In Celebration: Mossguy
 

I asked Dr. Tom Shaudis, known here as Mossguy, if I could share the below with the folks here on PPOT.

I have been privileged to get to know the good Doctor through emails the past year or so. I am a much better man for it.

His wife wrote the following in an email to family and friends.:

Well, dear friends and family, we knew Tom's leukemia honeymoon wouldn't last forever and we also knew we couldn't wish for it to last forever, and we were really hoping the promised "year or two" would stretch out to two- but- here we are, honeymoon over.

Last Thursday, blood transfusion day, Tom woke up w/ an ear ache. The transfusion nurse called our doc who ordered an antibiotic which Tom started around noon. At home, around4:00, Tom became very confused and was even hallucinating- not a good sign. I checked his temp and was shocked to see it was 102.4. So, tylenol, cold compress, and call to 911- we needed to get to St Joe's ER STAT. Many tests, IV antibiotics,- all kinds of stuff, even some blood in. Temp did come down nicely in the ER and our patient did have his wits back by the time he was admitted. He even answered "St Joe's" instead of "Here" when asked where he was.

Anyway, the blood counts showed Tom's WBC going up- from that one year honeymoon period of practically nothing to doubling for the last several weeks which is not a good thing for someone with leukemia. Today's count was 17 (it was 13 last Sunday). Last Friday, in the hospital, our hemo/onco doc told Tom he is now terminal and made a referral to Hospice (I wasn't at the hospital yet and Dr B. makes really early rounds). Tom got to tell me the news. A shock, though not unexpected. Still, a kick in the gut. Anyway, the wonderful palliative care doctor came to visit, spent a lot of time just talking and explaining their services, and then a bit later the hospice liaison nurse also came to visit.

Tom was discharged from the hospital Sunday the 24th and has been feeling OK- the ear infection is cleared up- just his usual fatigue and arthritis pain. The hospice "let me tell you all about what we do" nurse was here Tuesday and today our nurse and social worker both made their initial visits, together, this time, since they both ask many of the same questions and this way we only answer once. They will be making weekly visits. They have dogs and cats- good people!

So, that's where we are now. It is very strange to say Tom and terminal and hospice- very very strange indeed. Takes getting used to. But, we're OK. Hardly thrilled about this turn of events, but it is what it is and we will deal with it.

I write to him:

The strength and sense of humor you and your wife exhibit is an inspiration…if we were all as brave the world would be a better place.

You are in my thoughts and prayers, Tom.

He then writes, which is really the gist of this thread and his courage:

You are familiar with the Japanese philosophy Wabi Sabi?:

Nothing is finished,

Nothing is perfect,

Nothing lasts.

That's a little bit of my worldview as well so it appears that I am working on "nothing lasts".

Now for something completely different!

What a man: Family, humor, strength and dignity. A life worth celebrating.

Sorry to hear that they are going through this. He is a wise gentleman, I've always wondered how guys like him and Grady put up with the rest of us. :)

Tears and tremendous gratitude for what I have.

Prayers for Tom and his family.

Tom was my "Secret Santa" in the PPOT gift exchange this year. A very nice guy and as you can tell from his posts, a real gentleman. This would be a very tough transition for anyone of us, but I rest assured that Tom will handle it with the dignity, grace and humor that he has always shown. Prayers to you Tom, your Wife, Son Of Mossguy and all of your family and friends.

Excellent post Paul. It was a real kick in the stomach when we got toms email last night. Tom has always been one of the guys I looked up to on pelican we exchanged a few PMs over the years, and I always felt like he was a genuinely great guy. I'm hoping we are able to meet up with him when we are up that way soon.

Thanks Paul - I had no idea Dr. Tom was ill. Always the perfect gentleman here for sure.

I'll see if he can have visitors. Heading that way next week as my bro. just had hip replacement....

Very sorry to hear this Tom.

Thank you Paul. Tom and his family are in my prayers.

Paul, thanks for sharing this. One of my favorite pelicans. I hope his journey is a smooth one, and indeed, nothing is finished.

Thanks for the update. Sending thoughts of peace to Tom and family.

I haven't had much direct interaction with Mossy but this is tough to hear.... my best wishes for him, his family and friends....

Wow, what an inspiration! Thanks for the email, Paul. Best wishes and thoughts for Mossguy.

awe man.........so sad...

Good luck, Tom!

Thank you, Paul.

Sorry to hear this. He will be missed.

Thanks of sharing Paul... Sorry to hear.

That says it all.
Thanks Paul. Best wishes to you, Tom, & your families.
JB

Thank you for sharing Paul. Thoughts going out for Tom and his family.

A lovely post. I can only hope to have as much positive impact in my final days.

And Tom? Thank you for the Wabi Sabi.

Larry

That is so sad. Thanks for posting.

Very sad day & very bad news for all of us. Wish him the best possible.