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My dad was diagnosed with a GBM IV last June. He is nearing the end of his long fight IU am afraid. Confusion and delusions worsening...so hard to watch. Thank you for sharing your story, helps to know we are no as alone as we feel.
Misty Nicklous <jemnicklous@aol.com>
Newberg, OR USA - Thursday, May 16, 2002 at 12:56 PM (CDT)
Dear Judi,
So many shared experiences, though mine were condensed into 6 months. My husband Tony's first symptom of loss of feeling in the left fingers was in mid-January 2001. He was diagnosed first with cancer of the thyroid, then glioblastoma multiforme in the parietal lobe. He died on 28 July 2001 at the age of 55.
I have only just been able to look on the internet - no time during his illness; no inclination in the first few months. But he seemed so like Laurie - trying to teach me to cope and being more worried about me than himself. Tony had been an electronic engineer and very practical, with a great love of computing too, and to see him struggle to do things he would have done in a trice previously was so heart breaking. So many situations you described of living and caring were so familiar - I have had a good weep, even though I am at work. My colleagues are used to my "bad times", but reading your journal has been strangely cathartic, and I have added it to my favourites, as I know I shall need to read it again.
Thank you for sharing your experiences; I hope it will help others just starting out on their journeys, and maybe prompt me to write our story, particularly the end as - it seems slightly unusual, from what I have read - Tony did not go into a coma, but was awake and his eyes never left my face until the end.
Our own journeys still have some way to go, but I do so hope your and your daughters cope well. I shall think of you often, even from the other side of the world.
With kindest regards,
Janice Feilden
Janice Feilden <jayfldn@aol.com>
Buckinghamshire, England - Friday February 22, 2002 9:38 AM CST
To Judi, Kathryn and Janet
As a fellow traveller on the bt journey who lost my wife, Robyn to a gbm, please accept deepest sympathy on the passing of Laurie. He will always be with you in love and spirit.
Edwin Maher <mahermedia@netspace.net.au>
melbourne, vic australia - Tuesday, November 13, 2001 at 05:35 AM (CST)
Please accept my prayers and love after your loss. He is at peace now.
My father passed away last month from GBM IV. Our love for them means that they did not lose their battles.
Should you need the support of another walking a similar path, please don't hesitate to contact me.
All my love
Michael Davoren
www.caringbridge.com/co/darryl
Michael Davoren <mjdavoren@bigpond.com.au>
Brisbane, Qld Australia - Monday, November 12, 2001 at 06:29 AM (CST)
Dear Judi, Kathryn and Janet. Deepest sympathy from the Ellis family. One chapter in the book of life ended very sadly last night, I am sure he will look down and his heart will be full of good times and love for the beautifull family he has left behind.
David, Janine, Grant, Stuart & Madeline.
- Monday, November 12, 2001 at 05:13 AM (CST)
Judi, Kath & Janet
We are really sorry to hear about your loss, words cannot express what you must be going through. Laurie is now at peace and his story has touched the hearts of many (none more so than me)-thank you for your courage and strength to share it with all of us.
Laurie has won a place in all of our hearts and his memory will stay with me forever.
If ever you need anything, please don't hesitate to call.
Hope to see you back at basketball soon!
Casey <the_stormwatcher@hotmail.com>
- Monday, November 12, 2001 at 12:58 AM (CST)
Judy and family,
I have been following Laurie's journey since I found the web site through Marg's Journey. Checking on Laurie has become a daily routine for me. I sorry for your loss, but I'm glad he passed away at home where Laurie wanted to be.
My own mother has a GBM iv...
God Bless,
Lisa Santana
M. Lisa Santana <santana81@home.com>
Ferndale , Washington USA - Sunday, November 11, 2001 at 09:32 PM (CST)
Dear Judy, Kathryn and Janet
We're very sorry for your loss and we will always be here for you if you ever need us!
The hard struggle you have fought over these past years has ended and Laurie will always be in your heart and with you at all times! We're sure he's proud of all your efforts and achievements! He loves you all!
If you need anything come and see us! We're thinking of you.
Love
Linda and Kayla
Linda and Kayla <linkay@bigpond.com>
Melbourne, VIC Australia - Sunday, November 11, 2001 at 08:06 PM (CST)
Dear Judi & Family
You don't know me but I have been going along the same journey as you since April, and I check in every now and again to see how you all are. I am really sorry about Laurie, I am thinking of you all at this sad time.
Love Marjorie.
Marjorie Scott <jockaroo@hotmail.com>
England - Sunday, November 11, 2001 at 10:16 AM (CST)
Hi Judi
I saw Janet reffing tonight and Kathryn apparently waiting to take her sister home. Kathryn had her Koonung top on - what a great advertisement for our club!
Kathryn's ability to drive must be a great help.
Gillian and I visit your site regularly and our sadness is tempered by your fortitude in keeping all of us up to date with Laurie's situation. Our trials and tribulations seem so inconsequential in the context of Laurie's journey.
Actually, I feel strange communicating electronically when we're almost neighbours but we're constrained by an unwillingness to add to your already demanding obligations. It's part of our cultural baggage but most of us feel uncomfortable when confronted with what you and Laurie are going through. If nothing else, your site has helped to inspire me to take a more positive attitude to life and death.
If you need our help or support in any way, just let us know.
David
David Clark <dagh@ozemail.com.au>
Box Hill, VIC Australia - Friday, November 09, 2001 at 07:11 AM (CST)
Dear Judi & Girls
This is undoubtedly a very difficult time for you all. Rest assured that you have done everything that could be expected of you and that you have been assiduous in trying to understand and research the best possible care for a brain tumour sufferer. All that you can probably do now is to talk to and touch Laurie and assure him of your love and support. They say that hearing is the last sense to leave us.
I found this prayer useful when my wife was slipping away while in a coma:
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
Every day I need you Lord, but this day specially. I need some
extra strength to face whatever is to be ... This day more than
any day I need to feel You near - to fortify my courage and to
overcome my fear.
By myself I cannot meet the challenge of the hour. There are
times when human creatures need a higher Power - to help
them bear what must be borne. And so, dear Lord, I pray -
hold on to my trembling hand and be with me today.
Whatever our belief systems it is true that we need support to "meet the challenge of the hour" and I hope that your friends and relatives are sending you all the support they can muster at this time.
Prayers and best wishes
Denis Strangman
Canberra
Husband of Marg 1946-2001 gbm iv
Denis Strangman <string@hotkey.net.au>
Canberra, ACT - Friday, November 09, 2001 at 05:17 AM (CST)
Hi Laurie, I like to check your progress a couple of times a week and are allways thinking about you. It makes sure that I put some of the daily grind behind me when I walk in the door at night - and try to spend some concentrated time with the ones that you love. Ps. You should talk to your editor, its about time for a bright spot in the news column. Our thoughts are with you, Ellis Family.
David
- Thursday, November 08, 2001 at 12:46 AM (CST)
Dear Judy, Kathryn and Janet ... as Laurie prepares for his next journey, he rests in the knowledge that he is dearly loved by you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stan and Bev
- Tuesday, November 06, 2001 at 03:00 PM (CST)
Dear Laurie, Judy, Kathryn and Janet,
We pray that God will give you the strength you need, as you go through this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. love from Marj, Bill, Natalie, David & James Orow.
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 09:16 PM (CST)
We use this medium to keep in touch instead of phoning and taking up your time. Our love and thoughts are with you all.
Stan and Bev <bevstan@ihug.com.au>
- Friday, November 02, 2001 at 04:40 PM (CST)
I would like to wish you all the very best and support should you need it. My hopes and prayers are with you. All my love Michael
Michael Davoren <mjdavoren@bigpond.com.au>
Brisbane, Qld Australia - Tuesday, October 30, 2001 at 03:19 AM (CST)
Laurie, Judi, Kathryn, Janet - Have asked Kathy and Casey to pass on my best wishes to all of you when they visit this arvo, but given both have memories like a sieve, thought I'd better log on and leave my own mesage. Congrats to Janet on the PdC award - great - and good luck for exams. Thinking of you.
Harvey Sabine <harvey.h.sabine@team.telstra.com>
Melbourne, - Wednesday, October 24, 2001 at 05:52 PM (CDT)
Dear Judi, Laurie and Girls,
Glad things are going as well as they can, and my does kathryn's licence come in handy I am so glad as without it now would be hard. We will be away for the weekend but I will check in on Sunday night, If you need us for any reason we will have my phone ok.
Love Vicki
Ted & Vicki Wiseman <tvwiseman@datafast.net.au>
- Thursday, October 18, 2001 at 08:05 AM (CDT)
Dear Judi and Laurie,
I am glad to hear that Laurie is now home from hospital. We are all thinking of you. Glad that Ted and Vicki brought Mum to your place to visit you all. I wish to join them to visit but unfortunately I had deaf visitors here from interstates for a while. Hope I will be able to visit you on Monday. Lots of Love from Alison and family
Alison Schmidt <alison_w_schmidt@hotmail.com>
Hallam, Vic Australia - Monday, October 15, 2001 at 06:26 PM (CDT)
Hi Sorry i have not been to see you all, I could say i've been busy, but that's no excuse . Been kept upto date by web poages & Jeeny & Laurinda when there last
All ok down hear . Fairly wet under foot, but good season so far if rain slows up a bit. By for now.
Gregg Milgate <mairn@datafast.net.au>
- Monday, October 15, 2001 at 08:15 AM (CDT)
Hi Judi just checking in and printing out some of the entries for Ted to take to show Mum.
Love to you all
Vicki & Ted
Vicki Wiseman <tvwiseman@datafast.net.au>
- Thursday, October 11, 2001 at 06:39 PM (CDT)
Hi Judy I good to see that Laurie is stablised again. I'm sure that he will be glad to come home again, even if it does mean that you have your work cut out for you! I hear you have been galavanting at the Swiss club with the kids, thanks for bringing Claire home. Got the message about B/ball. Of course I'll coach whenever you need me to, not that the girls will take that much notice! See you soon.
Gail <gallontbsa.com.au>
- Friday, October 05, 2001 at 01:00 AM (CDT)
We are thinking of you all. There is probably little we can do to help, but you know where we are if you need us for anything.
Gail Alan & Claire <gallon@tbsa.com.au>
- Monday, October 01, 2001 at 10:27 PM (CDT)
We heard about Laurie today (Monday) and are thinking about you and the girls. If we can do anything to help let us know, you know how to contact us.
Alan and Gail Reynolds <gallon@tbsa.com.au>
- Monday, October 01, 2001 at 08:20 AM (CDT)
Hi, I like the new look
Vicki
- Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 08:42 AM (CDT)
Hi Judi & laurie, Ted is veiwing the internet for the fist time, knee is on the mend but stiil a little unstable on steps but hopefully in about four weeks I will be up and able to swap homes. Great news about Janets team bet their happy. How did you go with the late night sit up for Janet?
Love Ted & Vicki
Ted & Vicki Wiseman
- Saturday, September 08, 2001 at 07:11 PM (CDT)
Just checking up on you.
Love Vicki
Vicki Wiseman <tvwiseman@datafast.net.au>
- Friday, August 31, 2001 at 10:02 AM (CDT)
My mother was dx on 1/11/01 and mentioned along with your website the other day on Marg's Journey. God bless you and your family - we will keep you in our prayers.
Wanda Long (Pat Anderson's daughter) <wandalong3@aol.com>
Raleigh, NC USA - Friday, August 24, 2001 at 04:43 PM (CDT)
Hi Laurie , Judi and Girls,
I don't know if I pushed the right buttons the first time so here goes again.
Its great to hear that you have new towel rails I will be able to try them next time I am there.
Love Vicki
Vicki Wiseman <tvwiseman@datafast.net.au>
Traralgon, vic Australia - Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 06:31 PM (CDT)
- Sunday, August 19, 2001 at 06:28 PM (CDT)
Dear Judi, I have the correct e-mail address for you,please send me back yours,as we can have better chats.
Thanks again for the lemons, they will help my cold.
love Kerri
Kerri McManus <ruffy59@hotmail.com>
- Monday, August 13, 2001 at 06:14 AM (CDT)
Great to see my name up on the screen, but it was a pleasure to do something for you and Laurie as we feel a little helpless.
Vicki Wiseman <tvwiseman@datafast.net.au>
Traralgon, vic - Saturday, August 11, 2001 at 11:46 PM (CDT)
Judi and Laurie, I don't seem to be able to pop over for a chat and a cuppa as often as I should, I'm back at work nearly 4 days and have hughe commitments which I am struggling with at the moment not to mention a very heavy cold which you will be glad that I am not sharing with you.
Think of you both all the time, and enjoy reading your journel, keep positive and I will catch you both when the flu bug has dissapeared. Love Kerri and co.
Kerri McManus <www.hotmail.com (ruffy59)>
Melbourne , Vic Australia - Thursday, August 09, 2001 at 07:16 AM (CDT)
My sister is in the same situation, in the bed with her leg left leg elevated due to swelling. You guys are not alone. I wish you the best in your fight, and your website is great!
http://www.geocities.com/jasonthiel2000/
Jason Thiel (Jamey Miller's Brother) <jthiel@altavista.com>
Jacksonville, FL USA - Tuesday, July 24, 2001 at 10:47 AM (CDT)
Congratulations to you both on your Wedding Anniversary, a great milestone. Funny about the hoarding up of things one might use 'one day'. Let me tell you, it runs in the family!
Luck and best wishes to you,
Marg, Mal, Jessica and Billy
- Thursday, July 19, 2001 at 10:25 PM (CDT)
Gillian and I were just thinking about how Laurie was going so we visited your site. It must be very difficult for all of you and it is inspiring to read of how you are dealing both with Laurie's condition and with the day to day challenges.
Our thoughts are with you,
David, Gillian, Andrea and Harley
David Clark <dagh@ozemail.com.au>
Box Hill, VIC Australia - Saturday, July 14, 2001 at 10:22 PM (CDT)
Have spent some time over the last few days reading the journal and guestbook entries. The strength you guys must find in such overwhelmingly difficult times is inspiring.
Laurie, (won't call you Uncle coz we know you don't like it!)our love and thoughts are with you as well as with Judi and your girls. Thank you both for sharing your journey with us. Love Marg, Mal, Jessica and Billy.
Margaret and Malcolm Smith <msmithset@ansonic.com.au>
Tyrendarra, Vic Aust - Thursday, June 28, 2001 at 05:28 AM (CDT)
Margaret Smith <msmithset@ansonic.com.au>
- Monday, June 25, 2001 at 09:35 PM (CDT)
Laurie & Judi
9 months ago my husband was dx with gbm4 . It was along struggle He is now at peace May13 ,2001 he passed away one day before his 41 birthday . Paul was a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. here in canada Paul was on Dexamenthazone .Dilantin he did 30 treatments of radation and one round of chemotherapy His tumor was on the front left side.You & your family are in our Prayers
Donna Bertrand <pdndbertrand@sk.sympatico.ca>
Saskatoon,Saskatchewan , Canada - Thursday, June 07, 2001 at 11:29 PM (CDT)
Hi laurie and Judi,
I know we have never met but my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Keep fighting Laurie!!!
From Debbi Van Leeuwen
Daughter of Dawn Galley...GBM 4 now at peace.
Debbi Van Leeuwen <debbim@ihug.com.au>
Upwey, Vic Aust - Thursday, June 07, 2001 at 08:35 AM (CDT)
Laurie & family
All the best for the MRI. Almost 12 months ago we knew nothing about brain tumours, now we know more than we wish to know.
Prayers and best wishes to all who are travelling this journey.
Denis & Marg Strangman http://www.geocities.com/oldparl/journey.htm <string@hotkey.net.au>
Canberra, ACT Australia - Tuesday, June 05, 2001 at 08:54 AM (CDT)
Hi Laurie, you are one up on me, can't remember the last time I went to the zoo. Stuart was there earlier this year and got to hear the Jazz session at feeding time. Great fun apparantly.
Well, apologies for using this forum to connect to Rod & Marge, but never thought that I would hear that they actually left on their trip?? Suppose they got the guttering and all the other jobs finnished... Rod, you know those Aluninium repair rods you bought at Wandin, didn't expect that I would ever need them, but .. don't suppose that you will be back before the weekend ?
David Ellis
- Thursday, May 31, 2001 at 06:23 AM (CDT)
Sat. 19th, May. Writing from Victor Harbor, SA (a beautiful place!!). This is our first check on this - great to receive news.
Lots of love
Rod and Marge
Rod and Marge Martin
- Saturday, May 19, 2001 at 12:48 AM (CDT)
Grant has lots of bits and pieces for computers if you need something ... can't say that he would be able to fix it but he hasn't blown anything up yet.
David Ellis
- Sunday, May 13, 2001 at 05:11 AM (CDT)
Hey Laurie, just thought I'd write and let you know that we are always thinking of you and that we are here to lend you and your family all the support, friendship and encouragement that you undoubtedly deserve. Keep fighting.
Casey <the_stormwatcher@hotmail.com>
Melbourne, Vic Australia - Monday, May 07, 2001 at 01:12 AM (CDT)
Hi Laurie. Judi sent me the address and I will check up every few days. Hope the new treatment doesn't make you too nauseous. Will see you at the games if you are feeling up to it. You've gotta come good, we need to build another bathromm for the gang and looking for a good tiler.
David Ellis <david_ ellis@ satyam-infoway.com.au>
- Thursday, April 26, 2001 at 08:39 AM (CDT)
HOPE YOUR FEELING BETTER TODAY OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU WISH THERE WAS SOMETHIHG MORE WE COULD DO THAN MERELY SEND OUR THOUGHTS. WE HOPE AT TIMES THE FACT THAT WE CARE AND THINK OF YOU OFTEN MAY ASSIST YOU MORE THAN THE MEDICATION AT TIMES. YOUR NOT A BAD BLOKE FOR A TILER!!!!
LOVE SUE AND SHANE
- Saturday, April 21, 2001 at 01:59 AM (CDT)
c wyatt
melbourne, vic australia - Saturday, April 14, 2001 at 11:37 AM (CDT)