Viva Scott

Funeral & reception info

shavonp — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 14:57:25 +0000

Scott’s funeral is this morning, June 18th, at 10:00 am. Hillside Memorial Park. Afterwards, there will be a reception at the Manhattan Beach Marriott. Here’s a note from Scott’s dear sister, Rae with information and details:

Hello,

Scott Waxler’s sister, Rae, here. We want to get the word out that there will be a reception buffet luncheon immediately following the service for Scott on Wednesday, June 18. This will be announced (and information will be given) at the service. I am asking you to forward this information to everyone who loved Scott because I realize that some people may not be able to attend the service but could join us later at the reception.

As soon as Scott’s service is completed, we will drive to the Manhattan Beach Marriott. We are guessing it will be sometime around 1:30 p.m. We have reserved Salon A (the main hall) until 5:00 p.m. Address is: 1400 Parkview Avenue, Manhattan Beach, 90266. Phone: (310) 939-1431

In the evening we will be having a private family shiva at the Waxler/Nelson home. It has been an exhausting couple of weeks and the family would appreciate some quiet time together.

Thank you for all the love and support you have given us.

Rae Waxler

(cell) 925-330-8588

Memorial Services Info

shavonp — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 04:53:56 +0000

Memorial Services have been arranged. They are scheduled for Wednesday, June 18th, at 10:00 AM. Services will be held at Hillside Memorial Park in Culver City. Here’s a link to their website: www.hillsidememorial.com

They have directions written out plus a map on their site.

More details will be sent out once we have them.

There are no words….

shavonp — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 22:58:11 +0000

There are no good words to choose from when I try to write that we lost our dear Scott today. With family by his side, he went quietly and peacefully. There’s no doubt that his heart was full of love from the overwhelming outpouring of visits, e-mails, voice mails, cards, letters, prayers, etc. As we struggle to get through this time, the comfort of friends and family is such a blessing.

Details are being worked out and I’ll post information as soon as I have it.

It’s Wednesday Already?!

shavonp — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 02:39:26 +0000

A busy day today for Scott. He told me this afternoon at lunch that he had a really good night last night–slept really well, and that Maria slept well too. They sure looked rested to me. It’s great to see Scott with so much color in his face, even with the grey beard! Supposedly Cousin Mike is coming with his shaver soon!

Scott went for his radiation treatment this morning and came back and took a short nap before a 5* lunch prepared by the hospital chef–Maria was pleased that the meal was more closely aligned with their standard diet at home–brown rice, veges, skinless chicken. Ah, the comforts….

Scott was happy to hear my reports of your comments on the blog and sends his love back to everyone. Cathy, he had a big smile and a twinkle in his eye when I mentioned your name!

This afternoon, Scott was relocated from the Ritz Carlton down to the first floor so he can be closer to the physical therpists who are working their magic on him. My mom (Aunt Charlotte) and I were both so impressed with him when he needed to move/slide up in his bed…he reached back, grabbed a hold of the bed and worked hard to move. Such a trooper. Those matresses are slippery and don’t provide much friction.

Maria and Scott wanted to let you all know how much they appreciate the phone calls, e-mails, cards, flowers, and visits. The outpouring of love and support is overwhelming and such a blessing. As the daily treatments of chemotherapy and radiation continue for Scott, it’s becomming ever more important for him to have the ability to take little naps here and there, and of course, not to zap his energy. They’re asking for the visits to continue, but if you could please limit your visits to 15 minutes that would be a big help. Also, if possible, if you can visit sometime between early and late afternoon, that seems to be the best time, with the fewest interruptions by doctors, physical therapists, etc.

Have a great evening–we’ll keep you posted!

Afternoon Update – 6/10/08

shavonp — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:46:10 +0000

Good Afternoon.

Maria’s been getting all sorts of input about doctors, hospitals, clinical trials that are accepting participants, etc. There’s so much information out there. There are three recommendations of either doctors or hospitals that offer the best care/treatments which Maria’s looking into: St. Johns in Santa Monica, UCLA, and City of Hope in Duarte. Maria & Scott extend their thanks to all who are helping get information to them along with referrals. This is wonderful–what an amazing network of love and support.

Good Morning

shavonp — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:33:13 +0000

Hello Everyone. Today is Tuesday, June 10th.

Scott looks GREAT this morning – he might even be shaved again, if he’s lucky! Maria even looks a little rested (thanks to Aunt Charlotte for giving her a break yesterday).

We’re busy researching clinical trials, names of doctors, what’s out there, etc. and welcome any thing you have to share with us. Maria’s waiting for the doctor to come this morning. We’ll get some news out to you as soon as we have it.

Keep the faith going!! VIVA SCOTT

shavonp — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:00:40 +0000

Hello, Scott. Cousin Don III here. Just wanted to say that I hope to see you soon at your house, even though the room is pretty cool. GO PADRES (not really, we’re Angel fans but I know you like those guys!).

Welcome from Cousin Shavon

shavonp — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 01:26:49 +0000

Hello, and welcome to Viva Scott. The goal of our family (Maria & Scott, Dexter, Alex, and all their extended family) is to provide a central place for all to come and receive updates on Scott, as well as be able to share thoughts for the family or provide useful information or contacts.

My name is Shavon Pierce. I’m Scott’s “baby” cousin, daughter of his Uncle Burt and Aunt Charlotte. Burt is the brother of Scott’s mom, Roberta (cute, don’t you think–Burton & Roberta). I was always the youngest tag along of the six cousins on that side of the family. There are other cousins as well–hopefully we’ll be getting a blog from them soon! Scott introduced me to all sorts of great things like R rated movies (the two husbands of Dona Maria…he’ll tell you all about the nude scene I’m sure) and great hits (Proud Mary, Spinning Wheel, etc..).

It’s my honor to start this off for Scott, but we must give Dex’s friend Alex a big thank you as well–she’s the one who strongly recommended we use WordPress as our host.

Scott entered the hospital last Saturday, May 31st after a few days of various symptoms that didn’t seem to add up. They gave him a CT and admitted him. On the 7th floor, he wasn’t too thrilled to be in bed but was entertained by his first roommate, George (now residing in Costa Rica, the lucky guy). After that it was the grouchy guy who was freezing in the 80 degree room–Scott fell out of bed trying to get this guy a blanket so he’d shut up. And what thanks did Scott get for his good samaritan effort? A time out and a “Sitter” named Christy. Scott later told Maria he “felt like Peter Pan but didn’t need a Wendy” when talking about Christy. He said no one has to sew on his shadow with Christy around. Christy was awesome, spending every moment with her eye on Scott when a family member wasn’t there with him.

The MRI last Sunday brought news that Scott had lesions on his brain and a spot on his lungs. Sunday also brought sister Rae from Northern California on her white stallion (or was it American Airlines?). Rae and her ever present notebook which quickly filled up with tidbits from every possible source including her dear friend and our family’s newest medical consultant Jan. Rae easily slipped into driving the boys to school, “spelling” Maria so she could take a nap, hanging out with Scott, etc. Brother Geoff, Jerry and Sharon were there too, rounding out the support system. Scott’s mom arrived on the scene a few days later as well.

Scott had one additional test scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th. This test brought the diagnosis – melanoma (metastisized in the brain and on a lung). The point of origin was determined to be a mole on his back, which was removed a number of years ago.

Scott currently is at Torrance Memorial Medical Center (check out their website — you can send Scott an e-mail through this site) in a lovely “suite” in their oncology wing. He’s receiving great nursing care and we’re starting the process of researching doctors, facilities and any clinical trials that might be available. Any recomendations you might have are welcomed..share them here if you like.

Scott has been busy listening to some of his vast collection of CDs, reading your many e-mails, and enjoying his vanilla ice-cream. As Maria put it, “it’s the only vanilla thing about Scott.” Dexter has been keeping busy with school (finals are coming up in about a week), and is continuing to help out with running the temple’s sound system for Bar Mitzvah’s and other events. Alex just finished several days of performances at school and did an over the top job–a true actor in the making.

Cantor Ari and his wife Lauren were with Scott, Maria and some of our family on Friday to celebrate Shabat services. Scott also has enjoyed some wonderful visits with friends Anne Hamersky and David Hauss (special thanks for the wonderful buffet of treats), as well as friends Mark & Tery Shipman and their daughter Samantha (just returned from her honeymoon–makes a LOT of us feel old!).

Updates will be made daily–we’ll do our best to let you know what’s going on and feel free to add in pictures, thoughts, messages to the family, suggestions, etc.