Remembering jml our Jessica

[CoolBreeze]

Oh my gosh, she is a staple on this forum and I had no idea she was doing this poorly. I am so sorry for those who met her, who knew and loved her.

This is a horrible beast, cancer.

[ElaineM]

Thanks for this post. Wonderful and such a tribute to Jessica.

[Jackie07]

Found her very first posting on this site in 2006. What a wonderful soul!

Angela~
I'm so sorry that you're going thru the shock, disbelief, guilt, sadness and all the other confusing emotions that come with this disease.
I was diagnosed Stage IV (liver mets) since my primary dx in May 2002. It was particularly frightening because my perception of Stage IV disease was so dark & ominious. But I'd never met any Stage IV'er like ME!! If I knew then what I know NOW...!
I have continued to teach Pilates throughout (4 days after the initial lumpectomy,and also 6 days after a mastectomy, as well resumed teaching after a liver resection) w/a post-op drain still in place, stitches and even a portable pump w/a continuous IV for one treatment I was on, but most importantly, I have continued living well and being well. I hope and believe that being active & visible and sharing my experience with women (& a few men) who take my classes will help change their perceptions of this disease.
True, our journey as Stage IV'ers can be quite a bit bumpier that early stage BC'ers, with more complex treatment histories, more surgeries & procedures, requiring us to be more diligent about our care. And unfortunately as Stage IV'ers there is no 5-year mark to look towards to be deemed "CURED".
BUT very little of my life these past 4 1/2 years has actually felt dark & ominous! And you will find so many wonderful, knowledgable, empowered friends on this site who can say the same & offer you wisdom, encouragement, comfort & support, in every way possible. We all have continued to have full, rich, active lives as we are survivING this disease.
We know more today about this disease & her2 than we did even a short 5 years ago. We have more treatment options. We have longer term data to support our survivability. Be sure to check out Christine's note on 12/24 - so encouraging, SO EMPOWERING!
We are Changing the Face of Breast Cancer. And survival begins the day you're diagnosed, not after 5 years. I thank God for this site & am so grateful to Christine & Joe for the community they've created for us. And now I know I'm not a Stage IV Anomaly - I've found SO MANY women "like ME" here!

Stay strong, and when you can't, LEAN HARD!

Keep the Faith~
Jessica

[caya]

It's such a shock to see another sister earn her wings. I hope Jessica is soaring up there with the others we have recently lost here.

all the best
caya

[LeighHa]

My name is Leigh Hays and I live in Atlanta. Jessica was my bestie, my sister from another mister. I was sharing Jessica's story with someone and they asked if they could share her story. As i was googling her for links of her story for him, this post came up. It's taken me all of this time since her passing to have any strength to pop in here and say hello.

Most of all, I wanted to share with you all, how much you all and this group meant to Jessica. She was often quiet about you all in terms of details but she would mention bits and pieces and most of all how much you helped and supported her.

Her dog - Polo - came to live with me. He is doing well (snoring as i type this) and will turn 11 yr in March. He visits his favorite places and people still here in Atlanta. My boy - Gus - and Polo had a bromance and he often stayed here while Jessica traveled. And the four of us would often walk the dogs and hang out.

Her family of friends in Atlanta (and across the country) still gather and celebrate her. Jan 4 she would've turned 47 yrs. and we had our potluck lunch just like we did with Jessica. She is still a strong presence for us and a testament to her fierceness and generous spirit that we all still gather together to celebrate her and have a slice of cake. I'm still strongly tied to JML's family. They are well and like everyone - miss her enormously.

Best to you all - Leigh

[europa]

Hi!
When I saw this thread pop back up it made me smile because I got to scroll through some of our angels that have left us. And we've had many amazing women leave this world. Jessica is one. Thank you for posting on our board. I remember emailing with Jessica about dating of all things. I really miss her. When she died I bought an orchid and named it JML. When she blooms I always feel like Jessica is gracing my home with her spirit.

Give a belly rub to Polo from me.

Thanks again for posting.