Just spoke with Versafox's DH, Jim...
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whoSEZ · 09-14-2003, 07:57 PM

Hi all,

Jim just called -- and I first have to apologize to all those who have asked me to ask him if your cards and/or packages have reached Liz. We've only talked three times, but each time, it's so full of Liz news that I don't even think to ask. I will try to remember next time.

There was some good news: Liz is eating a bit more, and her pain seems to be under control. She is determined to make it to Disney World in December, and I think if anybody can make that goal, it's Liz. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img] She has some hurdles to jump before then (including getting her insurance to cover a wheelchair), but she wants it bad enough to make it happen.

There was also some sad news, of course. Liz is trying to deal with the fact that her cancer is now considered terminal, and I don't think any of us can really imagine how that must feel. She has some fluid buildup around her abdominal organs and in her chest, which is making it difficult to breathe and impossible to sit up. She is also still dealing with some memory issues, as Jim described last week. (She remembers Jim, her past Disney trips -- including the Buzz Lightyear Tourney [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] -- and PassPorter, but does not remember how to use a VCR or a telephone.) They are still unsure if the memory problem is a result of the cancer or a side effect of the meds.

They have had some conversations about Liz's funeral and her final wishes. She wants a simple cremation, and on top of everything else, Jim is now worried about the financial burden of a funeral. If anybody knows any financial assistance-type places in the South Elgin, Illinois area, be sure to let him know. I have spent some time looking for cancer charities in Illinois, but I don't know the area well enough to know which county I should be looking in. Can anyone tell me which county includes South Elgin?

Jim has asked me twice now to relay this message, and I haven't been sure how to say it, but I will just use Jim's words: Liz and Jim are eternally grateful and deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support from their PassPorter family. Some of you might remember Liz posting that her family isn't close (she hasn't seen some family members for years), and Jim told me today his family isn't willing or able to be as supportive as he might wish. As Jim said, in the past couple of months, he and Liz have really come to see who their real friends and family are -- and everyone here is included in that. They very much appreciate the flowers, the cards, the packages, the mail from WDW, the prayers, and the piles of pixie dust.

I'd like to ask you all to please say some extra prayers for Jim. I am as worried for him as I am for Liz. As he said in his post from last night, he "doesn't have the strength or the guts" to ask for what he really needs. From what he told me today, that's pretty much any kind of help you can imagine. He sounded very much like a man who is nearing the end of his rope.

So whatever it is you've been doing in order to help them -- no matter how small you think it might be -- please keep doing it. And know that it's appreciated.

Will let you know when I talk to him again.

**LilMarcieMouse** · 09-14-2003, 08:37 PM

Thanks for the update Sandy. If there is anything at all I can send Jim please let me know. I know how hard it is to have to watch this happeing.

More prayers and Pixie dust for them both.

**CRCrazy** · 09-14-2003, 08:56 PM

More prayers and pixie dust for both Liz and Jim. I feel so bad for both of them - but especially for Jim. It is just SO hard to watch someone you love suffering like that, and not be able to make it better!

I really hope they can go on their trip in December - it sounds like this is Liz's last wish, I hope they get the chance to make it come true!

You are such a good friend to stay and support them through these hard times!

statelady01 · 09-14-2003, 09:20 PM

Prayers are with them.. what a brave couple.

**Colexis Mom** · 09-14-2003, 09:20 PM

Thank you for the update Sandy. I'm sending prayers and pixie dust to both Jim and Liz, it sounds like they desparately need it. Praying that she makes it to Disney!

ProChristo · 09-14-2003, 10:00 PM

My heart just goes out to Jim and Liz. My next door neighbor is coming to terms (as if you really can) with terminal cancer. He is able to be at home right now, so that is good. His wife is a trooper, as I'm sure Jim is, too.

I just looked it up online and it listed S. Elgin a s Kane county. Hope that helps. Here is the webpage I used: http://www.outfitters.com/illinois/searchcity.html

If there is anything else I can do, let me know.

simbarel · 09-14-2003, 10:06 PM

Sandy, you are a great friend to Liz and Jim, and extra special for keeping us updated...I know it can't be easy.

maggieworkman · 09-14-2003, 10:31 PM

I live fairly close if there is something I could do to help.

Is there a new address to send a card to since she is no longer in the hospital??

Maggie

wdwlovers · 09-14-2003, 10:35 PM

Thanks for the update Sandy. I broke down when I read this. My best friend's dad (he was like my second dad) just passed away two weeks ago from cancer. He battled it for 5 years and finally just couldn't do it anymore. I know how hard it was for his wife, so I can just imagine what Jim and Liz are going through. I hope that Dec comes soon and Liz is able to go to WDW. I am happy to know that at least they have us here at Passporter to make them feel somewhat comforted.
Continued pixie dust for both.

whoSEZ · 09-14-2003, 11:58 PM

Amy -- thanks for the info on the county. I was thinking it was Cook County -- turns out Elgin is in Cook; South Elgin is in Kane. [img]graemlins/dizzy.gif[/img]

Rachel, your post made me cry (which I've done a lot of this weekend, for this and too many other reasons). You're right; it hasn't been easy, but as I've told Jim, it's something I can do.

Maggie and anyone wondering about an address: In his post last night, Jim asked that we use their home address. He will make sure she gets any cards and/or packages. Here it is:

Liz Battista
1260 Raymond St.
South Elgin, IL 60177

And everyone -- thanks again for your kind words. I wish I could convey to you all how grateful Jim and Liz are for your continued support and love.

AKLRULZ · 09-15-2003, 10:17 AM

God bless both of them.

TiggGrrrl · 09-15-2003, 10:21 AM

This just breaks my heart everytime I read or think about it. My continued prayers are with Jim and Liz as well as loads of pixie dust and positive vibes.

Thank you, Sandy, for doing this very difficult but wonderful thing for Liz and Jim.

Dumbo · 09-15-2003, 10:44 AM

Sandy,

You're right Jim is the one to worry about. When my father was ill for the last time I felt so bad for my mom. People would ask how dad was but no one asked about mom. I would answer their questions but inside I was screaming "ask about my mom." The person that's the closest to the patient is the one hurting the most. The patient is being cared for but the spouse is on his/her own. I wonder if Jim is eating like he should. To bad all of us aren't close enough to them to see that Jim eats and takes care of himself.