[run4peach1]

that my father passed away this morning. I find comfort in knowing that he is in a better place. While I mourn, I keep in mind that we are spared from making some very difficult decisions. My father would not have wanted to live the way he had become of the past few days; and while I miss him deeply, I am at peace knowing he is not suffering. For those of you that are children of the 1980's, you may be familiar with a little tune from Mike and the Mechanics known as "The Living Years." For those of you that know the lyrics, I'm thankful that I was there that morning when my father passed away.

For those of you that don't know, my father was diagnosed with MDS in October 2008, six years after being diagnosed with MPD (myeloproliferative disease) in which his main problem was making too many platelets. Six years after being on hydrea (a chemotherapeutic drug that was being used for is myelosupressive side effects) he shared the dual diagnosis of MPD/MDS. Eventually, the MDS won out. It was less than a week ago that they informed us that he has progressed to AML. I have read that there are some theories that the hydrea (and other previous chemotherapy) are linked to MDS. Of course I have nothing to prove that, and nothing to complain about. The 3 million platelets my Dad was making could have caused him to stroke. It was a double edged sword, and the doctor did what he thought was best.

While it has been a long road since diagnosis (and I know it's not nearly as long as some contributors on this forum) but I am at peace knowing my father had 78 good years. Even during the 15 months since his diagnosis, we had plenty of good times. The last two months were the hardest.

Perhaps that is why I find myself at such peace. I know I'll cry many more tears; but I cried plenty during his illness. I am comforted by the fact that I did not hide during his illness. I did my best to keep him informed, to ingrain the seriousness yet temper it with hope. I am very lucky to have been able to see my father the vast majority of days the past 40 years. I'm thankful for the example he set, and I will always be proud to say he is my father. I know we'll see him again.

I hope that my father's passing will in no way discourage anyone fighting this disease. IT SHOULD NOT. There is help out there. The medical community has made great strides and will continue to do so. Be certain that it will be a fight; be equally certain that you can win.

Again, I want to thank the founders and/or contributors to this wonderful forum. It has been a great source of knowledge and comfort to me. I will continue to check in from time to time. Feel free to pick my brain a little if you like as I'll be happy to share anything I have learned.

Keep fighting the good fight!! As always, you are all in my Prayers.