Facing Death Together

Facing Death Together is a true story of how a loving marriage of 16 years is suddenly turned upside down after a simple routine visit to the doctor because of constipation. No one in the family suspected the traumatic reality of facing an unexpected diagnosis.

In July 2018, an oncologist previously stated to us just two weeks earlier, we had nothing to worry about. The doctor enters the room and tells us that Joyce, my dear loving wife, has stage four cancer with 6-18 months to live. I was 65 at the time and Joyce was 72 years old at that time. This story shares the experience and very tragic life-changing experiences of dealing with doctors, insurance companies, health care providers, and family.

Joyce requested that I start writing this after the third month of chemo. She made me promise to publish this book so that others would know and understand what happens when someone is given a stage 4 cancer diagnosis and the unconscious, unpredictable consequences of choosing a quantity of life. Her choice of choosing to die at home placed a burden on her loving family. Joyce was fortunate to die before COVID-19. This story shares warnings worthy of an afternoon listening to help prepare anyone who may have someone with a terminal illness and what to expect during the coming months after receiving a terminal illness diagnosis.