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Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 12:26 pm
by Bondobob
Today is that tomorrow we always talk about…… getting to those things we all want to do or are thinking about doing.

I have been quiet for awhile now and a few of you are aware of what has been occurring in my life. Eight weeks ago today on April 6th my beautiful wife Stacey lost her battle with multiple myeloma cancer. We had fought this with chemo since January of 2013 and even spent a month at City of Hope undergoing heavy chemo and a stem cell transplant. Stacey was in remission since September of 2013 and we thought we were on track with the rest of our lives. Then in February of 2014 she had a mass on her spine that was treated with more chemo radiation. The nature of multiple myeloma resulted in more masses and despite the chemo and the continued radiation they progressed in growth. The 14 months of fighting the cancer were taking their toll on her physically but she was always smiling and happy.
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We had been trying to keep life as normal as possible and kept the whole cancer thing rather private. When we told the kids of her relapse it was probably the most difficult conversation I have ever had to initiate since they thought Mom beat cancer and all was well.

In late March an MRI revealed that the multiple myeloma was spreading again in her spine and we made the decision to stop chemo and radiation when the oncologist’s told us of these results and that she quite likely had a few months to live. The support of my family, Stacey’s co-workers and my brothers on the job gave me the ability to spend this priceless time with her creating memories and doing some of the bucket list items she wanted. In the following days it became apparent how quickly the few months were to be a few weeks.

Hospice, I cannot say enough positive of how they helped us deal with her final days. The care and compassion of the people who helped us on a daily basis was truly amazing(they are outstanding human beings) and this huge resource allowed us to have Stacey comfortably at home. In those days many conversations took place, we shared stories, confirmed final wishes and had a time for people to share with her those precious last days.

In the end she passed on a beautiful Sunday afternoon with the family here at our house. The emotions and the pain that come after a protracted fight are many. The lesson learned on this journey is that each day is truly a gift and not to be taken lightly. My outlook has forever changed and I will continue to follow through on the bucket list things she and I began. I miss my friend and companion.
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So today is that tomorrow we all talk about, today is that day to make that phone call to someone, today is that day to visit someone and today is the day to do what you really want to do. More importantly today is the day to tell someone you love them!

In her memory and to help others in the fight we set up this fund raiser with all proceeds going to City of Hope. http://www.razoo.com/story/In-Memory-Of-Stacey-Hudson

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 12:31 pm
by tcm glx
Bob, wow! I am so sorry to hear! My thoughts are with you and yours.....this certainly must have been difficult to post. Live life to the fullest no doubt! It is nice to hear/see that you will continue working through the list, as I am sure that is what your wife would have wanted!

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 12:52 pm
by BajaBronco13
I'm sorry for your lost Bob. Sounds like your wife had a heck of a great partner in you and you in her.

And you are right, tomorrow is never promised.

Chris

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 1:10 pm
by yikes
So very sorry to read this Bob. It was such a pleasure to see Stacey in January. I too assumed she was in remission and on her way to a full recovery. She could not have had a better partner at her side than you. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Brian & Carmen

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 1:41 pm
by Rmc
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss bob, my condolences.

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 1:43 pm
by Nick
Robert. I'm at a loss for words.

My deepest sympathies. I've been out of touch with you for so long, this news shocked me, as i'm sure it has everyone else. My prayers go out for you that you would get a sense of comfort through this.

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 7:29 pm
by ChaseTruck754
Bob - Stacey was great & it's not just your loss, but the community's loss with her gone. She will be missed. Continue your fun with the bucket list you started & keep her in your memory as you tick more items off the list. She will be there with you.

As others have said, Stacey had one hell of a partner through this fight. You should be proud.

Our prayers continue to go out for you & your family and as I said before - we are here if you need us for anything!


Steve & Karen

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 8:36 pm
by SteveG
Rob, You and Stacey have a special place in my heart. Stacey was a wonderful person and I will miss her. I was fortunate enough to have shared some good times with the two of you. Times I will not forget.

You and I have laughed about the following a few times over the past couple months but it always brings a smile to my face so I'll share it again. Granted, our last Pismo trip was a memorable one for several reasons but, for me, greeting you and Stacey as you pulled up to camp takes the cake. The handful of us that knew what she (both of you) had been through recently, approached the truck with looks of sympathy on our ugly mugs. I start to ask her how she's doing and she absolutely shuts me down. Something like, "Nope! We're not gonna talk about it! I'm fine, I'm here to have a good time, so shut it down! We laughed, spirits were immediately lifted and we proceeded to have a damn good time. A memorable trip indeed. Thanks in no small part to her presence.

Rob, you know you have a brother over here and whatever you need, I'm here for you. I've truly enjoyed the time we've spent together recently and I look forward to many more shared good times.

Here's to whatever the future holds and living for today.

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Sun Jun 01, 2014 8:39 pm
by hobbyturnedobsession
Bob I am so sorry to hear that. Carly and I met her when you bough the coil buckets. She was a sweetheart. I then got to spend time with you at the offroad swap meet. What a wonderful couple. My wife and I will most definitely keep you in our thoughts.

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 12:58 am
by D1cker1
Bob,
Sorry to hear about your lost.. It's very pertinent they you stay positive In this difficult time.. Your wife will no longer suffer from this malady and she will have moved on to another stage.. You guys have great memories together and that's the important thing.

Sorry for your loss,
D1cker1

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 1:05 am
by guard
That was very heartfelt and I appreciate your willingness to share your experience with all of us. I'm sorry for your loss and it serves as a good reminder to all of us to seize the day and make sure our moments count.

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 4:33 am
by ESHALLBETTER
Bob, I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. I can only imagine how hard something like that must be and to hear how positive she stayed through the whole thing really puts day to day worries into perspective. Your family will be in my thoughts.

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 9:18 am
by 300
Bob:

So very sorry to hear about your loss. We only got to see you guys occasionally, usually at the Pismo trips, and at the past one in January we had no idea. That is something, to carry on with that hanging over you. You guys were having such a good time. Stacey, you, and your family are in our thoughts.

The Moss family.

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 10:01 am
by Broncodawg
Thank you for the wonderful post on your beloved partner. Can't imagine going through that and staying so positive!
Thoughts and Prayers out to you and yours!

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 11:33 am
by robertcrav
Bob....just wow, I'm so terribly sorry for your loss as you and I have spoken about this horrible disease that took my father and now Stacey.

I wish I had more words to say other than take comfort in knowing she is now resting peacefully, no longer restricted by pain and discomfort. Her body may no longer be here, but her spirit and memories will live on forever with you and the kids.

I sincerely suggest, if you haven't already, take advantage of the support groups available, if not at COH, somewhere else...and encourage the kids to as well. It's not easy letting go, especially after a fight like this...not easy to accept.

Lastly...anytime you need to or want to give me a ring.

My deepest heartfelt prayers are with you and yours sir.

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 2:04 pm
by flyinbronco
Bob I'm so saddened by the news of Stacey leaving us. I so loved the times we shared and I was really hoping she was going to beat this and we'd keep having those great times together always. Stacey is really a special woman and you we're lucky to have such a wonderful wife and partner but heck I don't have to tell you that you know better than anyone. Just know that she's in a better place and is no longer suffering and I'm sure she'll be looking over you now as you work on that to do list.

If there's anything I can do Bob please let me know. You and Stacey are my friends and I love you both like family.

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 7:52 pm
by blueoval8493
Bob,
I only knew you from this site and a couple evenings of txting but you seemed like one hell of a guy. We just went through a very similar fight with my aunt. I can't even begin to understand how hard it would be to loose your spouse. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss and both you and your family will be in our hearts and prayers.

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2014 8:21 pm
by SteveG
flyinbronco wrote:...love you both like family.
Damn right, Rick. Familia!

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 12:37 am
by AussieRod
My sincerest condolences, Bob.

Re: Today is that tomorrow we always talk about……

Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2014 3:26 pm
by PBR
I had the pleasure of hanging out with Bob and Stacey at one of the Pismo trips, just good people. You are a lucky man Bob, lucky to have Stacey in your life. My condolences to you and your family.

Godspeed Stacey, may all your roads ahead be dust free...