Cookie

Cookie was born May 18, 1947. She married Ebenezer August 24, 1968. They had a daughter in 1970 and a grandson in 1997. Cookie worked as a department store cashier, a fabric store manager, and a bank teller.

In June 1992 Cookie was diagnosed with colon cancer which had just entered stage 3 (the stage where it spreads). A section of her colon was removed and she was fitted with a colostomy. She had 5FU chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Cookie's tumors were never very detectable via any type of scan used. Therefore, her CEA count was almost our only indicator of her cancer development. In 1995, she underwent many CTscans, an oncoscint scan, and a rare full-body PET scan looking for the recurring cancer her increasing CEA counts indicated was present.

In April 1996, a tumor about the size of a tennis ball was removed along with her bladder, vagina, uterus, and ovaries and she was fitted with a urostomy. The urostomy appliance often proved troublesome for about 8 months but was overcome following additional surgery and eventually a switch to a different type of appliance.

Following the surgery to remove this tumor, her cancer was still developing so she had more CTscans, an ultrasound, and a bone scan. Small tumors were appearing on her skin. An MRI appeared to reveal one internal tumor. An unusual Pelvic Profusion procedure was attempted but had to be aborted when during the surgery cancer was found in both of her legs (outside the reach of the pelvic profusion treatment). Things were looking pretty bad around Thanksgiving 1996.

Just before Christmas 1996 the surgeon tried continuous chemotherapy using 5FU again and it reduced the cancer to a very small level by July of 1997. Then the cancer began to grow again. She had surgery in December, 1997 to remove some subcutaneous growths in the hopes that they were the remaining cancer. They were not.

Near the beginning of 1998, she was again put on continuous 5FU but with Interferon injections administered at home. Judging by her CEA count beginning to fall again, it appeared that this was working. But some bad news arrived in the form of CTscans which showed many small tumors developing in her liver, lower abdomen, upper right leg.

In a last-ditch effort, the oncologists tried Camptosar chemo. This chemotherapy drug is a relatively rough one to tolerate and has about a 17% rate of helping the patient. In Cookie's case it did not work. After 3 1/2 months of Camptosar treatments, the oncologist informed us that there were would be no further treatments. Cookie felt too good and was doubtful that her death was near. After considerable urging, she was admitted to Hospice care.

Less than a week before her death, she finally realized it was coming and had but one brief period of about an hour to say her goodbyes. We around her did not really pick up on just what was happening until the next morning we it was clear she would never fully wake up again. Just over a month after the chemo ended, Cookie passed peacefully from this world on October 23, 1998 at the age of 51. Those who knew Cookie and especially Ebenezer will never forget the good things she brought into their lives.

Eulogies:

Dearest Cookie, Now you have taken your place with the angels.Your pain and suffering are over and you may rest in the peacefulness of the Lords arms. Though I have never met you, I felt I knew you from Joe's words, as did so many others from Cancer Survivors. Joe was a devoted and loving husband. He is also a caring and wonderful friend to many. My heart goes out to him, for I know he will miss you so very much. I also learned alot about you from your dear friend Cinter. The two of you gave each other so many wonderful memories. You left behind many people who cared about you and didn't even know you. What a blessing this is. I know you didn't like to come "on line", but I pray that now you will come to our channel and join our group of "Guardian Angels" who watch over so many of us afflicted with this horrible disease. Sleep peacefully sweet angel...for perhaps one day we will finally meet.

Jaye

I goodbye to a dear friend, Cookie. I met Cookie and Ebenezer on a trip to visit the "pieceppl" in Kentucky just over a year ago. Cookie and Ebenezer shared a love that was true and undying and I will always carry a part of that in my heart. Goodbye dear friend may you rest in peace.

Grisabell

My Friend Cookie

I met a friend on the Internet
her name is Cookie , she is from Ohio.
A good friend you ask, I'll say, you bet!
She always leaves you with a smile.
You see my friend is not too well,
she has cancer that is threatening her life.
Her character is strong as the Liberty Bell,
Ask Joe her spouse, he'll say, Yes that's my wife.

There's more to this than meets the eye,
as this story unfolds twill tell.
Though the tears may come, yes she'll cry,
twill come a time when Cookie is well.
How can this be some may ask,
that Cookie will be healed.
It's up to God, He's up to the task,
as in his word tis revealed.

There's more to life than living each day,
there's a shadow that we cast.
A shadow to touch others on our way,
with memories of us that last.
So Cookie my friend it is for you I pray,
Tis the best I have to give,
that your strength will come more each day,
and that God will grant us a long life to live.

So fight with me to both get well,
and life's road we will travel
with our healing stories to tell,
until God as ordained, strikes the final gavel.

Hugs, love you Cookie,
Cindy (Cinter)

Directed by Cindy, written by her dad,
for a couple of amateurs, not too bad.

Originally posted on the news page 7/23/98