Kristina's Memorial Service Details

Saturday, May 7th, 2016 

Visitation: 1:00pm - 1:30pm

Services: 1:30pm

Harkins Funeral Home, Inc.

600 Main Street

Delta, PA 17314

There will be time set aside during the service for friends and family to say a few words about Kristina if they so wish. If they do not feel they are able to speak themselves, they can send me an email by this Thursday with their sentiments written out and the ceremony's officiant will read them.

After the ceremony, anyone who wishes may join me and and Kristina's family across the street at the bar at Delta Pizza. I think Kristina would have approved of this course of action.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations are made to the National Federation of the Blind.  Donations can be made online at www.nfb.org in memory of Kristina.

Kristina has passed

All,
It is with great sadness that I must tell you that Kristina died this morning. She went peacefully and I was by her side the entire time. Her family came to the house soon after and we tearfully said our goodbyes with the knowledge that it was better for her to go rather than further endure her complications from brain cancer. I and her family will miss her more than words can express.

In the coming days we will be making arrangements for her memorial service. I'll let everyone know dates and details when I have them.
Love,
Mark

Kristina Is In Her Last Days

The nurse from our hospice program informed us that Kristina likely has less than 48 hours left. I and her family are unspeakably sad about this but at the same time we know she must move on. She is still comfortable and surrounded by love. For this I am very grateful.

Update On Kristina

Kristina is in much the same condition as a week ago. She is very comfortable and is surrounded by her loved ones. - Mark

Contribute Memories and Photos of Kristina on Our "Loving Kristina" Blog

In addition to Kristina's slideshow, I've also created a new blog where friends and family can post memories and photos of Kristina. I've okay'd a list of people from Kristina's The Lloyd Newsletter mailing list to post to this blog. All you need is a Blogger/Google account. If you aren't able to post, let me know through the comments or email me and I'll add you to the list.

Visit the Loving Kristina blog...

Kristina's Slide Show

I've created a slideshow with pictures of Kristina on my One Drive account. I've given her friends permissions to add photos. If you need permissions or would just like me to post the images and captions for you just let me know in the comments or email me. - Mark

Visit the slideshow...
(click on any picture to begin slideshow and see captions)

Kristina's Condition Worsenning

Mark here again...

I wanted to let all of Kristina’s friends and family know that her health has declined significantly. In late February Kristina began experiencing symptoms of swelling in her brain. She was admitted to Johns Hopkins hospital. Shortly into her stay she took a sudden turn for the worse from which she has not recovered.

Kristina is currently at home with me under home hospice care. The doctors and nurses don’t know how much time she has left but it’s generally discussed in terms of weeks. She is not in any pain and has been kept very comfortable but is not conscious most of the time. When she does come too it is only for few seconds and she’s minimally responsive. We’re sure that she still hears our voices so we’re talking to her regularly and surround her with love. She is also still able to give me kisses. I cherish every one.

Coping with the feelings of sadness and loss has been difficult but we were all given a hint on how to handle things by Kristina herself. When in the hospital some of us had difficult moment and began crying. Kristina woke up, looked at us and rolled her eyes as if to say, "Come on guys, this is silly." So rather than spending our time crying around Kristina we've been spending it talking about current goings ons and about our memories we share with her.

A friend is helping me set up a site where pictures, wishes and memories can be shared. I'll send out another email when it's ready to use.

Thank you all for the friendship and love you have given to Kristina over the years. I am very thankful for it and I know she is too.

-Mark

I'm Back

I am home and happy! Last Thursday, after 2 weeks, my fantastic surgeon showed us images of the area resected and he got a good deal of the tumor tissue, much of which had been killed by the radiation. This is wonderful! I thank EVERYONE for thinking of me and wishing us well!!!

Now I'll tell you about the last two weeks- hard! Lol! So many drugs, got a horrible rash everywhere. And my face has turned round and puffy! I sleep 3-4 hours/night. AND: several nights ago I suddenly lost my ability to speak. Truly! I used my hands as best I could, and Mark is fantastic. The day after I was put back on some anti-inflamatory medicine. I can now talk again and I'm improving daily.

I say these things, but I am well overall. The bulk of the tumor has been taken away, again, since 2008! I am so happy and taking things easy, recovering. I thank you for your thoughts and support! I feel good and thanks to my doctors I am going strong!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Love, Kristina (&Mark)

Kristina Is Out Of Surgery

Mark here. Kristina came out of surgery at around 5:30pm today and she's doing well. She's awake and speaking but in need of some rest.

Our surgeon, Dr. L., informed us that he debulked the tumor successfully. Next we wait for the pathology of what he removed to find out if most of the swelling had to do with her radiation over the summer or new tumor tissue. Due to the quick abatement of her speech problems with the steroids, we're hoping it's the former.

I'm at home right now decompressing and plan to visit Kristina first thing in the morning. She will likely be moved from the neuro critical care unit to a step-down ward at that time as well. I have a good feeling that she will be home by Friday!

Lloyd is Ready For Round Three

I felt so well though the Fall, but then some things changed dramatically. Close to Christmas, my new inability-to-speak came dramatically. Some medicine changes have helped (the kind I hate, "Decadrama"). This week was another MRI of my brain and a visit with Dr. L, one of my favorite doctors who has operated on me twice before. I look forward to seeing him yet again on Tuesday to be operated on for a third time.

I am not afraid of this. This is something I feel that I need so much and I have an excellent team in place. Mark feels as I do. Thank you all for thinking of us. We will let you know more after Tuesday of next week.

With love,

Kristina and Mark ♥