Friday 10/30/2009

Dad passed away yesterday, Thursday 10/29, shortly after midnight. Everything happened so fast over the last few days that we've all barely had time to register one stage before we were through it and on to the next. He was still responding to us on Wednesday before we moved him to Hospice, answering simple questions and looking at us. By the time he was admitted early Wednesday afternoon, he was only squeezing my hand in response. And by 6pm Wednesday, he had moved beyond that point to being completely unresponsive. It was a true blessing that it happened so fast - both for him and for us.

We understand that many of you were just here a few weeks ago for Mom's funeral and it may be difficult to arrange travel again so soon. We have planned visiting hours at the funeral home (Amherst Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME, INC. 5200 Sheridan Dr. (at Hopkins), (same place as for Mom) on Thursday, Nov 5 from 2pm - 4pm and 7pm - 9pm, and the service on Friday, Nov 6 at 11am. Both Mom and Dad will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery and we expect that to be scheduled 4 or 5 months from now. We will do another short service there and all are invited to that service.

Thank you all for your support as we went through this. It meant more to me than I will ever be able to tell you.

Gigi (Chip’s Daughter)
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Wednesday 10/28/2009
Subject: Chip Update

Wanted to let everyone know that we are moving Chip to the Hospice facility here sometime this morning. He is fading very fast. As with all liver diseases, once he reached a certain point the disease began to move very quickly and we've barely had time to keep up with the changes that have occurred from each morning to each night. Now, he's sleeping, but restless, all the time; not interested in food or drink; confused...all of the signs that we're near the end. My best guess is that we have another day or two.

I know that he would prefer to have said good-bye to each of you personally, but there just wasn't time. Please know that you were all very special to him.

Gigi
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Sat, Oct 24, 2009

What a difference a week makes... After a couple of days of looking like he was recovering from the effects of the last chemo round, Dad has gone steadily downhill over the last 2-3 days. He's not really interested in eating or drinking, even though he's making a effort. He's sleeping a lot; his water pills don't seem to be working correctly so he's retaining a lot of fluid. That's a result of his liver not functioning properly. He looks and sounds weak, he's unsteady on his feet. It seems like we've reached this point so very much faster than we should have. I'm not really sure what's happening. The hospice nurses are quick to point out that they've seen people come back from feeling so bad, but they've also seen it go the other way. Today, he's still in bed, not wanting to sit up in his chair yet. BUT, he has taken in some of a liquid meal supplement and he remembers what pills he needs to take.

So we'll just see. I'm trying to balance not sounding pessimistic with making sure no one is caught by surprise, so please don't take this note the wrong way. It's a little incomprehensible that we may already be at the end, but we need to be realistic at the same time. Sandy & I are staying with Dad and she's keeping him company watching college football. He's having trouble concentrating but is still interested in the baseball playoffs. My brother, Cappy, and I are trading off being with him on the weekdays so we can both get to work a few days a week. We now have the support from hospice for health care that we need and we'll be okay whichever way this goes. Please write to either of us - I'll start checking Dad's e-mail account today, so I can let him know you've written.

Gigi
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Wednesday Oct. 21, 2009

As some of you know I met with the doctor yesterday. Prior to the visit, the family and I talked over the options available. My daughter accompanied me to the doctor and we discussed all of the options.

We had somewhat made up out minds before this visit so the decision was not difficult. We decided to stop all cancer treatment and let the cancer play itself out. I just could not tolerate the throwing up and the other side effects the rest of my life. So, once my system rids itself of the medicine I will be somewhat back to normal as possible. I even asked her if a beer would hurt and she said by all means have one now and then, don't give up living.

Sorry the news isn't a lot more positive but I honestly believe this is the best way. The house and cars all paid for, I have no bills and Medicare and Tricare will cover the majority of the doctor's and Hospice bills, so I will be leaving the kids okay.

Chip
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Dear Sampson Vets.

As some of you know I have been experiencing some health problems lately. These problems have led me to turn over the remaining reunion duties to Dick Schweitzer and the Roll Call to Terri Sandifur. (Terri is Lucky's wife and she will do a great job). I have also appointed Dick Schweitzer as acting president while I concentrate on getting better and until such time that I am feeling up to resuming those duties.

Both Dick's and Terri's e-mail addresses are included on the next to last page of the June Roll. So please give them all the help you can while I get better.

Also, my e-mail in basket is still open and my phone still works. So holler if I can be of any help.

Chip

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