Hello
 

Hello friends
Sorry I haven't posted for a while or sent encouraging messages. Initially it was because I was helping two friends with personal crisis - but now I have my own.

It is back with a vengence over the last 3 months. So I am supposed to start Ixabepilone today. The doctor told me I have a 10% chance. I also find out the results of my brain MRI and I'm very nervous and scared. They told me I cannot have WBR because my brain would swell too much.

It is the first time that I've been this afraid in a long time....

I'm sorry I haven't been here to encourage those of you that need it.

I will try to be on here more with positive thoughts again for you - but a little prayer today might be a help for me.

Barb = I'm sorry to hear of all that's happening. When do you find out about your mri - I will pray that the results are clean and the ixpemra will blast away at the rest.

Barb
You are in my heart and prayers for a good report on your MRI, and that the Ixempra will quickly take care of the new issues....please take care of yourself! Let others help you!

Barb,

After reading your profile my heart screams "enough!" My prayer for you will be that your body will be given peace and freedom from this relentless foe. May you be filled with a "peace that passes understanding" as you await your MRI results.

Oh Barb, this really is a time to think about you. You don't have to be positive or uplifting for us. Now is the time to lean on us, and let us help you. This is tough, but 10% is still 10%, and why shouldn't you be in that category? You've made it this far, surely you can go further still. So I'm sending you lots of healing energy and peaceful thoughts to ease your mind.

Hugs

Jacqueline

Barb,
Sending you prayers and positive thoughts that your new treatment will be the answer.

Kindest Regards,
Jean

Barb, you just worry about yourself right now. We are all praying for good results for you.

Barb, I pray from the bottom of my heart for you to get great results with ixabepilone and that your brain MRI is clean!

Please don't worry about posting/encouraging etc. This is a time to heal and we are all here every step of the way for you! May god bless you with the good health and peace.

love always,
shobha

Oh Barb - You certainly have been in prayers and will continue to be. Sorry to hear the Beast is deviling you this way.

VickiH is also just starting Ixempra so you might compare notes.

Spring is coming, though it may not look like it where you are.

Barb,

Big prayers are coming your way. Focus on yourself and your healing. We'll take care of the prayers.

Tonya

Dearest Barb,

I, too, was given the same prognosis about a month ago and have started Ixempra. After much soul searching and prayers and tears, I have decided to go full force ahead. Please don't you worry about anyone here but save that energy and healing for yourself right now. We already know that you are here with us and have always been. Our prayers are for you now.

The Ixempra seems to be working, though it is too soon to tell. That is just my feeling. It causes some weakness and lowering of WBC & RBC but mine are doing alright. I just started the first round last week and will have the next Tx on the 17th. Please feel free to email me or call if you feel you need a buddy to go through this with you. I'll be here praying for both of us.

When that fear comes, face it head on and pray. We are too strong for this, been down this road before and will blaze a new path.

My Onc is waiting for a couple of new drugs this year, to be approved in the next 9 months. We can hold out until then. Much, much love and strength to you, dearest sister. We are on a rocky road, but we are on it together. Love and Hugs, Vickie

Barb,

Well poo.

Just seeing your post reminds me to remind you that we are not alone. You are not alone. You needn't apologize for anything - just lay back and feel the love and prayers coming your way.

We all need encouragement, and having to pull a new arrow out of the quiver is a scary thing. You are always such a voice of encouragement to us and it is a wonderful gift. thank you. Today, the gift you can give to us is to allow us to encourage you and lift you up.

I don't miss those cold, snowy winters too much. Of course here in California we have our own fun things - earthquakes, wildfires, mudslides.

I live in the coastal redwood area and have learned a lot about redwoods. First, they are REALLY REALLY big, they are the tallest living things on earth. They have thick bark which is not only good for garden mulch, but protects the tree from fire and infestation.

Redwoods can survive forest fires, sometimes standing and growing although completely hollowed out by the fire. In fact fire gives birth to new seedlings.

Redwoods have very shallow roots, and when one fall it sounds like an explosion and feels like an earthquake - and takes out everything in it's path. But they don't fall as often as you'd think because they intertwine roots with each other, holding each other upright through the fire and the storms.

There is a point, other than everyone should come visit me and hike through the redwoods.

We are like that redwood forest in a lot of ways. Tried by fire and made even stronger because we are always there holding each other up.

Much love
Chris

ps - I have no idea what made me say all that stuff, it just came pouring out.

Barb,

I will say a pray for you. Let us know about how the new medicine is working. Will be thinking about you.

Amelia

Barb,

You are in my thoughts and prayers and lots of hugs for you. I don't know when will they find a cure for this stupid disease. Please take care of yourself well.

Julie

Chrisy, that is a beautiful, poetic way of expressing the value of this list. Thank you!

Love

Jacqueline

PS. Barb, aren't you proud to have inspired her to write these beautiful words?

Dear Barb, You are receiving loving support in this thread, just as you have given to others. I hope you know you are loved and that we have you in our prayers. I was especially touched by the story of the redwoods by Chris. It is a beautiful analogy of how we survive through fire and how we lift each other up. Please let us know as often as you can how you are doing, but take time for yourself, rest, think positive healing thoughts, and remember you are loved here. Hugs, Tricia

Chrisy, That was just beautiful...... Love, Vickie

Love and hugs to Barb and Vicki. As others have said, this is the time to be on the receiving end.
And many thanks to Chrisy for the amazing analogy.

Prayers are sent from Texas.

ps. Love that picture - it's a dog (our best friend) on the white snow (we can weather the storm)

Barb, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Chrissy, that was beautiful.