Such heavy burdens “Our Cancer” carries on it’s shoulders today. So much sadness and way too much suffering.
Yet, with all of these struggles and loss of so many loved ones, there is strength in the words and spirit in the telling of your sorrow.
This community is unique. It really is. WE can come here and lay it all out on the table. We can talk about how sad we are, we can talk about how much we hurt, or how afraid we are that this disease is getting the best of us. What we get in return is friendship, support, strong shoulders to lean on and above all, some heavy lifting.
Today, it’s not just about cancer and that’s OK too. We make room for any turning point in life.
But it seems to be an especially demanding day for ‘lifting.’
You all remember the count, don’t you? 1-2-3 LIFT!
August 12, 2011 @ 11:13 am
Please keep thorwnig these posts up they help tons.
August 11, 2011 @ 6:14 am
Arictels like this make life so much simpler.
August 3, 2011 @ 11:03 pm
Laurie…words can’t express how sad this news makes me. Dom seemed like such a nice, happy man. It is sad that he went so fast, but perhaps he was luckier this way. He seems to have lived his life with joy and had an exceptionally good friend who helped him through this difficult time. I know that he will b e dancing his way through the future, rejoicing in his luck to have had you by his side.
Irene…. I am so sorry to hear about your brother-in-law and his brother. Life often seems unfair and we wonder at our ability to accept the burdens that are placed on us and our loved ones. I pray that you all receive the strength and comfort that you need to address the challenges ahead. You and your family are in my prayers.
August 4, 2011 @ 5:56 am
Prayers are sometimes all we can do, thanks so much.
August 16, 2011 @ 12:45 am
This makes eveyrthing so completely painless.
August 16, 2011 @ 12:03 pm
Hey, kilelr job on that one you guys!
August 3, 2011 @ 10:16 am
Well another one gone from this flipping disease, sometime, no oft times I just stand and scream.
Laurie sorry you lost another friend.
I hope you are surrounded by family and friends that can ease the burden.
Somehow this little circle of folks keeps picking each other up and dusting each other off and then offers the support only know here, to enter the fray once again.
Peace to Dom and Peace to you Laurie.
August 3, 2011 @ 6:31 am
I recently wrote about my brother in law who had surgery for colon cancer and then the doctors found appendix cancer also so another surgery is scheduled. Because the cancer is suspected to be hereditary brothers and sisters had to get colonoscopies done. And the brother got his results and also has cancer, found out Monday, will be operated on Friday. Too much for one family.
August 3, 2011 @ 10:28 pm
Irene, I hope you can find the strength and support you will need from OC and from your family and friends… It’s a special group… we understand. I am so sorry….
August 4, 2011 @ 5:59 am
Thanks for the support. I don’t know how you went through this latest cancer with your friend. After my husband died from cancer I was surprised at my own actions, seeing him in situations of others. Didn’t expect that.
August 11, 2011 @ 11:05 am
Hey, that’s pworeufl. Thanks for the news.
August 12, 2011 @ 10:57 am
Whoa, thngis just got a whole lot easier.
August 16, 2011 @ 2:30 pm
I think you hit a bullesye there fellas!
August 11, 2011 @ 12:32 am
Cheers pal. I do appreciate the wtrinig.
August 3, 2011 @ 1:22 am
Laurie, thank you for the reminder today. Dom has now moved from palliative care to hospice, I just left him an hour ago, the care center just called and his breathing is not good…it’s only a matter of time. I am just so thankful I have been there for him, more importantly, he isn’t hurting anymore….
August 3, 2011 @ 1:45 am
Sadly, Dom is no longer on this earth, his spirit is off to a bigger place, and like I told him, his dance shoes are waiting for him and a whole bunch of tees and golf balls. I told him to find Neil and he will have a golf partner! Again, thanks to all of you for your love and support. I could not have done any of this without the knowledge I gained here first hand and the support from each of you…L
August 11, 2011 @ 8:58 am
This site is like a classroom, eexpct I don’t hate it. lol
August 12, 2011 @ 12:11 pm
There’s a terrific aomnut of knowledge in this article!
August 16, 2011 @ 2:40 am
What a joy to find such clear thinking. Thanks for psonitg!
August 2, 2011 @ 6:55 pm
I have a friend who is hospice now. She has fought as hard and for as long as her body can endure. Her days are few. Another is no longer taking treatment but is living out her days as best she can but a more positive person you’ll never meet. A little girl, 8, is fighting leukemia. This is her second year and it is difficult to read her family’s postings at CaringBridge. The toll on her family, her brothers is just heart wrenching. I could continue but you know it all….each one continues the fight as best they can. Each one and each family needs lifting. Fortunately, surrounding them all are loved ones, family and extended family and churches whose prayers raise their names to God for His grace, mercy and healing power. In the cancer world, we see the worst of the human condition caused by the beast. But I choose to remember the best of the human spirit that is evident if we take the time to look. It renews my faith in the goodness of us all. It is so easy to become depressed and to look away and to seek other more pleasant things to occupy our time and minds. Let us all never forget that there are patients, caregivers and families who need us to reach down, grab a stronger grip and lift. As individuals, we may not be so strong but as a group here at Our Cancer, we are able to do mighty things!!! Thinking of you Laurie Hirth.
August 3, 2011 @ 1:09 am
Al, your posts are always so touching and warm. Thank you for sharing and always, the light that keeps so many of us moving forward.. hope. A friend came in to see Dom tonight and what I saw inspired me. I told our friend Terry to go over to the bed and say hi to Dom who is now in hospice care and heavily sedated. Terry leaned down to Dom and Dom smiled and reached out his hand and shook Terry’s. After a very brief conversation, Dom said “thank you” to Terry for taking the time to come visit. Even close to death’s door, Dom’s heart still reaches out to touch those he loves and those that love him. I’m am going to miss him, he taught me so much about life and how to live it and now in death, I still learn….
August 11, 2011 @ 7:20 am
Not bad at all fleals and gallas. Thanks.
August 12, 2011 @ 11:11 am
Too many compliments too litlte space, thanks!
August 2, 2011 @ 6:53 pm
I do remember how to lift! I’ve depended a lot lately on being lifted and coming here each day has been a big factor in the lift. Thank you all for showing up.
August 11, 2011 @ 2:14 am
Dag nibabt good stuff you whippersnappers!
August 16, 2011 @ 12:16 am
Geez, that’s ubnelieavble. Kudos and such.
August 12, 2011 @ 1:38 pm
A wonderful job. Super heflpul information.
August 2, 2011 @ 5:09 pm
I started to leave a note yesterday and then didn’t. I know too many people right now in some stage of treatment for their cancer. One a very close friend of one of my sisters; several where my husband works; the mother of my neighbor with whom I’m close. . . even one makes too long a list, and mine has quite a few more.
Thank you for the reminder to LIFT 1 – 2 – 3.
August 2, 2011 @ 4:42 pm
Has Sasha found her way over her?
August 2, 2011 @ 4:43 pm
opps… I meant to say “over here”.
August 2, 2011 @ 5:11 pm
It’s been a while since I’ve heard from Sasha.
I did have a nice note from Kim a few months back. She’s been doing well.
August 3, 2011 @ 1:12 am
Yes, whenever we think of lifting, 1,2,3.. one has to think of Sasha!
I often wonder what is going with all the “old warriors” out there. We were a surely bunch to be sure…so many of us! I know a few we have lost and a few that have had to move on because it was either just to painful or life just took them to a new place. I wish them all well and someday, I hope they can reach back for a quick howdy…
I know my self, I haven’t been here often, but you have never left my heart nor my prayers!
Much love and big hugs! Laurie