Hello everyone, I'm a longtime member here whom I hope some of you will recall. I haven't been around much because of battling serious health problems, but for many years prior to 2023 I visited and posted at least daily. I was a moderator for six years and have been a Guide since 2011. I've always loved it here, but now the time has come to prepare to say goodbye.
You see, I was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma of the lung with mets to the other lung and lymph nodes. My prognosis is extremely poor; chemotherapy is the only mode of treatment available for my kind of cancer, and I don't want it. I always said I'd never do chemo because of what I saw it do to patients, most of whom were miserable from throwing up and having diarrhea and not feeling like eating because of the nausea. They lost their hair, their teeth, and a good portion of their dignity. No thank you! I'd rather have six months of "OK" than a year of feeling terrible.
So, I've chosen to let nature take its course. No more hospital stays, doctor appointments, scans or procedures. I'm on hospice, which has already helped tremendously with comfort care and things like funeral planning. I have good days and bad days; today is one of my good ones, which is why I'm posting this now. I don't have much energy or strength, and I sleep a lot. Food doesn't interest me, so I've lost a lot of weight. But my soul remains strong, and I'm looking forward to the day when I see my husband and baby daughter again. I know I walk with God and trust him to lead me home.
Thanks for reading this rather lengthy post. I've enjoyed being here at AN all these 22 years, and I'll still be around for a little while yet so I'll keep checking in. God bless you. Viva
Many thanks Dianah for updating here about Viva's death.
She and I have met in person a few times. She, another AN member, and I chatted frequently together on Messenger about all things, big and small; funny and sad. I'm grateful to have known her.
She definitely made an impact in many ways and will be greatly missed.
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
My rather nutty grandfather who introduced me to Irish paganism taught me that death does not mean one is gone because their essential energy lives on in the memory of those they leave behind. Thanks for the update!
I'm so very sorry for the loss of such a wonderfully spirited soul. I've lurked here more than posting in recent times. But when I was actively posting in my 'BSNintheWorks', 'BSNbeDONE', and a few other username days that I can't remember, I learned so much through reading her posts. I'm in such disbelief right now. Viva will be truly missed. My sincerest condolences and prayers are extended to her family.
Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN
11,305 Posts
Many thanks Dianah for updating here about Viva's death.
She and I have met in person a few times. She, another AN member, and I chatted frequently together on Messenger about all things, big and small; funny and sad. I'm grateful to have known her.
She definitely made an impact in many ways and will be greatly missed.
❤️