On Wednesday, October 12, he had gotten his latest results of the scan -- and they weren't good. His lower abdomen was looking fine, but his lungs had gotten significantly worse. There were hundreds of tumors, some as large as 2cm, all throughout his lungs. All the different chemo drugs, with all their horrific side effects, hadn't been slowing the cancer at all.
His doctor said that every patient is different, but he likely had between only 2 weeks and 4 months to live.
Dad didn't want the news to be all over the Internet right away. He told his children, and he asked his sister Julie to tell his siblings and their children.
I was optimistic that there would be time to share this latest update slowly and carefully, as he always was prone to do with his health matters.
But it turned out that he only had days to live. He passed away around midnight last night, less than a week after getting those scan results.
He had beaten the odds for a long time, so it shows just how sick he truly was that, when given these odds, he was gone so quickly. Dad was always one to downplay his own struggles and discomfort.
We are so glad we could all be together just a few weeks ago. I have moved here to Utah just two months ago, about an hour south, and my brother Alex came to visit with his family during his daughters' school break from October 6-10. We were able to take some pictures all together, and now these pictures will forever be priceless treasures. We're especially glad that Brett, Alex's infant son, got to meet his grandpa.
Family is forever. Dad knew that. One of his last pieces of business on this earth was to renew his temple recommend, which just happened on Sunday. We are grateful for this knowledge, that we will be together again.
But in the meantime, Dad, we will miss you so, so much!
Oh Beth, that must have been incredibly hard to write. My heart is breaking for your family. I'm so sorry. What a treasure to have these pictures. He was an amazing man and smiling until the end. Love you all!
ReplyDeleteOh, Beth! (And Kathy, Alex, Ray, and the whole B family.) My heart breaks for your loss. I have been following your Dad's journey for the entire time (I think), and had so hoped that he would be given longer with all of you.
ReplyDeleteKnow that this friend cried for you all today, and will be keeping you close in prayer.
Beth, I am so very sorry to hear this news. Max was such a wonderful boss, friend, mentor and role model to so many of us here in Los Alamos County government. He will be sorely missed - but please know that Max leaves behind an awesome legacy that was always about being positive and upbeat to the very end, no matter what the circumstances might be. That's a testimonial to the kind of true leader that Max was in every challenge that he tackled in his home or work life, and I will always remember that when I think of him. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God bless.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful man. The Lord allowed him to do what was needed to be done in the past year or so. So glad you could have these moments with him. What peace you all are able to have because of this time.
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely post! You are such a good writer Beth! The pictures are fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying not to cry here. How wonderful that your family was able to spend time together so recently before his passing. What fantastic photos! So glad you were able to get them. Lots of hugs, love, and prayers for you and your family. You will be in my thoughts!
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