This is Kerri's husband, Bob. I wanted to write a final post, since there may be some following the blog which would need closure. Kerri passed away June 4, 2014.
After going to CTCA in October, Kerri continued on chemotherapy until December, when we both agreed she should take a break and get a few things done that required being off of chemo. She got additional scans done at the end of the year, and some other surgery done.
However, just before she was going to be back on chemotherapy, she experience shortness of breath again, and went into the hospital mid-January. We discovered she had a pleural effusion on her left lung, plus lymphangitic spread in the lung. This was very life-threatening, and the doctors were telling me she was probably not going to live. They did start her on a new chemotherapy, Kadcyla (or known as T-DM1) and hoped for the best. She did get better, and when she came home, we had an oxygen concentrator delivered, as she was required to be on oxygen all the time.
In March, she went back in the hospital for radiation to her leg, as her leg was starting to get bone metastases. The radiation helped with the pain quite a bit. Her counts also came back up, which was getting the doctors concerned.
In April, she went in the hospital for pain management, and then we decided to do a rehab place for her lungs. Before leaving the hospital, the doctors did let us know that they did not think it would do much good.
At the end of May, Kerri slowed down quite a bit, and started getting symptoms associated with her liver. When we went back to the hospital this time, the doctors offered another chemo, but Kerri chose comfort measures only (we had both talked about this before she was admitted). One week later, she passed away.
While we are all saddened by this loss, I would like to note that because the doctors did do things to help in January, when things were looking bad, she was able to live to see our oldest son's first band concert, and also to have Easter and Mother's Day with us. When I get pictures from the memorial service I will post them under a Memorial Service heading. One Kerri decided to stop treatment, she started planning her memorial service; she called it, her "party". We had around 250 guests there, and the hotel we held it at said this was the largest memorial service they have done.
Oh I am so, so sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing this news, I really do appreciate it. I know Kerri is with our Lord and now pain free but the loss to you and your children is great. I thank God that she was able to be comfortable and be around for your son's first band concert. I will be in prayer for your family especially your children.
ReplyDeleteFrom what Kerri has shared I have come to know her as having a big, loving heart with a gentle personality. I wish I could have met her here on earth but I have the sweet joy of being able to meet her when I go to see our Lord Jesus.
Praying and praying for you and your family.
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I echo "child of God's" sentiments. I too have battled cancer, starting in 2009, so I felt a comradery with Kerri as we both battled to live life to the fullest, mother with all we have, and look for God's hand of grace and compassion in the midst of suffering...all this through the blog. I believe the blog will be a wonderful treasure for your children as they grow up. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing this latest entry. I will be praying for you and the kids.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robert for sharing. I am so sorry for the loss you and the children (and your entire family) are going through. I haven't seen Kerri in a few years, but I will always remember her as being happy and loving her family. I pray God gives you comfort and grace in the days to come.
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