I have not been on the site for a few weeks because I just couldn't bring myself to tell you all that I lost my husband, Don, to this horrible disease on July 20, 2006 @ 2:55am.

He was originally diagnosised with tonsil cancer in August 2003. We found out that it mets to the lungs in November 2005. At the same time we found out that he had AML (leukemia) that was a result of the first chemo treatment (a very rare possibility). In January 2006 I let you all know that it had moved to his brain and he had successful brain surgery to remove the tumor. In April 2006 we found out that the chemo did not work and that the cancer was growing in his lungs and had now spread to his bones & liver.

Since April he went up and down not only with pain & fatigue but also with the emotions of knowing that he only had "months" left to live. I must say that he was a Marine to the very end...the strongest fighter I've ever met. Though he was only in the Marines from 1974-1978 the saying "once a Marine, ALWAYS a Marine" was my husband through and through. We moved into a new home the last few days of May (he couldn't climb stairs anymore) and I was able to witness the excitement for life back in his eyes. With the help of the steroids he was able to do the yardwork that he so loved. I do not know if he knew how close he was to his last days but I do know that on the 4th of July weekend he finished the yard the way he knew that "I" wanted it...that will forever amaze me. He also taught our 17 yr old nephew how to handle it from then on.

Because the cancer spread to his liver the end was very painful for him. On Tuesday night , July 18th, he made the decision to say his goodbyes to friends & family and let the doctor sedate him so he would be out of pain. I was able to watch as his body relaxed and he was able to sleep comfortably for the last couple of days.

My 23yr old daughter and I had the priveldge of holding his hands as he went on to a better place where I know he is painfree...and is joking with Danny Boy (they met at the Las Vegas gathering in 2004). We were surrounded by loved ones at that time & it will be forever engraved in my soul. Through a close friend's dream I was able to learn that Don had a smile on his face, though he was unconscious for 2 days, as he passed from this world to heaven. That is something that I will remember forever.

"THANK YOU" to all of you at the OCF, I truly do not know what Don & I would have done without you these past 3 years. Your loving words of support, not to mention your never-ending wisdom, helped us survive.

I will continue to support and check the OCF...you are my family.

With a heavy heart...Lorie

Lorie, as a caregiver who has walked into my husband's bedroom many mornings over the last year and prayed that he would still be breathing, I salute YOU for getting though this. Don is no longer suffering , but what do you need that we might provide? I know the last 3 yrs. have taken a horrendous toll on you. Amy

Hi Lorie,

I'm so sorry to hear about Don. It sounds like he left on his own terms, with dignity and control. God Bless you and yours.
Minnie