Oh, it's a long, long while from May to December
But the days grow short when you reach September
When the Autumn weather turns the leaves to flame
One hasn't got time for the waiting game
Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few
September, November
And these few precious days I'll spend with you
These precious days I'll spend with you
For those of you whom I have not met my name is Annie and I am a friend of Kathy deShong Cochran. I’m writing to you to let you know that Kathy began receiving palliative care in lieu of treatments for her cancer on April 8th. She is presently in the Extended Care facility of the VA Medical Center in West Palm Beach.
Kathy is relatively free of the pain she has lived with and comfortable. As a result of the disease, the medications she has had to take and the strokes she has had in the last few months her ability to communicate is limited. She comprehends well but has difficulty putting her thoughts together and vocalizing them. She gets frustrated with this and her situation but for the most part she is the Kathy we know so well: giving out hugs and the occasional sarcastic remark, and in general, endearing herself to all she comes in contact with.
As you know, Kathy places as much importance on the friends in her life as she does her family. I have had the privilege of having her count me as a friend for 27 years. No matter the miles that have been between us at times I always knew she was there- just a phone call away. And I have never doubted how much she valued her friends and her shipmates.
There is not a lot I can do to make things better for her right now but knowing she is surrounded by people who love and care for her; that she knows her friends are thinking of her is huge. If you are thinking of contacting her please don’t wait to do so. She loves to see pictures and the staff there read any cards or letters she receives to her.
Kathy can receive mail delivery at the following address:
Mary Cochran (Kathy deShong)
c/o VAMC West Palm Beach
Room 133
7305 N. Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33410
If you have any questions about how she is doing please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am back home in Oregon but stay in touch with both her social worker and nurses as well as speak with Kathy herself frequently. You can reach me by email at annie.allison@pcg.com or by phone at 843-437-1351.
