As many of you know, I’ve been dealing with a faulty heart valve since early July when Isabelle and I were in Maine. The primary symptom has been and remains fatigue and feeling puny. In order to deal with the problem, we came home early on August 13. Subsequent tests in Fort Worth revealed that I’m also dealing with a malignant growth on the prostate, which adds to the fatigue.
I have been hoping to replace the aortic valve, but that process has been complicated and slowed by clots that thankfully have been eliminated with blood thinner. I’m now hopeful that the valve replacement surgery can be scheduled in the next few weeks. Treatment for the cancer has begun, but my oncologist wants to add chemotherapy, a step that can begin when my heart issues have been resolved. As far as the cancer, older patients like me are fortunate, in that the disease progresses much more slowly, and we are all thankful that I have the kind of cancer that can be treated. I so appreciate the many wonderful doctors, nurses, and friends who are helping me.
I am so grateful for the many phone calls, cards, and letters, but so far have been unable to answer every one as quickly as I would like! I do ask for your continued prayers and will keep you posted with further developments. Thanks, thanks, thanks, and so much love, Sam
Sam took his final breath at 10:26 this morning. It’s a peaceful morning here at Selby Hill for a peaceful man to die. Grace, Marc and I were with him.
We will hold a memorial service with beautiful flowers and music when COVID allows. We hope it is full of those who loved him.
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