Cancer & Last Days

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In October various symptoms started to show again. At this point the doctors starting hinting that there may be nothing more than they could do. The tingling in her hands progressed until she lost feeling in them. "I can't feel my dogs when I pet them", Shirley would say. She was also disappointed that she couldn't use her camera anymore.

Subsequent visits to her various oncologists closed the book on any more treatments.

On one of Shirley's last coherent days (Friday Nov 7), her friend Vanessa wrote down some of her comments...

  • Margo -- love her cooking, both of us. Really glad I had her in my life -- really appreciate getting to know her.
  • My close girl friends -- fabulous women.
  • Dan keeps teasing that I am eating same as him -- he's funny.
  • Can't seem to keep my eyes open. Can't believe how fast this is happening. I wish I had more energy than this.
  • Light from lamps, TV and window are too much for my eyes.
  • When will Brigitte be here? She can read my mind. So glad she's on her way.
  • What's Dan making for dinner? Is Brigitte bring some german foods?
  • It took a long time to get my latest bunch of cards but I love them.
  • I had a really good visit with Eva. Excited that Michael will bring by his famous BBQ pork this Sunday.
  • Vanessa: "Do you have any requests or suggestsions for people to honour your memory?" Shirley: "Not sure. But I like idea of helping dogs find homes or foster them. Wish we had more dogs."

This is one of the last pictures Shirley would take and she considered it one of her best.
On Saturday Shirley was admitted to Maycourt Hospice. Once again her friends and family were by her side. A friend even arranged to have her nails done. She was now sleeping all the time but every once in a while, some sort of gesture could be seen as an acknowledgement of a visitor. The staff at the hospice were great at ensuring that Shirley was comfortable. Dan or Brigitte would take turns ensuring someone was with Shirley all the time.
Shirley's brother Brian travelled to Ottawa on Friday November 14 and Shirley was told he was coming and to hang-on a bit longer. A few hours after he had arrived, Shirley peacefully passed away at 6:35 pm.  

An impromptu celebration was held at her bedside with family and close friends. Marked by a poem by Lisa and a singalong to "What a Wonderful World" with Vanessa on the Ukulele.

Shirley was loved to the end and will be missed.