Dear Friends and Family,
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today.
Liz has received 4 immunotherapy treatments and they appear
to have had no effect on her cancer. The
immunotherapy has shown amazing results in Lung Cancer patients and we had
hoped that the revolutionary treatment might be effective on her gallbladder
cancer, but it seems to have not done much.
We had hoped this week to receive a scan to show us if there
had been any improvement, but Liz’s visible state of health says more than any
scan could. At this point Liz’s quality of life has deteriorated, her body is
beginning to shut down and we are putting plans of hospice care into motion for her. It is not
a decision that she or anyone has come to lightly. Her pain levels are intolerable,
her energy is so low she can’t stay awake for an hour of TV, she can’t eat or
drink anything and she vomits up whatever bodily fluids have built up about 3 times day leaving her weak and
uncomfortable.
Noel, her parents and I support her decision. She has been
brave and strong through this entire process and she has made the bravest
decision in deciding to not prolong her suffering. Liz will begin receiving at home hospice care
in the next few days.
If you would like to come by and visit her, you can email me
at KatharineASkinner@gmail.com
to make arrangements. Liz, will likely
be on the couch, she may be very tired, and her ability to hold conversation will
be limited by her energy levels. You
are welcome to stay as long as you like as long as you know that she may fall asleep
during your visit. There is also the possibility
that she will vomit while you are there. If you are squeamish please feel free
to leave the room if this happens, she won’t be offended.
During the last year Liz has done everything in her power to
live the life she had left with passion and positivity. As her time winds down,
she will leave us knowing that her time has not been wasted and that her loved ones
will be left with sparkling memories of her tenacity and spirit.
We cannot know how long she has left, but once home hospice
care begins they will take her off of the IV nutrition and hydration that has
been keeping her alive these last two months and put her on the best IV pain
killers to ensure a comfortable rest.
Thank you for all of your support, your prayers, and the
comfort you have provided us and her family over the last 16 months. We never
could have made it this far without you.
I have no words. Im so sorry, Katie. But im inspired by your faithful friendship to Liz.
ReplyDeleteI'm very numb when it comes to true feelings or emotions, its hard for me to actually react when I should.
ReplyDeleteWith that being said, it seems impossible not to hurt or tear up when I think of the likely future without Liz.
Liz, and the rest of our group have shared in so many unforgettable things in our life together, so many memories of stupid stupid jokes, joyous occasions like holidays, birthdays, weddings, random trips, my boys birth and so on.
Thinking about how much Liz has struggled to get this far breaks my heart, she is so strong in every action she has made. She is fighting the toughest fight I can imagine one to fight and she is doing so with eligance and an amazing outlook. I hate the decision that has been made, but I'm so proud of her for being strong enough to make it.
I know the likely outcome and I realize there will be others whome she has touched more than myself that will hurt more than I do, but with all this sorrow I will still wish and hope that the impossible can be made possible. No matter the outcome she will always be with us.
We all love you Liz, in this life and the next.
Sending my love and support to Liz, and to everyone who also loves and supports her. Wishing everyone comfort and peace.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is heavy and breaks reading this but cancer is evil and a horrible disease, I watched my mother go through this and the pain none of us know must take it's toll, and while this cancer sucks, I hope Liz is comfortable and pain free as she goes on to the next place. I know my mom will be there to meet her and guide her. We love you Liz, and your mom and dad, Matt, and those who love you as we do! You are loved, you will be missed, wishing you peace on this continued journey.
ReplyDelete