At the end of August 2008, Lorna went on a week long cruise to Alaska with her Son, Scott, and, his wife, Paddy.  Lorna thought that she would be able to walk around the cruise ship, but quickly discovered that she would need to use a wheelchair most of the time.  We arrived in Seattle at 10A September 7th.  After calling to setup an appointment, we were at the doctors office at Noon, and, shortlys after that Lorna was admitted to Swedish hospital.

She was too sick to enjoy the her hospital room view of Elliot Bay and cruise ships.  On Monday September 10th, her regulary Oncologist told her that she was not in good shape.  Lorna never did learn that the Oncologist told Scott that his prognonsis was that she would live for days or weeks.  After that Lorna dictated a list for Scott.

Lorna's discharge from the hospital included Paddy used the Family Medical Leave Act to give her time to take care of Lorna.  Many additional care givers gave Scott and Paddy help during September, October and November.  Her family was overwhelmed by the countless people who helped care for Lorna. 

On the morning of Monday Nov. 12, Lorna was having great difficulty breathing.  She called her doctor and then 911.  After her first Medic One ride, she was admitted to the Swedish Hospital were Paddy, joined her.  Lorna was able to tell Paddy what happened, and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.  The first guess was that she had pneumonia, which she was aggressively treated for.  She was up and down Monday and was able to say a few short sentences Monday evening after Scott returned from California that included communicating her love and "I want to go home".  The following day she became worse losing the ability to talk and it was concluded that her breathing issue was due to cancer.  She died peacefully that evening with Scott and Paddy at her side.

Copyright 2007 Schaper