Hi My husband Bob(78) who we thought was a recent three year survivor has passed away. I had been posting about his problems with constant mucus and a four month battle of thrush. They had given him the strongest medicines for thrush and it just wouldn't go away. We couldn't get a grip on why he seemed to be loseing weight and getting weaker.He never could gain an extra pound after reaching 148 on 3500 calories which I never undersood why.
He had a pet scan which showed suspicious activity but the doctor thought it was imflammation. He had a biopsy in November which came back negative, cat scan which i never asked about(thought no news is good news) colonoscopy and endoscopy which both came back clean but the gastric doctor said to go back to the ENT because his throat didn't look right. He went into the hospital after the holiday weekend to get hydrated as he couldn't seem to get his drinks down with out choking and see about a feeding tube to help build him up. I left him at ten o'clock at night and he seemed fine but he told my son to take care of your mother. He apparently knew that something seriously was wrong. That night he went into cardiac arrest, rescitated but didn't make it. The two days he was on a ventilator gave my children and I time to except his death. I also learned more info than I would have if he had died that night. The ICU nurse asked me why I was questioning the emergency room and hospital ENT about a recurrence because in the records it showed that the RO had put in her notes that there was a recurrence in October. On that visit she didn't scope him because she said that there was too much thrush and she wouldn't get an acccurate assessment. I questioned her about the suspicious acitivity on the pet scan and she said we would watch that area. I am so thankful that she didn't tell us if she knew because we had two months of hope that he would still start to feel better. We would have both been very sad and I probably would have cried every day at the thought of loseing my wonderful husband. As far as the biopsy was concerned they think the ENT picked up residual tissue and thrush which I am also thankful.
My husband fought a hard battle and was always trying to get better. He never gave up and he never complained. When I asked him how he felt, he would answer "fair." He probably suffered more than I know.
His children and I will miss him terribly but I am thankful he did not know about the recurrence and he won't have to suffer another day.
I am very thnkful for this forum as I was always looking for answers and usually found them.
I pray for anyone going throught this battle to be strong and hopeful.
At least the treatments gave us three years more, two of which he was feeling reasonably well. Eileen

Eileen, words cannot express how sorry I am to hear this news. I remember so many of your posts about his condition,and the problems he was having. They all seemed to be surmountable...how devious this demon can be.

You and your family are in my prayers
Wayne

Eileen, It is so sad to hear of your loss. Bob seemed to be so positive even though he was going through a very difficult time. I think a lot of his attitude came from his love for you.Even through the sadness of informing us of Bob's passing --I can feel the Love and compassion you had for each other. It was so nice to hear from you when I was scared and felt all alone. May the future bring you comfort in the fact that you were always by his side and I hope you stay in touch with us because we need special people like you.
Always,
Mark D.

Eileen,

So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Remember we can be here for you as well. So come back when you feel like it.

Take care,
Diane

Condolences to you and your family, Eileen. I am so sorry for your loss. With love from Helen

I am so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. You and your children have come through a lot these past few years. Remember the good times...

Andrea

I too am very sorry to hear of your loss. The love you two shared is an inspiration to me. My deepest prayers are for you and your family. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Tim Stojakovich

Eileen,

I, too, was of course saddened to read your post. Bob was lucky to have such a caring and loving spouse and family.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. I was particulary touched by your feelings about how the ENT handled her knowledge of Bob's recurrence. Your reaction shows what a special person you are.

Please pass on my condolences to your family.

Jerry

Eileen, Altho we are miles apart, I am giving you a long, long hug in my heart. Amy

Eileen, I'm so sorry you and your children lost Bob after such a long hard fight. You are in my thoughts.

Nelie