While holding the hand of his wife, Bill took his last breaths and took his place in Heaven just before midnight on Sunday.
While his battle with leukemia was strong and full of fight, his last moments were peaceful and full of love.
The Huber family extends our deepest thanks to all of you that have been a part of this journey. We cannot begin to express how much so many of you have done to give us strength. You have made a lasting imprint on our lives.
For those of you who would like to join us in a celebration of this great husband, father, brother, son and friend, here are the plans:
Friday, May 2
Visitation
4 – 8 pm
Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home
44 S. Mill Street
Naperville, Illinois 60540
Saturday, May 3
Memorial Service
1:30pm
Grace United Methodist Church
300 E. Gartner Road
Naperville, Illinois 60540
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Bill Huber’s memory to:
Grace United Methodist Church (address above)
Or
Leukemia Research Foundation
3520 Lake Avenue, Suite #202
Wilmette, Illinois 60091-1064
----The foundation asks that you include this information with your donation:
In memory of Bill Huber
512 Bourbon Lane
Naperville, IL 60565
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind blow at your back.
May the sun shine warmly on your face.
May the rain fall softly on your field.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Amen.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Thursday, April 24, 2008
April 24th- The cancer has returned
Give this cancer an inch and it takes a yard. When I last wrote the blasts in Bill’s blood were at 4%, no big deal. By Tuesday, the blasts were at 20%, and by today, Thursday, the blasts are at 86% of his blood. Without chemotherapy, there is no stopping Acute Mylogenous Leukemia FLT 3+. It is so aggressive.
Bill is eating very little, and drinking less. The doctor has ordered platelets and saline IV to make him more comfortable for the weekend. I have also learned that when a patient is dehydrated, the blood results are affected. With less fluids in your blood, the counts are exaggerated. The blasts may lower after saline is given.
This is a big weekend with his mom, sisters, two nieces, one boyfriend, and one great-niece
coming in to visit from Pittsburgh, PA. Once again, our friends have stepped forward. One provided airfare for one family member, others are providing transportation to and from the airport, and several friends are preparing meals for the whole weekend. We are so blessed with friends that have made themselves available so I can take care of Bill. I could not have done it without them all.
The next few days and weeks are very critical. When Bill refuses additional saline and platelets, then hospice will be contacted. I will keep you informed.
Please continue to pray for Bill’s comfort. He is not in any pain at this time. Thank the Lord. I pray that will continue to be the case.
Love you all. Our faith will help us through this.
Bill is eating very little, and drinking less. The doctor has ordered platelets and saline IV to make him more comfortable for the weekend. I have also learned that when a patient is dehydrated, the blood results are affected. With less fluids in your blood, the counts are exaggerated. The blasts may lower after saline is given.
This is a big weekend with his mom, sisters, two nieces, one boyfriend, and one great-niece
coming in to visit from Pittsburgh, PA. Once again, our friends have stepped forward. One provided airfare for one family member, others are providing transportation to and from the airport, and several friends are preparing meals for the whole weekend. We are so blessed with friends that have made themselves available so I can take care of Bill. I could not have done it without them all.
The next few days and weeks are very critical. When Bill refuses additional saline and platelets, then hospice will be contacted. I will keep you informed.
Please continue to pray for Bill’s comfort. He is not in any pain at this time. Thank the Lord. I pray that will continue to be the case.
Love you all. Our faith will help us through this.
Monday, April 21, 2008
April 21st- All is well...
Bill is so comfortable at home. His bed, his TV, friends and family visiting everyday, and a good nights rest. In the past two weeks, at least one of our children has been with us everyday. They have rotated in and out of Chicago and have been a tremendous help. It is such a joy to have them here.
Local friends have been by daily, but our biggest surprise was a visit from a friend from Kentucky and one from WV who drove into town, visited for a few hours, and turned around and drove home. Bill enjoyed seeing them so much, and so did I.
The cancer has not returned, as of this writing. His body is frail, and energy level is low. We are taking each day, one day at a time.
Friday, April 18, 2008
And Now A Word From Maggie
Grandpap is getting settled into bed for the night, so I have just a quick minute to tell all you wonderful people how my Grandpap is doing before Nana comes in here and makes me go to bed.
My mommy and I have been here for three days and I've learned that Grandpap and I have a lot in common. We both like our naps, we enjoy sweets more than veggies and we both have people taking care of us all the time.
We always found time to play! I showed Grandpap how to work all my toys (especially the loud ones) and how fast I can walk. If I practice a little more, I may be able to beat Grandpap in a race. But only if I don't have to make any turns.
While I've been here lots of friendly people have stopped by to visit or to bring some delicious food. The phone is always ringing with someone trying to bridge the distance with well-wishes. Nana and Grandpap have such wonderful friends. All my friends do is pull my hair or take my toys - I'm glad to see friendship gets better as you get older.
Today, Grandpap got platelets at the hospital. He came back pretty tired, but at the dinner table I told him lots of stories. I have a lot to say. He laughed a lot and said something to my mommy about karma. I don't know what that is, but mom rolled her eyes.
Well, it's time for me to get to bed and say my prayers for Grandpap. I think God must be listening, because he's smiling a lot more lately.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Can someone clone Mom???
Hello... Jon here, back by (un)popular demand. Mom asked me to write the blog today, so here goes.
As to be expected, Dad likes being at home much better than at the hospital. He can sleep with minimal interruptions, has a full selection of basic cable channels to choose from, and the food is much better (thanks to Mom, Questors, and the Church Choir). While I'm thanking people, thanks to the Meadors for my ride to and from the airport... and a 'future shout-out' to the Atkins, Duffs, Shotts, and Seidlitzs (Seidlitz-es???, never covered that in English class).
As for visitors, I've learned two important rules. First, use hand sanitizer immediately... otherwise Mom forgets to ask. Second, hugs are better than hand shakes. At this point, it's all about the germs. Everyone, including me, has broken these rules... and Mom forgets about the enforcement. It's the New World Order, and I know you understand.
Mom continues to stay busy with phone calls to Health Care Groups and Insurance Companies, as well as the stack of paperwork... oh... and Dad needs attention, too.
As to be expected, Dad likes being at home much better than at the hospital. He can sleep with minimal interruptions, has a full selection of basic cable channels to choose from, and the food is much better (thanks to Mom, Questors, and the Church Choir). While I'm thanking people, thanks to the Meadors for my ride to and from the airport... and a 'future shout-out' to the Atkins, Duffs, Shotts, and Seidlitzs (Seidlitz-es???, never covered that in English class).
As for visitors, I've learned two important rules. First, use hand sanitizer immediately... otherwise Mom forgets to ask. Second, hugs are better than hand shakes. At this point, it's all about the germs. Everyone, including me, has broken these rules... and Mom forgets about the enforcement. It's the New World Order, and I know you understand.
Mom continues to stay busy with phone calls to Health Care Groups and Insurance Companies, as well as the stack of paperwork... oh... and Dad needs attention, too.
Monday, April 14, 2008
April 14th- Home Sweet Home
Bill did really well on his trip home from the hospital on Friday. He was seeing the outside of the hospital for the first time when we left. Remember in February, we went to the clinic for a doctor’s visit, and they whisked us off to the hospital through breezeways and hallways, never going outside. A breath of fresh air, and a car ride home, was just what the doctor ordered.
We now have a hospital bed in the living room, that Bill has not laid down on. He is perfectly happy on the couch, with the remote, and sleeping in his own bed. Life is good.
Each day I have noticed a little more energy and his appetite improving. Plus he has very little pain. It is just nice to be home.
The Sunday school class, Grace Praise Team (choir), neighbors and Bill’s boss, Dennis, have been wonderful. Our meals have been delicious, some have picked up prescriptions at the pharmacy, others have shuttled the family to and from the airport at terrible hours of the day. We are blessed to know so many people who want to help. And their help is greatly appreciated.
Our adult children are all coming in one at a time. Kari, Jeff and Andrew (he is soooo cute and so good) were here over the weekend. Andrew brought a smile to Bill’s face. Kari watched me flush Bill’s IV line, and administer medications. The home health care nurse had given me instructions, but it was still nice to have her here for the first time on my own. Kari and family left early Monday, and Jon arrives about noon. I will try to get him to write the blog before he leaves for his take on this adventure.
A blood draw was done this morning. As soon as the labs send the results to the doctors we will know what blood products Bill needs and those will be administered at home. Amen.
Hospice is not part of the process at this time. As long as Bill is accepting blood products (platelets and red cells) and medications to prolong life, then the home health nurse meets these needs. Hospice will be available when Bill refuses life saving measures. The decision is totally in Bill’s control.
Visitors are welcome if you are healthy. Bill cannot fight off any infection. Short visits are best because he tires quickly, but he enjoys seeing everyone so much. Just call first.
Thank you for your wonderful messages. You have been so supportive through this whole illness, which is not over yet. The Lord is meeting our needs, one day at a time.
We now have a hospital bed in the living room, that Bill has not laid down on. He is perfectly happy on the couch, with the remote, and sleeping in his own bed. Life is good.
Each day I have noticed a little more energy and his appetite improving. Plus he has very little pain. It is just nice to be home.
The Sunday school class, Grace Praise Team (choir), neighbors and Bill’s boss, Dennis, have been wonderful. Our meals have been delicious, some have picked up prescriptions at the pharmacy, others have shuttled the family to and from the airport at terrible hours of the day. We are blessed to know so many people who want to help. And their help is greatly appreciated.
Our adult children are all coming in one at a time. Kari, Jeff and Andrew (he is soooo cute and so good) were here over the weekend. Andrew brought a smile to Bill’s face. Kari watched me flush Bill’s IV line, and administer medications. The home health care nurse had given me instructions, but it was still nice to have her here for the first time on my own. Kari and family left early Monday, and Jon arrives about noon. I will try to get him to write the blog before he leaves for his take on this adventure.
A blood draw was done this morning. As soon as the labs send the results to the doctors we will know what blood products Bill needs and those will be administered at home. Amen.
Hospice is not part of the process at this time. As long as Bill is accepting blood products (platelets and red cells) and medications to prolong life, then the home health nurse meets these needs. Hospice will be available when Bill refuses life saving measures. The decision is totally in Bill’s control.
Visitors are welcome if you are healthy. Bill cannot fight off any infection. Short visits are best because he tires quickly, but he enjoys seeing everyone so much. Just call first.
Thank you for your wonderful messages. You have been so supportive through this whole illness, which is not over yet. The Lord is meeting our needs, one day at a time.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
April 9th- Going Home
This is one decision I hope you personally never have to make.
But what a blessing that Bill has the mental awareness to make the decision on his own. Bill has decided that he doesn’t want to fight the battle against cancer anymore. We are going home. This was Bill's 7th round of chemotherapy in seven months. He is tired. No more treatments. The doctors and nurses have been very supportive. Arrangements are being made for care at home and hospice will be available when needed.
We might be home on Friday, but that could change. There probably won’t be any news for a few days. We will be busy setting up the house for his homecoming. The family (children and grandchildren) will all be flying or driving in over the next several days.
Our prayers are for comfort and strength for all of us.
And if you are reading this, you are our closest of friends (and family), and I send you my prayer of comfort. I know you hurt too.
But what a blessing that Bill has the mental awareness to make the decision on his own. Bill has decided that he doesn’t want to fight the battle against cancer anymore. We are going home. This was Bill's 7th round of chemotherapy in seven months. He is tired. No more treatments. The doctors and nurses have been very supportive. Arrangements are being made for care at home and hospice will be available when needed.
We might be home on Friday, but that could change. There probably won’t be any news for a few days. We will be busy setting up the house for his homecoming. The family (children and grandchildren) will all be flying or driving in over the next several days.
Our prayers are for comfort and strength for all of us.
And if you are reading this, you are our closest of friends (and family), and I send you my prayer of comfort. I know you hurt too.
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