January 2008 saw a repeat ILP operation attempt at Glasgow Gartnavel Hosptial. Unfortunately the procedure was cancelled when the melanoma was discovered in the op site (above the top of Sam's leg). The ILP was therefore rendered a waste of time. The consultant advised us for the first time, that Sam was unlikely to live for another year. That devastated us, and our respective families and friends. Sam took the news well though, considering, which gave me strength. I think we both gave each other strength actually. We decided that if Sam did only have a year left, that we would get a dog - which we did. Fergus, the King Charles Spaniel. He was terrific - focussing our minds on other things, during some of the darkest days yet. Sam fought on. She decided that the systemic chemo offered by Weston Park was the way to go, as she wanted to feel like she was fighting the disease, even though the Glasgow consultant had advised against further treatment due to its ineffectiveness. I quit work for a while, wanting to focus on Sam and her treatment. Various trips to the hospital followed, but after a while it was obvious the chemo wasn't working. Sam's mobility was getting worse - her "big leg" as I called it, didn't seem to want to go down after the swelling from radiotherapy. It was like Sam was dragging round a few lemonade bottles strapped to her leg. Crutches were issued, along with other mobility aids, like a wheelchair. These came in useful and allowed us to visit Wales a couple of times, a place that Sam loved. Towards the end, Sam went into hospital for a blood transfusion which seemed to make very little difference to her. She told me that she couldn't keep fighting it, which I think was the tipping point. On coming out of the hospital, her mobility had taken a real turn for the worse - her good leg had stopped functioning properly. She was unable to support her own weight. I had to help her on and off the toilet, and onto the sofa, and into bed etc. Her mother and I managed to get her upstairs on the stair lift, but I knew it was time to call the Hospice. Sam went into Bassetlaw Hospice on Wednesday 21st May 2008. She died on Saturday 24th May, having given up her fight against the disease which had plagued our lives for the past 5.5 years. She will be missed. She was the light of my life, and the reason I got up every day. She was a true friend, lover and soul mate. One of those special people that you only meet once in life.