May 2015 Update

Fern with Tippy, her first dog, December 1940:

The sad eyes of the little girl became bright, beautiful and happy during our almost thirty four years together, but they have closed upon this world for the last time. The brave smile for her only companion carried her through the dark days until her new life with me, but now her spirit has taken a new path to join Tippy and all the other animal friends she has touched in her life waiting for her on the other side. Just as they can return to visit, so she can and has.  Her vision is clear and her suffering is over, she is no longer limited by the body or its ills. She earned it.
Fern put up quite a fight to stay but in the end when it was her time, she passed quietly in her sleep. This was something she always wanted to do. On Tuesday, May 5, 2015 just before midnight she moved on to her new adventure.
Thank you to all who sent your good wishes, crossed paws, prayers, etc. as well as those who donated to help with her care.
Part of me died with her but part of her lives on in me, and in everyone who she touched online and in person. A wonderful legacy. Her spirit shall continue forever.
If you wish to honor her do something special with someone, furry or not, that you care for and think of Fern.

Fern with Amanda, the picture she carried in her wallet:

A beautiful way to remember her, as she may well picture herself.

Hello All,

Tom here,

With an update for Fern's many beloved friends and followers. The concussion Fern sustained was accompanied by a whip-lash type injury to her neck and upper back, as well as two broken ribs on the lower right. These injuries covered up the symptoms of a more serious problem, that being a Glioblastoma (GBM), which is a very aggressive fast growing, untreatable and incurable brain cancer. Initially I cut back to half days when we thought it was a concussion, but as she was not recovering, I stayed home full time to see what was going on. I saw symptoms of a larger problem and took her to the local emergency room. She was admitted and initially diagnosed with a tumor. A biopsy was done confirming the GBM. The size and location of the tumor ruled out any temporary treatment, which would have been worse than the disease at that point. I am getting some assistance from the "Big Bend Hospice" while I provide her full time care keeping her at home to give her the best possible quality of life for the duration. She is resting comfortably considering. She has lost almost all her vision, so cards, letters, pictures, etc will do her no good. She sometimes still  has good moments when she can recognize the names of some of her blog buddies when I talk about them.

Fern loved to blog and loved the interaction with the other bloggers and followers, many of who became good friends off the screen as well. Fern put it all out there, what you see is what you get.

As I am not working, a friend of mine has set up a fund to assist in the expenses for taking care of Fern during this time of need. while I do not like to or want to have to ask for your assistance, it is necessary for me to do so, so if you have enjoyed Fern's blog over the years and seen what a wonderful person she is please help any way you can while I take care of my soul mate, best friend, love of my life.

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-tom-and-ferne-fight-brain-cancer-/297982

Thank You

Fern Update

Tom here...

For all concerned, Fern has sustained a concussion from a fall hitting her right temple. This has resulted in disorientation, confusion, loss of comprehension and some memory. She has difficulty operating equipment like the computer, TV remote, microwave, etc. Because of this, she will not be able to post for some time. How much recovery she will have or how long it will take is unknown.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Tom

When the woman is damaged-- nothing gets done!!!!

am very much suffering

Hello to all Fern's friends.  This is Heidi, mom from Two Goldens and a Wannabe, posting for Fern.  I spoke to Fern this evening, and she wants everyone to know that although physically she is healing from her fall, she did sustain a concussion from falling.  She is having trouble working with the computer, and so has been unable to blog.  The doctor tells her she should bounce back, but she needs to rest and let her brain heal.  I know I was worried about her, and I imagine her other blog friends are too, so I said I would try and get on her blog to let everyone know what is going on.  I hope you will join me in wishing Fern the best and send good wishes for a quick recovery.