Richs Plea

I'm going to mark this link and pass it on to all those I know who smoke.  I'm not going to 'forward' it -- that would look too much like all the urban legends we all get and ignore.  I'm just going to send this and say "A friend of mine whose husband smokes sent me this".  And let THEM read it.

Julie -- thanks for doing what you're doing for Rich.  You ARE making a difference.  Tell Rich, please, that HE is making a difference.

A lot of people won't say.  A lot of people may read this and never say a word because they can't ... or they're scared ... or don't want to think about it.  But they WILL read it.  And they'll know this is the reality many face. 

It's common now, with so many public areas being "non-smoking" to see people using smokeless tobacco now.  They're prime targets for this. 

Tell Rich he is making a difference. 

ottoluv

You both are in my prayers, thank you for sharing this. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to got through this. You are a strong woman!

Ditto that.

Rich's message has renewed my commitment not to smoke!  My grandpa smoked himself to 4 massive heart attacks and a coma but is still kicking (with heart problems).  Younger, healthier people have died from less.  My dad smoked himself to a large tumor behind his ear before he was 40 years old, and he was lucky too because he wasn't supposed to be able to smile ever again after surgery, but for some reason the nerves remained intact.

Thank you for sharing this.  It is so hard to watch a loved one go through this.  My father in law smoked for 30 something years.  He quit about 3 years before he got pancreatic cancer which spread to his liver and the tumor was a very aggresive grower.  From the date that we found out he had it to the date that he died was exactly two months and it was horribly painful to watch him suffer the way you are having to do.  I hope for a peaceful passing for Rich.  You have both been in my thoughts for months now. 

You're in my prayers, the strength it must take to face this disease is incomprehensible.

I wish and pray for peace for you both, a painless passing for Rich and the peace, energy and strength for you to handle such a difficult time.

You may feel you're alone, but I'm sure you have no idea how many people are wishing you well at this time, praying and thinking of you both. I say this as this is my first time posting to you, but you've been in my prayers for months. And by sharing this, hopefully you've changed the course of someone else's life.

God bless you both.
 

Julie, you and Rich have been in my  thoughts and prayers since you first posted about this. You're both doing such a wonderful thing ... using this tragedy to try and help other people.  If even one person reading this stops smoking because of it, you will have accomplished something incredible. You are a strong woman and I know you'll find the strength to deal with whatever comes your way.

Joyce

Thank you guys. Being a 2 pack a day smoker before this happened, I know how hard it is to quit and how people preaching at me  about itjust made me tune out. Rich also felt that way until his doctor told him not to bother quitting. Thats a shocking thing to hear from a doctor.

Your prayers and well wishes mean so much to me  and bring tears to my eyes and Callie I printed out one e-mail you sent me and It conts to help when I start feeling weak.

Rich awareness comes and goes now, The gels work well for pain control. The tumor on his chin has sloughed off and is one hugh sore now, The smell is terrible yet there is times Rich has no idea what is going on, Sometimes he thinks it healing because its not a tumor anymore others he says "something is wrong with me, maybe I should go to the doctor." Thoses times really make me cry. When he is aware he is dying he comforts me talking about the love ones he will see. He is an amazing guy.

 Thank you for sharing.  I am so sorry the two of you are going through this.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

 You are an amazing person for being able to pour out your heart and emotions to try to help others at such an incredibly difficult time in your life. I cannot even begin to imagine what you must be going through. But please keep in mind that Rich knows and appreciates everything that you are doing for him, and that all of us are here for you. Your strength is inspiring, truly. You and Rich will certainly be in my prayers.

I will pray for you.  My boyfriend's father recently passed away from a stroke from smoking.  He was in his late 50's.  My boyfriend was his caretaker for almost two years.  Hospice was an up and down battle.  One week he was days from dying, the next he was too healthy to be on it.  He was on hospice for like a year.  His mood changed a lot too.  It is great what you are doing for him.

i'm sending this to my husband. i feel like if he doesnt quit now then we'll be in the same position as you and your husband.... he doesnt see a need to quit because, as he puts it.. statistics arent always right. and because he had two uncles, one smoked and one didnt. they both died in their upper 70's and the non smoke died first.. and the "only reason" the smoker died was from heart failure..... but his uncle was ALSO unable to breath without help.... had to carry a bottle of air everywhere with him. my husband over looks that.

.... yep... going to show this to him. must be nice to be oblivious!! 

we'll be thinking of you and praying for both of you guys too. this is a horrible position and its true love that lets you stick close to someone during this period. i know several people who would have just dumped in a nursing home.. God Bless you both! 

Blessing upon you both.  May you find support and strength in the effort to help others.  Prayers for relief and a gentle transition.

Julie--You are a true example of living your marriage vows.  I am just blown away by your ability to deal with this when hospice nurses can't. 

I think about your husband often and am praying for a peaceful passing for him, hopefully in his sleep.