[Leslie's sister]

Ladies thanks again for the additional responses. You are an awesome support group.

Juanita- why did you have to switch to taking Zofran in the mornings rather than the evenings? I so agree with you about the best weapon against cancer being knowledge. That has been my weapon of choice since day 1 (well maybe day 2, day 1 was pretty tough). Leslie lets me do the research probably because of her fear. I have promised her never to keep anything from her so this arrangement (me researching and advising her is working for now)

Rinaina- Thanks for your kind words. I definitely agree with you on remaining positive I continually tell her how optimistic I am in terms of her prognosis and what I’ve read on the Internet. I know she is listening because she will repeat things that I’ve told her in later conversations.

Linda- you are so very similar to her including month of diagnosis (a year earlier). It is so uplifting to hear that you are back running and lifting weights. I am going to pass that information on to her as well. I have given her Maryjo’s email address and I’m praying that she makes contact with her. Possibly she will want to contact you as well. I will be in touch if she does.

Chrisy- Yes, I have questioned God at length about allowing this to happen to Leslie and her family again and so soon after the loss of her husband/the children’s father. Early on when I was really questioning God, Leslie wrote me an encouraging letter and quoted James 1:2 Consider it pure joy brothers when you face trials……. At that point I had to stop questioning, being angry etc and start encouraging her which was perfect timing really because after chemo started she needed me always to be encouraging. You seem to be encouraging as well, responding so frequently to others. Bless you! And yes we have learned the hard way-don’t chase nausea.

Bev-I will check out Effexor. I worry a little about the Ativan but since she reacted so violently when she stopped it, I figure that we can just face the quitting stage after her last chemo (which is late Oct. Yippee!) She looks so beautiful in her wig(s) (she bought like 4 of them) and will wear them around immediate family and people she doesn’t know. She just can’t bear to wear them around the rest of her circle. I have so learned not to pressure her to do things. In time I think that she will relax and go out into the world. It sounds like it is going to be a while before her hair is at a length that is acceptable for her anyway. I can’t imagine her missing out on life once chemo stops and she is feeling better. I’m going to continue to “suggest” that she come online and “vent”. I believe that she will get there. She is so frightened right now of disease progression, sad endings etc. Even to read one sad story just sends her in a tailspin.

Again, I can’t thank all of you enough. You are all wonderful. God Bless