SBeth

Thursday evening I got a call from Bill's brother to let me know that his mother, otherwise in general good health, took a fall and may have broken her hip. An X-ray confirmed it was broken and she was scheduled for surgery yesterday, Friday. Yesterday afternoon we learned that Marylou (Bill's mother) has a 4 cm tumor in her upper right lobe and extremely advanced and invasive cancer in her bones, and pending a PET scan, possible other mets. Just days before Thanksgiving this year we lost Bill's father to lung cancer, I lost Bill on December 9th and now, out of nowhere, Bill's mother has lung cancer. I'm shocked and feel like this is all a bad dream...but I'm also, in a sick way (I realize) very envious of her potential fate and knowing that she soon will likely be where I want to be...with him. He has always been the perfect example of a "Mama's Boy" and worried about how she would cope with his death. When I saw her in such pain Thursday evening, I could not help but feel, for the first time, that I was grateful he was gone and didn't have to see it, it would have truly been unbearable for him. She's decided that what will be, will be and is planning to refuse all treatment. She says she has buried two husbands, two parents, a sister, a nephew and two children...she's ready to go. How I envy her. But, I know that with time I will have a different outlook and until then I will spend much time reminding her of all the things I want her to tell my baby when they are together again! Please keep her in prayer for a swift and painfree release. Prayers to all and to a better 2006. Love,

My heart continues to break for you and I do know your pain. I will keep you in my prayers Pat. I love you.

I'm so very sorry Carlene; sorry for your fears and your pain. I will keep you in my prayers. I know there is nothing that anyone can tell you right now that matters more than your pain. All my love,

I never really understood the term "broken heart", not enough to truly appreciate what it could feel like...until now. It's been almost three weeks since Bill's death. The company, the cards and most phone calls have trickled down a great deal and as the new year approaches and the holidays fade, the loneliness is suffocating. I've finally found myself digging thru boxes, looking for pictures, anything with his handwriting on it, going the pockets of every pair of pants or coats looking for anything to bring him back to me. I'm just lost and though everyone says that time will help...for now I see no light at the end of this tunnel. I just want to be with him. I wish he could help me, he always helped me get thru everything and now I'm here all alone and I just don't know that I'm going to get thru this. Thanks for listening.

Dear Pat, I understand and my heart is with yours! Love,

Pat, Though I've been away from the board, I was drawn here a few moments ago and now I know why. Bill is with you, trust me, he is with you both and he will get Brian thru this and we will get each other thru it. I love you guys and I'm here for you. All my love, prayers and support are yours!

Hello everyone, I'm feeling, for the first time today, a bit stronger, maybe strong enough to pop in for a quick hello and to tell everyone how grateful I am for all the prayers and condolences. This afternoon was one week since my best friend left my side and it is so true what so many have warned, there is absolutely no way to prepare yourself for the loss and the void it leaves in my heart. I'm struggling with many issues and a great deal of grief, but would like to return to my family here and contribute again when I am able. I hope you all understand, but my presence here right now would not serve any useful purpose. Thank you all again for the cards, prayers and messages. You all will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. Love,

William F Slovacek (December 26, 1955 - December 9, 2005) Sign Guest Book | Send Private Condolences Slovacek, William F. (age 49), December 9, 2005. Loving husband of Sherry Beth (Rees) and devoted father of Tracy (Thomas) Long and Crystal Slovacek. He was preceded in death by his father, John E. Slovacek. He also leaves behind his mother, Mary Lou Greene; his grandchildren, Andrew, Austin, Kayla, Devon and Hannah; his brother, John S. Slovacek; his step-sons, Jeffrey and Scott Schrage; his mother/father-in-law, Walter (Skip) and MaryLou Rees; his brother/sister-in-laws, Tom and Wendy Collopy, Ron and Sondra Reardon, Tony and Tracy Rees and many nieces, nephews and dear friends that will greatly miss him. The family would like to offer a special thank you and appreciation to the wonderful staff at the Anderson Mercy Cancer Center for the exceptional care and support. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St.Stephen Church, Eastern and Donham Aves., Wednesday, December 14 at 10:30am. Friends may call at Geo. H. Rohde & Son Funeral Home, Linwood & Delta Aves., Mt. Lookout, Tuesday from 5-8pm. In lieu of flowers, Bill had requested that donations be made to www.lchelp.org to further the awareness of lung cancer, or, St. Stephen's Church Building Fund, 320 Donham Ave., 45226.

To my LCSC family and especially Pat and Brian. Thank you so much Pat, I'm so sorry to have asked you to pass along my loss, especially during such a difficult time you are going thru, I love you for helping me so much these past few months. I wish I could come here and post something that would give comfort to anyone. I can't. I can't right now and I can't think that I ever will be able to make anyone feel better. Bill's death was an awful and painful struggle and I have much anger that he had to endure so much before he was at peace. I don't want to just vent to feel better, my rage and passing along my experience these past few days would only cause pain and fear for so many others. Just know how hard I prayed that each of you were with us and that your prayers would help him and I hope they did. Pat and Brian...in one of Bill's last coherent moments that we were talking...for brief seconds he told me that it looked like he'd be able to help Brian and that he would do that and let you help me. You already have, and he already is. Please tell Brian how much he loved this man he never met in person. Thank you all and I'll be back around when I feel some peace myself. Love,

Kelly, I'm sure that all of your support and understanding during their battle has shown them how much you care and really do understand. I hope you are able to find a parent to cover for you so you can attend.

Ann, I hope that today is a better day for you! {{{{{Ann}}}}}}

My parents, my Dad. They came to the hospital because they knew "something" was wrong. I went out to find them and saw my Dad first and broke down crying. He told my Mom for me...I couldn't get it out twice.

I hope it passes for you very quickly TAnn. Keep the faith and keep up the fight. We're all behind you and saying many prayers for you!

Janet, My prayers that the Tarceva works for Ron and you are able to get it. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you! Love,

Dear Nancy, I read your post up to the end of the first paragraph shortly after you wrote it last night, but sadly, I had to stop for I knew I wasn't strong enough to get thru it. I'm sorry, especially since you have been so supportive of my & Bill's situation. I just wanted you to know how sad I am for you and how much I admire you and your strength. I think it is wonderful that you even were able to get out of bed and launch those balloons...I think Mike, and your brother, were with you all day long. My prayers will be with you that the week brings brighter days. Love,

Erica, I'm truly sorry for your loss. You and your family have lost your mother way too early in your life. I wish you peace and comfort in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Terri, It was wonderful to read your post. It's so good to hear that you are doing so well and that there are still options for you if Alimta becomes troublesome. We look for alot of great news from you in the new year. Until then, have a wonderful holiday. Love,

Val, Your dream sounds like a little piece of heaven sent to you from your Mom. You give me hope that when the time comes and I need a moment like this...I, too, will be given such a gift. Thank you,

Thank you Lily, that was a warm and wonderful story.

A big WOOHOO from Cincinnati. This is wonderful news. Is it too early for the pub, or did I miss the happy hours the last two nights?

We've missed you Jackie and are so happy to know that you have broken your ribs...well, you know what I mean! Please take care and let those healing bugs take over! Love,

Oh Donna..THANK YOU. As I sit here this cold and dreary Saturday morning, feeling oh so sorry for myself and my family...I have something to be happy about. It just makes me feel good to know that lung cancer DOES NOT take everyone, there are survivors. We may not have been one of them (but who knows), but your message gives me hope that should lung cancer ever cross my path again in the future, I will say to myself..."Donna G, up in Minnesota, beat it. It can be beat!" THANK YOU again Donna and have a blessed weekend. Love,

Jen, There is much wisdom in all you have posted. I agree with Ry, your post will help many. Thank you for sharing and my prayers will be with you and your family.

Hell, I'm not shy. I'd want to be Wonder Woman...who need's a good plastic surgeon when you've got those boobs!

Go shopping!