So sad

[seazr]

Several of you will probably remember when I told you my neighbor at the lake was diagnosed with colon cancer; and by the time it was diagnosed it had already spread to other organs including her liver. Well, that was 2 years ago and she has surprised everyone! Last week when we were at the lake, her husband Jerry arrived about 5 minutes after us with his carpenter, Kenny. Jerry was pretty down and he said that Jan had was not doing well and was going to start a massive chemo regiment. When he stepped away from us for a moment, Kenny caught our eyes and shook his head. I didn't get a chance to ask Kenny for details and Jerry was already on the verge of tears--I can only assume that she is dying but won't give up without a final fight . . . so sad . . .

If that weren't enough, another dear friend is in a similar situation. Again, many of your will remember my stories of our wonderful friends, Arnold the farmer that put roundup on my prized "weed garden"--local natives as I saw them!! -- I had been nuturing them for over a year!! When we were gone, he had his 75 year old wife, Dolly, join him hoeing our weeds. I was so embarassed to have Dolly on her hands and knees cleaning my yard!! Dolly was diagnosed with altzheimers last year plus another complication involving her liver and or pancreas which I never quite understood and I don't think Arnold understood either. . . Arnold was very distressed last weekend when we were at the lake and he didn't even come to visit us which is very unusual . . . Well, yesterday we heard Dolly was in a convelescent home in Susanville. We called Arnold and he confirmed and also told us that Dolly was diagnosed with cancer on Monday--25 percent of her liver is involved. She is now in hospice with 2 weeks to 2 months to live . . . thank goodness he has supportive children that are coming to the lake to help out. Janet is probably on the same track . . .

And I just heard that another lake-neighbor is in the hospital--I'm trying to confirm . . . I hope it's wrong.

This is all too sad. And I once again implore you to get all of your health checkups. In the case of Dolly, it may be a bleesing because the altzheimers was taking over her life. But in Janet's case, he cancer could have been detected in time to give her a normal life . . .

[Jac]

Oh, no...Diane, I am so sorry. I remember when Janet was diagnosed and how hard that was on you. It is so tough to think of our friends suffering.
You have been a good friend to them all...and you have enriched their lives.
I know this is tough on you and Gene.
Hospice is a great program and they will help the family.
I am very, very sorry for your grief.

[tuffystar]

I am so sorry that they are going through this and you are too. It is hard enough when one friend or family member is going through these kinds of things, but it is so much more overwhelming when there are several. I know this is hard, just know we are here if you need us. I will add you all to my thoughts and prayers.

[lindamarie]

Diane, I am so sorry. This is so difficult on everyone involved.
Thak God there is a heaven, where we will all see each other again.