Beech Tree News Network

Other than skin cancers from sun exposure, my family had no history of cancer. Yet, my brother was diagnosed more than a year ago with multiple myeloma, stage 3 – an aggressive cancer. Being a tough, strong man, he determined to fight this cancer with everything he had.

A Healthline article, “Outlook and Treatment for Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma” (https://www.healthline.com/health/cancer/multiple-myeloma-stage-3-outloo...), explained that multiple myeloma rarely has any symptoms until stage 3. The symptoms of this late-stage cancer may include: nausea, constipation, pain, fatigue, frequent infections, weight loss, muscle weakness, increased thirst, and decreased appetite. For an active, healthy, older person who works hard, many of these symptoms may be explained away until the pain becomes too great to ignore. One of the treatments for multiple myeloma is a stem cell transplant. This cancer and the treatment – like any life-threatening illness – create a difficult way of life.

My brother (one of four brothers) was the oldest child in our family of six children (I am number two.). He was an excellent student, was competitive in activities of his choosing, and while growing up, worked on the family farm, too. He earned a master’s degree, worked in Kentucky, Illinois, and Indiana until he retired, was talented in woodworking, and had a wicked sense of humor. His family included his wife of 52 years, two sons, and five grandchildren (three boys and two girls). My brother’s life was good – he worked hard and loved it.

One definition provided by Merriam-Webster for “brother” is “a male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another.” What makes a good brother? I believe a good brother knows what is important to his sibling.  A good brother reminds his sibling of the importance of family. A good brother will fight for a sibling even when he has to fight/argue with that sibling to do so. A good brother has the compassion to tell a sibling (1) when she has done a good job or (2) when she has messed up, assuring her that everything will still be okay. This brother, who lived at a distance, has been a good brother.

Even though my family had no medical history for it, my brother lost his battle with cancer on September 17th at home with his loving family. He had gone through chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and more chemotherapy, but those treatments all failed. My beloved brother will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Dana Grace.

Psalm 116:15 (KJV): “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”