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Andrea Barnett Budin · 05-01-2008, 10:37 AM

I have been worried about Kate since her pneumonia last December. With each hospitalization, I fretted and prayed extra hard. And then, her silence. No posts after returning from the hospital this last time. Just the one saying she was home, tired and going for a nap. Then, no responses to my emails, which are always promptly responded to. Thank you so very much Karla, for letting us know Kate's status. I can only imagine how it pains you to share such distressing news.

Never have I heard from Kate without her saying that she is feeling much better with each passing day. That she is feeling good about her next tx; that it will prove to do the trick. Kate often said to me that she remains positive. That, after all, doing that takes much less energy than to stress out and be negative. Her unrelenting Spirit, the strength of her will to live (despite it all), her caring and loving kindness have graced this board and all our lives for so long. Who could not admire this remarkable woman?! Kate is our Warrior Queen! She glows with radiance.

KATIE, PLEASE KNOW THAT MY ARMS AND MY PRAYERS ARE AROUND YOU... I will continue to carry you in my thoughts and in my heart. You are so very special, my friend. I know if anyone can pull through this crisis, you sweet Sister will. I treasure our communications. I have learned much from you, Katie. You have been an extraordinary role model! You are indelibly etched into my Soul.
Andi

05-01-2008, 10:37 AM	#25
Andrea Barnett Budin Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: LAND OF YES! w/home in Boca Raton, Florida Orig from L.I., N.Y. Ever hovering IN THE NOW... Posts: 1,904	No. No. No!!! I have been worried about Kate since her pneumonia last December. With each hospitalization, I fretted and prayed extra hard. And then, her silence. No posts after returning from the hospital this last time. Just the one saying she was home, tired and going for a nap. Then, no responses to my emails, which are always promptly responded to. Thank you so very much Karla, for letting us know Kate's status. I can only imagine how it pains you to share such distressing news. Never have I heard from Kate without her saying that she is feeling much better with each passing day. That she is feeling good about her next tx; that it will prove to do the trick. Kate often said to me that she remains positive. That, after all, doing that takes much less energy than to stress out and be negative. Her unrelenting Spirit, the strength of her will to live (despite it all), her caring and loving kindness have graced this board and all our lives for so long. Who could not admire this remarkable woman?! Kate is our Warrior Queen! She glows with radiance. KATIE, PLEASE KNOW THAT MY ARMS AND MY PRAYERS ARE AROUND YOU... I will continue to carry you in my thoughts and in my heart. You are so very special, my friend. I know if anyone can pull through this crisis, you sweet Sister will. I treasure our communications. I have learned much from you, Katie. You have been an extraordinary role model! You are indelibly etched into my Soul. Andi __________________ Andi BB '95 post-meno dx Invasive LOBULAR w/9cm tumor! YIKES + 2/21 nodes. Clear mammo 10 mnths earlier. Mastec/tram flap reconst/PORT/8 mnths chemo (4Adria/8CMF). Borderline ER/PR. Tamoxifen 2 yrs. Felt BLESSED. I could walk and talk, feed and bathe myself! I KNEW I would survive... '98 -- multiple mets to liver. HER2+ 80%. ER/PR- Raging, highly aggressive tumors spreading fast. New PORT. 9 mnths Taxotere Fought fire w/fire! Pronounced in cautious remission 5/99. Taxotere weekly for 6 wks, 2 wks off -- for 9 mnths. TALK ABOUT GRUELING! (I believe they've altered that protocol since those days -- sure hope so!!) + good old Vit H wkly for 1st 3 yrs, then triple dosage ev 3 wks for 7 yrs more... The "easy" chemo, right?! Not a walk in the park, but not a freight train coming at 'ya either... Added Herceptin Nov '98 (6 wks after FDA fast-tracked it for met bc). Stayed w/Vit H till July '08! Now I AM FREE! Humbly and eternally grateful for this life-saving drug! NED since '99 and planning on keeping it that way. To hell w/poor prognosis and nasty stats! STOPPED VIT H JULY '08...! REMAIN STABLE... Eternally grateful...Yes is a world & in this world of yes live (skillfully curled) all worlds ... (e e cummings) EVERY DAY I BEAT MY PREVIOUS RECORD FOR # OF CONSECUTIVE DAYS I'VE STAYED ALIVE. Smile KNOWING you too can be a miracle. Up to me and God now...