Karen

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

I've been trying to reach her for over a week.

I know she had been in the hospital for about a week. But she was home, and doing okay.

We PM each other on FB and email all the time.

I have left messages for days.

She always responds immediately.

She hasn't posted on facebook since Nov 4

She hasn't posted here since mid October.

I left message on her cell phone and on her home phone.

I keep telling her I am scared. She would respond to that.

Does anyone have any information???

KDR is her member name.

Asking for help.

Andi

[Carol Ann]

Andi, I have noticed too that she has not been posting and it is like you just read my mind. I am worried too. :(

Carol Ann

[michka]

Our last mail exchange was November 1st or 2nd. I am upset and worried now because I agree Andi, she answers fast usually. I am hoping she is OK. I love Karen.

[suzan w]

Is there any way to contact a family member? I remember a while back we had the option of listing a contact person in case we "fell off the grid". I think I put my contact person in my member profile??? I wonder if the Administrator has a way of finding out?? This is indeed a great worry for all of us.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

I've left a message on her home phone. And on her cell. And in PM on FB, which is where we lately communicate regularly. She last posted Nov. 4 in FB, where she posts constantly, and likes and comments on my posts.

I dared to post here, then deleted it, cause I heard her husband said she is fine.

Well, today, that person called me to tell me -- KAREN IS IN ICU at St. Francis hospital on Long Island. An excellent hospital.

She had been in the hospital for a week a few weeks ago. She had a large pleural effusion. She was having trouble talking, which we all know, is not good. Especially for a truly talkative person like Karen!

I love her. Truly.

Let's all please say prayers for her, Yasmin (her dghtr) and Sherif (her husb).

They had to put in another drain to get the fluid out. S

She's been on a lot of pain meds and sleeping an unusual amount lately. She's told me her tx are HELL. And she never complains!

She's been feeling very sensitive I've noticed. Our integrative oncologist died in September (suicide) and she and I have been PMing on FB all day for mnths.

Sometimes in the past when we used to use email, if I didn't hear from her I would send her a quick WHERE ARE YOU? ARE YOU ALL RIGHT???

She'd shoot back, I'm sorry, did I scare you? And we'd chat.

I am told by a mutual friend, who knows Karen well and went to our integrative oncologist, and sees the same onc on Sloan and is in the same trial, that she just found out that the doctor says this is a very bad sign.

The lung doc has her on so much morphine she sleeps most of the time! So she isn't getting messages via any route.

I KNOW Karen would be talking loud and clear, telling the doc to cut down on the morphine. She needs to sit up, walk, move around. She needs to be able to communicate her wishes. Ask questions.

When she had the liver ablation ?? 18 mnths ago, after they literally almost killed her, cutting into her lung, in surgery for 12 hours, lost most of her blood!, the minute she was in her room she was telling them what she thought, what she wanted, how she wanted it. Asking questions.

You can't shut that woman up and that's a large part of why I love her so much. She is me. Big mouth. A lady, but verbal.

I am sick with worry because she has been silenced. Deep in sleep. Not functioning. Not participating in her care and health.

I asked this friend who lives in NY to go to the hospital and see her. To speak to the husband, whom she knows, and get him to speak up for Karen! Someone has to speak up for her!

PLEASE SAY PRAYERS WITH ME FOR KAREN. May her Guardian Angels surround and protect her!

Thanks for your support, my sisters.

With Love and Light,

Andi

[MaineRottweilers]

Praying for Karen. Praying, out loud.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Yes. Loud and clear, and persistently.

[ariana]

So sorry to read this. Prayers going up.
Please keep us posted.

[europa]

Oh God! No!!!! This is terrible. Karen was such a HUGE support for me when I got diagnosed. She responded the some of my most bizarre posts and put out flames of worry so many times. This news makes me so unbelievably sad. So so sad. I am praying. So hard.

[Lucy]

She is such an inspiration on this board. She's definitely in my thoughts and prayers!

[Bunty]

Oh Andi BB, thank you for your concern and care for Karen. Hoping and praying she will be well again.
Marie x

[spiritualabundance]

I am praying now that she is held in His arms and strengthened in His way in His time. She sounds like she is a blessing to many through her simple words on this board and is glorifying Him and honoring Him. Praise God, please heal Karen, head to toe.

[Carol Ann]

Oh this is heartbreaking. My worst fear for her. Praying.

Carol Ann

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

I AM THRILLED TO REPORT BACK TO YOU!

A friend of hers contacted me through my FB post. She visited Karen yesterday in ICU. She spent 2 hours with her and Sherif.

She told her to let others know she is in good spirits and hopes to be moved to a room tomorrow!

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN.

I cannot begin to tell you how relieved I am!

Your prayers did wonders apparently! Good on all of you!

She was able to get up twice and walk around. In between naps she reapplied her pink lipstick!!!!!!!!!!!! You have no idea what a great sign that is to me. I LOVE KAREN. Such a strong woman. Truly powerful! Inspirational.

So so so glad to pass this news on to you.

I was sick with worry. Desperate as all my messages went unresponded to.

She's in good spirits. And wearing lipstick.

Love and Light Ladies,

Andi

[Lucy]

That's great news! Thanks so much for sharing!

[Carol Ann]

YAY!!! Wonderful news, thanks for posting, Andi!

Carol Ann

[thinkpositive]

Now that is the type of update we want! Thanks for letting us know how Karen is doing.

[MaineRottweilers]

Wonderful update. Don't stop praying.

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

I am still TALKING TO HER VIA MEDITATION...! Silly but true.

I keep telling her to WAKE UP...

So so happy to share good news!

[jra40]

Just read this post and my heart broke to hear Karen is in the hospital. She is such a big part of this support website and she helped me when I was first diagnosed. So glad to hear she is getting well, I am praying so hard for her!!

Andi - thank you for keeping us posted, I too was getting worried not seeing her posts!

May God continue to place his healing hands on you Karen!

Jessica

[Laurel]

Andi,

I haven't checked in a week or more, so I missed this fearful news about Karen. I am so relieved to hear she is turning the corner. Will raise her up in prayer as she is such a wonderful woman. I just love her sensible, encouraging, brave posts! Please continue to keep us in the loop, Andi!

[StephN]

Dear Andi,
Thanks for coming here with something positive, as I was also noticing her absences and beginning to worry.

Karen is out on the edge with new treatment and normally would post about that when she could share information. Keep shining, dear Karen!

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

I'm hearing she moved to a room from ICU. Planned on coming home.

Don't know if she actually has.

I keep checking to see if she's responded to any of my messages to her. She hasn't.

She's been through so much.

I am giving her time to come to herself.

I await word from her with bated breath.

But I know she is rallying and talking and putting on lipstick and -- THAT'S MY GIRL!!

Her Spirit is alive and well, and no doubt kicking!

[forher]

Any news on Karen?
Please keep us posted.

Dear Karen,
We are all awaiting your post to say that you are home and comfortably recovering. Eat well. Rest well. Hoping a new plan is already in action. Warm regards.

[norkdo]

fingers crossed...

[Jackie07]

Sending prayers ...

[waterdreamer]

Karen, please light up my day, and post a short note for all of us!!
Sending you love, and healing wishes always.
Fern

[KDR]

Hey, Fern, the today's the day. I am rerunited with my computer. It will take me a while get. I love you all and will answer you in good time!
This goes to show you one how being estranged from the device is both back and good.

[Carol Ann]

YAYYYYY!!!

You just made my day, Karen!! heart heart heart

Carol Ann

[MaineRottweilers]

SO, SO, SO good to read you sweet words. Welcome back

[yanyan]

So glad to see you posting again Karen!!! Wish you a speedy recovery and a happy holiday season!

[Laurel]

Happy you are on the keyboard once again. Do take care of yourself. We are all anxious to hear your latest and greatest!

[phil]

Yes - hearing from Karen ,another thing to be thankful for today . Always Lifting You Up in Prayer

[Lisalou]

Happy Thanksgiving!

[StephN]

Wishing everyone here a happy Thanksgiving weekend. ESPECIALLY KAREN and her family who I am sure appreciate her back in their presence!

[Pray]

How wonderful! Much to be thankful for:)

[lkc Gumby]

Good to see you back karen.
God's blessings for continued improvement.

[Mtngrl]

I've been without a computer for a couple of weeks, so this was a roller coaster ride. Welcome back, Karen! So happy to hear from you.

You've been such a good support/companion to me. I'm sorry I was MIA for this.

Be well.

[jacqueline1102]

So, so happy that you, Karen, are doing better. May your holiday be blessed beyond what words I can even say.

Fondly,

Jackie

[jra40]

I'm bumping this up. Karen - Praying for you every day, please let us know you are okay when you can. We all love you!

Jessica

[yanyan]

Bumping this up! Karen is a true inspiration and full of positive energy.

[Catherine]

Dear Karen , we are all so glad that you are up and talking and wearing lipstick. Thank you Andi for tracking KDR down and sharing the good news. You have mustered up the prayer warriors. And you have kept the light and love flowing!
Hugs to all, catherine

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

It is with deep sadness and a great sense of loss that I must tell you that Karen has died. She went last night. On 12/12. Fighting till the end. I cannot imagine this world without my dear friend, but we must all move on, as she has said to me.

Her thirst for expanding her knowledge, investigating all leads, constantly contacting dozens of experts across the country, reading and edifying herself, chasing down and picking the brains of those who know was her tireless task for years.

All while she spent tireless, quality time with her young daughter, making memories, encouraging her to explore and hone her singing abilities, will remain with her darling Yasmin. When Karen would share with me and quote her words, at times regarding Karen's situation and need to constantly rethink and make decisions and alter her course (when it treatments were failing) were so incredibly insightful for such a young Soul, I was often left stunned by her remarkable grasp of matters at such an early age.

I know Karen's story is not over. That she continues on, with her Spirit and lessons learned, experiences ever informing her, as she goes on to evolve and become the best of who she is and was meant to be.

I adore her, admire her, am forever impacted by our relationship which I treasure. She encouraged and inspired many on this board, always out of love, always with passionate skills of advocacy from her heart. We will meet again. Yet, I miss her already.

I am grateful for having her in my life. She will forever remain with me.

With love,
Andi
__________________

[Carol Ann]

Oh Andi ... I have been dreading this post from you. :( There are no words. Karen is irreplaceable, and I know how hard she fought to learn, to live, to be with her young daughter as long as she possibly could.

No, her story is NOT over. I feel like she was actually an Old Soul, she had so much to teach us all, and she did. You WILL meet her again, I know you have no doubt of that, and neither do I.

She always believed in the cure. We have to keep advocating for more research, not awareness, to honor her.

Thank you so much to take the time to post about her ... I cannot even imagine what you are going through, I know how close you two were.

Much love,

Carol Ann