another awful loss...MJ is at peace
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Topic: another awful loss...MJ is at peace
Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Subject: another awful loss...MJ is at peace
Date Posted: Nov 28 2011 at 9:11pm
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Dear TNBC family, I just received a call that our dear MJ is at peace. I want to speak to her husband, B. before I post any more details... I will ask in a few days. In fact maybe I will wait till I see him next week in San Antonio. My guess is that we will all find out more about our dear friend and her life in due course. My heart simply aches, once again... love to all of you, Steve with the family’s premission I will post the funeral details once I have them.
------------- 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 |
Replies:
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Nov 28 2011 at 9:24pm
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I am at a loss for words right now. We have another angel among us. . . but taken way too soon. I had the fortune to meet B and MJ this summer. We had a lovely 3 hour breakfast that I never wanted to end. The sharp intellect of these two just flowed from one topic to another. MJ was a loving, kind, compassionate person. I will miss you dear friend.  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: mainsailset
Date Posted: Nov 28 2011 at 9:32pm
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Thank you Steve for letting us know. Some days there are just no words to carry the burden of grief. ------------- 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: Lillie
Date Posted: Nov 28 2011 at 9:49pm
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Thanks Steve for starting this thread. My condolences to All Of MJ's Family. I know she was a special person.
God Bless, 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: Annie
Date Posted: Nov 28 2011 at 10:07pm
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Steve, Thank You for all the caring you do for people. It is a blessing. I am so relieved MJ is at Peace...Love, Annie ------------- Annie TNBC Stage IIA Gr 3 1cm lesion 2/5 lymph nodes+ lumpectomy,FEC & D 30Rads finished(08/2009) BRCA- Chronic Cellulitis due to Radiation-- L.Mastectomy Jan 2012 |
Posted By: Pink Warrior
Date Posted: Nov 28 2011 at 10:34pm
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God bless you, MJ. Rest in eternal peace. xo ------------- Dx:10/09,IDC Stg 2,Gr 3,TN BRCA 1&2 - Partial DD EC/AC Local recur 11/10 BMX 12/10 Right proph TC x 4 Rads x 33 9/11 Skin mets, mediastinal & hilar nodes Abraxane/Avastin |
Posted By: Genie
Date Posted: Nov 28 2011 at 10:39pm
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I am so saddened to hear about MJ's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting MJ & Bill and Steve for lunch last year during the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. I was so impressed with MJ & Bill both - very loving and caring toward each other and such an intelligent couple. MJ is now singing with the angels in heaven & is no longer suffering. My prayers & thoughts go out to Bill & MJ's friends & family. God bless, Genie ------------- DX 3/10/08 at age 67, IDC. Stage 1, Grade 3, 1.5 cm. KI-67 99% at MX . Bilateral mastectomy 4/1/08 Node-, BRCA 1/2-,BARD1+, TX:Cytoxan/Taxotere x4,3 in family with TNBC |
Posted By: HappyGoLucky
Date Posted: Nov 28 2011 at 10:42pm
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My heart is very heavy as we lose another special angel. B. I am praying that you can bear the sadness and release her to Heaven. So sad . Love, Karen ------------- 2/2009 7cm tumor, sent nod. pos. Lumpectomy 3/19/09,a/c dose dense+avastin clinical trial, taxol avastin stopped with pneumonia. 33 Rads 01/2010 ~ reccur 2011 supraclav.and internal mammary nodes. rad |
Posted By: Carol (Tenn)
Date Posted: Nov 28 2011 at 11:36pm
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I am so terribly sad to hear of MJ's passing. I pray for strength and love from our Father to Bill and family and friends. Carol ------------- St 2 Gr 3, A/C/T, DD Radiation x35 Rec chest wall 07/09 Radiation x28 NED 10/24/11 NED 10/5/12 NED 03/15/13 |
Posted By: harbin
Date Posted: Nov 29 2011 at 2:53am
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This is so sad. RIP, MJ. My prayers and thoughts go out to her family. ------------- 4/08 dx IDC,stg2,neg. nodes,4xAC,8xTexol& Avastin,BRCA- 3/10 Recurr Chestwall,surgery 6/10 Lung mets 10/10 Parp 05/11 Surgery on 2 lung nodules 08/11 Parp failed 10/11 Cyberknife 1 lung nodule |
Posted By: LauraT
Date Posted: Nov 29 2011 at 8:16am
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Our loss is heaven's gain. I am sad beyond words at losing MJ. Bill, you and your family will be in my prayers. You have been an amazing pillar of support for MJ - thank you for showing us what true love looks like and what God's grace and love can do in the hearts of those who love Him. Love always, Laura ------------- DX 10/09 @44, Stage I IDC tnbc, DCIS other side, Neoadjuvant TCx4, Bilateral Mastectomy w/Recon 1/10, 1.2cm 0/7 Nodes, 5/11 Mets to Lungs/Lymph Nodes, Avastin/Taxol, 10/11 Bone Mets, Xgeva |
Posted By: Barbi
Date Posted: Nov 29 2011 at 9:52am
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It always feels too soon to us, but the end of suffering awaits our loved ones. Rest in eternal peace, MJ. ------------- 10/10,age49,St3,gr3,5+cm,1 node,BRCA-,T+Cisplatin+Rad0001(or placebo),Lump 1+cm,AND 0/15,AC,rads finished 7/6/11.Mets bone, liver,mamm node 8/11,abrax/tigatuzamab failed.Started bicalutamide 11/16/11. |
Posted By: sue
Date Posted: Nov 29 2011 at 10:16am
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Steve, Thank you for informing us about MJ. She will be deeply missed. So sad to lose another brave soul too early. My condolences to her family. May she rest in eternal peace. Love and Peace, Sue ------------- Dx 7/10, age 53. TNBC left breast, stage I, grade 3, IDC 0.5 cm, DCI 2.5 cm, 0/8 lymph nodes neg. BRCA-. T/C x4 finished 2/09/11, rads x34 finished 4/21/11. |
Posted By: janet c.
Date Posted: Nov 29 2011 at 2:24pm
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So sorry to hear this news. I am praying for MJ's family. So very sad. ------------- dx 12/08 @47yrs.old TNBC stage 2a grade 3, 2.1cm. partial mastectomy sentinal node negative BRACA negative Cytocan/Taxatere x4 radiation 36 or 38rounds |
Posted By: tninalabama
Date Posted: Nov 29 2011 at 3:03pm
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I am saddened by the news. Peace for MJ's family and friends. ------------- Dx 11/07,stII bgr3,1/8+, metaplastic, recurrence 11/09, lymph dis 12/13+ 07/10, rad,x28 9/10,02/11 mets BRCA neg 5-FMC since 03/12 PET 04/12,no progression Bone scan clear 06/12 |
Posted By: dmwolf
Date Posted: Nov 29 2011 at 3:58pm
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Ugh, so sad. MJ was such a bright woman, so down to earth and just lovely to everyone. Poor Bill and family to lose her, and sad for us as well. It sounds like her death was pretty hard as well. I hadn't heard of terminal agitation, but can imagine how it might feel on either side, either feeling horribly uncomfortable and restless and not at peace or watching a loved one in an inconsolable state. Being born is hard work, as is giving birth, so it shouldn't be a surprise that dying can be difficult and labored as well. But in the past I have taken comfort in the idea that a good death is possible. Maybe that is an illusion, or at the very least out of our control when the time comes. Cancer is an idiot thief. ------------- 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: TNinTN
Date Posted: Nov 29 2011 at 6:04pm
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Thank you MJ. Your presence and support here made me a better caregiver for Susan and made her journey much easier. So, with a very sad heart, I thank you. May your loved ones, friends, and everyone on this site be comforted. We are all better off because you were here with us.
Martin & Susan ------------- Wife age 53@dx TN IDC Stage IIA 7/10; BRCA1&2 Neg; BROCA Neg; LN Neg; taxol+cisplatin+/-RAD001x12(clinical trial); lumpectomy 12/10;ACx4; 33 Rads complete 4/11; NED 5/5/11 |
Posted By: Shelly Rae
Date Posted: Nov 29 2011 at 8:34pm
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Rest in peace MJ. Shelly Rae ------------- 4/09 age 47 Stage 3a, Gr 3,1 node micro ACx4 Tx4 Rads x 33, done Dec.1,2009 NED |
Posted By: nmunoz
Date Posted: Nov 29 2011 at 10:50pm
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Thanks for sharing your courage and wisdom with us MJ. Rest in peace and may God give your family strength during these tough times.
I hate cancer ... ------------- 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: TNBC_in_NS
Date Posted: Nov 30 2011 at 9:08pm
So sad to hear about MJ  MJ thanks so much for sharing your life with us........
My condolences to MJ's family, Bill & all who knew and loved her. We shall meet again.
Thank you Steve for posting the hardest of details of MJ's transition journey to our Lord. I know she is now pain free and will be nudging the researchers to find an answer to this horrible disease....
Bless us all as we continue on our unkown journey.
Hugs, 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: Debris
Date Posted: Nov 30 2011 at 10:21pm
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This is this first time I have been able to log in for some weeks, and I'm so saddened to read of MJ's struggles and passing. May she rest in Peace, and may her family be comforted in His Grace.
MJ, you will be sorely missed! With a heavy heart, Deborah. ------------- 4/12 Xeloda/Tykerb 2 Carboplatin 12/11 Dx IA 9 Gemzar/Taxotere Dx IBC:FEC 5 Ixempra/Sprycel 2 25 Rad 10/10 BRCA1-/2suv 9 NED 6 Stg4 Grd3 many nodes no Sx/Rad. Taxol/Avastin 06/08 Dx DCIS 0/SN Rads/AIs |
Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Nov 30 2011 at 11:17pm
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My dear sister Helen, It was MJ’s husband’s desire to post all...That’s the way MJ was and I believe she would have approved. To be honest, I was unable to on my own. I find myself still tormented about her passing. Long ago, I gave up trying to figure out why bad things happen to good people. It’s just that MJ touched a chord deep in my soul. I believe she did with everyone she met. The fact that she was legally blind and yet ‘saw(literally and figuratively)' more than most people and did not let her physical disability stop her from reaching out to others with her wisdom and beautiful heart. love, 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: TNBC_in_NS
Date Posted: Dec 01 2011 at 6:58am
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Yes Steve, my brother on the other coast, I know you posted with MJ's & B's approval, for sure. But, had you not made the connection with them, this post would not be on our site. We may not have found out about MJ's passing this soon. I know Donna also connected with them and it is so wonderful to know them as intimate as we do now. I appreciate the connections and sincere help that you and others offer on this journey.....
love & hugs, h. ------------- Diag@57TNBC04/092.5cm Lquad 05/09 TCx4Radsx30CT03/01/10 FU03/31/10ClearBRCA- 01/2011 RTNBC BMX 06/14/2011~2013 clear |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Dec 01 2011 at 7:49am
Steve, you so eloquently captured MJ's heart and soul in your post. She cared about all of us and was always reaching out to help. She gave me so much good information prior to my visit with MD Anderson that it made my visit go so smoothly. You were right on target about her wisdom (Bill's too) and beautiful heart. 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 |
steve wrote:Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Dec 01 2011 at 5:22pm
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Mary Jean Hoover McGarry- Mary Jean's Memorial Service is going to be held next Tuesday evening, December 6th, at
7:00 at St. Francis Church on DeZevala in San Antonio. I plan on attending. Please come over and say hello if anyone is coming... all the best, Steve p.s. I was advised by a close friend of MJ’s to wait till Sunday to speak to Bill about biographical information, so I shall follow that advice.
------------- 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: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Dec 03 2011 at 11:40pm
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Dear TNBC family, I just had a very nice talk with Bill... He said that the services will be “beautiful” and I know they will be as MJ was a beautiful person. He said they were planning some ‘special things.' The ache I felt from him was palpable and we are getting together on Wednesday to talk. He was so supportive for such a long time...I truly admire him... Life...I think Natalia wrote that she hates cancer...I echo her thoughts. with my love to all, 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: Genie
Date Posted: Dec 04 2011 at 2:57pm
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Dear TNBC family, MJ's obituary was posted in the San Antonio Express-News today. Here is the link. http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanantonio/obituary.aspx?n=mary-mcgarry&pid=154865234 - www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanantonio/obituary.aspx?n=mary-mcgarry&pid=154865234 I hope that I was able to make the link hot. If it doesn't work, then you will need to copy & paste into your browser. Even though I only met MJ once, I plan on attending her memorial service. She was an amazing woman. Love to all, Genie ------------- DX 3/10/08 at age 67, IDC. Stage 1, Grade 3, 1.5 cm. KI-67 99% at MX . Bilateral mastectomy 4/1/08 Node-, BRCA 1/2-,BARD1+, TX:Cytoxan/Taxotere x4,3 in family with TNBC |
Posted By: 123Donna
Date Posted: Dec 04 2011 at 3:01pm
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Genie and Steve, Please let MJ's family know how much she meant to all of us. Thanks Genie for posting the link. She was such a beautiful person, inside and out. 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: Dec 05 2011 at 10:21am
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I was so saddened to come on line after some time away, only to find out yet another wonderful friend has passed. Mj was always very supportive to me and she always made me laugh. She also enjoyed my Aussie sense of humour (which she GOT). She always amazed me that no matter how tough things were for her she always found time to comfort someone else in need. I wish that I had known her in person, as I can tell from what others have said she was just as wonderful in the flesh. Bill ... I am so very sorry for your loss and to MJ's family and friends. Words are just never enough ... Another angel smiles down on us all .... we must fight all the harder and do her proud. God Bless .... luv Kat xxx ------------- 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: tnbcsucks
Date Posted: Dec 06 2011 at 9:43am
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MJ's family is in our prayers, rest in peace!
------------- TNBC DX April, 2010,Lumpectomy May 3.5cm with clear nodes,Stage 2, Grade III Started Chemo on June 7: 4 A/C every other week and then 12 weeks of Taxol. followed by 6 weeks of radiation. |
Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Dec 06 2011 at 9:54am
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Dear all, I will be going to the services tonight and having lunch with Bill tomorrow...my plan is to print this thread and give it to him and also to see if he can give us a biographical sketch on MJ in the next few days or weeks... had dinner last night with one of MJ’s close friends and her husband...lovely woman who was especially supportive to MJ in many ways...there are some lovely, lovely people around. all the best, 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: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Dec 06 2011 at 6:36pm
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MJ’s friend just called me and her DH is picking me up very soon... I am crying thinking about her and the services have not started... Genie, thank you for posting the obituary...I loved the picture of her...I hadn’t seen it until today.. I am going to introduce you to MJ’s friend. looking forward to seeing you.. love to all, 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: Genie
Date Posted: Dec 06 2011 at 10:17pm
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Dear TNBC Family, I just returned from the memorial service for MJ. It was a very touching & moving service. So many there whose lives were touched by MJ. I sat with Steve, MJ's friend Gail & her husband, and Rebecca, a young woman who works for Gail. Rebecca was just recently diagnosed with IBC and starts her treatments soon. I assured Bill that everyone on this site was touched by MJ and that she was loved and will be greatly missed. Please remember him as he makes the adjustment to life without MJ. Hugs & love, Genie ------------- DX 3/10/08 at age 67, IDC. Stage 1, Grade 3, 1.5 cm. KI-67 99% at MX . Bilateral mastectomy 4/1/08 Node-, BRCA 1/2-,BARD1+, TX:Cytoxan/Taxotere x4,3 in family with TNBC |
Posted By: mindy555
Date Posted: Dec 17 2011 at 11:23pm
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I'm so sorry for the passing of MJ. I'm not certain, but I may have been privileged to be in her presence with Bill by her side. It was only for a few minutes at MDA when I approached you, Steve. That 1st day in Houston is somewhat of a blur. I'm sorry. Regardless, from the way you each speak of her, she was indeed an earth angel. And now has spread her wings to fly free... My heart is with MJ's family and friends. I feel immeasurable love for MJ in every word I read. Such a sad tremendous loss for all. For Bill and all who love dear MJ- "Love. Life’s single greatest risk. Life’s single greatest reward. Love captures your heart in a second and holds it for eternity. You have experienced a love without equal. You have had someone truly special in your life and mere words simply will not do." ------------- Dx July 2011 56 yo Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3 Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia Daughter also BRCA1+ Mass grew on Taxol FEC 6x better BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED BSO 6/2012 |
Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Dec 18 2011 at 12:45am
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Dear Mindy, Yes, you came over while I was with MJ and Bill. I introduced you and then I accompanied them to her consultation and stayed with them afterwards. Please be kind and gentle to yourself, Mindy. This journey can be filled with many, many bumps and our bodies, and memory at times, can just absorb so much. MJ would have been the first one to laugh and say “don’t worry about it.” I find that I think about her very often....I heard so many lovely stories about her at her liturgy from different folks, that just re-confirmed my own feelings about her. She was a lovely woman. hugs, 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: mindy555
Date Posted: Dec 18 2011 at 5:43pm
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Oh, Steve... Thanks for the "mental hall pass", though I DO regret not spending more time with the three of you that day I walked up. My loss... Love, Mindy ------------- Dx July 2011 56 yo Stage I IDC,TN,Grade 3 Grew to Stage IIa- No ev of node involve- BRCA1+ chondroid metaplasia Daughter also BRCA1+ Mass grew on Taxol FEC 6x better BMX 3/19/12 pCR NED BSO 6/2012 |
Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Dec 18 2011 at 9:52pm
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Dear Mindy, all any of us can do is go from today forward. Again, please be kind and gentle to yourself and concentrate on the positives in your life and you have many. I know you are trying your best to find the beauty in each day...Part of the beauty for me is seeing how you are supportive of so many here, even as you ‘fight the fight’..bless you for that. in your corner, 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: Lillie
Date Posted: Dec 19 2011 at 9:28am
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Dear Mindy,
I would like to 'second' what Steve said about you, in his post above. It I wrote a post to you, his words would be exactly what I want to say. God bless and We Love You, 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: Carol (Tenn)
Date Posted: Dec 19 2011 at 10:11am
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Amen and Amen ------------- St 2 Gr 3, A/C/T, DD Radiation x35 Rec chest wall 07/09 Radiation x28 NED 10/24/11 NED 10/5/12 NED 03/15/13 |
Posted By: SagePatientAdvocates
Date Posted: Dec 06 2012 at 6:56am
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Dear all, On Tuesday just about the time of the one year Anniversary of MJ's death I had breakfast with her DH in San Antonio. It was a beautiful meal filled, at different times, with sadness, memories and laughter. I am very glad we got together and I was especially touched by the picture of MJ he showed me when she graduated with her Master's degree. He talked about the fact that MJ was an advocate for literally thousands of people in her long career. I can still remember her telling me when I first started helping her that "it is hard for me to accept your help because I have helped so many but I thank you for what you are doing for me." MJ's husband shared with me the fact that he is just starting to feel better in the last few months and also how happy he is that he kept MJ's dog who is his faithful companion. The dog is about 5 years old, I believe, yet is "just like a puppy and she wakes me at 6 a.m. every day to be fed with her nose in my face and nose in my face again and wants to be fed at 5 p.m. Clockwork to the minute every day." Amazing, isn't it? MJ was legally blind and was instrumental in getting oncologists to accept her dog at certain visits and also fought so that blind women with breast cancer could have their companions with them. It was very special to keep the connection with MJ and we agreed to stay in touch. He is a lovely man. I especially remember a meeting of women with Metastatic Breast Cancer and the speaker made some ridiculous comment about chemotherapy and how all the expenses were paid for by the trial, which in many cases is simply not true if the patient does not have adequate insurance to pay for the scans, that are considered 'standard of care' and are often only paid for if you have adequate insurance. I made a comment that, with respect, I felt that in certain cases she was incorrect and she gave me a very snippy response that I was the one who was incorrect. MJ's husband, who was sitting next to me, took the microphone, and said "no, doctor our experience has been that we have had to pay certain expenses." MJ was sitting next to him and was nodding and that silenced the doctor. I turned to him and said "I am so glad you guys were here. Thank you." And that is the essence of what he is all about. We discussed continued injustices at our breakfast. He spoke simply, yet eloquently. As I said, it was a lovely breakfast and shall be repeated, I hope. I miss MJ. 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: Dec 06 2012 at 8:07am
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Steve, Thank you so much for the wonderful update. I was very blessed to have met MJ, her DH and faithful dog. We had a very long, enjoyable breakfast and I echo your comments about them. MJ and DH are extremely bright, intelligent and the conversation was the best. My heart just melt when I got to meet her faithful dog. Everyone at the restaurant was quite taken with her too. 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 |