#1768 10-06-2003 04:20 PM | Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 546 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | OP  "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 546 | Dear friends, It is with a heavy heart that I must tell you that Heather has lost her battle with this dreaded disease. She passed away early this afternoon. Although she hadn't been able to move her arms or hands for more than a week, she was able, at the very end, to squeeze my hand in a final goodbye. For those of you who haven't followed her story closely, the tumor in her spine had partially paralyzed her arms for much of the last 6 months. About 2 weeks ago, it must have started growing again because the rest of her body was gradually immobilized. For the last week, all she could move was her head. Anyway, the hospice nurse was speaking to her, telling her it was okay for her to go if she was ready, when Heather started wrinkling her nose. When we noticed that, the nurse told her to squeeze our hands if she heard and understood. She had been asleep for most of the past week and her eyes were shut at the time we were talking to her so we weren't sure how aware she was, but I guess she was very aware because she squeezed my hand 3 times and kept wrinkling her nose. I think that was her way to let me know she was okay with going. I don't know where she got the strength to move her muscles like that, but she always was very strong willed. I guess it held her in good stead until the very end. In lieu of flowers, I am asking that people make a donation to OCF and if any of you would like to honor her memory, I think that would be an especially appropriate way to do so. I will probably take a leave of absence from the forum for awhile, but I will be back sometime. All of you take care and keep fighting. Rainbows & hugs,  Rosie
Was primary caregiver to my daughter Heather who had stage IV base of tongue SCC w/ primary recurrence. Original diagnosis August 21st, 2002. Primary recurrence March 18th, 2003. Died October 6th, 2003.
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#1769 10-06-2003 05:32 PM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 1,384 Likes: 1 | Dear Rosie and family,
I am beyond words to express my feelings for you all. If there is anything you need please e-mail. Hugs to you as well
Mark, 21 Year survivor, SCC right tonsil, 3 nodes positive, one with extra-capsular spread. I never asked what stage (would have scared me anyway) Right side tonsillectomy, radical neck dissection right side, maximum radiation to both sides, no chemo, no PEG, age 40 when diagnosed.
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#1770 10-06-2003 11:48 PM | Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 273 Platinum Member (200+ posts) | | Platinum Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2002 Posts: 273 | Rosie and family their are no words to express our feelings........Many prayers your way, i`m sure there`s another Angel in Heaven watching over you. Our Love, Packer and Dee | | | 
#1771 10-07-2003 02:30 AM | Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,163 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,163 | Dear Rosie,
Your post brought tears to my wife and my eyes. I am sure there is another angel looking down on you. God Bless you and your family. Don't stay a stranger to this forum to long. Your posts were
always so good. God Bless ,Dan
Daniel Bogan DX 7/16/03 Right tonsil,SCC T4NOMO. right side neck disection, IMRT Radiation x 33.
Recurrance in June 05 in right tonsil area. Now receiving palliative chemo (Erbitux) starting 3/9/06
Our good friend and loved member of the forum has passed away RIP Dannyboy 7-16-2006
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#1772 10-07-2003 10:06 AM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 45 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 45 | Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
God Bless,
Cheryl | | |
#1773 10-07-2003 10:16 AM | Joined: Sep 2002 Posts: 642 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2002 Posts: 642 | Rosie,
I am so sorry.
Danny G.
Stage IV Base of Tongue SCC
Diagnosed July 1, 2002, chemo and radiation treatments completed beginning of Sept/02.
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#1774 10-07-2003 10:53 AM | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Dear Rosie,
Words cannot express the sorrow we all feel at Heather's parting. The two of you fought so valiently and inspired many others to do the same. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
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#1775 10-07-2003 01:02 PM | Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 23 Member | | Member
Joined: Oct 2002 Posts: 23 | Dear Rosie,
I am so sorry. We e-mailed eachother many times when Heather was first diagnosed. I think so many of us felt like we knew her. You and your family have touched our hearts.
Love,
Rosalie
Rosalie
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#1776 10-07-2003 03:56 PM | Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 95 Senior Member (75+ posts) | | Senior Member (75+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2003 Posts: 95 | Rosie,
I too can not express how sorry I am. I know there is a new angel in heavan for you and yours who will watch over you all and is now free of pain and suffering
Love Diane | | |
#1777 10-08-2003 05:11 AM | Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 194 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2002 Posts: 194 | Rosie, There are no words to express the saddness I feel at your loss of Heather. She became a part of our daily lives.I wish you and your family well.
gnelson, StageIV, cancer free since Nov.9,2000
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