|
Post by compeateropeator on Oct 10, 2019 23:46:51 GMT
So that is what I will try. I am heartbroken and in shock. My very very best friend of over 32 years passed away on 9/28. It was unexpected and surreal. We live a mile or so from each other and I saw or talked to her just about every day. We did so much together, from trips to everyday activities. I can't really wrap my head around it. She was family, like a sister.
She had liver disease and I had just taken her down to Mass General on the 20th to start the liver transplant evaluation. We knew she was in for a ride and she (and so were we) was ready to fight.
We were on our annual vacation with another friend and she was gaining a lot of fluid and starting to get some confusion (all part of liver disease) so her husband came and got her on Monday the 23rd. She went and had a paracentesis on Wednesday the 25th. They took off 17 lbs of fluid (which they had been doing every two weeks or so) and was scheduled to have a TIPS (stent in her liver) procedure on the 10th to and try and alleviate some of the fluid issue. She felt better on Thursday. On Friday her husband called to says she was worse and that he was going to take her to the ED. We rushed down to the hospital, but all the time thinking they will will drain the fluid again and maybe move up the tips procedure.
They did labs and said that there was some suspicious white cells. By Saturday morning she was in the ICU and diagnosed with ALL (Acute lymphoblastic leukemia). They only treatment is intense Chemo and that would tear her liver apart. We took her off life support Saturday around noon and just before 8 pm she passed away...of leukemia...in 24 hours. How the hell does that happen.
She had labs done on Wednesday after the paracentesis and her platelet count was around 80,000. Lower than they should be but not unusual for liver disease. On Friday in the ED her platelet count was 26,000. Early Saturday morning they gave her a platelet transfusion and they still dropped to 15,000.
How did we go from a liver transplant evaluation to passing away of leukemia in 8 days. Drs went back and looked at all her labs over the 6 to 8 months , because she was getting them frequently, and there was no indication. Seriously how can that be. Obviously rhetorical, but I really just can't fathom this.
I am trying to help her husband and stay busy, but it just doesn't seem possible. I truly do not know what i will do without her. I know life will go on - it just does not seem possible that I will never see or talk to her again. She did not deserve this, although I know no one does.
Sorry this is so long and I am not sure that it help, but I guess it didn't hurt either. Cancer sucks and my thoughts go out to everyone dealing with crappy situations.
|
|
CeeScraps
Pearl Clutcher
~~occupied entertaining my brain~~
Posts: 3,827
Jun 26, 2014 12:56:40 GMT
|
Post by CeeScraps on Oct 10, 2019 23:50:15 GMT
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s so hard and then for all of this to happen within such a short time makes it worse.
Remember to take care of yourself. Keep your memories close.
|
|
|
Post by Merge on Oct 10, 2019 23:52:57 GMT
I’m so very sorry. What a tragic loss.
|
|
|
Post by quietgirl on Oct 10, 2019 23:55:07 GMT
I am really very sorry. I feel for you. That is so hard.
|
|
|
Post by roundtwo on Oct 10, 2019 23:56:30 GMT
Cancer does suck. So sorry you lost your friend. I lost my best friend to cancer 6 years ago and I still miss her terribly. Like you said, life goes on but it is definitely harder without the people we love.
|
|
|
Post by Skellinton on Oct 10, 2019 23:58:40 GMT
I am so very sorry. That is a huge loss in your life. Hugs to you.
|
|
moodyblue
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,178
Location: Western Illinois
Site Supporter
Jun 26, 2014 21:07:23 GMT
|
Post by moodyblue on Oct 10, 2019 23:58:44 GMT
I hope it helps some to share the story. I believe writing helps me and there is a real need in people to tell our stories. It’s also how we process what has happened.
I so understand your feelings of this being unreal, surreal, and just not possible. My husband died in January, and we went very quickly from planning the next treatment to planning for hospice. It was and still is shocking how quickly we were facing the end.
The feelings you have are so common and understandable. I still feel all of those, and am sometimes just in disbelief that this can all be real. It just doesn’t seem possible - and it's overwhelming to see all the ways you miss your loved one.
You have to feel what you feel, and not deny the emotions, whatever they are at the moment. You can expect to always miss your friend.
|
|
|
Post by disneypal on Oct 10, 2019 23:58:55 GMT
Oh - I am so sorry - my best friend and I have been best friends since we were children - 40 years now so I can imagine how you must be feeling - I am sure she was like a sister to you. How heartbreaking, I'm so sorry for your loss.
|
|
|
Post by papercrafteradvocate on Oct 11, 2019 0:00:34 GMT
I’m so sorry for your loss. 😥
|
|
|
Post by snowsilver on Oct 11, 2019 0:02:52 GMT
I'm so sorry. Cancer can be quite quick at times. Didn't I just read that Bernie Sander's DIL passed away a few days ago TWO DAYS after a cancer diagnosis? Whatever....it doesn't help your hurt. Hugs to you and know that people care.
|
|
|
Post by scrapmaven on Oct 11, 2019 0:07:04 GMT
I'm so very sorry for your terrible loss. The void that you're feeling will heal over time. I wish you healing and peace.
May your Best Friend's memory be for a blessing to all who knew her.
|
|
|
Post by malibou on Oct 11, 2019 0:11:11 GMT
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I hope the happy memories of shenanigans you guys shared will ease your pain on the tough days to come.
|
|
inkedup
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,837
Jun 26, 2014 5:00:26 GMT
|
Post by inkedup on Oct 11, 2019 0:11:18 GMT
Sending my deepest condolences and love to you. The pain of losing a sister - because that's what you are after decades of friendship - is immeasurable. Be gentle with yourself. We are here for you.
|
|
used2scrap
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,036
Jan 29, 2016 3:02:55 GMT
|
Post by used2scrap on Oct 11, 2019 0:11:37 GMT
I’m so sorry.
|
|
|
Post by cindyupnorth on Oct 11, 2019 0:12:00 GMT
OMG. I am so sorry for you. I almost lost my best friend about 2 yrs ago. She was very sick. Later I thought to myself, what would I do without her? It would be devastating to me. We have been friends 55 yrs. our whole lives. Our birthdays are 2 days apart, and we grew up together, as our Mom's were friends.
|
|
Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,969
Jun 25, 2014 23:13:23 GMT
|
Post by Nanner on Oct 11, 2019 0:13:02 GMT
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.
|
|
|
Post by stormsts on Oct 11, 2019 0:18:20 GMT
What a tragedy. I am so sorry for your loss. May all your wonderful memories you shared with her help you thru this difficult time.
|
|
|
Post by peasapie on Oct 11, 2019 0:19:02 GMT
My sincere regrets on your loss. I hope at some point the memories of all your wonderful days together will help to fill the hole left behind after her loss.
|
|
|
Post by revirdsuba99 on Oct 11, 2019 0:22:44 GMT
So very sorry for the loss of you best friend. It's so hard to understand. May you find peace and comfort during the coming days.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))))))))))))
|
|
|
Post by compeateropeator on Oct 11, 2019 0:28:28 GMT
Thank you all so much for the responses. I think maybe that is the key, not so much the typing it out, but more that people feel for your pain and understand your pain. I really do appreciate people taking the time to respond.
I am so sorry for all that have gone through situations where you have lost loved ones. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you.
|
|
samantha25
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,909
Member is Online
Jun 27, 2014 19:06:19 GMT
|
Post by samantha25 on Oct 11, 2019 0:35:07 GMT
I am so sorry. Shedding tears for you and your friend. She sounds like a wonderful person and what some great times you have shared. Hugs...
|
|
|
Post by Chips on Oct 11, 2019 0:35:23 GMT
I am so very sorry, lots of hugs and love.
|
|
|
Post by nlwilkins on Oct 11, 2019 0:37:10 GMT
What a terrible loss for you and how wonderful to have had such a friendship. Cherish the memories and continue to tell the story as it will help some. Of course nothing takes away the grief and pain, but we try. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and her family.
|
|
|
Post by leannec on Oct 11, 2019 0:40:51 GMT
I'm so very sorry for your loss
|
|
|
Post by Legacy Girl on Oct 11, 2019 0:41:32 GMT
My deepest sympathy to you at this sad time. Sending prayers for peace and healing for you and all who loved her.
|
|
|
Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Oct 11, 2019 0:48:56 GMT
(((Hugs)))
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.
Be gentle with yourself.
|
|
|
Post by hop2 on Oct 11, 2019 0:52:47 GMT
Hugs I’m so sorry
|
|
NoWomanNoCry
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,856
Jun 25, 2014 21:53:42 GMT
|
Post by NoWomanNoCry on Oct 11, 2019 1:17:11 GMT
I’m very sorry.
|
|
|
Post by HelenaJole on Oct 11, 2019 1:19:31 GMT
I'm so sorry. That's quite a shock.
|
|
J u l e e
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,531
Location: Cincinnati
Jun 28, 2014 2:50:47 GMT
|
Post by J u l e e on Oct 11, 2019 1:23:29 GMT
"I'm sorry" seems so inadequate. Big hugs.
|
|