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Ha Ha, what a good idea. However, having just managed to get R off the commode, it is all a bit close to home!!

Gx

Dear Gina,

im sitting having a bubble as you have been so open about your situation. You are an inspiration to everyone of us who is caring for or have done . I am so glad that you have such a good friend on here and as she says we are here for you & sending big hugs.

take care & thinking of you 

Liz & OH xxx

Thanks. xx

Gina, I thought you would see the funny side.  Glad you did or I'd be in trouble.

Course I did, never take anything seriously which is why I was always in trouble in school!!! .

Gx

Hi All,

The roller coaster has ended. Richard passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon. He lost consciousness Thursday evening having virtually stopped eating and drinking. I was surprised that he lasted over the night, but yesterday I called our daughters to come as I feared he was nearing the end.

Luckily my youngest, a teacher who lives furthest away, managed to come up a couple of hours before he took his last breath and was with me. I am so glad that I was able to keep him at home and was holding his hand when he took his last breath. None of the end of life drugs were needed and so thankfully, he was not in pain. Whilst I never wanted him to go, being bed bound and unable to do anything for himself is not something he would have wanted to endure for long. He overcame a sepsis, covid and a uti all at once and then 18 months later, a stroke. Each time, we were not expecting him to recover, but he did. However, this time, as the cancer progressed, we knew he wasn't going to fight it. He managed to survive till after his 81st birthday, which we have to keep reminding ourselves is not a bad age for a man, especially one in poor health. As I have mentioned before, my best friend's husband was born on exactly the same day as Richard, and died in October suddenly. Having been gardening and cutting the lawn the day before, he had a massive heart attack and died before she could say goodbye. In her words, she questioned why she just thought he was invincible and wasn't expecting him to pass, even though in reality, 80 is not a bad innings. At least we were prepared, several times, for Richard to lose the battle but knew that one day, the war would be over.

I want to thank all of you, my friends and Macmillan family, for all the support and laughs over these near five years. I will continue to read and contribute to any posts where I think my contribution could be valuable.

Love to you all

Gina xx

So sorry.Whatever the age it’s a tough one to take when we face the one inevitable fact of life.

Glad you were able to be there together with your family.

Hello Gina (Sidsmum) 

Thank you for your update. I am so sorry to read of Richard's passing, pleased you and the family were there and as you say in the end it was quick and peaceful.

I have followed you, and your trials and tribulations with Richard over the last 4 years and must say in the circumstances you have been outstanding with your care and understanding looking after all his needs (apart from the gin bottle). It can't have been easy and you have been a star being there for him.

I know it can't have been easy given the circumstances and understand you will now need some time with the family to celebrate Richard's life.

Moving on to the future - I wish you and your partner all the best and you will be very welcome any time you wish to return here - we will always be your Macmillan family.

The support you have given to others over time on the Community has been amazing - you have provided some valuable advice from your own experiences and yes, some of your "ramblings" have had us all in stitches too.

Do take some time to rest and recover - here's s few hugs from me (hug)(hug)(hug).

Thanks again - Take care - Kind Regards - Brian xx

Gina (Sidsmum ) I was so sorry to read your post but pleased that you were holding his hand and he wasn’t in pain at the end.  Take care and virtual hugs from me.

Gina darling,

It is heart breaking and you are really wonderful, one of a kind. 

Please be strong and rest and recover and I know one day only the good memories will be treasured.

Thank you for all your help to me and everyone else here

Lots of love

Dafna