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Our Friend Val in Montreal
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Our Friend Val in Montreal

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Our Friend Val in Montreal

  • Post
    • December 10, 2011 at 12:07 am
    acyr
    Participant

      Hello everyone,

      Hello everyone,

      I just received a call from Val's husband in Montreal to let us know tha Val passed away yesterday.  I am so very sadened by this news.  I had been in touch with Val for the last 4 years – she was just a wonderful and giving person – so full of life and enjoying her family and grandchild.  She was truly beautiful inside and out.  She never really got a break from this disease, but I never heard her complain or become bitter by her situation.  She kept fighting until the very last.  Most recently she had been on the TIL trial at NCI – she spoke very highly of the doctors and care staff!  She valued so much the support and community that she found here on this website.  I know she will be looking up our friend Sharyn in a better place and they will be able to enjoy each other's company with out pain or worry of disease.

      Raise a glass or say a prayer in her honour – it was was truly an privelege to know her.

      Annette

      Chair, Melanoma Network of Canada

    Viewing 29 reply threads
    • Replies
        • December 10, 2011 at 12:15 am
        Vermont_Donna
        Participant

          Hi Annette,

            Thanks for sharing this news. I too am very saddened by Val's death. I had gotten to know her a bit more outside of the MPIP board, like Sharyn. I had last received an email from Val on 11/20….so that is not that long ago! She asked me to say a prayer for her.

          Thanks again,

          Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED

          • December 10, 2011 at 12:15 am
          Vermont_Donna
          Participant

            Hi Annette,

              Thanks for sharing this news. I too am very saddened by Val's death. I had gotten to know her a bit more outside of the MPIP board, like Sharyn. I had last received an email from Val on 11/20….so that is not that long ago! She asked me to say a prayer for her.

            Thanks again,

            Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED

            • December 10, 2011 at 12:15 am
            Vermont_Donna
            Participant

              Hi Annette,

                Thanks for sharing this news. I too am very saddened by Val's death. I had gotten to know her a bit more outside of the MPIP board, like Sharyn. I had last received an email from Val on 11/20….so that is not that long ago! She asked me to say a prayer for her.

              Thanks again,

              Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED

              • December 10, 2011 at 12:27 am
              lhaley
              Participant

                I am so saddened to hear.  Val had called me a few times to support me while I was originally dealing with the brain mets and have e-mailed with her the last few years.

                Val thought that TIL would beat this for her but was such a difficult treatment, especially doing the whole body radiation.

                Val has been such a beautiful person to support so many.

                Linda

                • December 10, 2011 at 12:27 am
                lhaley
                Participant

                  I am so saddened to hear.  Val had called me a few times to support me while I was originally dealing with the brain mets and have e-mailed with her the last few years.

                  Val thought that TIL would beat this for her but was such a difficult treatment, especially doing the whole body radiation.

                  Val has been such a beautiful person to support so many.

                  Linda

                  • December 10, 2011 at 12:27 am
                  lhaley
                  Participant

                    I am so saddened to hear.  Val had called me a few times to support me while I was originally dealing with the brain mets and have e-mailed with her the last few years.

                    Val thought that TIL would beat this for her but was such a difficult treatment, especially doing the whole body radiation.

                    Val has been such a beautiful person to support so many.

                    Linda

                    • December 10, 2011 at 1:02 am
                    shellebrownies
                    Participant

                      So very sad to hear this news about Val. She was always so upbeat; a real fighter. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

                      Michelle

                      • December 10, 2011 at 1:02 am
                      shellebrownies
                      Participant

                        So very sad to hear this news about Val. She was always so upbeat; a real fighter. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

                        Michelle

                        • December 10, 2011 at 1:02 am
                        shellebrownies
                        Participant

                          So very sad to hear this news about Val. She was always so upbeat; a real fighter. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

                          Michelle

                          • December 10, 2011 at 1:02 am
                          wgalinat
                          Participant
                            This hurts badly. She was so nice to me for trying to get her into NIH. I was one of the very lucky ones, but I was also treated early on with this cancer. Val was another fighter that followed NEVER GIVE UP. I’m proud to have known her and sorry she wasn’t able to be still with us, and her family. I hate this F’ing cancer so much !!. Warren
                            • December 10, 2011 at 1:02 am
                            wgalinat
                            Participant
                              This hurts badly. She was so nice to me for trying to get her into NIH. I was one of the very lucky ones, but I was also treated early on with this cancer. Val was another fighter that followed NEVER GIVE UP. I’m proud to have known her and sorry she wasn’t able to be still with us, and her family. I hate this F’ing cancer so much !!. Warren
                                • December 10, 2011 at 9:01 pm
                                MariaH
                                Participant

                                  I have no words right now.  I am shocked about her passing.  I'd been in contact with her when Dave was going to NIH to see if he qualified for this trial, and when he didn't, she offered such encouragement to keep looking.  We missed each other there by only minutes – I never got the chance to meet her, but always thought she would beat this – if only by spirit alone.

                                  So, I agree with you Warren, CANCER F'ING SUCKS!!

                                  And to Val, I shall raise a glass in your honor – and I will never, ever forget you…

                                  Maria

                                  • December 10, 2011 at 9:01 pm
                                  MariaH
                                  Participant

                                    I have no words right now.  I am shocked about her passing.  I'd been in contact with her when Dave was going to NIH to see if he qualified for this trial, and when he didn't, she offered such encouragement to keep looking.  We missed each other there by only minutes – I never got the chance to meet her, but always thought she would beat this – if only by spirit alone.

                                    So, I agree with you Warren, CANCER F'ING SUCKS!!

                                    And to Val, I shall raise a glass in your honor – and I will never, ever forget you…

                                    Maria

                                    • December 10, 2011 at 9:01 pm
                                    MariaH
                                    Participant

                                      I have no words right now.  I am shocked about her passing.  I'd been in contact with her when Dave was going to NIH to see if he qualified for this trial, and when he didn't, she offered such encouragement to keep looking.  We missed each other there by only minutes – I never got the chance to meet her, but always thought she would beat this – if only by spirit alone.

                                      So, I agree with you Warren, CANCER F'ING SUCKS!!

                                      And to Val, I shall raise a glass in your honor – and I will never, ever forget you…

                                      Maria

                                    • December 10, 2011 at 1:02 am
                                    wgalinat
                                    Participant
                                      This hurts badly. She was so nice to me for trying to get her into NIH. I was one of the very lucky ones, but I was also treated early on with this cancer. Val was another fighter that followed NEVER GIVE UP. I’m proud to have known her and sorry she wasn’t able to be still with us, and her family. I hate this F’ing cancer so much !!. Warren
                                      • December 10, 2011 at 2:14 am
                                      KellieSue
                                      Participant
                                        dammit!!! i hate melanoma so much.

                                        Kellie(from Iowa)

                                        • December 10, 2011 at 2:14 am
                                        KellieSue
                                        Participant
                                          dammit!!! i hate melanoma so much.

                                          Kellie(from Iowa)

                                          • December 10, 2011 at 2:14 am
                                          KellieSue
                                          Participant
                                            dammit!!! i hate melanoma so much.

                                            Kellie(from Iowa)

                                            • December 10, 2011 at 3:23 am
                                            MichaelFL
                                            Participant

                                              I remember Val well. Thanks for the post Annette.

                                              Of course, as you have said in the past (and it goes without saying), I hope that you continue to help so many every day. And as you have also said in the past:  An enormous thanks is due to you to for all you have done.

                                               

                                              My condolences to her family.

                                              Michael

                                              • December 10, 2011 at 3:23 am
                                              MichaelFL
                                              Participant

                                                I remember Val well. Thanks for the post Annette.

                                                Of course, as you have said in the past (and it goes without saying), I hope that you continue to help so many every day. And as you have also said in the past:  An enormous thanks is due to you to for all you have done.

                                                 

                                                My condolences to her family.

                                                Michael

                                                • December 10, 2011 at 3:23 am
                                                MichaelFL
                                                Participant

                                                  I remember Val well. Thanks for the post Annette.

                                                  Of course, as you have said in the past (and it goes without saying), I hope that you continue to help so many every day. And as you have also said in the past:  An enormous thanks is due to you to for all you have done.

                                                   

                                                  My condolences to her family.

                                                  Michael

                                                  • December 10, 2011 at 5:23 am
                                                  FormerCaregiver
                                                  Participant

                                                    Annette, I am deeply saddened to read that Val has passed away. TIL treatment can certainly be a difficult challenge for anyone to go through.

                                                    She is in my prayers.

                                                    Frank from Australia

                                                    • December 10, 2011 at 5:23 am
                                                    FormerCaregiver
                                                    Participant

                                                      Annette, I am deeply saddened to read that Val has passed away. TIL treatment can certainly be a difficult challenge for anyone to go through.

                                                      She is in my prayers.

                                                      Frank from Australia

                                                      • December 10, 2011 at 5:23 am
                                                      FormerCaregiver
                                                      Participant

                                                        Annette, I am deeply saddened to read that Val has passed away. TIL treatment can certainly be a difficult challenge for anyone to go through.

                                                        She is in my prayers.

                                                        Frank from Australia

                                                          • December 10, 2011 at 9:27 am
                                                          deardad
                                                          Participant

                                                            So sad to hear that another one is lost. I know many may not believe in the holy scriptures but God promises in John 5:28,29 that there is going to be a resurrection to a life on earth for all those that have passed away. I hold dearly to my heart this hope for all those on this board that have lost this battle.

                                                            Nahmi from Melbourne

                                                            • December 10, 2011 at 9:27 am
                                                            deardad
                                                            Participant

                                                              So sad to hear that another one is lost. I know many may not believe in the holy scriptures but God promises in John 5:28,29 that there is going to be a resurrection to a life on earth for all those that have passed away. I hold dearly to my heart this hope for all those on this board that have lost this battle.

                                                              Nahmi from Melbourne

                                                              • December 10, 2011 at 9:27 am
                                                              deardad
                                                              Participant

                                                                So sad to hear that another one is lost. I know many may not believe in the holy scriptures but God promises in John 5:28,29 that there is going to be a resurrection to a life on earth for all those that have passed away. I hold dearly to my heart this hope for all those on this board that have lost this battle.

                                                                Nahmi from Melbourne

                                                              • December 10, 2011 at 7:43 pm
                                                              BonnieLea
                                                              Participant

                                                                I am deeply saddened to learn this.  But thank you Annette for telling us.  Deepest condolences to her husband and family.

                                                                Bonnie Lea

                                                                • December 10, 2011 at 7:43 pm
                                                                BonnieLea
                                                                Participant

                                                                  I am deeply saddened to learn this.  But thank you Annette for telling us.  Deepest condolences to her husband and family.

                                                                  Bonnie Lea

                                                                  • December 10, 2011 at 7:43 pm
                                                                  BonnieLea
                                                                  Participant

                                                                    I am deeply saddened to learn this.  But thank you Annette for telling us.  Deepest condolences to her husband and family.

                                                                    Bonnie Lea

                                                                      • December 12, 2011 at 9:21 pm
                                                                      boot2aboot
                                                                      Participant

                                                                        %!@#*! 

                                                                        this news hurts me to the quick…

                                                                        i am angry…angry…angry to hear this news…

                                                                        it's not fair! i hate this evil disease

                                                                        boots

                                                                        • December 12, 2011 at 11:06 pm
                                                                        Vermont_Donna
                                                                        Participant

                                                                          Hi,

                                                                           I just got off the phone with Bill, Val's husband. He said that Val DID get a chance to see my melanoma oncologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon NH but she was too sick to even complete the tests the doctor needed to have completed before he could qualify her for the treatment (was it a trial??). She couldnt keep anything down and since her return from NIH she had lost 60 pounds. Her leg was a mess with black spots growing every day, and tumors bursting etc. Sounds like Eric's leg. The melanoma tumors had grown in her lower abdomen by then too. Bill said she was a fighter to the end. When the visiting nurses told him they could do no more and he should bring her to the hospital he did and that was 12/5. She died Thursday, 12/8. She didnt speak after Wednesday, but slipped into a deep sleep he said. It is very very sad. He does not know her passwords to her facebook or to MPIP so he cannot read the posts here but I said I would forward all the posts to this thread to him and will keep in touch with him. He said he is not very computer savvy, so this is not a good way to keep in touch with him.

                                                                          Just thought I would give you all an update.

                                                                          Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED

                                                                          • December 12, 2011 at 11:11 pm
                                                                          boot2aboot
                                                                          Participant

                                                                            she just hadn't been right since NIH…i know they were trying to help her…

                                                                            i am crying as i write this, but we have to remember that our Val was a hero…how many of us on successful treatments are indebted to others that went before us and used themselves as guinea pigs so that researchers could come up with  more effective drugs? We owe Val to live each day to the fullest

                                                                            boots

                                                                            • December 12, 2011 at 11:22 pm
                                                                            NYKaren
                                                                            Participant

                                                                              What a terrible loss to a terrible disease.  Val was such a lovely, encouraging woman.

                                                                              May she rest in peace.

                                                                              karen

                                                                              • December 12, 2011 at 11:22 pm
                                                                              NYKaren
                                                                              Participant

                                                                                What a terrible loss to a terrible disease.  Val was such a lovely, encouraging woman.

                                                                                May she rest in peace.

                                                                                karen

                                                                                • December 12, 2011 at 11:22 pm
                                                                                NYKaren
                                                                                Participant

                                                                                  What a terrible loss to a terrible disease.  Val was such a lovely, encouraging woman.

                                                                                  May she rest in peace.

                                                                                  karen

                                                                                  • December 13, 2011 at 7:19 am
                                                                                  deardad
                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                    I agree with boots….although I am so sad for her family.

                                                                                    Nahmi from Melbourne

                                                                                    • December 13, 2011 at 7:19 am
                                                                                    deardad
                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                      I agree with boots….although I am so sad for her family.

                                                                                      Nahmi from Melbourne

                                                                                      • December 13, 2011 at 7:19 am
                                                                                      deardad
                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                        I agree with boots….although I am so sad for her family.

                                                                                        Nahmi from Melbourne

                                                                                        • December 12, 2011 at 11:11 pm
                                                                                        boot2aboot
                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                          she just hadn't been right since NIH…i know they were trying to help her…

                                                                                          i am crying as i write this, but we have to remember that our Val was a hero…how many of us on successful treatments are indebted to others that went before us and used themselves as guinea pigs so that researchers could come up with  more effective drugs? We owe Val to live each day to the fullest

                                                                                          boots

                                                                                          • December 12, 2011 at 11:11 pm
                                                                                          boot2aboot
                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                            she just hadn't been right since NIH…i know they were trying to help her…

                                                                                            i am crying as i write this, but we have to remember that our Val was a hero…how many of us on successful treatments are indebted to others that went before us and used themselves as guinea pigs so that researchers could come up with  more effective drugs? We owe Val to live each day to the fullest

                                                                                            boots

                                                                                            • December 12, 2011 at 11:06 pm
                                                                                            Vermont_Donna
                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                              Hi,

                                                                                               I just got off the phone with Bill, Val's husband. He said that Val DID get a chance to see my melanoma oncologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon NH but she was too sick to even complete the tests the doctor needed to have completed before he could qualify her for the treatment (was it a trial??). She couldnt keep anything down and since her return from NIH she had lost 60 pounds. Her leg was a mess with black spots growing every day, and tumors bursting etc. Sounds like Eric's leg. The melanoma tumors had grown in her lower abdomen by then too. Bill said she was a fighter to the end. When the visiting nurses told him they could do no more and he should bring her to the hospital he did and that was 12/5. She died Thursday, 12/8. She didnt speak after Wednesday, but slipped into a deep sleep he said. It is very very sad. He does not know her passwords to her facebook or to MPIP so he cannot read the posts here but I said I would forward all the posts to this thread to him and will keep in touch with him. He said he is not very computer savvy, so this is not a good way to keep in touch with him.

                                                                                              Just thought I would give you all an update.

                                                                                              Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED

                                                                                              • December 12, 2011 at 11:06 pm
                                                                                              Vermont_Donna
                                                                                              Participant

                                                                                                Hi,

                                                                                                 I just got off the phone with Bill, Val's husband. He said that Val DID get a chance to see my melanoma oncologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon NH but she was too sick to even complete the tests the doctor needed to have completed before he could qualify her for the treatment (was it a trial??). She couldnt keep anything down and since her return from NIH she had lost 60 pounds. Her leg was a mess with black spots growing every day, and tumors bursting etc. Sounds like Eric's leg. The melanoma tumors had grown in her lower abdomen by then too. Bill said she was a fighter to the end. When the visiting nurses told him they could do no more and he should bring her to the hospital he did and that was 12/5. She died Thursday, 12/8. She didnt speak after Wednesday, but slipped into a deep sleep he said. It is very very sad. He does not know her passwords to her facebook or to MPIP so he cannot read the posts here but I said I would forward all the posts to this thread to him and will keep in touch with him. He said he is not very computer savvy, so this is not a good way to keep in touch with him.

                                                                                                Just thought I would give you all an update.

                                                                                                Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED

                                                                                                • December 12, 2011 at 9:21 pm
                                                                                                boot2aboot
                                                                                                Participant

                                                                                                  %!@#*! 

                                                                                                  this news hurts me to the quick…

                                                                                                  i am angry…angry…angry to hear this news…

                                                                                                  it's not fair! i hate this evil disease

                                                                                                  boots

                                                                                                  • December 12, 2011 at 9:21 pm
                                                                                                  boot2aboot
                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                    %!@#*! 

                                                                                                    this news hurts me to the quick…

                                                                                                    i am angry…angry…angry to hear this news…

                                                                                                    it's not fair! i hate this evil disease

                                                                                                    boots

                                                                                                  • December 13, 2011 at 1:03 am
                                                                                                  Jim M.
                                                                                                  Participant

                                                                                                    I am saddened once again by yet another wonderful person succumbing to this insidious disease. I conversed with Val a few times and she's the kind of person I wish I would have met. I am thankful she is no more pain and in a better place. I pray for strength, guidance and His peace in the lives of Val's loved ones.

                                                                                                     Jim M.

                                                                                                    • December 13, 2011 at 1:03 am
                                                                                                    Jim M.
                                                                                                    Participant

                                                                                                      I am saddened once again by yet another wonderful person succumbing to this insidious disease. I conversed with Val a few times and she's the kind of person I wish I would have met. I am thankful she is no more pain and in a better place. I pray for strength, guidance and His peace in the lives of Val's loved ones.

                                                                                                       Jim M.

                                                                                                      • December 13, 2011 at 1:03 am
                                                                                                      Jim M.
                                                                                                      Participant

                                                                                                        I am saddened once again by yet another wonderful person succumbing to this insidious disease. I conversed with Val a few times and she's the kind of person I wish I would have met. I am thankful she is no more pain and in a better place. I pray for strength, guidance and His peace in the lives of Val's loved ones.

                                                                                                         Jim M.

                                                                                                        • December 15, 2011 at 12:11 am
                                                                                                        momof2kids
                                                                                                        Participant

                                                                                                          Wow, like everyone else, I'm so sad to hear this news.  

                                                                                                          • December 15, 2011 at 12:11 am
                                                                                                          momof2kids
                                                                                                          Participant

                                                                                                            Wow, like everyone else, I'm so sad to hear this news.  

                                                                                                            • December 15, 2011 at 12:11 am
                                                                                                            momof2kids
                                                                                                            Participant

                                                                                                              Wow, like everyone else, I'm so sad to hear this news.  

                                                                                                          Viewing 29 reply threads
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