madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Oh my heart is just broken. I just saw this message that was posted two day's ago on the AOL Breast Cancer Message Board. It was posted by her Friend Liz.
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To all my sisters,
I haven"t been on the board for a long while, I do hope you remember me and my dear friend Maryann.
She was a true warrior, survived IBC, a recurrence, leukemia, a stem cell transplant, liver failure and needing new hips because the steriods she was given rotted her hips.
But this last infection took her from us. She died today at 7:23PM NY time surrounded by her family. please say a prayer for her and her family. She is survived by her mom, 20 year old son, 19 year old daughter, sister, bil, twin 5 year old nephews. And me, her heartbroken, forever loving her friend.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

I'm shocked and sad. Thank you for letting us know.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

thank you for passing this on. my prayers go out to her family!

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Oh no, this is too much! What devastating news.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

I feel so very fortunate to have met MaryAnn. A fighter and believer to her very core. The love she had for her kids and her sense of "life is to live" inspired me so. As said, God speed, special warrior sister. Love and prayers to your precious family and friends. ma

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Very sad news. She was such a Warrior...

all the best
caya

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

My heart sank at this news. Thanks for cluing us in Yorkie.

I gave Maryann a call about a month ago and she sounded strong. It was hard to believe the way she was describing her present life as an invalid while trying to strengthen her lungs to support the needed hip surgery.

She was getting lots of therapy and had help coming in for her personal needs. Her attitude was good and she expressed that she was working at her exercises a few times a day. Her voice was strong and she was not out of breath while talking.

Her son and daughter had just gone back to college after the semester breaks, and she just "glowed with pride" over the phone at how well they were doing. This was her primary goal all these years of working against her disease. See her children through school and on a good life course.

Rest well sweet friend.

Liz was as loyal a friend as anyone could be.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

So very sorry to read this news this afternoon...and my heart feels heavy for many of my "sisters" on this journey who read these words and are frightened. This disease is so nasty, however, remember where there is life there is HOPE.

Mary Ann was a special woman...a woman with a purpose and strong inclination to be an encourager as she traveled through this life.

May your soul be resting in Peace with your Lord and Savior sweet sister. You will be missed.

Love...

Mary Jo

God's peace surround us all.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

I, too will always remember Mary Ann as a woman with fierce determination.

I shared a room with her in San Antonio one year, and every night she would trot out her suitcase full of carefully chosen and prioritized medications and supplement while regaling me with stories of her battles. Not just battles to survive, but those to claim her right to live as she wanted, and to achieve what she set out to do. Maryanne was not a woman one could say no to.

Steph, seeing her kids grow up and sending them into adulthood was indeed her highest goal - I'll never forget her telling me how "they" (the powers that be) wouldn't allow her to be there at a significant life event (it might have been her son's graduation) because she was so ill.

But she was there anyway, her skin literally GREEN...and then when she was good and ready, she went back to the hospital to let them deal with that.

Rest well, my friend - you've earned it.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Ugg! Anyone have a way to know what exactly happened? I know she had a complex set of issues.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

I am so saddened by Maryanne's passing. I so admired her spirit. Through all her challenges she remained upbeat and seemed invinceable.
My prayers go out to her family.
She was very special.
RIP, Maryanne..

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Oh gosh no, not our dearest Maryann. I really can't take much more...my heart is broken and I can't hardly type thur the tears. Far too many losses at one time...so many wonderful women being taken. Maryann was such a true warrier and fighter--nothing stopped her from doing what she wanted too--not even this misrable disease...even though it tried. It would knock her down and she would get right back up and dust her self off and keep on going! Maryann would come on here to update us on one of her latest challeges--and knowing full well how difficult it HAD to be for her she did it with such humor and made us laugh while reading her every word. Then to tell others that have had to travel this journey, "Not to worry...it's just another episode--your will get thru this. So upbeat and full of encouragment all the time. Truly one very amazing lady that I admire so much and will never forget.

So many inspriational woman we have, and had on this board--but Maryann was one at the very top of my list. She was one tough cookie and proved to so many that as hard as it is at times...you can fight this beast and still live. One of the most determined women I have every known & will miss her so much. I'm just sick over this. My deepest condolences go out to her family and friends.

Chelee

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Thanks for letting us know about this sad news. She was a woman of great strength despite her physical health problems.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Joe and I are stunned by this news. Maryann was a truly unique individual who did not give in to her disease, but fought it until her last breathe. As a single mother, she found the time to share experiences with her children that builds memories.

I can recall her trips to take her kids to various rock concerts around NYC. She wanted her children to have the same experiences that she herself had when growing up.

Maryann accompanied our group to the 2008 AACR meeting in San Diego and later that year to the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

I look back with fondness at the AACR meeting. It seems that we had non-stop traffic to our table, and why not!!
we were three medical miracles who had defied all odds.
How often do the scientists who do basic research ever see the fruit of their labors.

1ST. Picture. Our 3 Miracles wth Dr. Axel Ullrich at the AACR meeting. Dr. Ullrich was the first scientist to isolate te HER2/neu gene in breast cancer.

2nd Picture - Maryann also reported that she had her picture taken with that guy who invented Herceptin (her words)..Dr. Dennis Slamon.

Maryann will sorely be missed.

Chris and Joe

Re: madubois
 

Mary Ann is one of the old-timers here, and among those who spent time with the founders of this site. I am thankful for the opportunity Joe and Christine provided through this site in creating the chance for so many like Mary Ann to gather in person. It is their choice to do it but also their burden each time a life ends. Thank you Joe and Christine for these treasured friendships and your strength in making it possible.

AlaskaAngel

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Oh my, this makes me so sad. Thank you so much, Vicki, for letting us all know. Chelee, I found your words to be lovely and as great a eulogy as anyone could offer for one of our most brave. Mary Jo, you so aptly pointed out what we all need to hear at this moment: that where there is life there is HOPE!

I'm too sad to say any more other than to express my deepest love and affection for all of you.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Dear God,

I apologize for what I am about to say, But this b/c BULLSHIT has got to stop! Surely there is something we can do to get to the finish line and end the carnage. What will it take? Just tell us and we will do it. I am sick of watching these women suffer. Enough is enough. I am speechless.

God Bless you MaryAnn Dubois. You certainly earned your rest.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

I am typing through tears, not just because of this sad news about Mary Ann, but because of the beautiful words you have all written about her here .She was truly a brave warrior who deeply touched all our hearts. Thank you for telling us about her passing,Liz, and please , if you can, send my deepest condolances to her family for their loss. She was such a beautiful person. I never read her posts without feeling her special spirit, and I will truly miss her. My heart is heavy tonight. Hugs, TriciaK

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

as i read this news i burst out with a loud "WHAT??!" of disbelief. i guess i figured that she had been through so much and yet she was such a spitfire i truly didn't think anything would get the better of her. i know that is naive, especially in the face of this cancer and especially all she'd already survived. it seemed like she just changed her avatar photo not long ago and in it she looked so good and strong. i'm just floored and very saddened. i have only been here 5 months and there have been so many harsh blows to the members of this board. i don't even 'know' much of anyone here, but felt a bit like i did from reading posts. she is one of the people who really struck me. it's just terrible.

when my husband was diagnosed with cancer his sister made him a refrigerator magnet that said "This Cancer Has No Idea Who It's F*&king With". that's how i feel about maryann. they both gave cancer a good fight before they left this earth. he is in some good company up there.

valerie

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Thanks for sharing the news - she was a strong woman, and a warm person, we will miss her. It is always hard when the list has a number of losses in short succession like this. Remember these women have been fighting as well as they can, and inspiring us and their loved ones in death as well as life.

Rebecca

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

I have to admit this news has taken me by surprise; I believed that if anyone could beat the odds it was Maryann. She seemed to take each new setback as just a bump in the road.

Maryannn, thank you for inspiring us to live to life to the fullest in the face of aversity. You were the ultimate warrior.

May you rest in peace.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Oh, what heart-breaking news. MaryAnn had been through so much, but she was like the Energizer Bunny, she kept on going and going. Although she was taken too soon, I'm glad she was at least able to fight this damn disease long enough to see her children grown and on their way... we need a CURE NOW-

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

I'm so heart broken. She was my hope when I did find out about my cancer. This is not fair! My heart goes to her family. She went through so much in her life. Rest in peace my dear.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Here's Mary Ann's last post on the Board on January 26. She was looking for information about her sister's illness...

***
Any one had thyroid cancer?

Papillary thyroid cancer is self contained in the thyroid. The best way to treat it is to take out the thyroid completely and to take synthroid? for the rest of your life.

I know this has nothing to do with breast cancer. My sister has just recently discovered that she has PTC. My family is floored by this. Isn't my crap enough?? My poor mother, she's got 2 girls with cancer. She is exhausted. I am bed bound because all the steroids I took caused my femur (hip) bones to collapse. I haven't walked since September. I am working on strengthening my lungs in order to go under anesthesia for the hip replacements. Once I get clearance ---- new hips!!! Until then, I do exercise in the bed or in a wheelchair. I have an ambulette take me to my appointments.

So that is where I am. I hope someone can put my mind at ease. I'm use to me being sick. but this is my sister...

Love to you all...

****

Love to you, too, my sister. Rest in peace.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Mary Ann,

To a true warrior, RIP.

Joan

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

This is such heart breaking news. Maryann was such an inspiration and had so much to overcome. Her poor little body fought more than 20 people would in a lifetime. I am so thankful to her for the upbeat attitude and strength she showed all of us. This is a huge loss to our little community. We need a cure...it's just not fair. This is so sad.
Ruth

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Dear sisters of the heart,
I am Liz, Maryann's friend. For the last 14 months Maryann has had many health problems, all caused by an infection that was missed for months. I put her in the hospital in May, again in June, again in August, and September. After being in for 72 days she was released to home care. What wonderful people they are. She worked hard, did what she was told and waited. Waited to get stronger, waited for her new hips, waited for people to come see her, waited, waited, waited. I would bring lunch and we would "Party". On Fridays before I went to the hospital near her home to EM, I would have dinner, conversation and hugs. I was afraid to sit on the bed, I might cause her pain, but sometimes she insisted. What I really wanted to do is take her in my arms and let her take my strength. Last Friday,(2/12) my husband and I went to see her and have a birthday party for her mom Tina. We sat in the kitchen, but I knew something was off. Had been for two weeks after she had her pump refilled with morphine.
Sunday, I resisted the violent urge to go see her (I wanted to give her time with her mom, mom spends week days in Conn), Her mom called at 8, I called an amblunce and she went into the hospital for her last time. By Monday she was in a coma, an infection just overwhelming her. She died at peace Thursday night 7:23, with her sister and I holding her hands and telling her we love her and it was ok to go.
The memorial service is on Tuesday at 11:00, NY time. Please stop for a moment and say a pray at that time ,,, for Maryann, her family and friends.
I have never loved a friend like I loved Maryann, I will miss her in my heart, with my heart for the rest of my life.
Sooooooo, go hug someone, and tell them you love them,,,
With sorrow in my heart and demanding a cure, I am
Liz T, Maryann's forever friend'
We are having her cremated and in the warm weather we are going to the water and spreading her ashes in the
Atlantic. She always wanted to go to Europe.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

My heart goes out to her family. This is such sad news and I can't believe how much sorrow is surrounding us lately.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Mary Ann was the best example of how to live life with cancer I will truly miss her inspirational posts and her fighting spirit. Her words were always words of hope and encouragement. When I felt week and scared I would go back and read her posts. She was always staring cancer down and I admired her strength.

I am so thankful that she achieved her ultimate goal of raising her children.

Rest peacefully, Mary Ann.

Tonya

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

This absolutly sucks. She was and is a shining star. She made us laugh and she made us cry, but we are all a better person in knowing her, God Bless, jeanette

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Such sad news....
Maryann was a very special lady. Always positive with strong loving information to share with all of us. Even when she was having the stem cell transplant her posts were always full of her beautiful fighting spirit. She will be greatly missed.

Liz, Maryann was fortunate to have such a dear loving friend. May you find comfort in knowing that your care and kindness meant the world to Maryann.

Please tell her family how much their mother was loved here.

Jean

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Oh no, you have got to be kidding....I am shocked and so so saddened.
Mary Ann was so full of life and energy. She was so special. My heart and love goes out to her family and friends.
Love you MA.... I will miss you very much....

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

My sweet Mary Ann, whereever you are please know that you meant a lot to me, your strenght, your words, your mails, your jokes in facebook, your high spirit and your thoughts for all. I will always remember our days in San Antonio, so much learning and sharing together. I will miss you dear, I know you are in a better place now. My prayers are here for you sis.

Paty

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Thanks, Joe & Christine, for coming up with those photos of Maryann at AACR 2 years ago. I was so in awe to be there with Dr. Ullrich that I paid no attention to posing for the pic!

We all had SUCH a wonderful time at that cancer researchers conference. Maryann was SO jazzed up at meeting people and talking with the doctors and scientists about her own life as a guinea pig. Their jaws would drop when they found out that she was a real live bone marrow transplant patient.

When I got to our hotel, Maryann was already there and announced that she had used a couple dozen antibacterial wipes all over the surfaces of the room and bath. She was quite concerned about contracting an infection after her transplant.

She was ignoring a developing problem with her liver at that time, just to be able to experience the conference. When she got back home her liver problems were addressed and steroids were part of that. She definitely was a "get out of my way" type when it came to her cancer interferring with her life.

Maryann's zest for life and grabbing every opportunity for a new experience will stick in my mind when I think of her. Thanks also to Liz for her post.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

Liz,
Thank you for filling in the details...as hard as that must have been. My condolences.

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

What horrible news. I can't believed Mary Ann's fight is over. She went through so much. I admired her a lot. I am thinking of her children, family and friends. They can be so proud of her. I send them my warmest condolences. I am so sad. Michka

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

I am so shocked. I can't believe it. She was such a fighter and her posts were wonderful and so inspiring.She fought so bravely and with such amazing humor.
I also am crying.
I know so many of us felt that she was like a good friend whom we cherished so much.
I am heart broken.
I offer love and hugs to her family and friends and would like them to know how very special she was and how loved by all of us who like me live so far away but felt she was part of my special family.
I am at a loss of words, I am so very sad.
I will remember you Maryann.
hugs and love
sarah

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

There is nothing I can add that hasn't already been said much better by others.
She was a truly inspiring person who gave hope and courage to others.I am thankful that she died peacefully supported by people she loved. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Ellie

Re: madubois(Mary Ann) Is An Angel Now
 

If anyone ever taught me how to keep putting one foot in front of the other and just keep marching, it was Mary Ann.

She was more than just a trooper and even more than just a warrior. She was in a league all her own. The best thing about her was she never complained, she explained, so I was able to learn alot about what was going on with her medically. Her situation was rare but she pulled off everything matter of factly.

I will miss her and regret never meeting her in person. She and her family will be in my thoughts.