Lady Salt

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead, Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves, Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves. He was my North, my South, my East and West, My working week and my Sunday rest, My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song; I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong. The stars are not wanted now: put out every one; Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun; Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood. For nothing now can ever come to any good. "Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone" W. H. Auden

MERRITT, David MERRITT, David Walter - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Walter Merritt on Thursday, September 20, 2007 after a courageous battle. David, beloved husband of Marta, dear father of Shaun, Robyn (Trevor Telfer), Jyll (James Hill), Sarah Scott and Scott Merritt. Cherished grandfather of Taylor, Cole, Gabriel and Julian. He will be greatly missed by his brother Peter and sister-in-law Christine. Predeceased by his parents Walter and Agnes Stehelin. Born in Halifax, David moved to Toronto in the early 1980's where he made his home. As vice-president of Design Build & Business Development at Ledcor, he was well respected in the construction industry. Family will receive friends at the Murray E. Newbigging Funeral Home, 733 Mount Pleasant Rd. (south of Eglinton) on Sunday, September 23 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A funeral service in the funeral home chapel will take place Monday, September 24 at 11 a.m. Cremation has already taken place and interment will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to a cancer charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Hubby has bone mets also... three ribs and the third vertebrae are compromised. He will start treatment next week on Tuesday: 10 sessions of radiation. The oncologist said he was too weak to go through chemo and radiation at the same time, so he will have the appointment with her after the radiation is over. Please keep us updated. I will add you to my prayers.

Many prayers for good news. Keep positive

I hate this disease with a passion so immense, it is only surpassed by my love for my husband... barely. I understand the wisdom when caring people advise to "keep positive", and I believe we all try to. I know I struggle very hard to maintain a positive attitude... specially when my beloved husbad is around. But I see him suffer, I see him go through so much and I can't do anything for him. And that feeling of desperation creeps up inside, and the anger bursts in flames in my heart, and all the light goes off and leaves me in that black hole. And it is all I can do to cling to reason not to go completely mad. I guess what I am trying to say is, it is ok to feel that way. I dont believe anyone in his right mind could go through something as terrible as this disease without getting some serious anxiety and stress attacks. When it happens, let it all out. Cry, yell, kick, hit, cry again, and keep on crying. It helps. At least it helps me. After letting it all out I feel I am ready to go and take some more in. A huge bear hug for you. And another for your husband. He sounds like he would get along just fine with mine. Many prayers for you both.

Many prayers for you both

I am so incredibly happy about those news. Both of you receive a bear hug!!! Be certain that we will be keeping you in our prayers for a complete and swift recovery.

Hi Mandi, I can understand how difficult it is for all of you to have to go through this. In this site you will find answers and lots of support. Welcome! Please keep us posted on your mom's condition.

I had forgotten another little trick: A product called "Polycose". It is a powder that has absolutely no taste, and you can add it to just about anything, from soups, to mashed potatoes,to juices, milk and even water. It adds 200 calories per spoonfull. You can also get it at hospital drugstores (here they have both Polycose and Skandyshake readily available at the kids hospital) or have your pharmacy order it for you.

Dr. West, Thank you so much for answering. We are still trying to assimilate the news, and struggling to remain optimistic and positive during this time. Your explanation is very much appreciated. Thank you!

Hubby developed instant dislike for those meal replacement drinks such as ensure, boost, etc. He has not been able to tolerate them well. But one thing he likes (600 calories per glass) is "Skandyshake". You can buy the pouches at the drugstore (usually hospital drugstores) or request your neighboring pharmacy they get it for you. It tastes just like an icecream or milkshake. You can add to it (or at least I do) powdered milk (more calories and more protein), icecream, fruits, anything you like and just blend them together. I hope your mom likes them as well. There is a recipe that I also prepare for hubby at least once a week and that he seems to enjoy very much. It has almost 800 calories per serving and it is very easy to make and even easier to eat. It is called "Baked chicken salad" and here is the site: http://www.hdny.org/recipes.html I hope it helps

Wishing your dad a speedy recovery from that cough and an easy chemo treatment. Please keep us informed

I know for a fact that David had liver enzymes elevated (they also thought it was liver mets but liver was, and still remains, clear). It has never been found why an inflamation of the liver would be present. We just know it is there and so far it has not had any relevance to his treatment or illness other than the fact that doctors recommend he does not take any form of Tylenol.

Hi and welcome! As sad and difficult as it is that you had the need to find this site, be certain that you found the right place. This is a space where you will find answers, support, motivation, compassion, comfort and inspiration. Please keep us updated on your mom's situation. I will be adding you both to my prayers.

I also believe in miracles. I don't have the pleasure of having met Bill, but please say hi to him anyways. Sending prayers for him.