So yes, I seem to talk about cancer alot these days. And I wish I didn’t have the need to release, but I do. So knowing what this blog is about, feel free to not read any further.
On March 12th, a number of us received an email from Jermar that his Aunt, Sandra, had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer…but no worries there was a plan in place. Then on April 4, Sandra endured an almost 9 hour surgery as they removed her thyroid, jugular vein, some lymph nodes and some nerves. Even after that surgery both Brett (her husband) and Sandra were very upbeat and ready to deal with the next steps. The doctors were considering both chemo and radiation since they knew they could not get it all. Then on April 17th Sandra and Brett received the news that this stupid cancer had spread to her lungs. At that point, they decided not to move forward with any chemo or radiation. They also decided that they did not want any visitors except Brett’s sister, Deb, Jermar’s mom.
Deb and Phillip went to see Sandra that Saturday, the 19th. Thankfully they had that time to visit and again Sandra was very up beat. But after that visit, Phillip told Jermar and Tell (his sister) that if they wanted to see Sandra they better plan a visit quickly. Quickly was not soon enough.
Yesterday Brett told us that Sandra had trouble breathing the night before so he called an ambulance. She was rushed to ICU and put on a ventilator. Brett said anyone that wanted to see her should come to the hospital because this morning life support would be stopped. Jackie and Jermar were able to head right to the hospital and see her…but as Jermar said he never really had to chance to say goodbye to her because at the hospital it was only her body and the machines. No word yet this morning, but I know everyone is expecting something.
Let me tell you a little about Sandra! Both she and Brett were the kindest, most caring people. They were always optimistic about life. Sandra worked for many years at Northwest/Delta and enjoyed a great career there. She had to handle some of the most crabbiest customers, but did it with grace and style. Brett met Sandra later in life. And it was Sandra that helped heal the brother/sister relationship between Brett and Deb and those 4 became best buddies moving forward. Sandra does not like dogs!! But every time we had a family gathering at Jackie and Jermar’s, Monte made it a point to come and sit right next to Sandra. He was determined to make her a pal to him!! And she smiled as he sat next to her, even though you knew deep down she was gritting her teeth. At every family gathering, Sandra was there with open arms and hugs and would be so glad to see you and could not wait to hear what is going on in your life. At one point, after she retired, Delta begged her to come back for awhile there were so overwhelmed. I think she enjoyed their understanding of how important her role was and stayed as a contractor for a few months. But she was just starting to enjoy full retirement and was waiting patiently for Brett to take that retirement step.
I know these next few weeks with be difficult and emotional for all of the Larkins family. They are in our thoughts and prayers as they traverse this difficult journey!
Take care….say hi to a stranger!
Dandy Ventures 