My thoughts and prayers go to Chris's mother, Chris and his family. Like the thread says, Help From Above Some issues need divine intervention, some things can't be fixed with a hammer... May you and your family get the help needed to keep your mother with us and your family strong. I deleted the other thread and started this one as I was so terribly misinformed about Chris's mother. I am sorry Chris. Here is what Chris posted on his mother........... All, Last Saturday I learned that my mother has uncurable, terminal Stage IV lung cancer. She is 64, and smoked a pack a day since she was 16, and had considerable exposure to asbestos. She started feeling as if she had bronchitis in mid October, and by early December it hadn't gotten any better so she went to Group Health. They didn't see any signs of bronchitis or pnuemonia, and sent her home with an inhaler. She went back two weeks later when her condition worsened, complaining that her body ached all over and it hurt to breathe hard or when she coughed. They took Xrays and a CT Scan, and she asked for a referral to a specialist. Two weeks later (Wednesday January 3rd) she went to a chest specialist. By then she was experiencing shortness of breath as well. Since the company I worked for was sold in Mid October and they closed our office on December 29, I was working from home that day (I have a job through Jan, 31), so against her wishes I drove over to her place (Her, my dad and her mother live together about 70 miles away) to take her to the appointment, as I didn't feel comfortable with her driving. the chest specialist looked at her scans, checked her oxygen levels (dangerously low) and immediately put her on oxygen to get her levels up to above 90 (she was in the high 60's). He told us she needed to be checked into the hospital immediately so they could run some tests in the morning to figure what was ailing her (bronchioscopy and bone scan), her xrays concerned him as a significant part of her lung was filled with something other than air and was not functioning properly, and she also had spots on several bones that concerned him. She spent Thursday in testing, while I went back and forth being with her and caring for my father (69 and completely reliant on my mother, doesn't even drive) and grandmother (84 with Parkinson's and a number of other ailments, and also completely reliant on my mother). By Friday afternoon everything pointed to lung cancer (I suspect that the specialist knew immediately, but needed to run the tests to confirm it). On Saturday morning, an oncologist confirmed it, and told us it was already advanced to Stage IV (of IV), and spread to her lower spine bones, rib cage and thigh bones (femurs). They started bone radiation treatment on Monday, among other things, to try to strengthen her bones so that she will be able to get out of bed without fear of breaking them, and as of Wednesday afternoon they had improved her breathing to the point that she doesn't need an oxygen mask, just a nose tube. If she responds positively to these treatments over the next week, they will see if she is strong enough to undergo cancer treatment, and we will then discuss treatment options (most likely Chemo) and whether they thing they can extend and improve her quality of life. The goal here being to slow the spread of the disease, as they can not cure or remove the cancer. If she isn't strong enough to undergo treatment, then they will start supportive care (trying to ease as much of the pain and discomfort as they can to allow you to die gracefully). On Tuesday afternoon, we told my grandmother the news, and checked her into the hospital with chest pains and fluid on her lungs. She is doing better, and today was released to a skilled nursing facility. I have spent every day of the last week and a half either staying at their place, or commuting back and forth. As you can imagine, the last ten days have been very trying for my family, and we all appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Thanks to all, Chris __________________ Chris 1969 GS 400 Auto Conv. 1970 GS 455 Auto Conv. 1969 GS 400 Stage 1 Auto Conv.
Chris you're not alone. I just recently lost my Dad. He was 67. Take care and try to keep a positive attitude. Things have a way of getting better over time. - Ari
I was just responding to a PM from Tom Miller, who was checking in on my situation, and I thought I would give an update (thanks again for the email Tom, and the rest of you who have sent me emails and PM's and posts with your thoughts and prayers, I really appreciate it!). I am hanging in there, but it has been a tough two and a half weeks. We transferred my mom from the hospital to the skilled nursing facility (well, actually Group Health transferred her) today. My grandmother had already transferred to the same facility last Friday. They are both undergoing rehab to try to regain their strength. My mom has been in quite a bit of pain, the drugs help, but I can tell it still hurts, and she is a very tough lady. The only thing she took prior to being hospitalized was tylenol and 2 vicodin, over several weeks. The doctors couldn't believe it. The cancer had spread to so many bones they were surprised she could walk. That being said, even with her toughness, they give her less than a month to live. The cancer has just spread too far, and she is too weak to undergo treatment to slow the spread. They fear any kind of aggressive treatment would result in more pain and suffering, and possibly even accelerated death. In speaking with her in the last few days, it is clear to me that she has accepted her fate and is ready to leave this world. She has done what she needs to do, and believes it has already taken too long to end. She is still fighting, but she realizes the end is probably very near. I think her acceptance has probably helped me come to grips with her eventual passing. I know when the time comes it will be tough, but I am comforted by the thought that she is ready to accept to it, and does not fear the outcome. We haven't given up hope for a miracle yet, but I guess at least we can accept the outcome if it is death, as we know that that outcome isn't as bad as once thought, and her time on earth is not as pleasant as it once was. I am finding it hard to get to excited about Buicks and other things right now, but I know that will come back in time. Less than two weeks before we learned of my Mom's condition, I bought one of my dream cars (69 Stage 1 convertible, since I will not be able to afford a 70 Stage 1 convertible), and even that isn't doing it for me right now. Maybe when it arrives later this month it will get the juices flowing again? Anyway, I do enjoy reading the board posts and the emails from my Buick family and friends, it helps me redirect my thoughts, even if only for a short while. So please do not take the fact that my posts are less frequent as I sign that I am not still here. I may not be here as often, but I still try to check in at least every day or two. I want to take a moment to thank the board for allowing me to meet and befriend so many wonderful individuals over the last few years, and I want to thank you all for the tremendous support. Please remember to tell your loved ones how you feel about them, and take time out of your busy schedule to spend it with them, because you never know when curcumstances will change and you won't be able to do the things you take for granted. I was fortunate that I had a very good relationship with my parents, but I know many who don't. Tragic events like this make you stop and realize how petty some of those differences are that can come between you and your loved ones. Thanks for listening, just typing this provided therapy for me!:beer
so sorry to hear chris, u dont know me but i can relate as my mom has been smokin since 16 also. But she says its too long to quit now as she is 57....and i kno the end is near....all of my thoughts and prayers go to you..as for your mother...she is a very strong women and i commend her for that....you take care and im sure God wouldnt mind another person to feed at that big round table....take care man kyle
Kyle, Thanks for your thoughts, sounds like the same thing my mom said. Please share my story with your mom, and try to encourage her to go to the doctor and get checked, and to also quit smoking. They say that quitting before you have lung cancer, even that late in life, decreases your chances of getting it, even if you have smoked for as long as she has. Thanks, Chris
Chris... I dont know what to say Bro... I just sent you a email to tell you that Dad and I will be in town tommorow for a layover and wanted to hook up with you... and then..... I just now see this post. All I can do is send out my Prayers to you and your Family.. Sorry to here this bad news, this sure gives a reality check to us all. God Bless you and your Family. The Swarthout Family
Sorry to hear the news Chris. I too will keep your family in prayers. My wish is nothing but the best for you and your family in the difficult time ahead. Jim
Chris I am so very sorry to here this about your mother. Prayers for you and your family will be from many here including me and my family. It sounds as though you and your father where blessed with a Very loving mother and wife and that is something you can hold onto for years to come thankfully you have been graced with here for many years and it sounds as though your family was a close family for all thoughs years. myself having lost my father when I was 21 thank god many times that I had my father for thoughs what seem very short 21 years and I would have loved for him to hold his grandchild some 18 years after his passing but I am happy to know that somewhere he is looking down with a smile as he sees a little red headed blue eyed girl drive me just as crazy as I drove him all thoughs years ago. I hope they find a miricle for your mother but if not may these final days be a blessing. I pray the good lord wraps his loving arms around you, your family, and her as she goes this final jurney. May God be with you
tough times take tough people hang in there Chris,were two of the toughest:shock: but i'm the pretty oneou: hope you got a giggle out of that:laugh: hang in there buddy,see you at the bellevue meet,i hopeps:im the pretty boy on the far left,Chris is next to me...& in my best wishes bro'
Hey Denny, Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, wish I could have hooked up with you and your dad on your back from BJ, would have been nice to see you guys again. Hopefully next time you are in town we can get together! Thanks, Chris
Thanks Ryan, Jim, Dan and Jamie, I really appreciate it! And yes Jamie, you got me on that one, brought a smile to my face.p
Chris - my thoughts are with you during this difficult time If you need or want to talk, you have my #'S
Hi Chris, Just thought I would chime in again and tell you I have been thinking and praying about you and your entire family. Don't worry about the boards - we will always be here when you have the time and desire to chat. Take care of that family, and yourself. Thanks for the update, and feel free to keep them coming, especially if it helps you. If you need anything, you have my numbers. Call or email anytime. Take care, James
Chris, I hope you lean on the LORD in a time as this. My families thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. Jeff
Hello Everyone I just got this email from Chris and thought I would share it with everyone here as I know Chris and his family have been on many board members minds Rest in peace Carol and God bless Chris and his family "All, I wanted to let you know that my mom, Carol Ann Pollak, passed away last night (Thursday night) in her sleep at approximately 9:40 p.m. She had a pretty rough night on Wednesday, with a considerable amount of pain and depleting oxygen levels. They adjusted her medication levels on Thursday morning to make her more comfortable and relaxed, and she was able to sleep on Thursday. As far as I know, she didn't wake on Thursday, and certainly did not appear to be in pain and her passing was peaceful. Thank you all for your offers of help, your support, thoughts and prayers over the last 4 weeks (She was diagnosed on January 3, 2007 and passed on February 1, 2007), it has been tremendously appreciated by our family, and has helped us cope with these difficult times. Thanks again, Chris, Jess, Skyler and Emma Pollak"
It has been both the fastest and slowest month of my life. I would like to thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and support, we really do appreciate it. Thanks, Chris
