November 20, 2011

Dr. Miller met with us Wednesday afternoon to let us know the CT scan did not reveal good news. Although the Zelboraf had slowed the growth of Jon's tumors enough to give us a few extra months together, it had not been able to keep up with the tumor growth.  The extent of Jon's tumors was such that they were no longer treatable.  The doctors had tried everything, and they suggested that we make Jon as comfortable as possible for the time that he had left. On Saturday, we moved Jon to the Dove House in Westminster, a lovely inpatient hospice care facility.  It was truly wonderful there. We were allowed to bring our cat Fisher, and I was able to stay with Jon around the clock. We were in a much bigger room, and the nurses managed his comfort level wonderfully!  It made everything so much easier on all of us.  Jon was comfortable, and I was able to spend special time with him as his wife knowing that extra support was just outside of the door if I needed it.

Once we were settled in the Dove House, they made Jon comfortable, and he rested peacefully. We had amazing support from our family and close friends who were there with us on both Saturday and Sunday. Jon continued his fight through Sunday night and passed away peacefully Monday morning at 4:17 am with his family by his side.

I am doing as well as can be expected during this difficult time. I am doing my best to take care of myself and the baby--just like Jon wanted me to do all along. We have an amazing support system taking great care of us :)

A memorial service for Jon will be held on Saturday, November 26, at Chaplegate Presbyterian Church in Marriottsville, MD at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jon's name to the National Cancer Institute, a component of the National Institute of Health or to an Educational Fund to be used for the benefit of Jon's expected daughter.

To make a donation to NIH, send checks payable to the National Cancer Institute, attn: The Director, The National Cancer Institute, Building 31, Room 11A-16, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892; a donation letter should be sent indicating that the donation is to be used for research at NCI.  To make a donation for Jon's daughter, send checks payable to First Financial Credit Union, attn: Gabriele Black, 1215 York Road, Lutherville, MD 21093; please include a note on the memo line that the donation is part of the "Benefit for Anneliese Bruce."

NIH Donation Website