Dallas L. Wickham-Grodman

Dallas Louise Webb Wickham-Grodman passed away on August 29 in San Antonio, TX at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Preceded in death by her parents Edna and Dallas Webb, her brother David Webb and first husband Donald Wickham. Survived by husband Harold Grodman of Bulverde, daughter Winona Wickham-Miller and husband Matt of Austin, son Jack Wickham, grand-daughters Winona Jo and Bailey Wickham of San Antonio, sisters Cassell Webb-Leon of London, Rebecca Kidwell of Sacramento, California, Jimmie Whipple of New Braunfels and brother Mitchell Webb of San Antonio and many other relatives and dear friends.

The oldest of six children, Dallas was born August 19, 1942 in San Antonio and traveled extensively with her military family. Theatre was a passion and she was the first American accepted to the world renown Cambridge School of Drama in England.

A gifted actress, Dallas appeared in many theatrical productions, but to the benefit of thousands of young people she also acted upon her enthusiasm for literature, drama and life during a much honored 35 year teaching career; the majority of which was as a beloved teacher of English, Speech and Drama in the San Antonio area.

At age 45 Dallas returned to college and earned her master's degree. She became a reading specialist, fulfilling one of her greatest passions, which was assessing and improving reading problems to enrich the lives of area youth.

In 1991 she married Harold Grodman and after retiring from teaching, moved to a country setting in Bulverde. Her work with children continued as the celebrated children's dramatic storyteller at the Bulverde Library. Even after being diagnosed, Dallas continued her passion and volunteered at the library teaching English as a second language.

A loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend, few people have shown as brightly in the lives of so many.

Services will be Saturday, September 1st at Sunset Funeral Chapel on Austin Highway in San Antonio at 3pm.

The family wishes to thank the staff and doctors at CTRC, Hospice and The Laurels. Dallas loved flowers, but memorials to the Bulverde Spring Branch Children's Library would also be appreciated.

Note for blog: The Family address for correspondence/cards is 5925 Green Acres, Austin, TX 78727. We will ensure all family members receive.

Bulverde/Spring Branch Children's Library Info: 20475 Hwy 46 West, Suite 240, Spring Branch, TX 78070, 830-438-4864

Dallas Louise Webb-Wickham-Grodman

Our beloved Miss Dallas passed away this morning, Wednesday, August 29 at 10:40 am. Her children Jack and Winona and I were there with her. It was very peaceful.

Services will be Saturday, September 1st at Sunset Funeral Chapel on Austin Highway in San Antonio at 3pm. There will be viewing at the beginning of the services in the chapel then a memorial, followed by a short graveside service. The family invites you to gather with them afterward at the home of Pat and Ken Taylor at 26003 Shadow Point in Timberwood Park outside San Antonio.

Dallas loved flowers, but memorials to the Bulverde Children's Library would also be appreciated if you wish.

We Want You to Know

Dallas has taken a turn for the worse. Her pain has increased dramatically and she has to be heavily medicated. Breathing is very labored. She is not able to get out of bed or eat.
Hospice has a nurse staying with her around the clock and she is surrounded by family. It won't be long till she is free of the pain and misery of this disease and we want you to know that your love and prayers are helping us all get through this difficult time.

continued...

Dallas is still having a very challenging time today & is considered in critical condition - at least until we get the pain under control. She is bedridden due to pain & increased medication. The next couple of days will be cruicial and hospice will be with her 24/7 as well as family. We will keep you posted....

Prayer Request Please

Dallas had one of her toughest days yet and sadly was in a lot of pain. Cancer is so unpredictable and the pain hit her without warning Sunday morning when we got back from breakfast, so at least I was with her.  Dallas' usual dosage of immediate release morphine was surprisingly not effective at all and Hospice had to increase the dosage for 3 hours (10mg to 75mg) just to get Dallas in a comfortable & resting state.  Unfortunately, this all occurred at the same time the Laurel's air conditioning went out.  What a day!  So, we had to temporarily move her to Jack's house.  The air is fixed now & Dallas is back at the Laurel's resting with oxygen.

Sadly, this is the worst pain she has experienced since being diagnosed and was frightening.  It was mostly in her right upper torso side - chest, underarm, back w/ her entire right arm going numb.  The right lung is where most the tumors have increased & per Dr several are impinging the nerves due to their location.  I am staying with mom tonight & will meet with Hospice again tomorrow to continue coordinating pain management.  They were very helpful and our goal is to ensure Dallas does not suffer.  

Thanks for understanding if mom or us have not been able to return messages &/or are unavailable until she gets through this episode.  Due to the increased pain medication, Dallas is more sedated and unable to visit.  We don't anticipate this to continue as hopefully we can lower the dosage if/when the pain subsides.  As always, we will keep you posted & please feel free to leave a commet for Dallas as we read them to her daily & she really appreciates.  Thank you again for your prayers and support.

New Meds are working

Hi everyone. Just an update that Dallas' appetite is increasing and she is able to eat more. We are so grateful that the new medication seems to be working. Dallas' children & two precious grand-daughters are with her this weekend at the Laurel's. We'll keep posting updates and please continue to keep Dallas in your prayers. Thank you!

Nona's Pics of Dallas 65 Birthday

Dr Appt 8/21

We had a very productive appt @ CTRC today with Dallas' favorite Dr. Karnad who has treated her since being diagnosed almost 12 months ago in Sept '06. Due to the extensive progression of the cancer, the Dr does not recommend participating in the Phase I clinical trail as does not think it would be beneficial at this point, nor worth her time, effort & energy. Statistically, only 15% of patients may have some response to Phase I clinical trials, but more often there is no change or gets worse.

This professional evaluation made Dallas' decision much easier & provided her with peace of mind. She wants to use her remaining time focusing on quality of life with family & friends, instead of driving back & forth daily for a clinical trial which is a huge commitment. Plus, due to her weight loss and lack of energy, it would be a strain on her to undergo any experimental treatment and is not recommended. She feels "confident she is receiving the best care with Dr. Karnad" and will have monthly appointments.

The goal going forward is to treat the symptoms and ensure Dallas is not in any pain or suffering. She received new prescriptions to assist with suppressing her consistent cough and medication to stimulate appetite, which we hope is helpful.

Dallas "appreciates and thanks all of you for your concern - you will never know how much it helps." Even through all this, she continues to have an amazing attitude. Please feel free to call (210-592-7678) &/or visit anytime or leave comment which she enjoys reading.

Happy 65th Birthday Dallas!

Dallas celebrated her birthday at home with immediate family. We had a very nice day with fun gifts and Dallas was feeling a bit better. She wasn't able to eat any of the chocolate cake, but enjoyed the ice cream and strawberries. She even had the strength to go out for dinner with her children. We visit the Dr at CTRC again tomorrow, Tues 8/21, at 11:30am and will post any new updates.

CT & MRI Scan Results

We wish we had better news, though as anticipated Dallas' CT & MRI results showed progression of the cancer, as well as new growth and tumors. Sadly, this increase & development of new tumors appeared in the last 90 days proving this cancer is aggressive. Since we know you care and want to know, below are some additional details.

All tumors increased up to 50% and additional tumors appeared in the lungs, liver, adrenal gland and spine (cervical, thoracic & lumbar). We are especially concerned with the fluid in the right lung which was never present previously and due to excessive disease in right lung, the pulmonary vein and right lower lobe is obstructed. This is making it difficult for Dallas to breath, causing pain and severe shortness of breath, plus strain on the heart. Another concern is the bone cancer that has now moved to her cervical & thoracic areas of the spine as well, so no longer just in the lumbar area. Ugh, this has been a very long & difficult day.

Dallas is still considering the option of participating in a Phase I clinical trail, but due to the progression there may be less benefit of such a trial so don't anticipate us going that route. We are meeting with another Dr at CTRC next Tues 8/21 that we have seen many times to discuss further as the new Dr today was not as informative. As you know, Dallas is one tough cookie, but she is extremely tired lately and still suffering from severe nausea, along with the shortness of breath and coughing. We hope that additional medication can assist to alleviate these symptoms and ensure she is not in pain or suffering.

We continue to thank you for your prayers of support & strength during this challenging time. Dallas' answering machine is now set up so please feel free to call (210-592-7678) &/or leave comments.

Dallas not feeling well this weekend

Dallas is not feeling so well this weekend with increased nausea, shortness of breath, cough and pain in her right chest side. Cancer is so unpredictable with good weeks and bad ones, though we are glad she felt well enough last week to enjoy her family in town. Dallas has been resting all weekend and will have her CT & MRI scans tomorrow which is always a long & difficult day. Our Dr appt with scan results is Tues 8/14 which we are anxiously awaiting. Dallas has not had any treatments (chemo) of the lungs in 8 months - since Dec - so interested to see how the cancer is acting w/o medical intervention as this will be our first scan comparison with no treatment. We anticipate the cancer has progressed, at least in right lung, and will review options & benefits of clinical trials. We'll post an update of the scan results by Wed.

Dallas' new home phone is 210-592-7678. She will have an answering machine set up on Tuesday but can view missed calls & still keeps her cell phone with her.

Dallas and her family thank all of you again for your prayers, well wishes and concern. Such support has helped her tremendously and is extremely appreciated.

Update 8/6

Dallas had a good weekend and was able to see her entire family which always makes her happy. Her sister Becky & family from California was in town so we had a little family shin dig at 'the Resort' club house which worked out perfectly. Dallas' other sister Jimmie & brother Mitch with families were also there along with extended family. And, of course, her 2 kids & 2 beautiful granddaughters. She is feeling alright and is more rested not having to worry about everyday chores. She is gaining a bit of weight with the 3 meals a day so we hope that continues.

Moms next CT & MRI scan appointment is Mon, Aug 13th so we'll know more that week about the progression of the cancer, especially in the lungs. We will also review the possibility of the Phase I Clinical Trial that starts Aug 20th. I will post an update once we have the scan results. Oh, and please note Dallas' 65th Birthday is Aug 19th. She says she doesn't want to celebrate but wanted to give everyone a heads up.

Thanks again for all your prayers and support. Please keep visiting if you have an opportunity (or call). Dallas just loves seeing her friends & really appreciates it! Take Care -

Dallas' New Mailing Address

Dallas Grodman, #D207, 575 Knights Crossing Dr, San Antonio, TX 78258. You don't have to put The Laurels on the address.

*Please keep visiting if possible - she's loving the company!* Check out below pics of her new place - it's a great place to visit.

Mom will have her home phone set up next week & I'll update # on this blog. Until then, she is available on her cell.