My sweet Jacques

It is with a broken heart that I post on this site to inform you that my beautiful husband of 35 years , my partner for life, the love of my life, Jacques passed away Saturday evening, Nov. 10th. Jacques was 56 years old and was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma in May 2006. He had a liver resection for the removal of a Klatskins tumor in May, 2006 with the wonderfully, skillful and compassionate Dr. Roger Jenkins at Lahey Clinic in Burlington, Ma. He fought a tough battle right to the end. He was home, where he wanted to be, for the last 7 weeks of his life. Our 2 adult children and I took care of him around the clock, hospice came in twice a week or when we needed them for meds, subcutaneous needle change etc. We were all very lucky to have had this time as we had many wonderful conversations with Jacques along with many laughs and tears. My children, Shawn and Rachelle, showed incredible strength, compassion, and love for their father and never complained about anything they were asked to do. The kids and I took the 7 weeks off of work to be able to spend our time with him around the clock. We cherished each and every minute. He was able to talk to us right up until the last 18 hours of his life. Jacques ws thrilled to see ultrasound pictures of our first grandchild, as our only daughter is expecting a baby boy in March. He also cried tears of joy when our son announced that he proposed to his girlfriend of 7 years. Memories – every day making memories.
Jacques left this earth very peacefully and even though I am feeling completely empty inside, I know that he is in a better place, I am the one living in hell without him. I also know that we will be together again one day and in the meantime he will walk with me for life. I miss him more than I can express and life will never be same for myself or our family. But we know we will see him again one day, and that’s what keeps us hanging on.
I have looked to this site over the past year and a half for some sort of guidance and one day, I hope to put Jacques’ entire story on the Cholangiocarcinoma site, as I have journaled extensivley. Right now I am angry, sad, confused, and my heart is aching. My Jacques was so young and full of life, never sick a day in his life, worked hard running his own construction business and was taken down so quickly with this damn cancer.
I am so sorry that every on this site is or has experienced this horrific cancer with someone they love so much. My hearts goes out to you all as you go through this terrible journey.