I hope that most of you know by now that Jason Gillie has end-stage oesophageal cancer with multiple metastases. If not, this may come as something of a shock. Unfortunately, the disease is progressing really fast and on Friday night the main tumour closed his oesophagus completely, so he can no longer eat or drink at all. Regrettably, he then aspirated some fluid which has led to rapid-onset pneumonia. He is finally responding to antibiotics in the Royal Free Hospital and I still hope that he may be able to come back here for while (I have been looking after him) with a feeding tube into his stomach. He does not feel well enough for many visitors at the moment, or even for phone calls. The best thing his friends can do for him now is to let him know that he is loved, will be missed, and will be remembered. If Jason touched your life in any way, send him a Facebook message, an email ([email protected]) or an old fashioned letter or card to 2 Russell Place, Belsize Park, London NW3 2BY. Please, please, please don’t say “get well soon” – that’s just cruel at this stage. Please don’t suggest any further alternative therapies unless you have a source of marijuana oil, which he would still like to try through a nebulizer (we haven’t been able to find any). Remember in your thoughts and wishes that he cannot eat or drink anymore. It’s tough to die at 42, with so much left to live for. The only thing that Jason has to leave is your memories of him. Let him know that he matters. It’s the only legacy he has. I am sending this to all of our mutual friends – please invite anyone else in your lists who knows Jason. Thank you.
Posted on: Sat, 17 Aug 2013 15:26:44 +0000