The hardest blog of all

This is the blog that I hoped I would never have to write.  Ernie’s symptoms have been progressing rapidly despite the chemotherapy.  Because of this, the oncologist ordered another scan.  Unfortunately, the scan showed that the tumors in his throat and lymph nodes are all growing. 

Effective Sunday, we withdrew from chemotherapy and entered hospice care.  Right now, Ernie is at the Kate B Reynolds Hospice Home where they are working on pain and symptom management.   In two or three days, when these things are under control, we will return home for the duration.  We are hoping for some good days when Ernie could receive visitors but we will have to play that by ear. 

My apologies to all of you who have written, called, emailed and texted.  Ernie’s symptoms have progressed so rapidly that we have struggled to keep up.  We are so grateful your concern and attention.  It helps us tremendously to know that we are not in this alone. 

Here Comes The Bride

Ms. Cynthia J. Skaar Weds Mr.  Ernest J. Fackelman (again) in Catholic Ceremony

 Ms. Cynthia J. Skaar and Mr. Ernest J. Fackelman were united in marriage in a Catholic ceremony on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at half past five o'clock in the afternoon at the Cancer Center, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, room 637 in Winston-Salem, NC. The private ceremony was officiated by Father Brian Cook of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church.

The bride wore a chartreuse V-neck sweater with matching pashmina shawl and black slacks, adorned with a silk flower wrist corsage (no real flowers allowed in the oncology floor of the cancer center).   The groom wore his best flannel pajamas and white cotton robe.  His boutonniere matched the bride’s wrist corsage.  

Following the ceremony, the couple departed for home where they plan to spend the rest of their lives together.   It was the most joyful of days and made them both feel young again.