Floyd Elvis Estep Sept. 22, 1939 to Jan. 25, 2018 Ranger, West Virginia
My father, Floyd Elvis Estep suffered from the same cancer that I have, Advanced Prostate Cancer with Extensive Bone Metastasis Stage 4, Dia. 2...he battled it bravely for 11 1/2 years...he was in severe bone pain and his mind was really falling off toward the end...he looked like a skeleton with skin wrapped around it at the end...he slipped away to be with The Lord in his own bed in his own home in January...he won his battle and went to be with The Lord Jesus Christ...he took to his bed in mid-October 2017 and never made it out...I think of him everyday, I still talk to him everyday in my battle with this terrible disease...he was so strong and brave!!!!
@coachdestep, I wonder what it is like to be walking his shoes in this way. It sounds like he fought hard for quite a long time despite the pain. I understand somewhat from watching loved ones pass away what it's like to see this visible fading of life, and you describe it powerfully as a skeleton with nothing but skin. I particularly love the way you say he won his battle. What a comfort to be able to feel the connection with him still and draw support from him as you face this. I'm sure he's proud of the way you're living and sharing his strength. Thinking of you and grateful for this memory. - Nina, ProstateCancer.net Team
Thank you so very much Nina! He was and still is a huge inspiration to myself as I battle this disease. I hope the way I handle myself while battling this disease is an honor for the way he lived his life.
Hi all, I'm so sorry for your father and your fight with this terrible disease. My good Vietnam Veteran friend for the last 12 or more years past away last Thursday night. He got so sick he just got tired of the fight and for him there really was no light at the end of the tunnel and he knew it. I supported him in his decision. In my heart I wanted to scream fight, but that would be selfish and painful to him. I understand his decision because with some of the weakness and side affects at time I was ready to give up. It was his journey and he knew what was the best for himself. I have lost many friends die in the last many years. It always reminds me how much we need a cure. I also have friends that have beat the cancer and I praise God for that. Most of us don't what to die or our loved ones or friends, but death to our body is part of our life. We have loss and death is loss, but if you stop to think about it sometimes death is a friend. What I have learned by losing friends and family that the death of this body is a release of pain and sickness that can't be changed by our medical world today. I am a Christian which gives me hope for after death. The sadness we feel is very normal because we are losing someone we care about or our own life. I cried for a while when I found out my buddy was going on hospice. For a while I tought about just isolating and not making anymore friends because I found myself tired of losing family and friends. Then I thought about how blessed I've been by helping others and letting them help me. So I will just be happy for the time I was able to be apart of their life and when my time comes to embrace the death of my body as a relief from this sickness. God bless you.
Sam,
Very keen observations.
thank you
Duane Estep
I have lost 2 parents and a 4 year old grandchild to cancer and it is hard to take. Seeing someone you love suffer is never easy. I will say that hospice/palliative care appears to offer a greater level of comfort to those nearing the end of their journey. It is a good idea to look into those options.
We are all human and as such have a measured amount of time here. Best to appreciate those around you and those you love - life is short.
My hope for all is ... when our time comes let no one be forced to suffer with never ending pain.
...Dennis(ProstateCancer.net TEAM)
