The survival statistics on this type of cancer aren't the best but there are those that have beat the beast. Mike fought a good battle for almost three years. He worked right up until the end. He maintained an amazing positive attitude. In fact we went on his first, last and only long distance motorcycle ride less than 6 months before he passed...and he was eating via a feeding tube.
My friend Karen is honoring her husband's ten year survival of Head/Neck cancer by holding a ten week auction with all the proceeds going to The Oral Cancer Foundation. The items up for auction are listed here.
I hope you will take a look, maybe bid and then send the link on to all your family and friends. Head/Neck cancer is a silent killer that no one seems ready to talk about. Let's change that!
Michael, you are missed by all your family and friends. We love you and you will always be in our hearts!
Donna
Stu and Donna
Miss you daddy!!! Love you so much!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about your first love. So happy you were able to go on that wonderful motorcycle ride together. I am sure that is something you will never forget.
ReplyDeleteMay your memories bring you lots of smiles and inside hugs.
Thank you for posting about Mike. It is hard to imagine what it must be like fighting a three year battle, but having looked at the sites you linked to, I now have a slightly better idea. I knew very little about Head / Neck cancer before I read this, but now I do. I am pleased you ar able to share your memories of him through your blog. Best wishes. Gary
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post today. I was 22 when my father died on this day back in 1974. Now I have another reason to remember this day.
ReplyDeleteI remember reading about your story and Mike's battle. It is a sad but important story and you have handled it exceptionally well I think. You continue to be an example by the way you encourage others and have such a positive outlook. And you continue to have fun and live life well.
Thanks for the post. You are right - it is a something that needs to be talked about!
Donna--I have to say, I feel so so lucky that Jim is celebrating his 10 years of survival. Before his diagnosis, we had never heard of oral/head/neck cancer. It is just never talked about. I want to change that, so that getting a screening for it will be routine. Early detection saves lives.
ReplyDeleteYes, you don't hear that much about head/neck cancer. Thank you for posting. I'm sorry for your loss of Mike but glad that you've found Stu.
ReplyDeleteWe had never even heard of head/neck cancer. Your blog has opened some eyes, at least here, to another battle that rages nearly unknown! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteTouching post, Donna. I'm glad you are able to enjoy the memories with Stu's blessings, too. His is not an easy position, perhaps, but together you are proof that love is limitless. Hugs to you both.
ReplyDeleteVery touching post today. You are doing a wonderful thing bringing this cancer to the attention of others. I hope that Karen's auction is a great success and that she hits her goal and beyond.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. My husband died from brain cancer that started as a malignant melanoma on his back and then metastasized.
ReplyDeleteMy father in law died only 6 months after being diagnosed neck/throat cancer. He was 61 yrs old. It started with just a small eraser sized bump on his neck. He let it go too long..
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your loss. I'm sure its still difficult to write about. You are in my thoughts.
Arlene
Thank you so much for sharing about Mike, Donna. Your timing is unbelievable. Mo's brother was diagnosed with cancer at the base of his tongue this week. I am reading all your links and others as well. That small bump on the neck is scary. I am glad to see that there ARE survivors out there. Mo's brother is 62.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us, Donna. I can only echo what others have said. This is a terrible disease and it's something all of us should be aware of. Blessings on you, and on your 'new life' with Stu. Hugs from us - we are very sympathetic in losing a spouse, as you know.
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