Hi from Adriana

[Adriana Mangus]

Hi everyone,

I don't know what to say, I have been away for awhile on a dream vacation that I had to put on hold for the longest six years of my life due to my husband's stroke in October 2007.

I feel so blessed I was able to fulfill this dream and enjoyed a long European vacation with my daughter Michelle. We had a great time!!!

Frankly I haven't been visiting the site lately, not because I don't care, I do, but I'm scared knowing that my disease has progressed and I know eventually there will be a point of no return. I'm scared.

I just read about Jessica's passing; before it was Brenda. The statistics don't lie, at least for us stage IV's, even though I considered myself a very especial and unique patient in that I haven't experienced any symptoms since the return of my disease in 2003. Even my oncologist is surprised at how long my body has been able to take all different type of drugs with minimum or no side effects. But, can't help to feel scared with the knowledge that there is no cure, at least not an immediate cure at this stage.

I want to thank everyone on this site who has been with me from the beginning of my disease; I consider you all my friends-- you know who you are.

One in particular who's no longer with us deserves my most profound gratitude and love, with her encouragement and words of compassion she made my treatments much, much easier to take--our very especial angel Sheila!!!

Thank you everyone for your love and support.

Love,

Adriana

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Always thinking of you Adriana. Always sending love.

Now will add prayers. You are one tough lady! And your body is pretty remarkable. Which, in my book, means you talk to your body a lot! Good for you.

I agree, it can be very scary coming on this site. I go through stages. I am good with it now, but I know my limits and choose what I read carefully. I so want to help, but it can get overwhelming with all that have passed on and had a spot in my heart. Hard...

Sending you a big, long, tight hug,
Andi

[Jackie07]

Thanks for stopping by, Adriana. And thanks for sharing your feelings so honestly. You are such an inspiration and we love to hear from you.

[michka]

Hi Adriana. I am happy you were able to leave on a nice vacation. We need to free our mind as much as possible. I understand the way you feel.
Perjeta is a good drug. I am crossing all my fingers, hoping your scans end of October will be good. Hugs. Michka

[StephN]

Der Adriana -
Yes, you are one of those who has been able to deal with a less aggressive type of our shared disease. Hit it when there is something to hit and then have a chemo break. And you stay here to share it all when you have something to share.

You have been amazing with your husband, and he seems to be better and better as time goes by. I am so glad you had this long vacation to see some of the world's best sites. (Can you tell us more about where you went?)

You are so good at just letting the drugs do their work, so don't lose that ability!

Scans will be good!