Sapphire Skies
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Topic: Sapphire Skies
Posted By: TNBC_in_NS
Subject: Sapphire Skies
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 12:55am
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I just found this posting on Caring Bridge and thought I would repost it here. Christine was on my mind all day today???
1. Wednesday, July 7, 2010 11:14 PM, CDT Rest in peace Christine. You fought a valiant fight and now the pain is gone. Many will be here to take care of your beautiful daughter, Ariel and she is your most wonderful legacy in this world. We will all miss you and remember you with love. Carolyn Ferriano ------------- Diag@57TNBC04/092.5cm Lquad 05/09 TCx4Radsx30CT03/01/10 FU03/31/10ClearBRCA- 01/2011 RTNBC BMX 06/14/2011~2013 clear |
Replies:
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 1:05am
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Helen, Somehow you knew. I'll miss Christine's beautiful face in her posts. She had the most gorgeous blue eyes. My heart goes out to her and her daughter. I'm speechless and don't know what to say right now. I'm very sad. Sad that this terrible disease has taken another beautiful soul. Donna ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: TNBC_in_NS
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 1:10am
Obituary for Christine M. PritchardMcfarland/ Madison Christine M. Pritchard, age 31, passed away on Monday, July 5, 2010, at the HospiceCare Center in Fitchburg, after a brief enduring battle with breast cancer. She was born on Sept. 14, 1978, in Madison, the daughter of George and Judith (Lindberger) Pritchard. Chris attended Holy Cross Lutheran School and Madison East High School, and graduated in 1996. Her caring, compassionate nature initiated her desire to further her education in the medical field. Chris was a certified nursing assistant and was recently working towards her nursing degree at Madison Area Technical College. She had a passion for music, playing the piano, animals, creative writing, love of family and friends, but the most important part of her life was her "Sweet Pea", Ariel. Chris is survived by her daughter, Ariel Pritchard-Lasky; mother, Judy Pritchard; siblings, Susan (Jack) Smith and Jeffrey (Jennifer) Pritchard, both of Sarasota, Fla., Donna (Robert) Holmen of Kenosha, and Terri (William) Connery-Harris of Monona; sister of the heart, Beth (Phil) Saunders-Buss of Marshall; and nieces and nephews, Michael Holmen, Amy and Jack Smith Sr., Jessica Pritchard, and Jason and Michelle Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jed Lasky; her father, George; three brothers, Steven Connery, David Pritchard and Robert Pritchard; and a nephew, James Connery. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 9, 2010. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2010, and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for an educational fund to be established for her daughter, Ariel. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the McFarland Community, "Share the Care" program, the staff at HospiceCare, and all other family and friends who have offered their love and support during this difficult time. God saw you were getting tired And a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you And whispered "Come to me." A beautiful heart stopped beating, Hard working hands now rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.
Funeral and Cremation Centers 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (608) 221-5420 end_of_the_skype_highlighting http://www.gundersonfh.com - www.gundersonfh.com http://www.madison.com/obit/149769 - http://www.madison.com/obit/149769 ------------- Diag@57TNBC04/092.5cm Lquad 05/09 TCx4Radsx30CT03/01/10 FU03/31/10ClearBRCA- 01/2011 RTNBC BMX 06/14/2011~2013 clear |
Posted By: TNBC_in_NS
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 1:12am
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Oh Donna, isn't it awful how this disease takes so many young people! My heart goes out for her daughter and family. She was very brave right to the end. Sapphire Skies is at rest now and we have another angel to watch over us.....Rest in Peace Christine.... ------------- Diag@57TNBC04/092.5cm Lquad 05/09 TCx4Radsx30CT03/01/10 FU03/31/10ClearBRCA- 01/2011 RTNBC BMX 06/14/2011~2013 clear |
Posted By: NinaE
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 3:40am
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Thank you for sharing this news with us. I'm devastated to hear it and my heart goes out to her daughter and family. You have all our love, Christine, and will be sorely missed. ------------- Stage IV at dx in Dec 09, at age 38. Mets to lung, axillary, IM and mediastinal nodes. 4xAC-->dd Taxol. Dbl mast, 6/10. Radiation, 8/10. NED since June 2010. |
Posted By: outnumbered
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 8:49am
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I HATE THIS DISEASE!!!!
I will pray for her family, especially that little girl of hers. ------------- ~Sara DX @ age 40 6/24/08 Stage 1 Grade 3 BRCA1+ 187delAG BMX (nipple-areola-sparing) 8/5/08 Redo BMX (remove nipple and areola) w/ Lat Flap 7/6/09 BSO 9/3/09 NED since 08/05/2008 |
Posted By: mainsailset
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 11:02am
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I am devastated. And I am angry. ------------- dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor 3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 11:03am
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Oh no! Thank you Helen for letting us know, I just can't believe it, it is indeed so very sad and a shock.
My condolences to her daughter and family. It appears from her obituary her family has had a lot of loss to deal with in the past. Just heartbreaking. I too will miss her here with us. ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: dmwolf
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 11:17am
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That is HIDEOUS. I'm so so sad. I can't believe it. She was so sweet, so brave, and so young, and was diagnosed so recently. It really tore through her, didn't it? What the hell?! Poor Christine, and man what devastation she leaves in TNBCs wake. f**k CANCER d ------------- DX 2/08@43 stg II IDC; gr2,0 nodes. Neoadj chemo, first ACx2 (fail) then CarboTaxotereX6(better). Lump, Rads done 11/08; Clodronate. False alarm queen: PetCT lung & TM marker. NED. PBM w/recon 9/10. |
Posted By: Scott
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 12:38pm
| This just pisses me off...she just went stage 4 a few months ago, what the hell!!! |
Posted By: Bonnie
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 1:01pm
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I can't even begin to say how much sadness this brings me. Hearing today that we have lost Christine, and finding out yesterday that a young 23 year old man whom Ashley was friends with and went to school with passed away early yesterday morning. He had been going through treatment for colon cancer right alongside her until he decided several months ago to stop treatment, and concentrate on quality of life. My heart is aching.
Bonnie ------------- Bonnie - Daughter Ashley dx TN 8/09 @ 22; St3, BRCA1/2-; AC&Ixempra done 2/10; mets to lung 3/10; G/C 3/10; PARP 6/10; sternum mets 9/10; NK012 failed; mets to liver, spine, kidney; Avastin/Xeloda |
Posted By: Shelly Rae
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 1:10pm
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I am so sad to hear this news. Christine found out she had cancer at about the same time as I did. The stage and grade were about the same as mine. It is scary this cancer stuff. You really feel the loss when it happens to one of us and someone you had a connection with. I Will pray for her soul to rest in peace and for her family to find strength and peace in the days/years ahead.
Rest in peace Christine. ------------- 4/09 age 47 Stage 3a, Gr 3,1 node micro ACx4 Tx4 Rads x 33, done Dec.1,2009 NED |
Posted By: diane1234
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 1:11pm
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I sit here with tears in my eyes. My heart is so heavy. She and I were dx around the same time. I knew she was having a hard time with the chemo. Greatest minds in medicine.....PLEASE PLEASE find something for us. Please Lord be with her daughter. Let her know she is NOT alone. I too have crossed over to the stage IV world. I know as I stare at my children.....THEY ARE THE HARDEST HIT VICTIMS OF THIS DISEASE. I wish I could take that child in my arms and just hold her. GOD PLEASE be with that family. Comfort them when the mountains seem to high.
May God Bless Us ALL
Diane
Oh....BONNIE .....that too breaks my heart. CANCER NEEDS TO BE CURED. WHEN AND WHERE DOES IT STOP????? ------------- dx 4/09 at 36 yrs old. dbl Mast. 5/09. 12 weekly Taxol 4 FAC tri weekly. 32 rads completed 2/2010. Its Back 5/2010!! Chest wall, Mediastinal node, Lft mammary node and liver. Back on chemo. |
Posted By: nmunoz
Date Posted: Jul 08 2010 at 3:22pm
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Oh my! .... I'm speechless and sad and mad... I hate this disease and how it takes so much from us and from the people that we love.
Rest in peace Christine. Natalia ------------- Natalia, 38 years Dx TNBC 10/22/08, BRCA1+ Double Mx 11/20/08 with Recon. 3/37 nodes Rads 7 weeks done 8/09 ACx4 every 2 weeks and Tx12 weeks. Avastin e/3 weeksx10 (Clinical Trial) Done Dec/09 |
Posted By: chloesmom
Date Posted: Jul 09 2010 at 2:31pm
this is just terrible news. she was so young and has a daughter that needs her...so, so sad.
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Posted By: LRM216
Date Posted: Jul 09 2010 at 3:11pm
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I want to vomit.
God bless you Christine - God bless you Ariel - and God bless Christine's family.
I hate this ****ing disease. ------------- Linda - diagnosed at age 62 Diag 2/23/09 IDC 1.2 cent. IDC right breast,Stage 1, Grade 3,0/1 nodes - Triple Neg 4 DD AC every two weeks, 1 Dd Taxol, then 3 Taxotere every three weeks - rads x 33 |
Posted By: chloesmom
Date Posted: Jul 09 2010 at 5:32pm
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does anyone know an address to send money for her daughter? dana
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Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Jul 09 2010 at 5:56pm
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Dana, Helen had posted the obit. Here's the part about the funeral home. Maybe someone there will know about the educational fund for her daughter. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 9, 2010. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2010, and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for an educational fund to be established for her daughter, Ariel. ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: Lillie
Date Posted: Jul 09 2010 at 7:56pm
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Helen, thank you for letting us know about Christine. I have thought of her so many times since her last post. The last time she posted her cancer was spreading in leaps and bounds and she sounded very defeated. My heart just breaks for her, her daughter and family. This disease is so evil.
My condolances to her entire family. I am glad I got to know her through her posts. Rest in Peace, Christine. Love in Christ, Lillie ------------- Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED |
Posted By: zoomommy2
Date Posted: Jul 09 2010 at 8:11pm
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I am so sorry for little Ariel. She now has no mama or daddy. This is such an evil disease to take the young ones. I'm 65 and I have had a much longer life than Christine ever had a chance to enjoy. Nothing about this is fair.
Lee in Denver ------------- dx6/09,stageII,gr3,(L)mastectomy 7/09,ACx4,Taxolx7,Avastin study,gall bladder surgery 1/10,4/11 Stage 4, mets to lung, 4/11 Started Taxotere and Xeloda, 5/11 Taxotere stopped, off Xeloda |
Posted By: Donnaquilt
Date Posted: Jul 26 2010 at 3:13pm
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I wanted to say hello and thank you to all of you who posted about my sister, Christine (Sapphire Skies). She went so very fast. She was diagnoised 14 months ago. I have to say that I was very uneducated. I thought she is 30, young and strong and she will beat this cancer. I was wrong. I wish that I would have been there more for her at the beginning of her fight but I was definately there for her at the end of her fight.
Around Mother's Day, she was told the cancer had shown up again. She was told that she had 12 - 13 months left. She went downhill immediately. She was in a lot of pain as the cancer had gone into her bones. We were able to keep her at home in her own bed until the last 18 hours of her life. She was surrounded by lots of love.
Her daughter, Ariel, has come to live with me, my husband and 15 year old son. She is doing amazingly well. She did have to leave the wonderful community that she grew up in, and move 2 hours away. She will have to start a new and much bigger middle school but she is already making friends here in Kenosha.
Ariel was very much a part of her mother's caregiving. When we had important decisions to be made I always included Ariel's input. She would help her mom eat, brush her hair, and rub her arm. The four of us (my other sister too) would sit and talk around the bed, laugh and sing. It was hard to talk about important stuff, but we did. I tell Ariel how important her job was as part of our care team. That makes her proud. She is a very strong and brave girl!! She knows that we all did all that we could for her mom. They were able to talk a lot together and Chris prepared her for what was to come.
I sure miss my little sister.
Love and support to you all,
Donna
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Posted By: mainsailset
Date Posted: Jul 26 2010 at 3:27pm
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Thank you Donna, I had several PM's from Christine where she experssed her deep love for both you and your sister. Ariel sounds as though she has a very meaningful soul and a strength that all of us admire. Christine's love for Ariel was true as an arrow and her pride in her bubbled over sometimes in her writings. I know this will sound unusual for now, but if you can, please try and come back here from time to time to let us know how you're doing. ------------- dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor 3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear |
Posted By: LRM216
Date Posted: Jul 26 2010 at 4:40pm
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Donna and Ariel:
Unabounding blessings and love to you both, and your family. How at peace Christine must be knowing her little girl is being loved and taken care of by such a wonderful sister.
Linda ------------- Linda - diagnosed at age 62 Diag 2/23/09 IDC 1.2 cent. IDC right breast,Stage 1, Grade 3,0/1 nodes - Triple Neg 4 DD AC every two weeks, 1 Dd Taxol, then 3 Taxotere every three weeks - rads x 33 |
Posted By: TNBC_in_NS
Date Posted: Jul 26 2010 at 7:18pm
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Donna, Thank you so much for news of Ariel! I was wondering how she was doing and where she would be living and I am so pleased to hear that she is with you and your family!
Christine was such a loving person and spoke about her sisters with love. Ariel will be fine, she is young and will make new friends as long as she is in a loving environment (which she is). Family is so important!
We all think we will live forever especially the young, but this subtype of cancer has no boundaries as to age or anything else. Christine did fight hard and long. We were all so sad to hear she had recurrence so soon, but it happens too often.
You and your family will be kept in my prayers and please do let us know how you and Ariel are making new memories. Ariel will remember what the three of you did for her mom and she will remember her mom with a lot of love knowing that you all did what you could. Thanks so much for keeping Christine home as long as you could. I think this is so important for families, it makes the loss easier to handle (if that is possible.) I lost my mom three years ago and it still feels like yesterday! The loss never leaves we just learn to live with it. Take care and know that we are all here for support for you and Ariel. We will answer what we can, should you have any questions about this triple negative breast cancer. Love and Hugs, another sister on the journey,
Helen in NS  ------------- Diag@57TNBC04/092.5cm Lquad 05/09 TCx4Radsx30CT03/01/10 FU03/31/10ClearBRCA- 01/2011 RTNBC BMX 06/14/2011~2013 clear |
Posted By: diane1234
Date Posted: Jul 26 2010 at 8:45pm
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OH DONNA.....thank you so much for the update. There has not been one day that has passed that I have not thought of your family. I have so wondered about litte miss Ariel. We become such a family on here and when one is lost we TRULY MOURN......Christine and I were dx around the same time. If I remember correctly she was Dx 4/23/2009. I was Dx 4/27/2009. My cancer has also returned very quickly. I am back in the fight. I am 37 years old and have three kids. She and I had so much in commom. I feel honored to have met your sister .......even if I was never priveledged enough to meet her in person. I hope I meet her in a place called heaven someday. Again we continue to pray for your family......and THANK YOU....THANK YOU......for this update.....
MAY GOD BLESS US ALL,
Diane ------------- dx 4/09 at 36 yrs old. dbl Mast. 5/09. 12 weekly Taxol 4 FAC tri weekly. 32 rads completed 2/2010. Its Back 5/2010!! Chest wall, Mediastinal node, Lft mammary node and liver. Back on chemo. |
Posted By: Lillie
Date Posted: Jul 26 2010 at 8:54pm
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Hi Donna,
Thank you so much for sharing with us. It really helps to be able to have some closure and you have done that by giving us some details about Christine's last days and also about Aerial. Christine's beauty radiated through her posts as well as the picture she shared with us. She shared about her love for her family. I am glad you were able to be with her through her latter days. I understand what you mean about her being so young and strong and you couldn't comprehend how dreadful this disease can be sometimes. Much love to you and all your family. Love In Christ, Lillie ------------- Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Jul 26 2010 at 9:32pm
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Donna, Thank you so much for updating us about your sister, Christine and her daughter, Ariel. They have both been in my thoughts and I'm so glad Ariel has a loving home and family to take care of her. Christine was such a part of this community and we loved her posts and her picture with her big smile. That is how I'll always remember her. Her love for Ariel was so clear when she talked about her daughter. Bless you for taking her into your family. I know this must have comforted Christine in her last weeks. I hate everything about this cancer and saddened it took another beautiful person. When we lose a sister on this forum, we all mourn. Thank you for bringing us closure and letting us know about Christine's last days and that her daughter will be loved. Ariel sounds like such a strong young women. Her mother was and always will be proud of her. Please keep in touch from time to time to let us know how your family is doing and how Ariel is adjusting and growing into a fine young woman that I know she'll be. Donna ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: Katastrophe
Date Posted: Jul 26 2010 at 9:54pm
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I weep for her, I weep for you, I weep for us all. luv Kat ------------- Age 49. Stg2 gr3 19mm lump in L/br 1 lymph node in L/br 3/14 lymph nod under left arm full clear bil/mast 6rds Chemo 3wkly 25rds Rad 18rds of Avastin finished treatment on 19th August 10. |
Posted By: trip2
Date Posted: Jul 27 2010 at 7:45pm
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Donna, we really appreciate your posting about Christine and Ariel.
My condolences to all of you, it is obvious Ariel is in a good loving home.. ------------- Stage 2 2003 Stage 1 2007 BRCA 1+ |
Posted By: NinaE
Date Posted: Jul 28 2010 at 3:05am
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Thank you so much for coming and sharing this with us. Christine has been on my mind a lot these past weeks. It's a comfort to know that she had her beloved sister by her side at the end, and that her daughter is surrounded by love and people who care about her. The love and care you showed your sister, and now your niece, touches me on a personal level. Fighting advanced cancer can feel like a very lonely and frightening thing. I hope the memory of Christine sustains you all in the years ahead. ------------- Stage IV at dx in Dec 09, at age 38. Mets to lung, axillary, IM and mediastinal nodes. 4xAC-->dd Taxol. Dbl mast, 6/10. Radiation, 8/10. NED since June 2010. |
Posted By: susann
Date Posted: Jul 28 2010 at 4:30am
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I've not logged on here recently to see this devastating news.
I can't tell you how sorry and upset I feel. There ARE no words.
My tears here now say it all.........
susan x ------------- DOB 09.11.51Dx July09,TNBC,GR3,IDC Nodes removed & clear,R.Mst,Chemo. Rads April 10 dx bone mets wrongly in spine for 2 months. BRCA1. LBreast removed + ovaries in 2012 |
Posted By: unklezwifeonty
Date Posted: Aug 08 2010 at 11:57pm
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On my God, this is so sad. I am devastated. Please help the family cope with this sudden loss. ------------- Dx: Jul/09. Age: 37. Grade: High. Size: 3cm. BRCA: -ve. Lumpectomy: Aug/09. Micromet 1/9 node. Chemo Start: Sep/09. Kicked from E5103 due to Taxol reaction. Now on AC->Abraxane. Zometa (S0307). |
Posted By: LRM216
Date Posted: Aug 09 2010 at 8:57am
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It certainly took us all down - none of us expected this. Such a tragedy. Ariel is in the loving care of Christine's sister, thank God, and will be raised by her angel of an aunt. ------------- Linda - diagnosed at age 62 Diag 2/23/09 IDC 1.2 cent. IDC right breast,Stage 1, Grade 3,0/1 nodes - Triple Neg 4 DD AC every two weeks, 1 Dd Taxol, then 3 Taxotere every three weeks - rads x 33 |
Posted By: Tripleneg3a
Date Posted: Aug 20 2010 at 3:52pm
| God bless you and your amazingly strong family, Donna! |
Posted By: CiGi
Date Posted: Aug 24 2010 at 7:13pm
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I'm on this site all the time and did not see this post. Not sure how I missed it. I'm so sorry. I'm speachless and crying for your loss. It's beyond sad. Rest in peace Christine. God bless your family. Stay strong for Ariel. ------------- Age 40, 4/28/10 lumpectomy (3 cm) TNBC Grade 3 Stage 2 0/3 nodes, TAC 6x 3 week cycles start 6/15 finish 9/27, 33 rounds rads 11/22. BRCA1 & 2 neg. Lymphedema rt hand 8/14. Joint pain Dec 2010. |
Posted By: Donnaquilt
Date Posted: Oct 07 2010 at 9:11pm
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I was just stopping by to see how everyone here is doing, and I thought I'd give you an update.
Ariel (Chris's 12 year old daughter) is doing VERY well. She has made a ton of new friends in her new neighborhood and school. She is such a sweet and genuine person that I think people are attracted to her.
She has joined the year book committee at her middle school, and is in choir. When the drama season starts up, she wants to join that too. She calls my son, Michael, her brother. He is adopted and has always wanted a sibling. I think she's always wanted a sibling too. He's taken her to high school football games and different activities and helped her to fit in. Because they are now both "adopted" I think they both get some comfort from that, if that makes sense.
My sister Christine's birthday was September 14. We drove to Madison (2 hours away) and spent the day. Ariel visited her old friends that she grew up with and I spent time with my other sister. Then we picked up Ariel and went and visited the gravesite. We took flowers and a cupcake with a candle and sang to Chris. It was very emotional but I think it was good for Ariel.
Ariel has been such a blessing. I consider it such an honor to raise her for my sister. It has been very hard and time consuming taking apart her apartment, paying bills, court stuff, estate stuff and rearranging our house. A lot of changes in all of our lives.
I have to tell you too that my DH was diagnosed with a rare germ cell tumor cancer within a month after Chris passed away. He is in his 3rd round of chemo this week and the tumors are responding very well. His tumors are throughout his body rather than concentrated in one area. It has been very emotionally hard times here, but we are doing somewhat all right. Please keep us in your prayers.
Sometimes when I'm tired and I'm making supper or folding laundry, I feel like Chris is with me and smiling. That feeling and Ariel's hugs keep me going. I can never replace my sister in Ariel's life, but I can give her lots of love and security. I don't know if I'm expressing it right, but I feel very honored and trusted to have Ariel in our immediate family. She keeps Chris close to me.
Hugs and love to you all,
Donna Holmen Sapphire Skies sister
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Posted By: mainsailset
Date Posted: Oct 07 2010 at 9:29pm
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Oh my Donna, what a breathtaking story you tell. It is so bittersweet to hear how the little girl who we all loved through Christine is doing so well and that you are embracing life with her with so much love, but I am so sorry to hear about your husband. Please wish him the very very best and please give hugs all around!
Thank you for stopping by, it really means alot. ------------- dx 7/08 TN 14x6.5x5.5 cm tumor 3 Lymph nodes involved, Taxol/Sunitab+AC, 5/09 dbl masectomy, path 2mm tumor removed, lymphs all clear, RAD 32 finished 9/11/09. 9/28 CT clear 10/18/10 CT clear |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Oct 07 2010 at 11:59pm
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Donna, I can't tell you what it means to all of us for you to give us updates on Ariel. Christine was part of our family here and so was Ariel. We care about them and glad to hear how she's doing. I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. You are going through so much but have opened your heart and home to Ariel. You are an amazing woman. Please take care of yourself and keep us posted on Ariel's progress (your husband too). Hugs, Donna ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: zoomommy2
Date Posted: Oct 08 2010 at 12:09am
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Donna, I believe that Christine is with you and Ariel always. I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. I'll be praying that his chemo continues to work well. I'm sure Christine is very pleased that Ariel has a brother now. Thank you for doing such a good job making a home for Ariel.
Lee in Denver ------------- dx6/09,stageII,gr3,(L)mastectomy 7/09,ACx4,Taxolx7,Avastin study,gall bladder surgery 1/10,4/11 Stage 4, mets to lung, 4/11 Started Taxotere and Xeloda, 5/11 Taxotere stopped, off Xeloda |
Posted By: LRM216
Date Posted: Oct 08 2010 at 12:17am
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Donna,
Thank you so much for keeping us updated on how life is unfolding for all of you since Christine's passing. It is wonderful to hear that Ariel is doing so well. What a wonderful tribute to you. I am so terribly sorry to hear about your husband, it seems surreal that this has happened. I wish him nothing but the best of outcomes. You are one remarkable lady, and the best sister anyone could have wished for. May God bless you all, always.
Linda ------------- Linda - diagnosed at age 62 Diag 2/23/09 IDC 1.2 cent. IDC right breast,Stage 1, Grade 3,0/1 nodes - Triple Neg 4 DD AC every two weeks, 1 Dd Taxol, then 3 Taxotere every three weeks - rads x 33 |
Posted By: NinaE
Date Posted: Oct 08 2010 at 6:55am
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Thank you so much for stopping by. My very best to all of you.
------------- Stage IV at dx in Dec 09, at age 38. Mets to lung, axillary, IM and mediastinal nodes. 4xAC-->dd Taxol. Dbl mast, 6/10. Radiation, 8/10. NED since June 2010. |
Posted By: TNBC_in_NS
Date Posted: Oct 08 2010 at 10:48am
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Hi Donna!
Thanks so much for sharing your life and Ariel's with us! I am so happy she has a brother in all this up and down! You are an amazing lady to handle all that you are doing for the children, your hubby and Christine. Bless you all always and may the blessings of the Good Lord be upon you always... What a wonderful life you are making for these children, you and your hubby!
Return here when you can as you are now part of our family too!
Love and Hugs, Helen in NS xoxo ------------- Diag@57TNBC04/092.5cm Lquad 05/09 TCx4Radsx30CT03/01/10 FU03/31/10ClearBRCA- 01/2011 RTNBC BMX 06/14/2011~2013 clear |
Posted By: Autumn10182001
Date Posted: Oct 08 2010 at 10:38pm
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Donna, thank you for the update.. I miss Christine.. I will add your husband to my prayers tonight.. and know that Christine is always with you... Autumn ------------- DX2/99 Stg I,ER+PR+ Chemo lumpectomy - Neg nodes,rads, tamox,femara. DX4/09, Stg IIB /III, TNBC IDC, Grade III, 2.5CM, mastectomy. 4AC DD,12 wkly taxol,BRAC1&2Neg, Right Mast 11/25/09 |
Posted By: diane1234
Date Posted: Oct 09 2010 at 12:45am
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Donna, I think of Christine and Ariel OFTEN. I always wonder how the young ones are doing. I am SO SO SORRY to hear about your husband. THANK GOD FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN THIS WORLD. It gives me such peace to hear Ariel is adjusting well. Christine and I were dx around the same time. I was 36. I am now battling metastatic disease. IT IS SO HARD. I WORRY beyond believe about my kids. That is why hearing the news of Ariel doing VERY well gives me SUCH GREAT PEACE. YOU ARE AMAZING.....I will also add you and your husband to my prayers. I HATE CANCER....May God Bless Us All,
Diane ------------- dx 4/09 at 36 yrs old. dbl Mast. 5/09. 12 weekly Taxol 4 FAC tri weekly. 32 rads completed 2/2010. Its Back 5/2010!! Chest wall, Mediastinal node, Lft mammary node and liver. Back on chemo. |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Jan 21 2011 at 9:53am
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Donna and Ariel, I wanted to ask how you're doing? We think of you, Christine and Ariel often. I was thinking of Christine (Sapphire Skies) the other day and miss her. I hope your husband's treatment is going well. We pray that Ariel is safe, happy and adjusting to her new life. Please post when you can. Hugs, Donna ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: Donnaquilt
Date Posted: Mar 01 2012 at 9:33pm
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I just wanted to stop in and tell everyone hello. I am Chris's sister, Donna. She has been gone about a year and a half now. I am kind of shaky as I type this as it is heartbreaking to read some of her posts. We miss her so much. Anyway, I wanted to let you all know that her daughter, Ariel is doing very well. Much better than I would have hoped. She is in 8th grade and has mostly A's and maybe one B in school. She sings in the school choir, and will be in a singing competition this weekend. I have her taking horse backing riding lessons and she just loves it. We live near Lake Michigan and it has been a mild winter here. Every couple of weeks, she and I bundle up and go to the lake front and we poke around for sea glass. We have found some pretty pieces, and maybe this summer we'll take a jewelry class and make some necklaces. It is a nice bonding time. She likes to stop and have a Starbucks with me too. :-) I work in the childrens section of the public library. I've made her into quite a good reader. We both have just devoured the Hunger Game series and are eagerly waiting for the movie to come out. Her father died when she was 5, and then after her mother died she had to move 2 hours away from her home to come and live with us. She has made many, many good friends, and I am thrilled about that. She has a new bedroom she designed with purple walls, lime green and white accents. We bought a new white bedroom set to go with it. She has a nice, cozy setup. We love having a girl in the family. Our son is 17, and was adopted as an infant. He never really liked being an only child. He is very active in high school, and when she goes next year to high school she will be very comfortable. She already knows a good amount of teens there and some of the teachers. Immediately after my sister died, my hubby was diagnosed with a rare cancer, and was not expected to make it. He had 2 back to back bone marrow transplants at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. He went thru a lot, lost a lot of his hearing from the chemo and had a lot of neuropathy (sp?) in his hands and feet. Slowly his hands and feet are getting better but he may never regain all of his balance and feeling. After being off work for many months, he went back to work in Nov. 2011, and was laid off after only 7 weeks back. They had to do major layoffs across the country so it had nothing to do with his cancer. He only worked for that company for a year and a half. Less actually because of his illness. There are a few jobs out there in his field -- certainly more than there was 2 years ago. We have hope and he has been cancer free for a few months now. Now I am off to read up about some of you. Donna and Dana, are you both still active on the boards? Dana, how are you doing? I think of you and your mother often. Warm hugs to all, Donna and Ariel |
Posted By: ann u
Date Posted: Mar 01 2012 at 9:50pm
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Donna (and Ariel)
I'm glad you "checked in" with us. It's wonderful that Ariel seems to be doing so well, and it sounds like you have more than enough love to go around your family.
I am so jealous that you live near Lake Michigan. I was born in Michigan, and spent my summers on the beach of my grandparents cottage on Lake Huron - very fond memories for me. I think it's probably why I am an avid beachcomber. Every summer we venture over to San Diego, and I spend the week waking up at 5 in the morning and scouring the beach for just about anything, although beach glass is my favorite along with sand dollars.
Wishing you happiness
Ann ------------- 8/06: IDC 1cm, 0/9 lymph nodes, lumpectomy, Mammosite radiation, 4 x A/C 5/07: BRCA1+ (5382insC) 11/09: IDC 3mm, double mastectomy w/reconstruction |
Posted By: LRM216
Date Posted: Mar 01 2012 at 10:44pm
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Donna:
How broad Christine's smile must be as she watches over you, your family and Ariel. You are truly a wondrous woman, wife, mother and Aunt/mother, and Ariel was and is truly blessed to have you. I am so very, very sorry to hear about your husband's health, but am glad to hear he appears to be bouncing back. I pray for all good things for him and your family. Just when we think things can't possibly get any worse, we oftentimes find that yes, they can, and do. May God, and Christine continue to guard you all. I thank you so very much for coming on to the board to let us know. I think of Christine often, and still get the chills when I remember how fast things went downhill for her, and will always wonder, as I am sure we all do, why bad things have to happen to good people. I too know how very much you miss her, as I lost my daughter one year ago next month, and I too miss her with all my heart and soul. Life goes on after we lose our loved one, but it is vastly altered, as are we. God bless, and may love surround you all, always.
Linda ------------- Linda - diagnosed at age 62 Diag 2/23/09 IDC 1.2 cent. IDC right breast,Stage 1, Grade 3,0/1 nodes - Triple Neg 4 DD AC every two weeks, 1 Dd Taxol, then 3 Taxotere every three weeks - rads x 33 |
Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Mar 02 2012 at 12:13am
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Dear Donna, Exactly what my dear friend Linda said. warmly, Steve ------------- I am a BRCA1+ grandson, son and father of women affected by breast/oc-my daughter inherited mutation from me, and at 36, was dx 2004 TNBC I am a volunteer patient advocate with SAGE Patient Advocates |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Mar 02 2012 at 9:47am
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Donna, Yes, I'm still active on the boards. I had a recurrence in 2010/2011, but so far NED. Your post gave me such a big smile and warmed my heart to hear about you and Ariel. It still saddens me how we lost Christine so quickly. She was full of life and fought so hard. Ariel was everything to her. It helps me to know that Ariel has adjusted and is doing well with your family. She must be so proud of her new bedroom. I can just imagine Chris looking down on both of you and smiling at your loving family and all you've done for her. I pray that your husband continues to be NED. Please drop in from time to time and let us know how Ariel is doing. We mourn our members that have passed and worry about their families that are left behind. It's comforting when we hear stories like yours. You sound like an amazing women. Bless you. Hugs, Donna ------------- DX IDC TNBC 6/09 age 49, Stage 1,Grade 3, 1.5cm,0/5Nodes,KI-67 48%,BRCA-,6/09bi-mx, recon, T/C X4(9/09) 11/10 Recur IM node, Gem,Carb,Iniparib 12/10,MRI NED 2/11,IMRT Radsx40,CT NED11/13,MRI NED3/15 |
Posted By: Autumn10182001
Date Posted: Mar 02 2012 at 11:06am
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I touch base with Ariel once in a while on facebook. . I am glad she is doing so well, I too miss Chris.. I hate this disease. ------------- DX2/99 Stg I,ER+PR+ Chemo lumpectomy - Neg nodes,rads, tamox,femara. DX4/09, Stg IIB /III, TNBC IDC, Grade III, 2.5CM, mastectomy. 4AC DD,12 wkly taxol,BRAC1&2Neg, Right Mast 11/25/09 |
Posted By: nmunoz
Date Posted: Mar 02 2012 at 11:26am
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Thanks for the update Donna; it means a lot for us here who cared about Chris and her daughter. I will be praying for you and your family.
Best, Natalia ------------- Natalia, 38 years Dx TNBC 10/22/08, BRCA1+ Double Mx 11/20/08 with Recon. 3/37 nodes Rads 7 weeks done 8/09 ACx4 every 2 weeks and Tx12 weeks. Avastin e/3 weeksx10 (Clinical Trial) Done Dec/09 |
Posted By: Lillie
Date Posted: Mar 02 2012 at 4:59pm
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Dear Donna,
Thank you so much for updating since we last heard from you. It is so special to hear that you, your husband, your son and Ariel are doing well. I know you have been through a tough time, losing Chris and then your husband having so many health problems. May God Bless you and your family. Chris (Sapphire Skies) was one of those people who captured my heart. I am so happy that her daughter has a special aunt like you. Love, Lillie ------------- Dx 6/06 age 65,IDC-TNBC Stage IIb,Gr3,2cm,BRCA- 6/06 L/Mast/w/SNB,1of3 Nodes+ 6/06 Axl. 9 nodes- 8/8 thru 11/15 Chemo (Clin-Trial) DD A/Cx4 -- DD taxol+gemzar x4 No Rads. No RECON - 11/2018-12 yrs NED |
Posted By: TNBC_in_NS
Date Posted: Mar 02 2012 at 7:45pm
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Dear Donna, Thanks so much for this wonderful update! I am so happy to hear that you, hubby, Ariel & your son are doing wonderfully well! It was so hard to loose Christine, but when I see how much you have been doing for your family as well as Christine's it does my heart well. I too believe that Christine is smiling down on all of you and most of all you Donna for taking on this wonderful challenge of parenting a daughter. My own is now 43, but today it is not an easy job! You make it look so easy! May God Bless you with an abundance of LOVE, FAITH AND TREASURES beyond this world for being a wonderful mom/aunt/wife/friend/daughter & SISTER! Thanks again for the update on how your lives are unfolding so wonderfully well and yes, do drop by from time to time, to let us know how the first dances, etc. go... All the best, Helen in NS ------------- Diag@57TNBC04/092.5cm Lquad 05/09 TCx4Radsx30CT03/01/10 FU03/31/10ClearBRCA- 01/2011 RTNBC BMX 06/14/2011~2013 clear |