darla

Rick,

I too am angry and sorry to hear about this. Know that I am thinking of you and your family and hoping there is something to be done to resolve this current situation.

Darla

Hi Stacy,

I can’t be of much help here, as I also have been denied. I too plan to appeal, but have just run into so many roadblocks. I have been in contact with Shelia and she has been a big help, unfortunately, in my case, Jim passed away so quickly we didn’t even realize at the time that there could be a service connection. Being after the fact, I am having a hard time establishing a connection. I think they know it is there, but from what I understand most of these claims are denied, however I do know that under certain circumstances some have been approved. I guess all we can do is keep trying. I was told that my best chance would be if CC is eventually added to the list of cancers connected with service in Vietnam. At this time this is not the case and who knows if or when it may ever be added to the list. If I get anywhere with my appeal I will let you know and please let me know if you have any success with yours. Good luck to you.

Darla

Hi,

I too have had many experiencies with people like this. Everything you said is so true. Unless you have gone through this you just can not understand. You have every right to be feeling the way you do after losing Wayne. I was told something by a close friend who also lost her husband and the love of her life only 3 months after I lost Jim. I read it every day and it does make me feel like I am OK. Maybe it will help you too.

It will never be quite the same after someone you love dies, but you will make it. Life will go on. You will be OK, but it will never be quite the same again and you don’t have to get over it.

It will be 2 years for me on Sept 2 and I still miss him so much. I too look forward to the day we will be together again, but until then I will do the best I can and hold on to him in my heart and memories.

Sadly, the only way these people will every understand is if & when it happens to them. Until then I wish they would keep their “helpful” comments to themselves!

Know that I am thinking of you and share the pain of your loss.

Love & Hugs,
Darla

Hi Hollie,

Thanks for the update on Sophie. I only wish the news had been better. Atleast now she will have someone there to help her out and care for her. I know it is hard when you are so far away. None of this is easy for any of us. The patient or the caregivers, family & friends. I’m not sure which is worse, to lose a loved one quickly or to have to watch them go through so much, even tho’ they are given more time. I lost my husband real quickly and it was very hard on all of us. However, now that I am thinking more clearly, I think for him it was for the best. Atleast he did not live with and suffer for a long time trying to fight this terrible disease. Either way, it is hard on all involved. Know that I am thinking of you and your Aunt Sophie. Hoping for the best for all. Take care Hollie and let us know how things are going when you can.

Love & Hugs,
Darla

Hi Mary,

I also want to welcome you. Thanks for caring enough to join. Kirstin has a great, supportive friend in you.

Darla

Pam,

Congratulations to your son on his accomplishment. I too know that Grandma was there with all of you and so proud of him. My son got his masters degree a few months after Jim passed away and we all felt his presence there with us that day and on many other occasions. Yes, Pam the sadness comes and goes and it does blindside us at times and is very overwhleming, but know that our loved ones are always with us in spirit. In the love that we shared with them and in our hearts and our memories. All of us who have lost a loved one to this disease are traveling this journey of grieving together. Each at our own pace and our own time, but together.

Take care Pam and thanks for sharing your feelings with all of us. It is good to know that we are not alone.

Love & Hugs,
Darla

Kirstin,

Sorry that things aren’t going well. I was hoping that the 3rd time would be the charm. Thinking of you and hoping you are OK. You deserve the “pity party” if it’s what you need right now. Keep us updated as to how you are doing.

Darla

Wow Jennifer,
I have to agree. Speak up and let them know how you feel if your Dad won’t. This is just not right. At one point my husband was scheduled for a Pet and after not eating all day was told it wasn’t going to be done. The next time it was scheduled I made sure I was there and got it done! They never took his bed away tho’. I’m so sorry this happened to him. I hope they get it done today and he begins to improve.

Darla