Memories of Lolly

goops · 06-13-2008, 03:02 PM

My sincere sympathies to you and your family, Lolly was a inspiration to the other members here. She will be missed.

Becky · 06-13-2008, 06:55 PM

I was diagnosed in August 2004 and joined the board in October.

I was petrified that I was Her2+ and like your mom, Herceptin was not available for adjuvant treatment unless you were Stage 4. What was amazing to me was your mother and others, who did progress to Stage 4, not only gave me hope that I wouldn't recur but also showed me that if I did, it wasn't an immediate death sentence and I could have many, many years with my children, 2 of whom were still in elementary or high school. I was diagnosed just before my oldest daughter went to college. It is unfortunate that your mother became too ill to know that just a few weeks ago, she graduated college. And I will also see my other children graduate too because your mother was one of many that encouraged me to fight for adjuvant Herceptin before it was standard and I was not into advocacy as much as I am now because of women like her. I was encouraged to dump a doctor (onc) who was just not right for me (and IMHO - right for anyone at all). When I got a new lump she was the first to respond and tell me to not count my chickens before they hatched and she was right - it was only a cyst!

I am heartbroken about your mother's death. I did not realize she was so ill and I feel terrible about it. She was a fighter and did go through so many differing treatments. However, I am sure ALL my Her2 sisters will agree with me - Lolly NEVER,NEVER, NEVER once complained. Never! Never a woe is me. She carefully would explain what symptoms or difficulties she encountered only so we would all know what to expect if we needed that drug or treatment. She TAUGHT us - not only about treatment but about how to be a true lady who was fiercely devoted to those she loved - your father - who she spoke of with great respect and of you.

Of course we know her as our Lolly and we know her in a way you will never know her but surely you can guess. But you know her in the best way because except for one or two of us, you have hugged her and kissed her and talked to her all your life. Its the hugging that is the best and you got that. And we have her words which is a different kind of love and relationship that the ones who get the hugs don't get enough of because with words comes infinite wisdom that is handed down through the generations. So in a sense, we shared her in different ways - through hugs, kisses and words.

I am truly sorry for your loss. We have all lost a great woman.

DonnaD · 06-14-2008, 07:46 AM

Lolly's family,
As you can see we all share a different piece of the wonderful person Lolly was. For me, the first impression of Lolly was her photo. She and her husband looked so happy. Because of that photo knew I could fight too. And I knew there was more to this cancer than treatments, there was also true happiness. I saw that in her smile.

She was the first one to respond to my post when I finished chemo and rejoiced with me. I will always remember her knowledge and encouragement when I had a question about a CT.

We will all miss our part of Lolly. She touched so many sisters on this board. I hope memories will comfort you and prayers will carry you throught this most difficult time.

Donna

sally · 06-14-2008, 05:26 PM

I was just looking back at Lolly's last post. It was not even a week before she died. She still sounded positive and upbeat except for her back pain. I guess I am still in shock that she is gone. At least she is at peace and not in pain. We all must find the positive and be upbeat about all things in life. I have always thought of Lolly very often and I will continue to do so. It is still so very sad..... Sally