Death's Door

elSicomoro · 04-23-2003, 12:11 AM

My cousin Jim has been in the Air Force for about 10 years now. He's a real stand-up guy...a class act. 32, a Major, married with 4 kids (another passed away shortly after birth), he's been working on some top secret shit in Colorado for a few years now. Before that, he was working on some top secret shit in Montana. It involves missiles...that much I know.

About 6 months ago, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He did chemo until recently, and was cancer-free as of two weeks ago. But he started feeling ill again last week, and after further tests, it was discovered that he has 6 new tumors, in his abdomen and chest. His only hope at this point involves stem cells. However, the chances of the treatment being successful are slim, and he would have to travel to have the procedure done, most likely to DC.

After discussion and soul-searching, he decided that no further treatment was really worth it. He made his peace, and decided that he would like to come home to St. Louis to die. He will be home next week.

I can't even begin to imagine making a choice like that--to KNOW that you could die soon (he's been given 3 months), and deciding to do so. The guy's got an incredibly positive outlook, and doesn't want anyone boo-hooing over him. He says all he wants to hear about is happy stuff. And while I'm sure he's scared inside, I find it amazing that someone can be so positive at death's door. I hope I'm that peaceful when it's my turn.

04-23-2003, 12:11 AM	#1
elSicomoro Person who doesn't update the user title Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 12,486	Death's Door My cousin Jim has been in the Air Force for about 10 years now. He's a real stand-up guy...a class act. 32, a Major, married with 4 kids (another passed away shortly after birth), he's been working on some top secret shit in Colorado for a few years now. Before that, he was working on some top secret shit in Montana. It involves missiles...that much I know. About 6 months ago, he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He did chemo until recently, and was cancer-free as of two weeks ago. But he started feeling ill again last week, and after further tests, it was discovered that he has 6 new tumors, in his abdomen and chest. His only hope at this point involves stem cells. However, the chances of the treatment being successful are slim, and he would have to travel to have the procedure done, most likely to DC. After discussion and soul-searching, he decided that no further treatment was really worth it. He made his peace, and decided that he would like to come home to St. Louis to die. He will be home next week. I can't even begin to imagine making a choice like that--to KNOW that you could die soon (he's been given 3 months), and deciding to do so. The guy's got an incredibly positive outlook, and doesn't want anyone boo-hooing over him. He says all he wants to hear about is happy stuff. And while I'm sure he's scared inside, I find it amazing that someone can be so positive at death's door. I hope I'm that peaceful when it's my turn.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)