Journal entry by Anne Edwards —
This update may be hard to read but please know that our responsibility is to be honest with everyone who loves Vicky and has followed with her on her journey. We want to share her story with you, as hard as it is to say out loud, and the heartbreaking news that Vicky has lost her fight against cancer. Vicky would want you to know so please stay with us but know she had dignity and true comfort when she left this earth.
We would like to share with you, Vicky’s friends and family, her decision to transition to hospice care. This is a reality of cancer that none of us wants to think about, let alone exist in it.
At the end of last week Vicky called her Oncologist, Dr. Chu, to discuss hospice. Vicky autonomously made the hardest decision of her life and shared with Joe and her family, her wishes to transfer from short term rehab to a hospice care facility.
Vicky moved to Chandler Hall hospice pavilion on Wednesday. The hospice nurses caring for Vicky reported that she was resting comfortably, able to respond that she was not in pain and she was being cared for and the clock by nurses that specialize in end of life.
Imagine how wonderful it was for Vicky to be free of pain, the nausea, vomiting and whole body pain she had contended with for months. In recent weeks Vicky’s pain progressively worsened, it kept her from sleep and interfered with everything from her ability to eat to her enjoying visits from family and friends.
Imagine how wonderful for Vicky to have been able to sleep through the night and to have Joe there with her while she slept. Imagine how wonderful for Vicky to have Finn sleeping at her feet while she rested in bed.
We are limiting our discussion on Joey right now as this will take the hardest toll on him. Please know that Joey has not only been an advocate for his mom, asking nurses when pain medication are due just up until last weekend, but a support for his dad as well. Joey is Vicky’s true pride and joy. And likely the greatest provider of laughter, unconditional love and hugs for his mom for eleven years and counting.
Please know that Vicky put up an exceptional fight against ovarian cancer. Dr. Chu assured us that Vicky pursued every viable option to not only treat but slow the progression of her cancer. So please try to find solace in that Vicky fought harder than any human should ever have to, with Joe and Joey by her side. Now her soul will enjoy the peace of being eternally pain free, and she will continue by Joe and Joey sides for all of their days.
Lastly we ask that you let your love for Vicky and her family truly shine right now. If you have a favorite photo of Vicky that you’d like to share or a special story, please let us see how you all know and love Victoria in the comments section. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts ❤️
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