Ed Bader’s diabetes and pancreatic cancer journey
Donation protected
Hello, my name is Allie Planton and creating this GoFundMe page to support my aunt and uncle, Joan and Ed Bader.
Here is Ed’s story (as of 5/21/2023):
Late April, Ed went into Holland Hospital. He was diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). At that time a cat scan also showed a mass on his pancreas and abnormalities on his liver, most likely cirrhosis. He was retaining fluid in his abdomen due to the cirrhosis. Doctors drained some fluid for relief and sugar was controlled. A week later more fluid was drained. On May 10 we had an appointment for a endoscopy where they would get an ultrasound and biopsy of the pancreas. When we got to the hospital, they found he was again in DKA and had a lot of fluid built up. They would not do the procedure. He was admitted to the Hospital.
On May 12 the endoscopy was done. The biopsy confirmed pancreatic cancer. Another cat scan confirmed that the cancer has spread beyond the pancreas. He continues to have fluid removed from his abdomen every 3-4 days. This is taking a toll on his kidneys which are now the main concern. He has started dialysis, but is struggling to be still for long periods of time. Discussions on cancer care are on the back burner until the kidneys are functioning better.
Ed is currently a patient at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids. He is not up for visitors at this time. We welcome all your love and support and prayers from afar. Please pray for comfort, peace, for the nausea to subside, and especially for our girls during this time.
Joan and Ed have not asked for donations, but they’ve been overwhelmed with friends and family asking to support. They can’t take meal donations while Ed is still in the hospital. If you would like to support them in a financial way, donations are greatly appreciated!
Update 5/22/2023
The girls and I are simply overwhelmed by all the love and support our family and friends have shown. Please, keep those prayers coming!
Ed is currently in dialysis. They wanted to do three hours; we'll see how long he makes it.
He's been a little more agreeable about taking meds etc. I sent his brother and mom & dad up to whip him into shape!
Not much else to share at this time. Just a note of thanks to all who are lifting us up.
~Joan
Update 5/23/2023:
Answered prayers! Little victories. Ed was able to do the entire three hours of dialysis yesterday. Yay!!
Today they will do another paracentesis (draw fluid from his abdomen). That should help make him more comfortable. ❤️
Update 5/23/2023:
Today is another day of dialysis. Pray that goes well. Paracentesis yesterday provided a bit more comfort. But he said it was a rough night. He's having a hard time getting and staying comfortable so he's not getting much needed sleep/rest. The nausea is constant. Doctor ordered more/different nausea med.
Prayers for comfort, reduced nausea and rest, appetite, discernment.
Update 5/24/2023:
Today was a rough day. Ed has become weaker every day. The nausea is awful and never subsides. For Ed's sake, I will refrain from sharing everything. This afternoon when they came to take him to dialysis, he said "No. I'm done. This is no way to live." We spoke with the doctor and made sure Ed's wishes were clear. We have called in Hospice, or Blodgett's equivalent called Comfort Care. From here on he will receive care/meds only for his comfort.
Please continue to keep us all in your prayers. It's just so unreal.
~ Joan, Ellie & Megan
Update 5/26/2023:
Because he is who he is, Ed has not been receiving pain medication. "I'm not in pain. It's just annoying." I had to give the doctors and nurses a lesson in "Ed". He will never admit he is in 'pain'. So now we use the word 'Discomfort'.
After much back and forth with hospital politics, he is now officially on Hospice and not the hospital's Comfort Care. This will afford him different meds that will hopefully take away the 'discomfort' and the nausea. He's sleeping peacefully as I type. Those of you who know him, know how hard this is on him. He sure doesn't like his family and friends seeing him in this helpless state. So while we have requested no visitors, please know that we are so grateful and thankful for all of you and how you are reaching out to him and to us. We are truly blessed.
Update 5/26/2023:
Mom, Megan, Kathy and I have spent the last two hours playing songs that remind us of my dad. Our family has cherished Toby Keith’s album Unleashed for as long as I can remember.. I hope you all have songs that remind you of my dad. And may you listen to them fondly and remember him. Thanks for the love.
-Ellie
Update 5/27/2023:
Dear Family and Friends,
If you are reading this, chances are you were touched by Ed in one way or another. He had a gift. And he used it well. He could make anyone feel comfortable and loved.
Ed passed away peacefully today around 6pm. We thank you all for your prayers as we walk this journey.
Update 5/28/2023:
Obituary
Organizer and beneficiary
Allison Planton
Organizer
Holland, MI
Joan Bader
Beneficiary