and your family, and they still are. We have said so many rosaries and chaplets of divine mercy for you guys. Just want you to know how much we love you and you are a very special cousin. A memory I will always have-I was 6 years old, we were at the Sibbel farm for christmas, and you were just born. Uncle Ron and Aunt Renee let me hold you as a baby. It was the first time I had ever held a baby and still remember holding you in Grandpa and Grandmas living room on their couch, feeling proud that I held a baby as you quietly slept. Just wanted to share that early memory. God Bless you and your family. Your cousin, Scott Sibbel

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  5. Oh, Anna - I'm so sorry. Thinking of you.

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  6. Dear Anna, Thank you for your beautiful and generous post. I'm sure like every one else following Greg's blog, I was hoping for internet headlines to mess up his storyline and announce that a cure had been found before having to read this post. By sharing so much about his journey maybe Greg sparked that one idea with that one researcher out there who can find a cure that he too was trying to discover even before his own diagnosis. Love to you and all of Greg's friends, family and caregivers. May you find peace and comfort in each other, and in knowing that Greg made a difference.

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  7. Greg you will be missed and never forgot. Your courage and strength was truly inspiring. Last night Ella said "Greg is going to a better place." She will miss her cousin Greg. Anna your support and love for Greg was truly a blessing for him. Thank you!
    Love,
    Cindy, Patric & Ella

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  8. Thank you for sharing all of this, Greg. We have not seen each other in quite awhile, but through this blog, you have inspired me to be a braver big sister for my Leah. Thank you for your courage.

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  9. Greg, although I can only imagine what you are going through, you have been an inspiration. You have shown such courage, strength, and a positive attitude it is amazing. Thank you for letting us join in your journey. You are a great person. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Another one of those Kuemper kids...

    Mikala (Becker) Landon

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  11. Anna, thank you for the update. Greg, not much to say, just sending lots of love your way. You made my time in graduate school a lot more fun, I just wish I could have been there for you the past 10 months. I remember sitting outside of your lab everyday for about a week eating Easter eggs until they were gone, talking about what the heck we were going to do as graduate students and after. We could never have imagined the bumps and twists that were to come. All my love to you, Anna, your family, and all of our friends in DBBS. Miss you, Greg.

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  12. I can only echo what everyone else has had to say, Greg. I'm so amazed by your journey and by your attitude through it. It also has been quite a while since we've seen each other, but I've never forgotten your sense of humor or your courage and ability to fight through a situation. Nothing but prayers and absolute comfort for you, Anna, and your family.

    Another Kuemper Classmate,
    Steph (Seidl) Bauer

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  13. May God watch over you during this time Greg as I know he is keeping you very close to his heart.

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  14. Dear Anna,

    I worked in the administration office where Greg worked. He was so smart and bright, always coming to work, despite the pain he was in. He tried his best not to show any signs and had I not known he was sick, I wouldn't have guessed it. He was such a hopeful and optimistic person. He will be missed dearly. My prayers to you, his family and his friends. May Greg watch over us all.

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