I made this awhile ago, but never got around to posting it. Figured since it's her birthday month, and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, might as well post it now.

1. November is
Pancreatic Cancer
Awareness Month
This is my mom’s
story…

2. This woman was amazing. She was warm and inviting,
and always opened her heart to everyone.
She gave everything, and never expected anything in return.
I thought she was completely invincible.

5. Then on February 8, 2013 – a pain she had
been feeling in her stomach became too
much for her to handle, so she went to the
ER. After some testing, she was admitted.

6. Nothing could have prepared her, or
anyone, for the news that was coming.

9. She was diagnosed with Pancreatic
Cancer, and it had already spread to her
liver. Despite the horrible news, she
stayed strong during her time at the
hospital – even after suffering two strokes.

10. She never wanted anyone to worry about
her, and didn’t want to let go of control. But
everyone’s love and support was more
than evident.

12. Her room literally filled up with flowers,
balloons and cards. The never-ending love
from everyone was truly amazing.

14. After a couple weeks in the hospital, she
was sent home. No treatment was
available due to the severity of the cancer,
so all we could do was keep her in good
spirits, and try to make her as happy and
comfortable as possible.

17. Her room very quickly filled up even more
with flowers and cards from everyone. Her
face lit up every time she got something
new in the mail.

19. Having her home was a huge relief. Her
good days were amazing. She would be
alert, trying to communicate, smiling
constantly, making jokes,even eating
occasionally. We all loved it.

24. But of course, there were bad days. Some
days, she wouldn’t take her medicine, she
seemed angry and frustrated… and there
was nothing any of us, even the Hospice
nurses, could do to help her.

28. No matter what, though, she was always
surrounded by people who loved her. Even
though she couldn’t express her
appreciation, I know it meant the world to
her.

34. We had a priest come over for the
Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
What a blessing that was, for my mom and
for everyone.

36. Inevitably, her condition declined… very
quickly. After 5 great days, she just didn’t
wake up one morning. From thatpoint on,
for only a few more days, she was in a
comatose state. But her support system
never left her side.

38. On the afternoon of March 19, 2013,
surrounded by people who love her – and
with her hand in mine – she peacefully
took her last breath.

40. The support that everyone gave to my
mom was now focused on the people that
she left behind. And I can never thank
everyone enough for that. Saying goodbye
to the most important person in my life
was, and still is, the biggest struggle of my
life.

42. Now all we have left are all the great
memories of her, her writing on my arm, a
beautiful headstone that I know she would
be proud of, and an amazing guardian
angel.

45. Love you forever and ever.
11/8/49 – 3/19/13

46. There isn’t nearly enough awareness for
this horrible disease, and far too many
misdiagnoses and missed warning signs.
Spread the word that November is
Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.