The Obituary

Earl, age 66, of Louisville, TN went to be with his Lord Friday, December 5, 2008 at home.

Earl - The Final Chapter

Earl went to be with his Lord at approx. 9:10 a.m. this morning.

I am so glad, for his sake, that this has happened so quickly. God still answers.

We had decided on cremation, which will be handled by Smith's Mortuary. The cremation will allow us to take a little time to make plans for a memorial service at Madison Avenue Baptist Church in Maryville, TN

Earl fought a valiant battle and maintained a positive attitude through all his treatments, since he was diagnosed in April 2007.

In the words of my Internet friend, Wanda Smith..."May God's gentle presence fill the coming days with love and may He warm our hearts with abundant grace and peace always."

Our entire family appreciates your love, support and prayers. Thank you!

In His Love,
Lillian & Liana Lancaster

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Earl 12/3/08

We brought Earl home late Tuesday night. I signed the Hospice papers this morning. Doctors say we are looking at a few weeks... possibly one month, maybe two. Won't be long.... for which I can only be thankful, for Earl's sake. If this is how it has to be, let it be quickly over for him.

He has had a little issue of some congestion and not being able to cough much up. EMT Richard (friend of Liana's who transported Earl for Rural Metro last night) says the lung congestion is likely fluid buildup that is just part of the body shutdown process. Earl has swelling in his hands and legs. His body can't process and get rid of the fluids.

At times his mind is still so sharp and clear. Pain meds make him sluggish and his speech is slurred. The mornings are better after he has slept and is not on meds.

Stacie & Liana were with me last night. They split the late night shift and let me sleep... first real sleep in almost a week.

Earl - News is not good

CT Scan on Saturday shows cancer has spread. This morning Oncologist told me there is nothing else he can do for Earl. The recent treatments apparently have not been working. He recommended we put him in hospice care. He also said Earl doesn't have long. Probably a matter of weeks. Maybe a month or two, but not long.

Earl is so weak. His mind is wondering and he talks about all kinds of things. Whatever is running thru his mind. He can be alert and responsive when we ask him questions. Next sentence won't make sense. His liver is not working, thus toxins are building up and causing the confusion. Blood sugar was 282 and insulin is keeping it under 200. Other issues, too much to detail now.

He had a good visit with his daughter, Claudette, and her husband who came down from Richmond for the weekend. He was able to talk some and knew she was there. Asked about her last night, wanting to know if they had gone home. I was able to tell him she would be back this morning and she did come to see him before they left.

I am trying to be grateful that Earl has been so well until this last week. It will be such a blessing for him if this can be over quickly and him not have to suffer for a long time.

Please pray for us as we face these final days. It's in God's hands.

Lillian