After a collapse at home late on Monday 9th January and being moved back to bed, David died peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday 10th January 2017.
David fought so hard over the last 21 months and was an inspiration to all around him.
We, as a family, would like to thank you all for your love and support.
We will miss you David.
Love Karine, Charlotte and Alexi xxx
Going, Going, Gone
Bob Dylan
Lyrics:
I've just reached a place
Where the willow don't bend
There's not much more to be said
It's the top of the end
I'm going
I'm going
I'm gone
I'm closin' the book
On the pages and the text
And I don't really care
What happens next
I'm just going
I'm going
I'm gone
I been hangin' on threads
I been playin' it straight
Now, I've just got to cut loose
Before it gets late
So I'm going
I'm going
I'm gone
Grandma said, "Boy, go and follow your heart
And you'll be fine at the end of the line
All that's gold isn't meant to shine
Don't you and your one true love ever part"
I been walkin' the road
I been livin' on the edge
Now, I've just got to go
Before I get to the ledge
So I'm going
I'm just going
I'm gone
*Bob Dylan- "Planet Waves"- Track 2
Wednesday 11 January 2017
Saturday 7 January 2017
R+59 - "Who Knows Where The Time Goes" *
Two days ago I was back in DCU and had a unit of platelets. Back again this morning for more platelets and a unit of whole blood. The staff there are truly excellent and the atmosphere is always friendly and positive. Nothing ever seems too much trouble even when they are run off their feet. It was very busy, a backlog from Christmas I suppose although they only closed for one or two extra days.
My weight has fallen a little more then went up a little bit yesterday. I'm hoping it will plateau. I've seen this quite often in cancer, maybe I'll be lucky! Walking and balance are becoming an increasing problem. I stumbled yesterday and was lucky not to hurt myself. I now walk with two sticks but still feel unsteady, The leukaemia seems to be advancing very quickly.
Yesterday we've saw the GP and district nurse at home. I have developed a bit of an infection - cough, sore throat etc - so am now on different treatment for the next week.
The district nurse has organised a bed downstairs and it arrived late yesterday afternoon together with other bits of equipment. I think I will need the bed very soon. The system has been incredibly quick at getting things done, a really impressive service.
My mind has accepted what is happening but my heart is an altogether more mysterious organ and is taking its time. Emotionally I'm 'ok' as in I'm coping but that's not the same as acceptance. A hug and a little cry with Karine every now and then through the day is a big help and brings a sense of relief and calm - precious moments. In my darker moments I don't think I'll make the end of the month, at other times I don't worry about it, anything could happen and what does happen probably won't be what I expect or was worrying about!
I came across a saying quoted by a fellow sufferer on the Macmillan cancer site - "Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace".
Fairport Convention - 'Unhalfbricking' - track 6
My weight has fallen a little more then went up a little bit yesterday. I'm hoping it will plateau. I've seen this quite often in cancer, maybe I'll be lucky! Walking and balance are becoming an increasing problem. I stumbled yesterday and was lucky not to hurt myself. I now walk with two sticks but still feel unsteady, The leukaemia seems to be advancing very quickly.
Yesterday we've saw the GP and district nurse at home. I have developed a bit of an infection - cough, sore throat etc - so am now on different treatment for the next week.
The district nurse has organised a bed downstairs and it arrived late yesterday afternoon together with other bits of equipment. I think I will need the bed very soon. The system has been incredibly quick at getting things done, a really impressive service.
My mind has accepted what is happening but my heart is an altogether more mysterious organ and is taking its time. Emotionally I'm 'ok' as in I'm coping but that's not the same as acceptance. A hug and a little cry with Karine every now and then through the day is a big help and brings a sense of relief and calm - precious moments. In my darker moments I don't think I'll make the end of the month, at other times I don't worry about it, anything could happen and what does happen probably won't be what I expect or was worrying about!
I came across a saying quoted by a fellow sufferer on the Macmillan cancer site - "Worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace".
Fairport Convention - 'Unhalfbricking' - track 6
Wednesday 4 January 2017
Relapse + 56 - "Precious Time" *
Karine, Charlotte and I saw the consultant again yesterday to go over treatment options. We all came to the same conclusion that palliative care is the only sensible course. The GP is activating the local Macmillan service and social services and they will do needs assessments - can't be soon enough the way things are going.
My biggest problem is weight loss. I'm losing weight hand over fist day by day and no one knows quite why. I'm back in outpatients sometime in the next day or so but I'm not confident anything else can be done.
Karine is being incredible, we have hugs and tears every now and and they do us a power of good. My overwhelming feeling is of a terrible sadness, I so wanted us to grow old together, to see our children make their way through life and watch our grandchildren grow up. I just hope and pray that Karine will be able to do this for both of us.
Before you think there is no joy in our lives we all had a wonderful time at Charlotte's on New Year's Eve......
My biggest problem is weight loss. I'm losing weight hand over fist day by day and no one knows quite why. I'm back in outpatients sometime in the next day or so but I'm not confident anything else can be done.
Karine is being incredible, we have hugs and tears every now and and they do us a power of good. My overwhelming feeling is of a terrible sadness, I so wanted us to grow old together, to see our children make their way through life and watch our grandchildren grow up. I just hope and pray that Karine will be able to do this for both of us.
Before you think there is no joy in our lives we all had a wonderful time at Charlotte's on New Year's Eve......
Someone on Facebook commented that Eden looks as though she is disowning the lot of us! ......
and no, we weren't roaring drunk, just being silly and having lots of fun.
* Van Morrison - "Still on Top - The Greatest Hits" - disc 2, track 1
* Van Morrison - "Still on Top - The Greatest Hits" - disc 2, track 1
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)