[M.D. Holloway]

She was diagnosed with breast cancer 8 years ago. She went through extensive chemo and the knife. It went into hiding for a few years but crept back in 3 years ago - finding a place in her bones and liver. Various chemo treatments were tried. Some with short term success but over the past 7 months her liver has been really unforgiving. She has been stage 4 for 2+ years now. Physically she looked fine but the blood work suggested otherwise. Two weeks ago she went to the hospital and it was determined that her liver just would not stand for any more chemo. Hormone treatment was also tried prior with mixed to unfavorable results. There was nothing else that could be done. Trust me when I tell you - there is nothing else that can be done.

She is an amazing women. I can honestly say that Lori has never had an enemy in her life. Anyone that meets her loves her. Women consider her their best friend while men think 'why didn't I marry someone like this!" She is one of those rare women who you just love being around because she always has a kind word and a smile, a genuine smile, incredibly humble and incredibly kind. In the 30+ years I have known her I have never heard her say a nasty word about anyone - she is one of those people that would make a great doctor or Nun - or one that you wish was a doctor or Nun! My older brother did well.

I talked to him two days ago and in a very very rare instance he broke down over the phone. He told me he had to choose a Hospice facility of bring her home. He chose to bring er home. I told him I would be on the first plane out to help him. No questions, no objections, no negotiations, I was flying out.

I called up my Wife and told her about Lori's condition without yet telling her about my trip. Her exact words "When is your flight out?" That blew me away. For once we were on the same page.

She doesn't look the same. The Lori I remember had a cute face, perky shape and a twinkle in her eyes that was impish. This Lori was now grey and unresponsive for the most part. Her liver is failing and filling her blood with ammonia. Pain meds keep her comfortable but it is a matter of days if not hours...