Two years ago I met Denise at a Relay for Life meeting. I noticed her from across the room because she had very short hair and I wondered if that was a re-growth due to chemo treatments. As we went around the room, she introduced herself and shared she was an ovarian cancer survivor. I went up to her after the meeting and we shared our stories. She was telling me different things about her oncologist and how he was different from other doctors she had. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and would hug her when given good news. The story was all too familiar and I asked her who her oncologist was and lo and behold, it was Dr. Matthews. I informed her of my crush and that he was mine so she was to keep her hands off! Denise was happily married and didn’t look at him the same way I did so there was no competition. It became a joke between us. I would always ask her when she was going to see my “boyfriend” and we would compare notes about our appointments, the staff, etc. We were forever bonded, in more ways than one.
Sadly, Denise's health declined rapidly. She was given a powerful dose of chemo which just about killed her. Her body was unable to tolerate it and there were no other options. The cancer had metastasized, producing seven new tumors, all located in difficult areas, decreasing her ability to breath, among other things. Her body was breaking down, succumbing to the dreaded disease and on 9/17 she lost her battle.
The night before she died, accompanied by her friends and family, The American Cancer Society presented her with an award of bravery. She was weak but still had that sparkle in her eye. She was a fighter through and through and never once felt sorry for herself. She was truly a gem and one that will never be forgotten.
Losing two friends within four months of each other, to the same disease, has been more than one can accept. The only comfort is that they are no longer suffering and are among the angels. Rest in peace my friends for your wings will always surround us with your love and your halo will shine brightly, today and always.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Denise Eschmann
Two years ago I met Denise at a Relay for Life meeting. I noticed her from across the room because she had very short hair and I wondered if that was a re-growth due to chemo treatments. As we went around the room, she introduced herself and shared she was an ovarian cancer survivor. I went up to her after the meeting and we shared our stories. She was telling me different things about her oncologist and how he was different from other doctors she had. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and would hug her when given good news. The story was all too familiar and I asked her who her oncologist was and lo and behold, it was Dr. Matthews. I informed her of my crush and that he was mine so she was to keep her hands off! Denise was happily married and didn’t look at him the same way I did so there was no competition. It became a joke between us. I would always ask her when she was going to see my “boyfriend” and we would compare notes about our appointments, the staff, etc. We were forever bonded, in more ways than one.
Sadly, Denise's health declined rapidly. She was given a powerful dose of chemo which just about killed her. Her body was unable to tolerate it and there were no other options. The cancer had metastasized, producing seven new tumors, all located in difficult areas, decreasing her ability to breath, among other things. Her body was breaking down, succumbing to the dreaded disease and on 9/17 she lost her battle.
The night before she died, accompanied by her friends and family, The American Cancer Society presented her with an award of bravery. She was weak but still had that sparkle in her eye. She was a fighter through and through and never once felt sorry for herself. She was truly a gem and one that will never be forgotten.
Losing two friends within four months of each other, to the same disease, has been more than one can accept. The only comfort is that they are no longer suffering and are among the angels. Rest in peace my friends for your wings will always surround us with your love and your halo will shine brightly, today and always.
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