It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

I woke up at 2:30 this morning and she was on my mind. I tried for over 2 hours to get back to sleep, but I couldn't stop thinking about her. Logging on this morning I see the date, September 29, and I realize that at 2:12 pm last year, she passed away.

For those that are new, Brenda was quite the character creating phrases like

• Crap on a Crapstick - the perfect way to describe bad news on this forum
• Whack-a-mole - her description for zapping spots in the brain

and she was her own best patient advocate. Brenda inspired so many and gave advice to anyone whether they asked for it or not! Lately I have seen questions here on the forum about brain mets and every time I think "If only Brenda were here, she would have the answer!"

I miss you terribly Brenda, you made a lasting impact on my life.

Living in the same town, I was able to attend her funeral. The family posted a video of it online if anyone would care to watch it (again even). It was very moving. Here is the link...and the Password is...brenda.

http://vimeo.com/50952544

password: brenda

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Can't believe its a year! She was such an inspiring person, I've missed her posts a lot also.

Ellie

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Thanks for posting this, Alice. 'Our' Brenda will live in our hearts forever.

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Thanks for the reminder Alice.
I miss Brenda, and her advice, almost every single day.

I hope she's enjoying heaven, but I sure miss her here!
Denise

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

I was in Austin 2 weeks ago and could not help but think, "I wonder if Brenda ate here?" or "I bet Brenda loved this place!" Austin is a beautiful town, Alice. I had a wonderful time there. You are so correct to say what a special person Brenda was, funny, vivacious, witty, and so intelligent. I miss her, too, and think of her often. Thanks for this thread.

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Well . . . I know those sayings.

Her passing leaves an empty space.

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

yeah , she was a Fighter. we talked a lot about her battle, her good response from T DM-1, 18 mo's ? , and of course our anger with the " new " anti- Stage IV FDA ...Miss you ...

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Alice M - I remember your phone call to me after your visit to Brenda in the hospital when she had become unresponsive. Even though Brenda was the type of person who could GATHER ENERGY, all our fervent prayers could not bring her back out.

She had a love of music and the arts, which gave her popularity, and she was able to use that popularity in the group energy participating in developing South by Southwest, which has become such a huge music and media convention in Austin.

Brenda, you left your unforgettable mark in many places where you walked and spent time. I am certain her medical care team learned as much from her as she leared from them.

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Here is a photo taken at SABCS in 2011 of Brenda and her beloved Doctor.

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Alice,

I watched the memorial service for Brenda. Simply beautiful. What a full life she lead. She lived more in her 53 years than most who live into their eighties. Thanks for the link.

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

I've recently said this in a post and I'll say it again- I miss Brenda! What an intelligent, inspiring, witty, beautiful soul.

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

I only met Brenda once- at one fairly recent SABCS. But yet, she was a powerful force- I could see that right away. She was someone who walked into a situation or a room and everything changed- for the better. I miss her.

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

I remember having to break this sad news to my Mother Sheila who was also nearing the end of her battle..

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Brenda was a special women and will always be in our hearts. I miss her too!

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

And she's still exerting her influence ...

Just received an e-mail from Jonny Imerman:

"Hope life is great with you Jackie! :)

Wishing you the best in good health, and wellness!! :)

Again, we met through Brenda who works with Livestrong- love her.

I am a survivor as well.

I have a question for you...

Jonny Imerman, testicular cancer survivor, ImermanAngels.org
205 W. Randolph, Floor 19, Chicago, IL 60606. C: (312) 307-4948
TEDx: http://tinyurl.com/kmbvscg CNN: http://tinyurl.com/pyu9fyj
Linkedin: http://tinyurl.com/k99k8oa @ImermanAngels | @jonnyimerman
FB: http://www.facebook.com/ImermanAngels http://www.facebook.com/jonny.imerman
IF CANCER HAS TOUCHED YOU / IN NEED: http://tinyurl.com/lorhryf"

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Thank you, Jackie.
I met Johnny I. through Sheila and Brenda. Not sure which of the ladies introduced him to me, but I recall the two of them speaking very enthusiastically about his outreach and psyched that he had a booth at the breast cancer symposium.

I was marched over to him for intro and photos. I think I have a photo with Johnny and Chrisy. There was great energy around Johnny and his twinkling eyes!

Missing Brenda, Sheila and Chrisy. I had not idea at that time that I would be the one to remain alive.

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Steph,
you wrote:

"Missing Brenda, Sheila and Chrisy. I had not idea at that time that I would be the one to remain alive."

Brought tears to my eyes...we have lost so many special and well loved ladies. I am glad you are doing well and remain NED Steph.

Jean

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Ditto, Steph and Jean.

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Yes, Steph and Jean...we cherish each day in memory of our friends.

Re: It's been a year since we lost Brenda (Hutchibk)
 

Let me add my 100% whole hearted agreement Steph!!!