BCO Memorial Day—Remembering So Many Women Who Mattered

Brendatrue
Brendatrue Member Posts: 487

Over the last week or so I’ve been thinking about a “BCO Memorial Day.” Various people came to mind, accompanied by memories of how they shared themselves through their posts and how their posts had an impact on me. One of the many things I remembered: Chickadee and I agreed that we all want to know that we matter, that we make a difference by being who we are and living our lives. Here are some of the women who made a difference in my life—and maybe yours, too. Please feel free to add other people and your memories as well.

AlaskaDeb Shortly after I was diagnosed with mets (’09), I came across this wild at heart spirit with a wacky sense of humor—a woman who reminded me that I could rely on my own twisted and at times dark sense of humor to get me through some rough times.

Analemma Her screen name means “the pattern the sun or a planet makes as it goes around a spacious object.” She also said, “I get a kick out of how some people think I'm calling it Anal Emma.” I admired her smarts and her wit.

Konakat Ah, the infamous Konakat. Who could forget “When in doubt, eat cake. When you haven't a clue, add ice cream”? And Dr. McDreamy? So much life packed into that woman! I miss her irreverence!

Ma111 A thoughtful woman who had the courage to start the death and dying thread, just to say the least.

Apple  Apple! I really miss her and her stories—my goodness, her stories! She shared so much of her wit and creativity, her love for music and Mr. Apple and her children, her home and paintings (remember her photos?), her connection to animals and nature.

Sheff Now, I know Sheff often lurked and didn’t post much. But I remember when she wrote, “I may look back on this post in (hopefully) many years when I am not doing so great, and I will remember that I still had joyful and happy days despite this disease.”

Alesta29 Laurie’s motto: “Stay in the present and live each day as it comes.” Her wonderful humor, her stories about being a nurse and mother and wife, her colorful use of language, her love of music and how it helped her to feel free in spite of unrelenting assaults from cancer—all I still treasure. 

Soleil Her signature added, “And I think to myself, what a wonderful world!” She often wrote about choice, choice being a good thing, and her choice to live as long as she could. What an authentic, open person.

1athena1 “Anyone diagnosed with cancer should learn to have a healthy disrespect for statistics. Statistics are maths. It's the science which still eludes us.” I remember how she thought coping with bipolar disorder helped her in learning how to cope with cancer. I could relate to that, because my lessons from living in cancerworld helped me to learn how to live with yet one more serious illness.

Frapp I remember most her kindness. She wrote, “Once you get over the heartache you will find a way to move forward and live.”

SPAMgirl I will never forget her last topic/post: “I’m here” Just seven days later, she died. There is more to her legacy than that, but today that particularly resonates with me.

LuvRVing Who can forget that bunny suit in Michelle’s photo? And that smile? Her love of food and RV’ing? I wonder: did she ever get to take a maiden voyage when they finally bought an RV? Her reminder: “Be kind to one another!”

OBXK What a wonderful smile. Her last post: I don't plan to check out anytime in the immediate future ;)…still shining with her spirit.

Chickadee “We all want to know that we mattered and things we did in our life mattered......to someone. Maybe we aren't famous or infamous, but here and there we had an impact.” Oh, yes, she had an impact. And I loved her signature line, “I'm in such bad shape, I'm wearing prescription underwear." (Phyllis Diller)

MartyMart “I'm most likely one of the unlucky half who will fall on the short side of the survival median.” A tough woman who dealt with one blow after another after another throughout her life with cancer. She was so much more than that, of course, and that’s one of the reasons it’s so hard to lose people to cancer.

SAMayoFL A fellow dog lover. She said, “It is amazing to me that I worked on a Monday and Tuesday, went to the hospital on Friday and in hospice on Sunday. I have gone through every range of emotion:  mad, sad, pissed off, raving lunatic, believing I am going to die if I sleep tonight to being determined to stay just to prove my onc is a flipping quack.” I wish she had been able to prove her onc was a flipping quack.

Anacortesgirl I am so glad, for Christy and her family, that her last Mother’s Day was a good one. Now there was a woman who loved her family! She was smart, funny, and compassionate. I still hope her “transformation” brought her an awareness of infinity.

Capriness Ah, Teri—more than a woman facing the end of her life who brought so many of us together, more than an artist and an animal lover. She had a kick ass personality and rebel spirit, and she was NOT going to let anyone else tell her how to live her life.

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Comments

  • tina2
    tina2 Member Posts: 758
    edited June 2014

    What a fantastic tribute to all. I "knew" many of these women through their posts. I am moved by these colorful sketches that summon them up in just a few vigorous and loving sentences. 

    Thank you, Brenda.

    Tina

  • surfdreams
    surfdreams Member Posts: 179
    edited June 2014

    Our dear Soleil505. Her tagline: "And I think to myself, what a wonderful world". Always the ray of sunshine. So supportive and lovely in spirit! Still smarting from our loss everytime I log in!

    SPAMgirl - her wicked wit and sense of humor and rants! Loved that girl!

    TLangston - regrets there! We lived in close proximity and PM'd each other often, but thought we would have more time to make the connection in person - and lost that opportunity. I miss you, friend!

  • Tomboy
    Tomboy Member Posts: 2,700
    edited June 2014

    brendatrue, please forgive me. This is a lovely thing you have done.

  • moderators
    moderators Posts: 8,674
    edited June 2014

    Brendatrue, thank you for this fond, touching recollection of so many wonderful women.

  • Alive4Five
    Alive4Five Member Posts: 2,225
    edited June 2014

    My oh my... warming my heart... yet opening the floodgates of the eyes... Such a beautiful, touching memorial Brendatrue! 

     I just adored Chickadee...even though I was a 'newbie'...she showed such compassion, I miss her.

    Soleil...another who could take my new fears, and put a smile on my face... a wonderful woman!

    Alesta29... funny? You can say that again! I admired her spirit in spite of what she was facing.

    I know, I'm not IV yet, but the grace and beauty of these wonderful ladies- I will never forget. **Not to mention how so many of you are :)

    Thank you so very much for this...

  • bestbird
    bestbird Member Posts: 232
    edited June 2014

    Brenda, somehow I've always felt that after someone has passed and the initial posts have been written and read, there somehow needs to be something more later on.  Perhaps similar to a wake.  You've done something wonderful here - thank you for this bittersweet thread.

    LivingIt (Zoh) was one of the first people I got to know and care for on this forum.  Some are acquainted with her long-running and much read thread called, "No More Painful Intercourse - Yippeeee!"  Zoh was so expressive, and when she learned that she was very seriously ill, she wrote a post entitled, "Liver Failure? No More Chemo? Hospice? You talkin to ME???!"  That's so Zoh: feisty, strong, funny, candid, and so much more.   

    To this day, I still miss Apple.  I loved her piano playing, photos of fruits with faces, and her amazing compassion for others.

    And Alesta29 - with putting her "slap" on (applying makeup, for those not in the know).

    And gentle Soleil.

    I need to stop now.

  • kjones13
    kjones13 Member Posts: 662
    edited June 2014

    thank you Brenda. So thoughtful.

  • steelrose
    steelrose Member Posts: 318
    edited June 2014

    Brenda,

    Thank you for your very thoughtful post. So many unforgettable ladies here! And thank you for remembering Athena and Ma, two women who particularly touched my life. Their words live on!

    Rose.

  • Dita
    Dita Member Posts: 14
    edited June 2014

    this is such a lovely tribute, thank you for posting. I feel like I know all of the women, I came across their posts and photos when I was first diagnosed.

    Too many women taken too soon.

  • 4myangels
    4myangels Member Posts: 17
    edited June 2014

    Kita - I will never forget you. All you wanted was to see your little girl grow up. You had so much to deal with at far too young of an age. 

  • Fitztwins
    Fitztwins Member Posts: 144
    edited June 2014

    The ladies I remember dearly...many who showed courage, offered support, private messages...



    runningdear (Kay)- 2005   , one of the first speaking with

    Trisha - (Patricia Tedder, Alabama) screen name ?, January 2006 -

    Bluekitten (Kathy Verett) - 1/2/05
    MomCasey - 2/26/06 - she was too, very yound
    Sickofit (Janell) - 4/21/06 - she was a big poster 


    FighterLU (LuAnn) - 6/12/06  - posted a lot of inspirational things
    TheresaPW - 2006  - Was in IT like me, we were going to meet up, she was take too fast. 

    Roza Moldova July 2007 - she did some homepathic juice for a while
    Shelliks - Shelli - 9/19/07 - had really little kids, we had the  pathologies, worked in insurance
    3Strikes - Diane 2007 - When through a lot, but boy was she a trouper!

    Sunshine, Stacey Buckley - NJ - 4/27/07  - Fought the good fight, then went on hospice to have good quality time left.

    Parrothead - Rebecca Rallen, age 33 - 5/16/07

    Flea - Felicia Volkmar, age 41 - 7/21/07

    Pixiedust - Stacey Agran - 10/2/07

    Sedgymum - Kelly Sedgmen - 10/17/07  - Our friend from Oz

    Bev34 - Patricea Ann "Daily" Gluesencamp Lawrence - 10/22/07

    Cherie-Boop - 11/15/07  I remember her avitar. Very nice and sweet with support.

    jacqniel, Jacque Nielson - 11/22/07

    Tbytes62

    Stage4 - Kathy - 11/20/07

    Jeannie44 - Jeannie Dunten, 11/30/07

    SoCalNancy - Nancy, 12/1/07

    Kim825 - Kim Piccione, 11/29/2007

    Lisa40 - Lisa Turner, 12/14/07

    fitzpatti, Pat Fitzpatrick - 12/26/07

    ForTheMoment - Erin Elise Van Dyke - 3/13/08  she had a new baby when first diagnosed. Lived in the moment watch her little one.

    Debbie Miller - 3/13/08

    Shepgirl - Kathryn Bronson - 3/12/08, raised german shepards.

    Joanne1428 - Joanne Patricia Schweitzer - 3/19/08

    KariLynn - Kari Lynn Spiers - Pittsburg, KS, 7/3/08  -we messaged a lot! She was so straight forward, I loved her posts.

    JillT - Jill Tollefson - 10/08

    Bevnurse - (December 2004 Warrior) - 10/29/08  - we talked a lot after I was diagnosed that summer.

    Fancy - Kay Galipeau - 12/21/08  I always liked Kays posts

    roja1955, Pat - 12/31/08  Pat was very comforting.

    AlaskaDeb, Debbie Clonan - 1/25/09- who could forget AlaskaDeb

    HeatherBLocklear, "Annie Camel Tail", Annette Olsen-Fazi - 1/31/09  -She was a hoot!

    Blessed4, Angela Martinez-Medina - 2/14/09

    freeariesonline, Robin Snyder - 2/10/09

    slonedeb (chatroom also), Deborah Lynne Slone - 4/3/09 - Met her in person.

    sueeco, Sue Holmes - 5/6/09 - So very supportive

    waterlily, Ruth - 5/23/09

    AZDarleen - 6/6/09

    JerseyMaria, Donna Marie Dickscheid - 6/14/09

    Kiminjax, Kim Barbato (chatroom also) - 4/28/09

    FLLoriK - 6/23/09

    RanD, Randie Cipperly - 7/1/09 May 2008 chemo group

    VickiG, Vicki Gallahue - 7/10/09 , so sweet!!! she was one of my early buds.

    rooni, Rusty Tarbill - 7/14/09   - She took a hard turn. I worried about her a lot. So nice.

    ozzie2, Marion Wright (Australia) - 7/24/09

    pinehouse, Lani - 8/12/09

    debshusband's wife, Deb - 6/30/09

    Debman, Deborah Mancini Wharff - 7/14/09  Deb posted a lot. 

    Cyberrand, Randy - 9/09

    motherof3, Jennifer Anthony - 8/27/09 (Sparkie's daughter)

    SunshineSmiles, Susan G. Elliot - 9/11/09We talked about throwing dog food when angry. She had a special needs child.

    mena, Linda Minczuk (chat also) 9/14/09  - mena, 

    Heidi_Ho - 9/30/09 - her brother posted updated, she was very young

    virginiamom, Paula - 10/11/09

    Mrs_X_Sunneedazee, Amber - 10/14/09

    lv2cmp, Amy Vinson - 10-18-09

    FloridaLady (FlaLady), Debbie - 10/20/09

    geeta75, Geeta Morris - 10/21/09

    TripleNeg, Stephanie Babb - 10/29/09  - Meet in person, so very sweet.

    Swimfan, Robin Hoof - 10/22/09

    Divine777, Divine Saleh - 6/19/09

    WendyV - 11/4/09

    lvtotravel, Lydia Schmock- 11/7/09- Lydia was from Michigan. We met for Dinner once.

    bettelou68, Bette George Dietrick - 11/28/09

    Phyllis (one of earliest bco sisters), friend of Denisa - 12/27/09

    MREanes, Mike Eanes - 1/1/10

    LynnW, Lynn Weymark - 10/20/09

    riverinerabbit, Caerli - 1/18/10  She lived in South Africa I think. She poste3d the most beautiful pictures towards the end.

    kimmytoo - 1/10 - She was great! her bald avatar always cracked me up.

    denisela, Denise Parro - 1/24/10

    Watson, Phyllis Gannon (Chat also) - 1/26/10 (double-listed)  --- the goofy baby picture in her avatar was darling. She posted all of the time.

    Kbugmom, Susan (Chat also) - 2/5/10 - (double-listed)

    hatsarebetterthanwigs, Susie Hollingsworth - 2/16/10

    abbyglp, Gale Louise Purifoy - 1/24/10

    badboob67, Dianne - 2/2010 - Meet Dianne in person too.

    Steeny107, Michelle McAllister - 3/8/10

    foxxf, Nicole (member of Chemo Group Sept 05, friend of Pegk) - 2/21/10

    wayover20, Patricia Alderete (February Chemo Group) - 3/11/10

    saint, Pat Wilson (chatter and discussion boards) - 3/30/10- We spoke once, she was inspriing!

    BonnieVA, Bonnie P. Kennedy - 3/16/10

    Analemma, Brenda Roberts Funk - 4/15/10

    Judiiiii, Judith K. Zemencuk - 3/3/10

    kenzie57, Linda - 7/24/10

    RobinTN, Robin - 6/29/10

    zkacmom, Ginny Wood - 8/14/10

    mason204, Cheryl - 8/19/10  - She had a rought time and was tried to a day of luxury by her family. So sweet.

    BMDaley, Beth Daley - 8/22/10

    Times3, Kendra - 8/2010

    cwrightrn, Carole Wright - 9/12/10

    AusAla or Beth Aus, Beth Ausborn (Chatter and Discussion Boards) - 9/24/10

    nanalinda, Linda Henshaw - 9/24/10

    egal, Ellen M. Gallagher - 9/17/10

    heatherpalmerton, Heather Palmerton - 10/9/10

    Irina - 10/14/10

    dorfar, Dorothy Far Chrostek - 10/9/10

    BCMomof3, Kristen - 10/27/10

    EAD, Liz Cataldo -11/15/10

    Tyra, Tyra Taylor-Hughes - 11/19/10

    ChocolateLover, Michelle Brown - 12/8/10

    Nine_Rugrats, Tonya - 12/2010

    CarynRose, Caryn Rosenberg - 12/29/10

    BMarie, Barbara Doss McLaren - 8/14/10

    Angelsabove - 1/01/11

    Melissa Braddy, MissyBraddy - 9/30/09

    diana63 - 1/2011

    Bopeep, Linora, MizSissy, Linda Swift - 1/17/11

    Getwell, Pat - 1/15/11

    Carolyn Habryl (Illinois Survivor thread) - 2/2011

    LisaSDCA - 2/10/11

    RobinWendy - 2/21/11

    EyesOTex, Dana Crisp (May08 Chemo thread) - 2/20/11

    Melanie36 - 11/2010

    DebZaz - 3/16/11

    leprechaun's wife, Olga Simkin Z"L - 3/23/11(also listed in Relatives of Board Members section)

    khartoregon, Karen Hart - 3/1/11

    g94u67, Jeannine Aresti - (Chemo 8/8 and Catholic threads) - 4/13/11

    teachersally8467, Sally C. Saroca-Pelington - 4/12/11

    PauldingMom, Lisa Baumgart - 5/8/11 (July 2009 Chemo Leader)

    JustPayton, Samantha Pritchett - 5/18/11

    BeckyOD, Rebecca Ponitzman Odonovan - 4/30/11

    Pee, Paula Gerding - 6/10/11

    luvmywife's wife, Amy - 4/5/11

    konakat, Elizabeth Blair - 6/14/11

    Leanneh, Leanne J. Hubley - 5/6/11

    Robin-Kaye - 4/12/11

    jleigh, Jennifer L. Phelps - 6/21/11

    lindaa - 6/14/11

    karendunn36 - 5/30/11

    marshakb, Marsha K. Benningfield - 7/2/11

    DARLENEDENISE, Darlene Denise Atkins - 5/30/11

    mjsmom - 7/24/11

    dragonfly, Debra - 5/7/11

    Junie - 8/1/11 (also listed in Chatroom members)

    LibraryJenn, Jennifer Rae (Drury) Climenhaga (May 2010 Chemo thread) - 7/22/2011

    shan1171 - 8/18/11

    sheaves, Donna - 9/7/11

    katie11, Katie Staples - 8/4/11

    Frankie_ , Francesca Foreman-McInnes - 2011

    JoyRebecca, Joy Heady - 10/3/11

    LC815, Linda Conner - 10/16/11

    Goody, Marta Dailey Goodman - 9/14/11 (also listed in Chat Room)

    Lashon2008, Lashon Baldwin - 10/2011 (August 08 Chemo group)

    lisahugs1, Lisa Scznsny, - 10/2010 (August 08 Chemo group)

    palaminoridesagain, chemosabi, nnn, nuttynursenicki, nickii, nickinnn, spicegirl, spicegirlshusband, paprika, littlewhitedovex, estelle, stella, auntpeg, auntpeggy, peggle, clarasgirl, merryjo, achieng, tontoandme, etc., Nicki Spizzirri - 11/2011 (Discussion boards and Chatroom)

    HollyinMich, 11/21/11

    Lifestooshort, Laurie Ann Lasee - 11/10/11

    mossybaby, Yvonne Depew - 12/13/11

    Ruth1, Ruth Flick - 12/12/11

    FightnF8, Lorelei - 1/1/12

    Tinkerbell (Ann) - 6/28/04

    Emmaline - 2004 (?)

    Sprite - July 2004

    Breezy - January 2005

    runningdear (Kay)- 2005?

    Kathleen Crystal - 2005

    Lanie - Early 2005

    Charlotte Jean Gregory - 6/4/05

    Tine - Margarethe 2005 (early 20's -IBC)

    Annette DiPietro - 10/25/05

    Janie - 10/31/05

    Feegee (Frances)- 11/28/05

    Trisha - (Patricia Tedder, Alabama) screen name ?, January 2006

    Bluekitten (Kathy Verett) - 1/2/05

    MomCasey - 2/26/06

    Sickofit (Janell) - 4/21/06

    Jane Kelly - 4/23/06

    Shirl (Shirl Balsley)- 5/5/06

    Mary Woods - 5/13/06 (England)

    Andee - 4/29/06

    FighterLU (LuAnn) - 6/12/06

    TheresaPW - 2006

    Jane from Illinois. Had Inflammatory BC (year ?)

    Linda O (2006?)

    Faye (Australia) - 6/16/06

    Marie605/AlohaDiane/Smiley_Diane - 7/9/06

    Roza Moldova July 2007

    Shelliks - Shelli - 9/19/07

    3Strikes - Diane 2007

    Kirsti Ottem Langeland (KOL), Mazerolles du Razes, France - 5/2/07

    Sunshine, Stacey Buckley - NJ - 4/27/07

    Parrothead - Rebecca Rallen, age 33 - 5/16/07

    Flea - Felicia Volkmar, age 41 - 7/21/07

    Pixiedust - Stacey Agran - 10/2/07

    Sedgymum - Kelly Sedgmen - 10/17/07

    Bev34 - Patricea Ann "Daily" Gluesencamp Lawrence - 10/22/07

    Cherie-Boop - 11/15/07

    SueMaria - November 2007, Liverpool

    Jayne1956 - Jayne Mansfield (last name?) - September(?), 2007

    jacqniel, Jacque Nielson - 11/22/07

    Tbytes62

    Stage4 - Kathy - 11/20/07

    Jeannie44 - Jeannie Dunten, 11/30/07

    SoCalNancy - Nancy, 12/1/07

    Kim825 - Kim Piccione, 11/29/2007

    Lisa40 - Lisa Turner, 12/14/07

    fitzpatti, Pat Fitzpatrick - 12/26/07

    CY, b445, Cheryl Thomason - 2/19/08

    Jenben25 - Jennifer Lynn Buron - 1/23/08

    ForTheMoment - Erin Elise Van Dyke - 3/13/08

    Debbie Miller - 3/13/08

    Shepgirl - Kathryn Bronson - 3/12/08

    Joanne1428 - Joanne Patricia Schweitzer - 3/19/08

    fd411 - Ferne Dixon - 3/23/08

    kelownagirl - Jill - 4/08

    skirk - Sherri Kirk - friend of jonimb - 4/10/08

    PaulaBeth - May 3, 2008

    labradorsandra - Sandra Branton - 3/24/08

    Valsul-Valerie Sullivan-Cheshire, UK - friend of jpann39(and bc.o sisters) - 6/13/08

    ocinny414 - CindyKS - 6/16/08 - from the May 07 chemo thread, and Triple Neg. thread

    Robin Mercer (screen name?) also on bcmets.org, was friend of LiniWD - 06/27/08

    KariLynn - Kari Lynn Spiers - Pittsburg, KS, 7/3/08

    Kimmie39 - Kimberly Dawn Franklin - Winchester, VA 7/4/08

    Pauline Jones - England - 6/7/08

    Monica Pieterse - 27 yrs old - 7/10/08

    Feeval, Valerie S.Juzna, partner of Laura - 9/26/08

    Jacqueline Schevarth - 10/08

    mother of mymothersbaby - 8/13/08

    Melbourne Mum(Ruth) - June 30th 2008

    JillT - Jill Tollefson - 10/08

    jonimb - 10/22/08

    jodian (Jodi Squire ) - from the San Diego Lunch Bunch - 11/13/08

    Tricia45 (loving friend of wendyintx) - 12/4/08

    joyh (mother of kgodwin03) - 12/08

    Norm's five Angels - Norm's beloved wife Brenda, 4 adopted & foster kids: David, Starla, Keenan, Dean - 12/3/07

    ShenD - 12/27/08

    Bevnurse - (December 2004 Warrior) - 10/29/08

    Fancy - Kay Galipeau - 12/21/08

    roja1955, Pat - 12/31/08

    AlaskaDeb, Debbie Clonan - 1/25/09

    HeatherBLocklear, "Annie Camel Tail", Annette Olsen-Fazi - 1/31/09

    Blessed4, Angela Martinez-Medina - 2/14/09

    freeariesonline, Robin Snyder - 2/10/09

    CalGal, Julie - 2/19/09

    Twink, Twilah Richardson (Feb 07 Chemo group) - 2/22/09

    arc229, Amy Comeau -3/3/09

    slonedeb (chatroom also), Deborah Lynne Slone - 4/3/09

    Maya1 - 4/6/09

    Patty4, Patricia A. Finnegan - 3/26/09

    Toyful, Michelle Buffington - 4/27/09

    sueeco, Sue Holmes - 5/6/09

    waterlily, Ruth - 5/23/09

    AZDarleen - 6/6/09

    JerseyMaria, Donna Marie Dickscheid - 6/14/09

    Kiminjax, Kim Barbato (chatroom also) - 4/28/09

    FLLoriK - 6/23/09

    RanD, Randie Cipperly - 7/1/09 May 2008 chemo group

    VickiG, Vicki Gallahue - 7/10/09

    rooni, Rusty Tarbill - 7/14/09

    ozzie2, Marion Wright (Australia) - 7/24/09

    pinehouse, Lani - 8/12/09

    debshusband's wife, Deb - 6/30/09

    Debman, Deborah Mancini Wharff - 7/14/09

    Cyberrand, Randy - 9/09

    motherof3, Jennifer Anthony - 8/27/09 (Sparkie's daughter)

    SunshineSmiles, Susan G. Elliot - 9/11/09

    mena, Linda Minczuk (chat also) 9/14/09

    Heidi_Ho - 9/30/09

    virginiamom, Paula - 10/11/09

    Mrs_X_Sunneedazee, Amber - 10/14/09

    lv2cmp, Amy Vinson - 10-18-09

    FloridaLady (FlaLady), Debbie - 10/20/09

    geeta75, Geeta Morris - 10/21/09

    TripleNeg, Stephanie Babb - 10/29/09

    Swimfan, Robin Hoof - 10/22/09

    Divine777, Divine Saleh - 6/19/09

    WendyV - 11/4/09

    lvtotravel, Lydia Schmock- 11/7/09

    bettelou68, Bette George Dietrick - 11/28/09

    Phyllis (one of earliest bco sisters), friend of Denisa - 12/27/09

    MREanes, Mike Eanes - 1/1/10

    LynnW, Lynn Weymark - 10/20/09

    riverinerabbit, Caerli - 1/18/10

    kimmytoo - 1/10

    denisela, Denise Parro - 1/24/10

    Watson, Phyllis Gannon (Chat also) - 1/26/10 (double-listed)

    Kbugmom, Susan (Chat also) - 2/5/10 - (double-listed)

    hatsarebetterthanwigs, Susie Hollingsworth - 2/16/10

    abbyglp, Gale Louise Purifoy - 1/24/10

    badboob67, Dianne - 2/2010

    Steeny107, Michelle McAllister - 3/8/10

    foxxf, Nicole (member of Chemo Group Sept 05, friend of Pegk) - 2/21/10

    wayover20, Patricia Alderete (February Chemo Group) - 3/11/10

    saint, Pat Wilson (chatter and discussion boards) - 3/30/10

    BonnieVA, Bonnie P. Kennedy - 3/16/10

    Analemma, Brenda Roberts Funk - 4/15/10

    Judiiiii, Judith K. Zemencuk - 3/3/10

    kenzie57, Linda - 7/24/10

    RobinTN, Robin - 6/29/10

    zkacmom, Ginny Wood - 8/14/10

    mason204, Cheryl - 8/19/10

    BMDaley, Beth Daley - 8/22/10

    Times3, Kendra - 8/2010

    cwrightrn, Carole Wright - 9/12/10

    AusAla or Beth Aus, Beth Ausborn (Chatter and Discussion Boards) - 9/24/10

    nanalinda, Linda Henshaw - 9/24/10

    egal, Ellen M. Gallagher - 9/17/10

    heatherpalmerton, Heather Palmerton - 10/9/10

    Irina - 10/14/10

    dorfar, Dorothy Far Chrostek - 10/9/10

    BCMomof3, Kristen - 10/27/10

    EAD, Liz Cataldo -11/15/10

    Tyra, Tyra Taylor-Hughes - 11/19/10

    ChocolateLover, Michelle Brown - 12/8/10

    Nine_Rugrats, Tonya - 12/2010

    CarynRose, Caryn Rosenberg - 12/29/10

    BMarie, Barbara Doss McLaren - 8/14/10

    Angelsabove - 1/01/11

    Melissa Braddy, MissyBraddy - 9/30/09

    diana63 - 1/2011

    Bopeep, Linora, MizSissy, Linda Swift - 1/17/11

    Getwell, Pat - 1/15/11

    Carolyn Habryl (Illinois Survivor thread) - 2/2011

    LisaSDCA - 2/10/11

    RobinWendy - 2/21/11

    EyesOTex, Dana Crisp (May08 Chemo thread) - 2/20/11

    Melanie36 - 11/2010

    DebZaz - 3/16/11

    leprechaun's wife, Olga Simkin Z"L - 3/23/11(also listed in Relatives of Board Members section)

    khartoregon, Karen Hart - 3/1/11

    g94u67, Jeannine Aresti - (Chemo 8/8 and Catholic threads) - 4/13/11

    teachersally8467, Sally C. Saroca-Pelington - 4/12/11

    PauldingMom, Lisa Baumgart - 5/8/11 (July 2009 Chemo Leader)

    JustPayton, Samantha Pritchett - 5/18/11

    BeckyOD, Rebecca Ponitzman Odonovan - 4/30/11

    Pee, Paula Gerding - 6/10/11

    luvmywife's wife, Amy - 4/5/11

    konakat, Elizabeth Blair - 6/14/11

    Leanneh, Leanne J. Hubley - 5/6/11

    Robin-Kaye - 4/12/11

    jleigh, Jennifer L. Phelps - 6/21/11

    lindaa - 6/14/11

    karendunn36 - 5/30/11

    marshakb, Marsha K. Benningfield - 7/2/11

    DARLENEDENISE, Darlene Denise Atkins - 5/30/11

    mjsmom - 7/24/11

    dragonfly, Debra - 5/7/11

    Junie - 8/1/11 (also listed in Chatroom members)

    LibraryJenn, Jennifer Rae (Drury) Climenhaga (May 2010 Chemo thread) - 7/22/2011

    shan1171 - 8/18/11

    sheaves, Donna - 9/7/11

    katie11, Katie Staples - 8/4/11

    Frankie_ , Francesca Foreman-McInnes - 2011

    JoyRebecca, Joy Heady - 10/3/11

    LC815, Linda Conner - 10/16/11

    Goody, Marta Dailey Goodman - 9/14/11 (also listed in Chat Room)

    Lashon2008, Lashon Baldwin - 10/2011 (August 08 Chemo group)

    lisahugs1, Lisa Scznsny, - 10/2010 (August 08 Chemo group)

    palaminoridesagain, chemosabi, nnn, nuttynursenicki, nickii, nickinnn, spicegirl, spicegirlshusband, paprika, littlewhitedovex, estelle, stella, auntpeg, auntpeggy, peggle, clarasgirl, merryjo, achieng, tontoandme, etc., Nicki Spizzirri - 11/2011 (Discussion boards and Chatroom)

    HollyinMich, 11/21/11

    Lifestooshort, Laurie Ann Lasee - 11/10/11

    mossybaby, Yvonne Depew - 12/13/11

    Ruth1, Ruth Flick - 12/12/11

    FightnF8, Lorelei - 1/1/12

    LivingIt, Vivian Zoh Murphy - 1/10/12

    Donnabee - 1/4/12

    Ann R - 1/8/12

    Donnabee - 1/4/12

    Ann R - 1/8/12

  • Cafelovr
    Cafelovr Member Posts: 75
    edited June 2014

    Too many people! Bawling

  • AmyQ
    AmyQ Member Posts: 821
    edited June 2014

    Far too many souls lost to this wretched disease...

  • steelrose
    steelrose Member Posts: 318
    edited June 2014

    Janis, your post reminds me what a rock you are on these boards, and for how many years! My earliest memories are of you, EnglishMajor, and chainsawz... all very much alive, thank-you-very-much!!! Truly though, i am grateful for you, and your calm, always sensible words.

    All of the names of those lost is truly overwhelming... makes me so sad and angry. Where is the cure?????????

  • stagefree
    stagefree Member Posts: 360
    edited June 2014

    Brenda, thank you for starting this..

    As a newbie the first thing I did right after meeting BCO was to read all threads in chronological order.. Met all sisters in their words.. Watson's avatar is so lovely, each time I looked at my bald head during Tax days, I thought of her and smiled. And Zoh, she is definitely on my should-meet-with list in heaven or wherever we go.. Banjo Banjo disappeared suddenly.. there was a metallic warrior suited sister, ugh I can't remember her nick, she was gone soon after I joined the "club". Kita's passing hit hard.. so did waterllilly ( another very young girl who posted just a couple of times- her dx and passing was very quick I grasped - she was also Turkish)..

    Oh and I remember the "all about Xeloda" thread's owner sister who discussed i detail whether to have a port or not.. and when finally she did have one, she sadly didn't get the chance to use it that much.. poor memory, Lynn1 was, she??

    wish we had the cure sooner..

    Ebru

  • Leah_S
    Leah_S Member Posts: 1,929
    edited June 2014

    So many dear friends. I remember Reesie's joy in life shining in her posts, and RobinWendy's sweetness. I had the privilege of meeting RobinWendy when she visited Israel. It was, I think, the last thing on her bucket list she was able to do. The sweetness was there in person, too.

    Leah

  • Mompsych
    Mompsych Member Posts: 88
    edited June 2014

    Just so sad- too too many names.  So much loss it's hard to fathom.  

  • JeninMichigan
    JeninMichigan Member Posts: 51
    edited June 2014

    Thank you ladies for sharing these women again with us.  Especially Brenda and Janice.  Going through the list brought back so many memories.  I smile when I think of so many of these women and yet cry with sadness that these really really wonderful women are gone. It just feels so wrong.   They all have a story, personality and each were special.  Now all we can do is warmly remember them. 

    Jennifer 

  • Rosevalley
    Rosevalley Member Posts: 1,664
    edited June 2014

    That's just an overwhelming list of names. sickening. I love the tributes. I remember Spamgirls last post "I'm here." It made me cry. Not much makes me cry.  Chickadee and Christy gone so very quickly. So many wonderful people. Cancer sucks. 

  • divinemrsm
    divinemrsm Member Posts: 6,621
    edited June 2014

    I had an early scheduled PET scan last week which meant I had to wake at 5 am. I dressed in nice clothes, curled my hair, put on make-up and got out of the door by 6.  After the scan, I picked up my son (who goes to college in the same city where I doctor) to take him to breakfast and he said something like, 'how do you manage to look so nice when you had to get up so early?'  I just thanked him for the compliment and smiled at him and thought of sweet Alesta, and about putting my "slap" on.

    These women, these angels, make an impact on our lives and hold a place in our hearts.  Yes, their memory, their advice and support, these are things that gently come to my mind through the course of daily living.  I like the idea of a memorial day for them as they've contributed so much.

  • Brendatrue
    Brendatrue Member Posts: 487
    edited June 2014

    I also recognized some of the names that Janis included, a few of them immediately bringing up a memory or two, some just sitting there waiting for neurons to fire. Knowing that some wonderful women died because of breast cancer is heartbreaking, but I am glad that my life has been touched by them. In ways similar to learning how to live with uncertainty, I've also had to learn how to live with the discomfort of not knowing what happened to so many--Naniam, banjobanjo, BethCon1, just to name a few. They, too, are remembered.

  • dbla
    dbla Member Posts: 15
    edited June 2014

    Wow. So many names. Too many names. Heaven must be a very crowded place....

  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 2,394
    edited June 2014

    Add to Fitz's list:

    Cookie97, aka Edie Gebert

    Don't know why she isn't on the list of angels.

  • Romansma
    Romansma Member Posts: 650
    edited June 2014

    Overwhelming emotion reading all those names.  I hope their families are finding ways to cope, and even to thrive.

  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 253
    edited June 2014

    So many wonderful souls lost to breast cancer. As a newbie on stage 4 I didn't know many of these women. The tribute is such a solid way of remembering them. Thank you. 

  • susan_02143
    susan_02143 Member Posts: 2,394
    edited June 2014

    You know how this happens? You are flipping through your phone and you spot a name, and then someone posts a list of the sisters who have succumbed to this disease, and then there is a national article about a place that you went together? Just happened. The coffee shop that Edie and went to after our Irish dinner at the pub next door was just selected as one of the twenty best in the country.

    http://www.thrillist.com/venues/1369-coffee-house

    We had so much more to say to each other. *susan*

  • FireKracker
    FireKracker Member Posts: 5,858
    edited June 2014

    I would like to add 2 special sistas to this list

    Valarie Graham known as veggy passed last Nov.I. Will always remember my wonderful sista and neighbor who always had one line jokes

    And

    Marywh who just passed about 2 months ago.Such a beautiful soul who never complained

    Both were stage 4...

    Thank u for this thread

    These sistas r gone but never forgotten

  • AmyJM
    AmyJM Member Posts: 134
    edited June 2014

    Brenda,

    Thank you for starting this thread.  A few of these wonderful women I "met" in the one year I've been here.  So many I hadn't - but have read some of their posts and heard them spoken of so dearly by so many of you.  I agree with Romansa about the overwhelming emotion reading this thread. My heart is breaking, but at the same time, I am so touched by the memories that all of you have shared of their spirits and your love for them. Tears of sorrow and love here.  It was a wonderful idea to start this thread, Brenda - thank you again and to all who shared.

    Love to all, Amy

  • raro
    raro Member Posts: 78
    edited June 2014

    Reading that list has brought back so many memories. I hate that my brain has been damaged so much by all my treatments that I have forgotten so many. How could I have forgotten some of these sisters who posted such comforting and inspirational things?! I wish we could create a memorial like the Vietnam memorial, with the names of all the sisters who have died from this disease. The only problem is, it would have to be ten times as large and keep growing every year. Sigh...

  • susaninsf
    susaninsf Member Posts: 1,099
    edited June 2014

    When I first was diagnosed with Stage IV brain mets a couple of months ago, I went back and started reading the Brain Mets Sisters thread from the beginning.  I loved the posts by Apple and Alesta and the others.  It was so hard to realize that so many of them had passed long before I had even been diagnosed.  At the same time, this board is a wonderful way to preserve a then-current picture of their hopes and trials, their dedication to their families, their love of life, their support of each other.  

    Thank you for starting this thread!

    Hugs, Susan