Doug Dunbar With 'Mama Dunbar' During Her Final Journey
UPDATE: Doug's mother passed away on Saturday, October 13.
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Our CBS11 colleague Doug Dunbar has been out since October 2, caring for his mother "Mama Dunbar" in southern Michigan who is in the final stages of leukemia.
He has been sharing his mother's journey and his role in it on Twitter and we are sharing it with you.
Doug says he looks forward to being back on the air as soon as he can, and back with his CBS11 family but for now he's where he needs to be.
Here are his most recent tweets from his childhood home where his mother lives.
94 days since her #leukemia diagnosis, my incredibly strong, resilient, compassionate and loving mother drew her last breath at 5:30am today. I was by her side holding her hands as she completed her journey. Just the two of us. Just the love of a mother and son. I love you mom... pic.twitter.com/dQ80nv7ral
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 13, 2018
Molly has spent more and more time with my mom this last 24 hours. She knows the end is near. She is giving mom as much love as she's received from her since she was born. Molly has been mom's world for the last 7 years. Animals know. #cancer #leukemia pic.twitter.com/PSSo12kzWt
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 12, 2018
Another step in the journey Mom's breathing has entered a pattern called Cheyne Stokes. short breaths, followed by long pauses. The caring hearts of hospice are here.
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 11, 2018
Friends are here.
There are angels in the room.
My dad is waiting with his arms wide open.
There is love. pic.twitter.com/Ja2VsHnTR3
Day 92 since mom's #leukemia diagnosis.
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 11, 2018
Tough night. #Hospice tells me moments of agitation are to be expected. Fragile and very weak, but the ❤️ of the woman who has been a fighter her whole life is hanging on. It's who she has always been. it's who she will always be. To me. pic.twitter.com/LtvbpQ3lJ6
I needed this picture. On the same day I visited to make final plans for my mom when she completes her journey, an old friend shared this. Said our smiles say everything. #love #motherandson this was just b4 mom's #leukemia diagnosis in July. What I'd give to turn back the ???? pic.twitter.com/VNyMG0vpu4
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 11, 2018
The final stage of our #leukemia fight brings unexpected challenges for me as a first time caregiver. Since mom fell asleep days ago, how to get fluids in? #Hospice nurses taught me. A syringe. In our case, filled with her favorite @7UP . Special moments for this son. pic.twitter.com/k52arbUkeF
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 10, 2018
The end stage of a #leukemia fight. It's often the silence that gets a caregiver most. #cancer #cancersucks #ingestrong pic.twitter.com/cWMQdOhcGq
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 10, 2018
2 years ago today. Crossing the finish line at @IRONMANtri Worlds in Kona. Every ounce of effort for @LLSusa. Raising $155k. Little did I know then, 2 years to the day, my mom would be in the final stage of a disease I fought, and still fight so hard against. #cancersucks pic.twitter.com/eGriQjAWbz
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 9, 2018
So grateful 4 friends. In the final stages of mom's #cancer, the whispers of a familiar voice, and the touch of a hand, mean the world. 89 days since her #leukemia diagnosis. Even though she hasn't been awake in days, there is love being spoken. My ❤️ knows she can hear us... pic.twitter.com/nPJGTogefr
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 8, 2018
My kids. My mom. When they made it to Michigan yesterday, mom was smiling with them, sharing glances and touches and I love you's. She fell asleep at 9 last night. She hasn't woken up since. The depth of the reality has settled in. But it will never outweigh the depth of our love pic.twitter.com/0iqH5tMxiJ
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 7, 2018
This moment. My kids. My wife. My mom. #family #cancersucks pic.twitter.com/4UaAOTyZ9U
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 6, 2018
There are some things that #Leukemia cannot take away. One of them is the love of a Saturday afternoon watching Michigan football. Homecoming for them. As we continue to wish for a peaceful home coming for my mom whenever God decides it is time. #cancersucks #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/Z6qaCurKhC
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 6, 2018
Sun yesterday but dark clouds have rolled in and the ticking of the clock in the kitchen is the only sound. Sang German songs to mom last night. She hummed along very lightly. My ❤️ is breaking, and aching for peace for her. 85 days since her #leukemia diagnosis. #cancersucks pic.twitter.com/4fkHBPiFuf
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 4, 2018
Despite a fair amount of confusion that has settled in, there is no confusion when it comes to the joy of the feeling of having your hair washed. I've been here 24 hours and it's the first time mom has smiled. It made me smile...through the tears. ❤️ #hospice #cancersucks pic.twitter.com/mH6tGifStJ
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 3, 2018
Today, #hospice nurses taught me how to administer morphine to my mom minutes after I arrived. I also learned a new depth of helplessness I have never felt in my life. That feeling is only overshadowed, by the lifetime of love between a mother and this son. #grateful pic.twitter.com/Wm2hfWAs7s
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 3, 2018
Sleepless night. 7am thoughts. Grateful for the city that never sleeps @DFWAirport And the kind crew on @AmericanAir 2537. Humbled by the #Hospice nurses now leading our journey with my mom. I'm on my way mom....be home soon.. #cancersucks @LLSusa #researchmatters pic.twitter.com/nAenfYiJ88
— Doug Dunbar (@cbs11doug) October 2, 2018
