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Bone Mets Thread

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Comments

  • LindaE54
    LindaE54 Member Posts: 1,379
    edited December 2015

    Hello all,

    I have some very sad news this morning. I just heard from Dune/Charlene's niece and here is her message: "Char died in hospice last night surrounded by friends and family and in her mother's arms. Thank you for your kind thoughts". I replied conveying all our deepest condolences from her friends on BCO. I am just so sad. I will start a thread in memory of Charlene .

  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 5,346
    edited December 2015

    LindaE,

    Thank you for being the bearer of this sad news. My heart is heavy. I was hoping against hope that the set back was temporary. May she rest in peace

  • Xavo
    Xavo Member Posts: 244
    edited December 2015

    I am stunned. Very, very saddened. Can't help wondering what suddenly happened to Dune/Charlene. May she rest in peace.

  • auroaya
    auroaya Member Posts: 784
    edited December 2015

    So sorry to hear about Dune/Charlene passing. It is shocking to know that we can be doing well one minute and to decline rapidly the next. I feel like I knew her through her posts here and will miss her terribly. May she rest in peace

  • Noni
    Noni Member Posts: 74
    edited December 2015

    This has hit me hard. I was recently dx stage iv and have spent a lot of time reading and researching the message board. Just two nights ago I sent a PM to Dune asking for advice on her cough. I was hoping she could tell me some sort of secret of battling the dreaded cough.

    I am very sad to hear of her passing, especially since it happened seemingly out of nowhere.

  • lovelife49
    lovelife49 Member Posts: 26
    edited December 2015

    I, too, am stunned by the loss of Dune. I haven't posted a lot here since my diagnosis in September, but I read almost daily and so appreciate all the information you share. This site has saved my sanity more than once. Even though I've been mostly a lurker, I feel like I have many friends here just by reading your posts, and Dune was one of those virtual friends. This is also the first death of someone I felt I sort of knew since my own mets diagnosis, and I agree with some of the sentiments here, that it is very hard to watch and absorb. I also feel like I'm not really sick. My AI and Zoladex make me feel very tired and old, as if I've aged 20 years in three months, but other than that, there is not a hint of anything terribly awry. Yet obviously there is something awry because people keep dying of breast cancer, and like in Dune's case, very suddenly! It's tragic. I will miss her, too, and I want to offer my condolences to those of you who knew her better. I'm so sorry that you lost your friend.

    My brain is failing me at the moment, but I know I read of good news from many in the last couple of pages, and I'm so happy to read those updates, too. And for those struggling, just know you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    I have my first PET since diagnosis this coming Monday morning and then won't see the doctor until the 31st. Because it's my first at this cancer center, I don't know if I'll get the results before that 31st appointment, so it could be a long week mentally. Scanxiety has been in full effect for several weeks now!


    Tammy



  • chelleg
    chelleg Member Posts: 396
    edited December 2015

    My grief runs deep for Charlene's family and friends. It sounds as if she went peacefully and surrounded by love. I know that she is at peace now, yet somehow I still selfishly wish she were still here giving advice and making me laugh. There is an empty place in my heart today.

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 2,701
    edited December 2015

    I took this photo last night as I was walking and praying and thinking about Charlene. For a few moments, it truly felt like the heavens were demonstrating their awesomeness to reassure that, while it's hard to understand and not be sad, Charlene is okay.

    image

    Lynn, Scarlett is absolutely beautiful! I couldn't be happier for you, and look forward to more photos soon, as well as an update on your hubby, who I hope is doing well today.

    Hugs to everyone else, especially Noni, if your first time posting in this group. And Linda, thank you for reaching out to Charlene's family.

  • annieoakley
    annieoakley Member Posts: 653
    edited December 2015

    I am completely gutted and saddened by the news of Charlene's passing. I mentioned before that just 3 weeks ago she was pm'ing me and giving me advice on what may have happened to me during my acupuncture treatment and how I should deal with it. I can't even wrap my head around this right now, it makes no sense to me. Linda thank you so much for reaching out to her family for us. She will be missed by so many and was an amazing presence on these boards. Rest in peace Charlene.

  • PattyPeppermint
    PattyPeppermint Member Posts: 8,950
    edited December 2015

    so sad to hear about dune. Loss for words.

    Dee we all need a break from csncerland sometimes. I've done itva few times. I am glad you let us know so we wouldn't worry. Please come back when you can

    Hugs to all.

  • KiwiCatMom
    KiwiCatMom Member Posts: 2,337
    edited December 2015

    Linda - thank you so much for passing along the information about Charlene. I had a feeling she was going to pass last night for some reason. And I am gutted.

    Deanna - beautiful picture and tribute. Linda - please send us the link to the thread you start. I was thinking the same - doing a memorial page for her. Although it's hard to believe she's really gone.

    Bosco - beautiful picture and I'm glad your'e enjoying Hawaii.

    Tammy - sending you good thoughts for your scan and quick results.

    Sending hugs to all

    Terre

  • Lynnwood1960
    Lynnwood1960 Member Posts: 1,107
    edited December 2015

    So sorry to hear about the loss of Dune! I'm another that doesn't post much, but I come here every day to read, learn, and get support. She will be missed.

  • 50sgirl
    50sgirl Member Posts: 2,071
    edited December 2015

    I am deeply saddened by Charlene's passing. I wish her family peace and comfort.

    Lynne

  • momallthetime
    momallthetime Member Posts: 1,375
    edited December 2015

    Oh Dune, so sudden. She really thought she could get hold of whatever was making her cough. She was so sweet. As much as it's heart wrenching, thank you Linda for giving over the message. It's very painful

    Lynne you must be exhausted. Do you have your family with you? Such beautiful joy of the little one. Does your husband know? Hope he gets to be home shortly, and you guys could enjoy the new bundle.

    Auroaya I was just thinking about you before, how are you coming along?

    Chelle -Bosco, thanks for the beautiful pictures - we all need it.

    Tammy the anxiety of getting the results is astronomical. I know here in NY, as long as they email or fax the report to doc, most of the time, if you call they could fax it to you too. Or if you have a Primary that you are close to, you could write down his info when you check in, and they will send him the report as soon as they send to your Onco, so maybe you could get the answer sooner, if your Onco literally makes you wait a few days. Of course, that is if YOU want to know before, every person is different, we like to know, some ppl don't mind waiting. It's just a suggestion.

    A big hug to all of you!!

  • LindaE54
    LindaE54 Member Posts: 1,379
    edited December 2015
  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 5,346
    edited December 2015

    https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/8/topics/...

    I made it live, LindaE. Thanks for posting it

  • mab60
    mab60 Member Posts: 365
    edited December 2015


    I post infrequently but come here daily for support and knowledge. I am saddened by Charlene's passing. She was such a genuine person. I will pray for her and her family. I hope her family realizes how important she was to our community.


  • 3-16-2011
    3-16-2011 Member Posts: 279
    edited December 2015

    I add my name to the many here hit by shock and sadness at Charlene's death. Her strength and humor will. stay with me.

    Lynn what a beautiful grandchild thank you so much for sharing the picture. It must bring you joy. My thoughts are with you and your husband.

    momallthetime Thank you for always sharing your hard won wisdom with us. I hope you and danni have some peace and joy in the new year.

    Tammy wishing you good news with your scan. I do usually engage the social work staff at my cancer center to get the pet report, if my mo is not able to schedule me the next day. I just hate the wait.

    Wishing us all peace in the New Year !

    Mary

  • 50sgirl
    50sgirl Member Posts: 2,071
    edited December 2015

    I didn't post an update about my DH because I feel that I have been flooding this thread with me me me stuff., but here goes anyway. There was so much good news yesterday, it was wonderful. He was up sitting in a recliner when I arrived to visit at 6:00 a.m. The internal bleeding seems to have stopped and his blood count was stable all day Saturday. Thank God that the urologists held firm and insisted that everyone wait to see if the bleed would stop on its own and additional surgery was avoided. The ng tube was removed from his nose/stomach, he came off oxygen, they got him out of bed and he walked a bit, and, best of all in his mind, last night he was able to have some sips of apple juice. He was incredibly thirsty. He looked wonderful when I left the hospital although he was very tired. As long as there are no setbacks, they might move him out of ICU in the next day or two.

    There was some scary news. If his kidney function tests do not improve, he might need dialysis. It might be temporary , but it could be permanent. He will be upset if that happens. He wants to "take care of me." It could be a difficult future for us. I have to admit that I harbor some anger and fear in spite of the fact that I am eternally grateful for his progress thus far. All this could have been avoided if they hadn't given him too much heparin after surgery. His kidney was functioning until the bleeding that they all say was caused by the heparin.he had massive amounts of blood transfused during surgery, so why give heparin immediately after that? I just hope that the kidney heals. They are now talking about starting a much smaller dose of heparin just to prevent clots. I am fighting it. We will discuss with urologist and vascular surgeon.

    I know that several of you are nurses. I must send you a huge thank you for the work that you perform. The nurses in the ICU unit have been fantastic. Of course, it helps that there is one patient assigned to each nurse in ICU, but that is out of necessity. The nurses are responsive, supportive, intelligent, skilled, and just plain wonderful. I know that you nurses do not get nearly as much credit as you deserve, so thank you, thank you, thank you.

    Several of my sons have been visiting each day, and they are very supportive, make sure that I eat, etc. I must admit that I sometimes forget to do that. Two of my daughters-inl-law have brought me healthy snacks, too. I have lots of food here now. On Christmas I realized that I was not functioning as well as I had thought. It was the first day since dx that I forgot to take my medication. I will be more attentive to such things from now on since I could be the primary caregiver and must remain strong and healthy.

    Oh my goodness, I have written a book. I am so sorry. One last thing, the nephrologist spoke to me yesterday and thank me for being by my husband's side throughout this ordeal. He told me that it truly makes a difference in patient response. It felt good to hear that. It is amazing how powerful a few words can be.

    Thank you all for being here. I have been helped by your support.

    Lynne

  • chelleg
    chelleg Member Posts: 396
    edited December 2015

    Lynn, I am so glad that you shared all of your good news with us! I feel better knowing that things are improving, and you aren't alone. Please don't ever hesitate to post, we are your friends. Good news bad news, we are here! Love Chelle.

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 2,701
    edited December 2015

    Great news, Lynne! So happy to hear your DH is doing so well! And thank goodness he has a smart advocate in you! Too many people never question their docs.

    Bosco, love the beautiful photo of Honolulu! Thanks for sharing.

    Tammy, I hope you are safe tonight. Txmom, too, and anyone else in an area experiencing those severe storms and tornadoes. Praying that you are all safe!

  • Lynnwood1960
    Lynnwood1960 Member Posts: 1,107
    edited December 2015

    Lynne, great news about your husband! One day at a time and he will get stronger. Glad to know that you are talking care of yourself as well.

  • Lindalou
    Lindalou Member Posts: 598
    edited December 2015

    Deanna, thank you for the beautiful photo. Thank you to all who posted facts and links about Charlene. We all miss her and have been rocked by her passing.

    Lynne, Wonderful news! Your husband has made huge progress, off oxygen and ng tube out and out of bed a bit! Hoping he will not need dialysis as he continues to improve. Yes, be sure to eat and take your meds and go the cafeteria to take a break. I know how long the days are sitting in ICU with a loved one. It is strange to have the tables flipped and now we become the primary caretakers. Be sure to get some rest when you can.

    My son flies home today! Can't wait to see him. Linda


  • annieoakley
    annieoakley Member Posts: 653
    edited December 2015

    Good morning to all,

    Lynne, so happy to hear about your dh's progress! Praying that if he does need dialysis it is temporary. Please don't forget to take care of yourself too. Sending you love and hugs.

    Lindalou, have a wonderful visit with your son! I'm sure you can't wait to see him.

    I can't stop thinking about Charlene and I remembered a picture she had posted way back and wanted to re share it with all of you who may not have seen it. Her personality was larger than life and her smile was amazing. She will be sorely missed by all of us here but she taught us so much. I will miss her sense of humor and incredible spirit. Rest in peace our beautiful Charlene.

    image

  • AmyQ
    AmyQ Member Posts: 821
    edited December 2015

    Thank you for posting the photo of Charlene, Annie. She will be missed. I hate what cancer does to families, and during the holidays especially. Christmas will never be the same again for her family. Rest in peace dear Charlene.

    Amy

  • LindaE54
    LindaE54 Member Posts: 1,379
    edited December 2015

    Thank you Caryn (spelled your name right this time! I hope) for fixing my link. I knew there was something wrong but could not remember what to do.

    Annie - what a beautiful pic of Charlene. That's how I will remember her.

    Lynn - WOW what progress! Keeping fingers crossed he won't need dialysis even if temporary. I'm glad your kids are there as well. Take care of yourself as well!

    Linda - hope you get precious time with your son!

    Winter storm here today.

  • Wendy3
    Wendy3 Member Posts: 872
    edited December 2015

    Annie beautiful pic of Charlene ..I'm still so sad over this. My heart aches for her family may she be at peace.

    Lynn great news is always very appreciated . I'm so glad your hubby is on the mend , I can't imagine the fear you must have gone through. You are such a strong woman a true inspiration. Don't ever apologize about posting we love to hear all your news good and bad . We are here for each other .

    Bosco Nice! I can hear the breeze and smell the ocean in your pic. Always nice to see.

    Stay safe everybody just read there were 11 tornadoes is Texas yesterday crazy weather. Enjoy your Sunday ladies  😊

  • auroaya
    auroaya Member Posts: 784
    edited December 2015

    Started a post last night but lost it and I was too tired to start all over. I'm still in shock and saddened by dune/Charlene's passing. I feel like I knew her from her posts I'll miss her terribly. Momall thank you for inquiring they took my drain out so that's good news. On the other hand last Wednesday I fell while trying to use the restroom. Fortunately I didn't break anything but I'm sore.

    Happy New Year to all of you! Thank you for being here

  • chelleg
    chelleg Member Posts: 396
    edited December 2015

    love the pic of Charlene! Thank you Annie! Any snow yet?

    Auroaya, be careful! No more falls.

    Linda, enjoy spending time with your son!!!

    Happy holidays to everyone! Enjoy time with family and friends, do not let bc steal one moment of this festive season

  • dlb823
    dlb823 Member Posts: 2,701
    edited December 2015

    Annie, thanks for remembering and sharing that happy photo of Charlene. Have you thought about sharing it on her tribute thread? I think others would like to see it too.