Karen Waldrop

Female

Clinton, IN

United States

Profile Information:

About Me:
I am 39 years old. I have 2 sons, ages 15 and 13. I am a teacher in a middle school in the western portion of Indiana. I was married at 20 years old and celebrated my 19th anniversary 18 days before I lost my husband died.
I am a very genuine, honest and outgoing person. I am difficult to get to know, but once I consider one a friend, I am devoted to them as a friend. My family and my friends mean everything to me.
About my Loss:
I lost my husband on December 30, 2011 to colon cancer. He was diagnosed in May of last year after having some issues. He had a resection, The tumor and some of the lymph nodes were sent to pathology for positive diagnosis. We were told that the cancer had reached the omentum and that more than 3/4 of the lymph nodes were cancerous. Chemotherapy was planned, twelve sessions of the most powerful medicine they could offer him. However, neither our primary nor our consulting oncologist ever said anything about having a fatal outcome. We were hopeful. My husband did well with treatment and with his health overall until the latter part of October. At that time, he began to experience overwhelming pain, regardless of the attempts to relieve it. He had his gall bladder removed, as it was discovered that it was not working properly. That was sent to pathology as well.
Unfortunately, we were told that the cancer had found its way to his gall bladder. What is worse is that that meant that is came from his colon; the outside. He had tumors on the outer part of his colon that had been affecting his colon, and now other parts of his body.
From this point, his health declined rapidly. The pain continued to worsen. He spent much time in the hospital. We went to IU Simon Cancer Center with the hope that he would be able to receive some new and groundbreaking treatment, something that had been mentioned early on.
Unfortunately, after a series of tests and procedures, we were told that he was not a candidate for ANY further procedures or even chemotherapy. In short, we were told that he was going to die. The doctors told me that he was only expected to live another two weeks to a month. My husband lived just about seven months from the time of diagnosis. He was 45 years old.

Comment Wall:

  • renee collier

    Hi Karen,

    I am sorry for you loss. I can relate to your experience be cause my fiance was also young when he passed away.  His last day on this earth was 4/27/12. He was only 43.  I went to meet him on his boat and when I arrived I found him dead.  I never said goodbye.  But the last time we spoke on the phone I told him i loved him and he told me the same thing. 

    You are not alone.

    take care

    Jul 13, 2012