Katie

I haven't posted anything for a long time, but this blog has motivated me to put in my two cents worth.  My brother was diagnosed with stage IV mm almost exactly two years ago.  He passed away nine weeks after his diagnosis.  He appeared to be healthy one minute and was gone a little over two months later.  It was shocking to watch the rapid decline of his body.  Since I had never before been a caregiver for someone dying of cancer, it was extremely difficult.  I felt like a deer in the headlights at times.  Reality is sad, and it's scary, and it's very unfair, but I would have liked to have been better prepared for what was to come.  I would not have shared images such as Eric's with my brother, but I would have wanted to emotionally prepare myself for what may happen.  I am sorry for what you are going through, Jill.  It just sucks so much.  You and Eric have been very brave, and he is lucky to have you.  May you find strength and courage as you continue your journey. 

I haven't posted anything for a long time, but this blog has motivated me to put in my two cents worth.  My brother was diagnosed with stage IV mm almost exactly two years ago.  He passed away nine weeks after his diagnosis.  He appeared to be healthy one minute and was gone a little over two months later.  It was shocking to watch the rapid decline of his body.  Since I had never before been a caregiver for someone dying of cancer, it was extremely difficult.  I felt like a deer in the headlights at times.  Reality is sad, and it's scary, and it's very unfair, but I would have liked to have been better prepared for what was to come.  I would not have shared images such as Eric's with my brother, but I would have wanted to emotionally prepare myself for what may happen.  I am sorry for what you are going through, Jill.  It just sucks so much.  You and Eric have been very brave, and he is lucky to have you.  May you find strength and courage as you continue your journey. 

I am very sorry for your loss.  My brother was diagnosed originally in 1998 but the docs said that it had not spread and that he should continue to see a dermatologist once a year.  He never had health insurance, so he did not continue his follow up care.  He had a stomach problem last July (2009) and was diagnosed with 20 mets in his stomach area, lungs and liver.  He had no treatment options available due to bleeding mets.  He went from fine to too sick to get out of bed in weeks.  He passed away September 25, about 9 weeks later.  He did not have time to deal with the idea of leaving a young wife and 1 year old baby.  He was angry and bitter, and we could not help him at all.  We all felt as if we had been hit by a bus. 

I was so very angry at everyone on this board who had had treatment options, when he did not.  I no longer feel that way.  I now feel very grateful to all those who listened and provided advice and support.

My advice to you would be to let the tears out, they really do help.  And to join the chat room in the evening to talk to those who have been through similiar experiences.  My thoughts are with you and your family.  Take care.