Isn’t it just wonderful to reconnect with your childhood friends?? The friends you spent the night with, the friends you played baseball with, the friends you worked with at Thriftway, the friends you sang with at Valrico Baptist Church and traveled all over the state putting on plays to lead others to the Lord, the friends you got in trouble with and stuck up for, the friends you went to Yates Elementary with, the friends you went to Brandon High School with . . . these are some of the people that came out to see Donnie Saturday night at the Elks Lodge in Brandon. We are so grateful to Mark Vargo, our long time friend, for putting this together. Donnie and I both were touched, but he was ESPECIALLY HAPPY to visit with everyone and catch up. As one of his friends stated, “Our hearts were full!” Here are a few pics 🙂
It is so great making precious memories together! Words cannot express our gratitude to everyone that came!!
Donnie’s pain continues to increase. He was pretty miserable riding in the car on Saturday to see his friends in Brandon. He had pain every time we drove over the smallest bump in the road, or when he had hiccups, coughed, or breathed deeply. His abdomen was hurting so bad, I was afraid we might not be able to go to the party. He is taking 75 mg extended release morphine twice a day, and still has bouts of nausea and vomiting. He is very tired most of the time. He made the party, because love is a motivator, and he REALLY wanted to see that bunch!!
Today we went for our “second opinion” at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Dr. Kim had a wonderful bedside manner, and explained to us that based on Donnie’s history, the only effective treatment for pancreatic cancer stage IV is chemo. He has no other options. There are trials with chemo, there are different concoctions of chemo, there are different blends of chemo, but no other treatment is EFFECTIVE in treating pancreatic cancer stage IV except chemo. He also stated that only 5% of patients with this cancer survive past 2 years. Donnie is quite close to the 2 year mark. All of this was no surprise to us, we simply wanted confirmation that we had left no rock unturned. Donnie’s decision is the same: No further treatment.
Donnie has been a ROCK STAR though all of this. He has put up with the misery of chemo and the toxicity and side effects it has REEKED on his body. He has remained faithful to God, believing in Him and trusting in him daily. He has been kind and considerate throughout this unthinkable ordeal. He has always tried to think of others, not himself, through this journey. He has touched lives in special ways, and none of us will ever be the same again. He is such a special soul. Of course, I admit, I am terribly prejudiced, as he is the love of my life!!!!
Our family will continue to support Donnie with love, and give him the pain medications he needs to stay comfortable. His pain is increasing fairly quickly. We have planned to go to Alabama this coming weekend for Donnie’s Mom’s family reunions (both her Mom’s and her Dad’s sides of the family). Donnie’s 2 brothers and sister and their spouses, and Donnie’s Mom, will get the opportunity to spend the weekend together near Op Alabama (Wing and Andalusia also). It will be another great time of reconnecting. Please pray for safe travels, and that Donnie will make the trip without getting terribly sick. This is something he really wants to do to honor his Mom and his sister Lorraine.
As always, we cherish your prayers! God is our strength!!
Love, Donnie & Tina
16 replies on “Seeing close friends from Brandon!!”
Thanks for posting the pictures, it is wonderful to see everyone…..so wish we could have been there! Continued positive thoughts and daily prayers for Donnie, and the entire family. Donnie is a true inspiration.
Big hugs and much love from us.
P.S. Nice try at hiding Mark's tummy…..NOT!
Donnie and family sorry to hear about this horrible disease you trying to fight.my thoughts and prayers are with you and family.IDonnie I worked with you at Altamonte Icu left in 2013 stepped away from nursing and has since returned as a travel nurse I can still remember you during the morning bath routine how exact you were when making the bed.its been a pleasure working with you,you one of a kind.
I thank God that Donnie could come and see long time dear friends and family. Donnie you are a true blessing to so many of us. I pray for a trip with no pain or nausea and pure love and enjoyment with your family. May you bring smiles to all their faces when they see you, just as you do to rest of the world. May God keep you in the palms of his hands, God bless you! I love you, love, hugs and kisses
Tina, you should be a writer since you are so good with words. I really enjoy reading your posts and seeing the pictures you post. What a great love you have for your Donnie and the Lord! You are an inspiration to all.
I know you all had a great time at your party in Brandon. Hopefully, Donnie will be able to make the family reunions.
Still praying for a miracle for Donnie. Continuing to pray for all of you.
Peggy Mills
😘😘💝
You both are simply amazing. Much love and prayers your way for decreased nausea and pain. Hope you have a wonderful trip to Alabama. Love the pics. What a wonderful family and friends you all have. God Bless
You write beautifully, Tina. Documenting these special moments and relationships in both words and pictures is a treasure to be cherished when looking back. Donnie, your gift of yourself to others even when feeling miserable, shows such courage and strength to live for the Lord and is a lesson to me of what really matters here on this earth. People matter and it is obvious you have known this all your life as you have so many friends still from childhood to present day. You are blessed and you are a blessing to many. You are well loved. Tina, you rock at being Donnie's wife! What a loving, unselfish example you are to me. Keeping you both in our prayers. ♡
We continue to pray for Donnie but what a testimony he is for us with his faithfulness to Our Lord.
It was us that were blessed on Saturday. Donnie opened his heart to us. We love you both very much.
Mark and Patti
P.S. Glad to see all the pictures right side up, Not. Ha, ha.
Glad you guys had a good time. Praying God grants Donnie comfort to make the trip this weekend.
All our Love and hugs
Colleen & Tim & girls (or as Tim says…Tim's ginger farm)
I worked with Donnie at Florida Hospital many years ago. We've lost touch since I left there in 2010 but when I came across Al Morgan's profile page on Facebook I was flooded with hilarious moments in the ICU at 530 in the morning.
Donnie I hope you know what an honor it was working with you all those years ago. Even though you are in nursing and I did radiology, it was always nice coming across a friendly face in that department.
I pray for comfort for you, your family and loved ones. I am for one blessed to have the honor to once call you my friend and colleague. You truly are an amazing man.
With heartfelt love,
Victoria Teele
Heeeeey, I recognize a few of those ladies at the "Brandon party."
Sounds like it was an incredible experience. So cool!!!!
Thinking of all of you. Loved seeing the post and pics from the get together in Brandon. Hoping that you all have safe travels to AL this weekend. Praying that Donnie will continue with Pain management that will allow him to enjoy time with your family. May God watch over each and everyone.
Prayers are with you all for a pain free and safe trip. I know this is a difficult time and your faith in God will carry you through on this journey. You are not alone and prayers are going up at all times of the day and night.
So thankful y'all had such a sweet time this weekend. Praying for your trip to Alabama. Blessings to you both.
Donnie was blessed to have such wonderful friends and loving family. We will continue to pray for a safe trip to Alabama and hopefully less pain. God has given us a special gift that has allowed Donnie more time. I hope he laughs a lot and can eat good home cooking. God Bless and love you.