Caroline died this morning at 9:09 at Montrose Memorial Hospital. She was taken to the hospital yesterday by ambulance, after her husband Robert and Colleen Hollenbeck, our local home health care nurse, were unable to get her to wake up, and after consultation with the St. Mary's Oncology Center. Her blood pressure was very low, as was her blood sugar level. The emergency room determined that she had massive infection, probably in the liver, as well as bladder infection which had been diagnosed the day before. She was put on high-powered antibiotics to try and control the infection, with little response. Caroline's sisters, Suzie West and Diane Gray, drove through the night from Prescott, Arizona, arriving in Montrose about 7:30. Caroline was able to open her eyes and recognize her sisters, as well as Colleen, this morning. The attending doctor had told us that Caroline was just being kept alive by the blood pressure medications, and we decided to stop them, as there was no chance of her coming back from the infection. Her husband Robert, sisters Suzie and Diane, and Colleen, the home health nurse were with her at the end.
Caroline asked to be cremated, and part of her ashes made available at her memorial service for people to take and spread wherever they wish. The memorial sevice date will be posted later when determined, but will be after the movie she was making about having cholangiocarcinoma is finished. In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to Second Chance Humane Society based in Ridgway, Colorado, the Ouray Public Library, Hospice and Pallitive Care of Western Colorado, or Cholangiocarcinoma.org.
Thank you to all our friends and to everyone who has corresponded with Caroline over the last two years of this journey. We gained so much support from so many friends and relatives, and families of fellow cholangio sufferers. Our love to you all.
Robert Stoufer, husband of Caroline
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19 comments:
Dear Caroline's family,
I'm so sad to hear about Caroline's passing. She is in heaven now, no more pain.
I will miss her terribly, her comments everytime I post on Dave's blog. She was my inspiration!
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Edith
Dear Robert and all of Caroline's Family: We were saddened by the news of Caroline's death. Somehow we just knew that this "go-getter" gal was going to beat this horrible disease. She fought with such grace, courage and strength. But now she is without pain and I'm sure, among other things, starting a new writer's group in heaven.
We send our love to you Robert, and to the rest of Caroline's family.
Jan and David
Life is eternal. Love is immortal. Death is but a horizon, and our horizons are but the limits of our sight beyond which we now cannot see.
David
Dear Robert,
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and Caroline's family at this time of loss. Caroline was such an inspiration to all who knew her. I will miss her fantastic spirit and huge heart. She will always hold a special place in my heart.
Always, Julie Old
Although Caroline's battle which was well fought is now over, her spirit and exuberance will be forever in our hearts. We will miss her greatly.
Our deepest sympathy go out to you, Robert, and to her entire family.
Love,
Barb and Pete
Robert - You too have been a very strong person in all of this trip taken with Caroline. Caroline is an inspiration to me as to her strengh and determination. She will be dearly missed by so many in our community. She touched all our lives. Please let me help you with anything you need. Don't be afraid to ask your friends, because we are here for you too. Sharon W.
Robert,
If there was ever someone who might have beaten cancer, it was Caroline. Her spirit coupled with the love and support that surrounded her were heroic. Whenever we were with the two of you, there was always a sense of something just around the corner to move her into a healthy moment. We are all richer for having known her. Please know we are here for you - whenever you need us. We'll see you in Ouray, and there is always a place for you in Salida.
Love and prayers to you and Caroline's Family,
Sharon & Jeff
A human life is a story told by God.
(Hans Christian Andersen)
Dear Robert,
Caroline was a luminous being on this earth, and she brightened the lives of everyone around her. She lived a big and beautiful life, and her exuberance touched everyone. We will never forget her humor, wit, and love for all living things, two-legged and otherwise. We will miss her very much, and we grieve for your great loss. May the tremendous strength you’ve shown through these days, and your many friendships continue to help you through the days ahead.
Our thoughts are with you and all of your family.
With love,
Chris and Gary
Dear Caroline's Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Caroline was an inspiration to me.
Always,
Jill & Steven Scheu
I will miss her eventful stories so much. She lived life to the fullest and I'm sure she continues to do so. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Betty Johnson
I send my love and prayers to you and your family. I'm so grateful that I could meet and know Caroline even if we never met in person.
May peace abide with you.
Love,
Marianne Clements
Dearest Sweet Caroline,
I know you are gone now and even though I only met you a few times, I was immediately taken by your spirit. It gave me hope that the world at one time held you, though too briefly.
Linda Lysaght
Ridgway
To Caroline's Family -
Our hearts ache for you. Caroline had such a bright, positive spririt and outlook on life. Her blogs were always so much fun to read. She fought so valiantly! May you find peace in the beautiful memories you have of this wonderful lady.
Joni and Staci Craighead
Omaha, NE
To Caroline's Family -
Our hearts ache for you. Caroline had such a bright, positive spririt and outlook on life. Her blogs were always so much fun to read. She fought so valiantly! May you find peace in the beautiful memories you have of this wonderful lady.
Joni and Staci Craighead
Omaha, NE
Richard and Nancy Sloan:
We are very saddened by the news. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our beloved daughter, Valerie McCrea, succombed to this disease earlier this year.
Dear Robert and all of Caroline's family,
I was so saddened by the news of Caroline's death. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
I was so very honored to have met Caroline when she and Robert stopped to visit us at our home in the foothills of Denver. As all of the comments below indicate, whe was an amazing person with amazing spirit and conveyed it to all she came into contact with, including me.
Peace be with all of you at this most difficult time.
Warm regards,
Char Sloan
For those who are interested, there was a wonderful article in one of our local papers today...
http://www.telluridewatch.com/articles/2007/12/11/news/doc475dd023bff6a944868534.txt
Robert,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marjie and Brent Seagoe
Richard,
I was deeply saddened by Caroline's passing. Her love for family, life and new experiences will always be an example to me. Caroline was able to pack more "life" into one day than many pack into a lifetime. I hope to take some of Caroline's teaching into my own life.
Thank you for all you did for Caroline and for always being there. You, too are a special person and I see why Caroline loved you so very much. Bless you.
We still have the wonerful sand gift you and Caroline gave us and we treasure it, and we will always treasure the gift of friendship from you and Caroline.
Marie G.
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