A good friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer several months ago.  She has been undergoing some experimental treatments, but found out last weekend that the cancer had metastasized.  She is only 34 and has two little kids at home.  Your prayers would definitely be appreciated.  She has a web-site, START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE that was set up for her by my boss on which she posts blogs and updates on her condition.  Her site is a good place to go to reflect on life whether you have cancer or not.  It would also be a big encouragement to her if you would just drop her a note on the contact page.

Her treatments, because they are experimental, are not covered by insurance.  I'm not posting this to ask for donations, but if you feel inclined to do so it would be very appreciated.  What she (and her husband Dan) really need are your prayers.

Jerry

Prayers are definitely going out Jerry!  Is there a reason why she didn't go through conventional breast cancer treatment?

So sad!! :(

Will do.

My next door neighbor is going through the same thing. Months of therapy ahead. She's a nurse too and knows what to expect. It makes it worse, probably.

Charlie

Melly, my knowledge is very limited, but, in her website, it indicates 2 things I understand completely:
Stage IIB, with 1 lymph node involved
Estrogen receptors indicate she is NOT a candidate for Tamoxifan- well, the 2nd generation of it
and,
if that is not enough, it also indicated she has a very agressive form of cancer...agressive cancer calls for agressive treatments.
I cannot even imagine dealing with this while my children are so little. It breaks my heart! :'(

and so, then I reread Jerry's post, and it has metastasized! OHH MANNN!!!!
...and Charlie's neighbor, too!
HOW do we stop this? How do we prevent Cancer from destroying lives this way?
CONTINUE to support Cancer research......Susan G Kommen, American Cancer Society...and, understand, all these meds began with a LOT of research, which costs a lot of money.
Do what you can-with $$ or prayers or both..then pray some more!

Jerry, my heart goes out to this beautiful woman. please remind her.... right now, she IS a survivor!

There, but for the Grace of God, go I ...
Cathi

Keeping her and her family in my thoughts and prayers. 

Cathi_Pierce wrote on Jan 11^th, 2011 at 7:44pm:

Melly, my knowledge is very limited, but, in her website, it indicates 2 things I understand completely: Stage IIB, with 1 lymph node involved Estrogen receptors indicate she is NOT a candidate for Tamoxifan- well, the 2nd generation of it and, if that is not enough, it also indicated she has a very agressive form of cancer...agressive cancer calls for agressive treatments. I cannot even imagine dealing with this while my children are so little. It breaks my heart! :'(

I see, how awful!!  And yes, those poor children.  Just very sad all the way around. :'(

Praying for Melissa and her family.  Her website is very inspirational as is her grace, courage, and faith.  Once again, puts things into perspective.  How can we make a donation to her?

I share your anger about this Cathi.  Taking my friend to another cancer center Thurs for a 2nd opinion on treatment options.  Stage IV breast cancer that metastasized to 3 cm lung tumor, lymph nodes involved, HER2 new positive.   It's just not fair.  One minute you want to punch somebody out the next you're in tears.  :'(

But she has faith, as do I, and Melissa's website is very moving and let's us all know we don't walk this path alone.  Please give Melissa a hug from me Jerry  [smiley=hug.gif]

Prayers on the way!

Carol

Thanks all.  when the chips are down this place is almost like another church to me.  I don't mean that to be taken wrongly, but because of the shared pain we have we also have a shared care for each other that is supposed to mark the church, but sadly often doesn't.  I love my church, and it is populated with some wonderful caring people, but while sharing a strong belief don't all share a common pain.  That shared pain I think ties us closely together so that we can empathize with others who are undergoing their own struggles.

I hope I'm making sense here.  I know what I feel, but am totally inadequate to express it other than a sincere heart felt thank you.

Jerry

sending my prayers and thoughts from over the water

Mark

Prayers are on the way Callico... for Melissa as well as her family..

Prayers comming. 

Callico wrote on Jan 12^th, 2011 at 12:05am:

Thanks all.  when the chips are down this place is almost like another church to me.  I don't mean that to be taken wrongly, but because of the shared pain we have we also have a shared care for each other that is supposed to mark the church, but sadly often doesn't.  I love my church, and it is populated with some wonderful caring people, but while sharing a strong belief don't all share a common pain.  That shared pain I think ties us closely together so that we can empathize with others who are undergoing their own struggles. I hope I'm making sense here.  I know what I feel, but am totally inadequate to express it other than a sincere heart felt thank you. Jerry

I think you expressed it very eloquently and I totally concur. 

Lynae'

I agree, Jerry. And will continue to pray for all who suffer, your friend especially. Blessings. lance

So sad to hear of someone so young with such a disease. Prayers on the way.

Count me in, sending all the prayers, vibes and positive energy I can muster on to Melissa, her family (two young ones....wow...she is amazing and strong) and for you too Jerry - your heart is the size of the universe I think - it knows no bounds in its giving.

Cat

You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers!!