My beloved husband, Gary, passed away - 1251372

anita l
Posts:5

My wonderful, amazing, kind, generous, husband and father to our three children, Gary Squier, passed away on December 4th. He died at home, surrounded by me (Anita) and our three children, Aaron, Hannah and Jake, who are 21 and twins who are 19.

Gary was not a smoker and had no symptoms of lung cancer. He played tennis twice a week, hiked mountains and was in great shape. We discovered through a chest x-ray before a hip operation. Doctors thought it was an infection as he had no symptoms. After the 2nd biopsy, and CT scans, I immediately turned to the Grace community and even talked to Dr. West. I deeply appreciated the support of this community. When Gary was diagnosed with a rare form of this cancer--sarcomatoid adenocarcinoma--I got so much information from this Grace community. Laya--meeting you and sharing the same oncologist was very helpful and supportive. I am thinking and praying for you and your mother. Gary pursued a clinical trial of chemo which slowed the cancer a little. He was an incredible fighter. He so wanted to live. Although he could hardly speak, he would take all his strength and stand up and just hug me and our kids. We would just hug for 20 minutes. I miss him so much.

I hate cancer, and so hope that all of your work helps stop this evil disease. Thank you to all the doctors and this whole community for your advice and support, It truly helped Gary and me cope.

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Reply # - December 14, 2012, 10:07 PM

Dr West
Posts: 4735

Anita,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. As you know, we are deeply sympathetic to your view that cancer is cruel and an unfair adversary, and nobody deserves to face it. You were a wonderful, supportive partner to your husband, and I'm gratified if GRACE and the community could play any part in making it even a little less horrible.

We're thinking of you.

-Dr. West

Reply # - December 15, 2012, 06:38 AM

christineleeds
Posts: 25

Dear Anita
So sorry to hear of your loss.It sounds as though you will have many good memories of your wonderful husband and although it is hard to believe now they will be a comfort to you in the future.
God bless
Christine

Reply # - December 15, 2012, 09:59 AM

cards7up
Posts: 636

Anita, keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers at this trying time. Gary will always be with you all in your heart and memories. RIP Gary! Take care, Judy

Reply # - December 15, 2012, 03:23 PM

laya d.
Posts: 714

Oh Anita - - I am so very sorry to read that Gary has passed on. Frankly, I'm heartbroken. I just HATE this disease. Please don't hesitate to call me whenever for whatever. . .I'm so very sorry dear friend.

Laya

Reply # - December 16, 2012, 11:49 AM

Jazz
Posts: 279

Anita,

My sincerest condolences to you on the loss of your husband. How much more difficult that this comes at the holidays. Wishing you peace, strength, and the comfort of sweet memories.

Jazz

Reply # - December 16, 2012, 08:39 PM

sleepless in jersey
Posts: 100

Anita,
I am very sorry for your loss! It is such an awful disease ...Just not fair.
Cherish and hold tight to your wonderful memories.

God Bless
Sleepless

Reply # - December 17, 2012, 09:37 AM

luke
Posts: 101

Anita, I am truly sorry to hear that Gary has passed away. I hope your pain will heal with time. It is an important time to be strong both for yourself and the children, as I am sure this is what Gary would want.

Reply # - December 17, 2012, 11:17 AM

catdander
Posts:

Anita, My sincere condolences on your loss. I know you will hold those hugs close. I hope you move through the next months with help from those you love and those who loved Gary.
Janine

Reply # - December 21, 2012, 07:37 AM

bowsnbugs
Posts: 3

I am so sorry for your loss. My mother has been diagnosed with the exact same lung cancer. She too is a non smoker with no symptoms, very healthy. She is currently getting radiation for pain. She was just told she is too weak to start chemo.

I know this may be very hard to discuss, but when you feel up to it, can you please shed some light on your husband's treatment options. I have been unable to find much information on this rare cancer. I have found that the best advice and information comes from those that have lived through it. Any information or advice you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Shannon

Reply # - December 21, 2012, 10:07 AM

anita l
Posts: 5

Shannon--The lung cancer community doesn't seem to have much experience with this sarcomatoid adenocarcinoma or called spindle cell. We didn't discover the type of adenocarcinoma until Gary had a wedge resection on his left lung to remove a tumor. In Gary's case his left lung tumors were growing and his right lung tumors were shrinking or not growing. One oncologist thought it was two types of cancer; another one did not. Radiation helped the pain and the spread toward the spine. Our oncologist thought Gemzar could help and Gary was on Gemzar for a few months. It slowed the spread of the disease in the lungs but this rare cancer kept spreading toward the spine. Gary had a clinical trial of Topetecan, but by that time the disease had spread into the chest wall. Surprisingly, the tumors in Gary's right lung grew slowly. Gary had a strong right lung.

While we were looking for clinical trials, one member of the GRACE community found that the anti PD-1 trials had helped her spindle cell lung cancer. We were disappointed that Gary did not qualify for the trial because he had thyroid cancer, discovered on a PET scan and had his thyroid removed.

I hope your Mom gets stronger. It is so unfair. My heart and thoughts are with you.--Anita

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