Many of us say Happy Valentine's Day today, but for some from this site the person they most want to say it to is gone. In my case Velma went to be with the Lord on July 15th last year, So today is just another reminder she is gone as I looked at ther grave. I write this not to discourage those on this site but to encourage you to celebrate life and fight the beast. Love those you are with and love life. I was fortunate through 3 1/2 years that my wife of 44 years fought melanoma that we were both strong believers in Jesus Christ and had our faith to carry us through knowing we would be together again in Heaven. For caregivers who have a spouse or loved one fighting melanoma it is much like having it yourself as you go throught scans and appointments waiting for results, but yet we bear none of the direct pain. My wife through her faith always had the ability to say "I am Doing Okay" when ask how she was. I would ask her how she did after MRI's Pet/CT's and other treatments like IL-2 and Gamma knife with the frame on all day and hours in a machine and her standard answer was " I just prayed while I was in it". Friends would ask her when her next appointment was and she would simply say " i don't know you will have to ask Danny " he takes care of that for me.
For me the title of caregiver became the most important title I have ever had. I had important Automotive positions in my engineering career and then built custom homes featured in magazines, but noe of those positions carried the pride and honor I had as a caregiver for my wife. While I am sad she lost her battle I still keep up with melanoma advancements and post here and hope more and more will reach NED status. I know for all the melanoma battle can be difficult . I wish i could share with all of you how important our faith was to Vel and me, as it was our rock in this fight. I had the honor of keeping her in our home until she took her last breath and as she passed on a tear came out of her eye by me as I know She saw Jesus. For you who have read this all the way thru hug the caregiver or the person battleing melanoma as you can fight melanoma and come out richer for it. For all keep up the good fight and beat the beast and do say Happy Valentine's day to your loved ones.
Still wanting to fight Melanoma,
Daniel
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