John passed yesterday morning. He was referred to the palliative care team after the MO found new growths in his lungs and swollen nodes in his airway in early November. He had a fall at home last Thursday and fractured two ribs. The next day, pneumonia returned. The pneumonia was a problem he had been fighting off-and-on since early July. He was admitted to hospital on Saturday and his condition quickly deteriorated. He breathed his last early yesterday morning with me and his son by his side. It was quiet, peaceful and there was no pain.

I am very proud that he fought a long, hard but valiant battle and for his contribution to the research and treatment of head and neck cancer by his participation in two clinical trials and a groundbreaking procedure for opening up an esophagus closed by strictures resulting from radiation. No one could have asked him to fight harder.

The nurses at the palliative care unit were exceptional. They took me through step by step the last two days of John's life so that I knew what to expect. They are models of knowledge and compassion.

I have learned so much from my participation in this group. One of my first posts was "What do I need to have ready at home in preparation for treatment?" I have come a long way from those days, thanks to all who have posted and responded. Sometimes even what may seem like a minor detail ended up making a huge difference for me as a caregiver. There is indeed power in knowledge.

I wish all of you who are reading this well. You are my second family and whatever one feels for one's family, I feel for you.