Anteater
03-09-04, 08:17 PM
My dear friend Diana is down here in So. Cal. for a visit, but it’s not a happy thing. She’s here to say goodbye to her 42-year-old brother, John (her only sibling). He is in the final stage of malignant melanoma, which spread to his brain. John was the archetypal blond, blue-eyed California surfer—traits that made him susceptible to this terrible disease.
What’s odd is that Diana and John lost their father exactly 5 years ago today. I will never forget how they rallied against their grief to deliver a very moving eulogy at the memorial service.
There are a couple of positive things in all this. John participated in some experimental treatments and trials; he lived quite a few months longer than do most patients with his diagnosis. Hopefully other patients will benefit from what the doctors learned. Also, everyone (including a wife and 3 young children) is in a good place spiritually and are ready to let go. And Diana was just down here in January; she enjoyed one last walk on the beach with her brother.
But it’s still so hard to understand! I have known these people for 34 years, and watched John grow from an adorable little boy to a handsome man.
I would like to remind you all to keep an eye on any odd-looking moles or marks on your skin, especially if you are fair-skinned and had a bad sunburn before age 18. Early detection is crucial for survivability of malignant melanoma. And be sure to wear sunblock and a hat when you are outdoors!
What’s odd is that Diana and John lost their father exactly 5 years ago today. I will never forget how they rallied against their grief to deliver a very moving eulogy at the memorial service.
There are a couple of positive things in all this. John participated in some experimental treatments and trials; he lived quite a few months longer than do most patients with his diagnosis. Hopefully other patients will benefit from what the doctors learned. Also, everyone (including a wife and 3 young children) is in a good place spiritually and are ready to let go. And Diana was just down here in January; she enjoyed one last walk on the beach with her brother.
But it’s still so hard to understand! I have known these people for 34 years, and watched John grow from an adorable little boy to a handsome man.
I would like to remind you all to keep an eye on any odd-looking moles or marks on your skin, especially if you are fair-skinned and had a bad sunburn before age 18. Early detection is crucial for survivability of malignant melanoma. And be sure to wear sunblock and a hat when you are outdoors!