DownSyn Forum

ssellen1 · Posted: February 26 2004, 12:23 PM Post subject:

There are certain people you remember influencing your life from the time you were little. My grandfather is one of those people. I remember spending 2 weeks every summer with my grandparents at the New Jersey beach. My grandfather, for as long as I can remember, always got up at 5 am, got his paper and drank is coffee. My grandmother (who passed away 11 years ago) would make breakfast. She would come wake my sisters and me and my grandfather would always say "If you want to go fishing get dressed and eat and I'll take you out." It was great visiting with them. And the penny candy we would get on the board walk. Now those were the days.

Unfortunately, my sister called last night to say my grandfather is not doing well. He was diagnosed with lung cancer in September. Now, he is 89, and he has been reading to die for a few years. He's just been too healthy. Apparently he fell yesterday and the nurse who comes in the morning to take care of him found him. He is in the hospital and very disoriented. He didn't even recognize my mother (who is having a hard time with this also). They did a catscan and the cancer has spread to his brain. They have him on morphine so he is in no pain, but please pray that he goes quickly and quietly. He is so tired.

Ellen

rhonda · Posted: February 26 2004, 12:48 PM Post subject:

So sorry to hear of your Grandfather being so sick. Your all in my thoughts and prayers.

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Rhonda

Taylor 18, Jordan 17, Dylan 8

vonda · Posted: February 26 2004, 12:48 PM Post subject:

I'll be praying. That story reminded me of my grandfather, who wasn't so lucky to live to be 89, he died when he was 69. He too, had the same cancer. He was fine, went into the hospital because he woke up on day and couldn't swallow. The cancer was EVERYWHERE, esophagus, lungs, brain, you name it. He died 1 week later. I don't know which is worse, having someone die a long, slow death that you prepare yourself for, watching them suffer for so long, or having a seemingly healthy person die from a deadly disease in just 1 short week. Either way it isn't good. At least you'll have all the great memories of him when he's gone and know that he loved you. Vonda

Amy Jensen · Posted: February 26 2004, 1:32 PM Post subject:

He sounds like a wonderful man. I will pray that he will live his last days without pain , and when he is ready, he will move on in peace.

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Amy
Mom to Gigi(15), Charlie(12) and Janie(11-Ds), and Pia( 7)

Emdad · Posted: February 26 2004, 1:39 PM Post subject:

Amen to Amy's prayer.

carolyn · Posted: February 26 2004, 5:24 PM Post subject:

What a lovely tribute to your grandfather Ellen. He sounds like a very loved man. Thinking of you and of him.

Carrie

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Mum to Keir 15th October 2001 (ds) and Rory 3rd August 2003

LoveMyLivi · Posted: February 26 2004, 5:39 PM Post subject:

Will be thinking of you and your family...thank God for all the good memories that you hold in your heart for they will sustain you always.

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Veronika

Lucky Mom to Levi 20, Zachary 14, Fiona 11,
& my social butterfly...Olivia Lianne (11/22/02-DS) :)along with her faithful sidekick York

Heidi · Posted: February 27 2004, 5:06 AM Post subject:

I hope your Grandfather has no more pain.

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Heidi

Helen · Posted: February 27 2004, 5:09 AM Post subject:

Yeah, will be praying.

Helen

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Helen

Mum to ...
Rachael, Matt - DS & Autism - and Hannah. My gorgeous kids!

Jenny · Posted: February 27 2004, 3:16 PM Post subject:

I will be praying and my thoughts are with his whole family.
Jenny

ssellen1 · Posted: February 29 2004, 4:54 PM Post subject: Update

Well, I got to talk to my dad. They are giving my grandfather weeks. The good thing is he is not in any pain. They are keeping him well medicated. He will probably not leave the hospital. He at least knows where he is and that the cancer has spread. He recognizes my mother and her sisters again. But he did tell them he's ready to go. Thank you for all your prayers and I'll keep you posted.

Ellen

NattysMommy603 · Posted: March 04 2004, 8:56 AM Post subject:

Ellen, sorry to hear that your grandfather is sick. I know you and your family are going through a fragile time. Please know that you all will be in our thoughts and prayers. Tracy