We wanted to share an update on Bill.
Over the past couple of weeks things have changed quickly. Last year he had a melanoma spot removed on his head. He got excellent regular follow-up care.
About 2 months ago he started to feel increased fatigue. He mentioned a few times that “something is going on” but had a CT scan scheduled for March 9 so he was anticipating getting answers then. He went in for the March 9 scan and was scheduled for a few more follow-up tests the next week. On March 13 he got home from his regular bike ride and just ran out of energy. He spent the next week resting and sleeping all day and night. He was still himself but after multiple days it was time to see a doctor.
On March 19 we took him to the ER where the brain lesions were discovered. The next day was spent talking to multiple doctors. It seemed like every conversation ended with cancer being in more locations based on the March 9 and ER scans.
March 23 we met with the oncologist who said this looked like melanoma and immunotherapy is hopeful and it was reasonable to expect him to regain his energy and live life again. Bill was worried about getting back on his bike in a few weeks and going hiking in Yosemite this summer with his family. That couldn’t be promised but the oncologist encouraged us to do treatment and be cautiously optimistic. We moved forward with appointments and further testing to make sure he got the right treatment.
Meanwhile, his health continued to decline. He was losing weight quickly, forgetting that he wasn’t just tired but had cancer all throughout, and occasionally stating that he was currently in Mexico. Very quickly he went from walking around the house to using a walker to needing a wheelchair. He received 3 targeted brain radiation treatments and was supposed to start immunotherapy but by that time it was obvious that cancer was winning. By then he no longer knew what was happening and had lost all strength. Louise spoke with the oncologist and it was decided to begin hospice care on April 7.
He now fades in and out of wakefulness. He is mostly living in an altered reality but there are moments where his spirit comes through in a way that feels very true to who he is.
This Sunday our family gathered around him. We shared memories, held his hands, and spent time together. During that time Bill offered a blessing to his family. Even as his mind has struggled what came through was unmistakably him. He spoke about faith, about family, about learning and growing, and about the eternal nature of the relationships he has built. He expressed love for each of us and a sense of peace in the plan ahead. Eric also gave him a blessing. He reiterated Bill’s love for his family and life.
It was a meaningful and sacred moment for all of us.
Louise has been incredibly strong through all of this. She shared recently that while this has all happened so quickly she is grateful for the life they’ve had together and the time they’ve shared.
Right now we are taking things day by day. We don’t know exactly what the timeline will be but we do know that he is surrounded by love and that his legacy is very present in his children, grandchildren, and all those he’s impacted.
If you’re thinking of him we know he would appreciate your prayers, your thoughts, and your memories.
We’ll share updates as things change.
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