I've been a member of this Board since our Aunt Rosemary was diagnosed with Stage IV BOT SCC four years ago, having promised to travel every step of her journey with her. I haven't been contributing much in the last six months because it had all became too much to bear. It is with sadness that I tell you that our Aunt lost her battle to this hideous disease yesterday morning at 9:25. She lived for ten months after her recurrence diagnosis. She made the choice to have no treatment when she was diagnosed for the second time. The complications of this illness became so bad and ugly, that it can't be written about. Finally, after our Uncle Bob talked to her and held her 60 lb. body in his his arms for ten and a half hours straight, she believed him when he said he would be OK without her for his time left on earth and she returned home to Our Father in heaven. She slipped away peacefully and without any trauma. They were married for 39 yrs. but loved each other since they were children.

Although Aunt Rosemary is my husband's blood relative, she and I became extremely close in the last seven years, after my husband and I experienced a life tragedy similiar to one that she and Uncle bob had gone through many years before. She was one of the best friends I've ever had. She was my sanity in this crazy unusual weird bad family that I married into. I knew her secret hopes and fears and she knew mine. In my life, she will never be replaced.

I want to thank Brian, Gary, Ed, Carol you dear woman, you've been a good friend; Joanna- love you, Minnie, Amy (we never talked, but I looked forward to reading your posts and my heart goes out to you for your loss), Michelle- my Aunt is now with your Mom, dear Rosie, our dear irreplacable Danny, there are too many wonderful generous people to mention. My dear friend Paul.....I so respect and admire the love you have for your beautiful Mom. Hold her close while she is still here.

And for Petey B., life is worth the fight. For anyone who is in the awful predicament about having to choose what to do- there is no choice but to FIGHT. There is nothing else to say but LIFE IS WORTH THE FIGHT!

I will remain, praying for all of you for the rest of my life.

With love..........