John's Last Run

On Friday, January 20, John passed away peacefully surrounded by Karen and family. John survived 47 months after being diagnosed with multiple lesions of glioblastoma multiforme. He ran his cancer marathon with grace, courage, and an indomitable spirit that strengthened all who had the honor of knowing him. His extended family holds him in their hearts as one of their greatest teachers, proving that life is fragile and precious, and that love conquers all.

Shine on, John! Check out all the trails where you now journey so that when our paths once again cross, you can show us all the purest streams and mountain vistas.

Great run, John! We love you and carry your Olympic torch in our hearts.

John is peaceful and still hanging on. He is surrounded by many people who love him, is visited by many others. We are taking as good of care of him as is humanly possible. Laurie, Martha, Greg, Mary Anne, Paul, Lisa and I, Justin and Ashley, Sue, Kenny and Connie are also supporting Karen in the most difficult time of her life. The nursing staff at Stormont-Vail have been wonderful in the grace and compassion they extended to his family as well as to John. We are blessed to have them care for him. Especially Nicole & Piper who have taken the time to look after our needs as well as John's. They explain what and why they are doing something, ask for any special needs he might need . They are quick to reconginze and respond to every member of the family, even before we know what we need, as we learn to let John move on. Each of them have a story about a loved one who was at one point in need of the same tender care. Those story help explain why they do this kind of nursing. We are blessed to have people dedicated to the compasion & grace at end of life of someone else, it takes a special calling. Hug someone today and let them know how much they mean to you. We will hug John and let him know how much he means to so many.

It is with a very heavy heart that I write this blog post today.

John is in ICU at the hospital right now.  He is on a trachea attached to a ventilator, and has been for 27 days.  It is so sad for us to see him.  On Friday, the machines will come off for good and John will find peace.

On December 12, 2011, John had hernia surgery.  The drug he was taking as part of a clinical trial from Duke, Avastin, had taken it's toll on John.  This drug is very hard on your upper GI, and as a result, a hernia surfaced.  The surgery went well, but John aspirated in the hospital the following Thursday morning.  He was taken to ICU and has been there ever since.  He has fought every infection one can contract in this setting.  Since his body was so compromised by the cancer treatment, there is nothing left to do.

Both John and Karen have fought this battle head on together.  As I sit by helplessly and watch, I see it as a testament to marriage, in sickness and in health till death due us part.  I am honored to be part of this family.