A simple request.

Elizabeth Schott · 12-12-2003, 03:03 PM

The holiday season always brings with it a sense of camaraderie and good thoughts amongst all. It is also a time when we recognize and give greater empathy to those in need.

This season I humbly request an additional prayer from you and yours, for my dear friend Linda F. who was a participant in William Whitaker

Jeff Fuchs · 12-12-2003, 05:11 PM

Beth,

She'll be in my thoughts.

For what it's worth, my sister-in-law had the same diagnosis two years ago, and is now as healthy as ever. Thanks goodness for modern medicine.

Take care,

Jeff

P.S. Beth, post on SOG from time to time!

Magdalena Castaneda · 12-14-2003, 03:15 PM

Dear Beth,

Please know that we will have your friend Linda F. in our prayers. You know that we've been living through this experience as well, and my friend is doing very well. There are sites that have been extremely helpful to us and if your interested in those I'll send them to you via the buddy email if that's ok.

In the meantime, we hold her, and you in our thoughts with Love, fondly Magdalena

Terri Ficenec · 12-15-2003, 11:01 AM

Beth -

Such a time of uncertainty and so many decisions must be made so quickly! Our hearts go out to you, and Linda.

Three years ago, also in early December, my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer that had also affected her lymph nodes. After surgery, chemo and radiation, over the course of 8 months, she is well and enjoying her retirement. If any positive can be said about Mom having cancer, it would be that it changed her whole outlook on life. She decided to make the most of every day and is enjoying/appreciating life more now than she ever has.

None of that really makes what Linda is going through right now much easier... but wanted to let you know she'll be in our thoughts and prayers.

Linda Fried · 12-17-2003, 09:51 PM

I'm a little embarrassed, but touched at the same time with Beth's heartfelt request. I didn't really know when she asked if I'd mind if she put the word out for prayers that she would put it up here at the forum.

I am having surgery on Monday, the 22nd. Only a few days away. I was very blessed that it was discovered at Stage 1 and at a very small (we hope) size. They will do a lumpectomy and removal of sentinel nodes only, and then the waiting for the pathology, which, because of the holidays, will no doubt be delayed.

I am maintaining a positive outlook as much as possible, but it gets scary every once in awhile and I feel like I'm jumping out of my skin. I live alone, so the nights are the worst. But I have so much love and support from all over and my daughter will be with me on Monday, so I'll be fine.

Thank you again, Beth, and everyone who has sent me a good thought or prayer. Remember another one or two on Monday.

Best holiday wishes to everyone,
Linda

Mary Sparrow · 12-18-2003, 07:49 AM

You are in my thoughts and prayers my best wishes to you for a speedy recovery.

Mary

Marvin Mattelson · 12-18-2003, 01:13 PM

You're in my prayers as well. I wish you a great new year filled with good health and good fortune.

Linda Fried · 12-18-2003, 03:35 PM

Thank you Mary and Marvin.

Marvin, Beth has been trying to get me to your workshop for over a year, and I understand it's full :-( If there's any opening, I would really like to try to make it.

Right now I have to "deal" with this little annoyance.

Happy Holidays,
Linda

Jean Kelly · 12-18-2003, 05:28 PM

Linda, you will be in my prayers. It sounds like they caught it very early, modern medicine is incredible now. They can do wonders that couldn't be done years ago. I'm sure things will go well.

Jean

Linda Fried · 12-18-2003, 07:13 PM

Thank you. I know I am lucky to have found it early. Actually I have a radial scar around it, which looks like a starburst. The doctors say it is quite rare to have one, and that in 30% of the cases a cancer will occur there. I was told the cancer would not have shown on the mammogram, had not the scar alerted the radiologist to order an ultrasound to check further. Lucky for me.

Linda