Approaching 5 yr cancerversary but running out of options

[Mtngrl]

Dear Yanyan,

I'm so sorry about this news. It must be terrifying to face it. I have lung mets too, so it's also kind of personal for me.

Sometimes drug combinations work when a single drug didn't. There can be synergistic effects.

I've been on Abraxane, Herceptin and Perjeta for almost 6 months. It's a bitch, but it also seems to be eradicating my cancer (for now.) After years of slow progression and/or ambiguous scans I had an "almost NED" result in October. Maybe that will happen for you.

I think of you as a dear companion and friend on this weird journey. Whatever you decide, I will love and support you.

Amy

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Dear Yanyan,

We spoke by email just before you went into the hospital, when you returned from China and the immunotherapy. We talked about Karen of course. She passed just after our last communication.

I know your journey has been beyond challenging. You have faced it all with grace and determination. You are a remarkable Soul! And here you are with a jagged mountain before you, after all you've endured. We all think we'd never give up, never give in, yet I can see how something deep within us may tell us things have changed. If that voice is telling you to live each day with joy as best you can, share love with those closest to you and know how cherished you are, I fully respect that position. Unimaginable that you should be at such a crossroad.

As all have said, there is no wrong decision. You must do what your heart tells you. You deserve to stop burdening your body, yet we all want you to live and become a miracle. I believe no matter what, the strength and courage you've faced it all is truly amazing. You are a radiant Spirit, much admired. I have been thinking of you and just came on the site to see if you posted. You didn't answer my email from the other day. And you always do.
I am officially worried.

Personally, I can't let you go. But I respect whatever you decide is right for you in this moment. I want you to breathe without burden. I know your family is around you and doing all they can to keep you immersed in love. I add mine, along with prayers and healing Light.

A gentle but firm hug to you, sweet Yanyan, across the country... Andi

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Yanyan's husband Andy just let me know -- she passed last Wednesday. I am heartsick. She was only 40 years old. With a daughter. A sweet lady, bright and caring. Her Spirit was strong during the ordeal she had to endure through all these years. I know she is now at peace. In heaven.

I know she and Karen spoke as they each were looking at immunotherapy and had difficulty catching breath. Pleural effusions can be deadly. I had such a thing and didn't even realize how close to death I was until recently. For Yanyan the drains did not really help. The tumor burden in her lungs was too great to bear was my understanding of what her docs told her.

I thought you would want to know, of course.

I don't want to ever have to post about the loss of another Sister, or Brother.

Sending my love,
Andi