The Journey Ends

Sincerest Condolences to You and Family
Hi Marie

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved sister. We've learned much about her through you - you brought her to life - you made her real.

Both of you turned over every rock there was in your journey. I know she fought to the very end and gave it all that she had. She did it right - she gave no quarter and was in there throwing punches all the way through. I've nothing but respect for the both of you for how you handled things - grace & dignity is the way she will be remembered - as well as being a great sister and a wonderful mother.

I'm always saddened for the children involved...when there is love in the home, it does not seem right to extinguish that flame. Like everyone else has said, with the children having you as their aunt, I feel they will be much better having you in their lives as they grow up.

You've always been so supportive of every member on this board - always something good to say - you're a bright spot in everyone's storms - a safe port in which to dock their ship.

I want to thank you for your service and for keeping us posted on your sister - and thank you for putting another face to this deadly disease. I wish you all peace and comfort during this most difficult time right now.

-Craig

zigswife said:

Marie-
You and your sister have been such an inspiration to me. The feeling of helplessness as we watch a loved-one suffer can be so overwhelming and I always appreciated your comforting words. I am sending healing thoughts to you and your family. Take care.

Marie,
I am so sorry to hear
Marie,

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. It seems so unfair that a young, kind, mother of 3 children should have this terrible disease take their life.

My daughter is 14 and it is my worst fear that I will not be there for her. It gives me great peace to know that my sister and mother would step in for me.

You were such an advocate for your sister. You helped her and so many other people on this board. My sister amy started posting on this board before I did and you welcomed her. She always felt a close connection to you.


I know that your beautiful sister is in a wonderful place now where she is not in any pain. I can't imagine how sad you are or how much you will miss her. The loss you feel must be so great.

I am praying for your sisters 3 children, you and your family. Thanks for contributing so much to all of us on this board.

Love,

Brenda

This has broken my heart. I
This has broken my heart. I am 40 years old and like your sister I was DX at 39 and I too have 3 children (a little older). And I have a sister who cares very deeply for and about me. I am so sorry that you and your family are going thru this, but just know that we are praying for you for your strength and comfort and for her children.

-Sheri

sfmarie said:

Thank you all
For your condolences and praise and prayers. It has been a tremendous help and place of comfort to me to come here and log on to my cc "family". Know that I think of all of you every day and pray for success for you all. The service was absolutely lovely and I know my sister was watching with a big smile. Keep on fighting. Don't stop!
Marie

I'm sorry
Can hardly see through the tears - it hurts every time I see that we loose someone here. My heart goes out to you and your/her family. I'm so very sorry.

sfmarie said:

LinandTom
There is not a single day that I wish we had a more accurate, less invasive, cost effective test for cc than a colonoscopy. Something that can be given like a routine blood test, saliva test something. We have no family history whatsoever of colon cancer or any type of cancer. My parents are alive and well and since the tumor grew outside of the colon, my sister had no symptoms whatsoever until the tumor perforated her colon and she wound up in the emergency room. That being said, I was tested along with my brother. Both of my parents have had numerous colonoscopies and have found not a single polyp. She was also genetically tested. Of course, her children will be tested at the right time.
Other than the prep, it was a breeze, I don't remember a thing
Yes, I will advocate for testing!
Marie

Same here....early testing
Yes, I am an advocate as well for early testing. I there are other factors that can make the CEA level rise such as smoking - but why not just do a CEA blood test at the age of 40+ and if out of normal range - then send pt for colonoscopy. I asked my primary care dr this question and of course his answer was these other things can cause CEA to rise. I said but if pt does not smoke, or have any of these other factors don't you think a rise in CEA would certainly make this person say yes to having the colonoscopy! If my husband had been told in his 40's that his CEA level was high - don't you think he would have been happy to follow up with a colonoscopy! Of course he would! By the time he had the colonoscopy after 50 his cancer - tumor- had been growing 10-15 years per the doctor! They do PSA blood testing for prostate cancer - why not a CEA for colon cancer earlier than 50!!! Wish dr could give me a better answer but you should have seen the look on his face when I said but if pt does not have any other factor to cause a high CEA....What could he say!?

Take care Marie - praying for your brother in law and children.

sfmarie said:

Brenda
I would step in a heart beat to take care of my sisters children. You are blessed with a loving mother and sister!
Keep hope alive and don't stop fighting.
Marie

Marie- in my darkest moments
Marie- in my darkest moments fighting this beast (thankfully those days are behind me)- what gave me inner long lasting peace is knowing my children would be enveloped and held close by my sisters and mother. Mother to mother- I believe this knowledge that you would be there for her kids, brought her peace in her soul. Guaranteed

The Journey Ends
Good Morning and Happy Mother's Day,
I offer my prayers to you and your family along with faith and stength. She may have lost the battle here on earth, but she won the war for eternity, for now she is free. My mother crossed over in 1994 due to colorectal cancer and her sister two years later in 1996. I say crossed over for I did not loose them. They live within all of us. Treasure the wonderful memories of the happy family times. I was diagnosed with the disease February, 2010 and I am now receiving treatment. Medicine has come a long way. I continue to pray and greet each day with a smile. I hope that the following poem, brings you some comfort. It is one of my favorites, written by a great an insirational woman.

Sincerely,
Karen

When I Must Leave You


by Helen Steiner Rice

When I must leave you
For a little while-
Please do not grieve
And shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you
Through the years,

But start out bravely
With a gallant smile;
And for my sake
And for my name
Live on and do
All things the same,

Feed not your lonliness
On empty days,
But fill each waking hour
In useful ways,

Reach out your hand
In comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you
And hold you near;

And never, never
Be afraid to die
For I am waiting for you in the sky!

Eltina21 said:

The Journey Ends
Good Morning and Happy Mother's Day,
I offer my prayers to you and your family along with faith and stength. She may have lost the battle here on earth, but she won the war for eternity, for now she is free. My mother crossed over in 1994 due to colorectal cancer and her sister two years later in 1996. I say crossed over for I did not loose them. They live within all of us. Treasure the wonderful memories of the happy family times. I was diagnosed with the disease February, 2010 and I am now receiving treatment. Medicine has come a long way. I continue to pray and greet each day with a smile. I hope that the following poem, brings you some comfort. It is one of my favorites, written by a great an insirational woman.

Sincerely,
Karen

When I Must Leave You


by Helen Steiner Rice

When I must leave you
For a little while-
Please do not grieve
And shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you
Through the years,

But start out bravely
With a gallant smile;
And for my sake
And for my name
Live on and do
All things the same,

Feed not your lonliness
On empty days,
But fill each waking hour
In useful ways,

Reach out your hand
In comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you
And hold you near;

And never, never
Be afraid to die
For I am waiting for you in the sky!

Marie,
Thanks for sticking
Marie,

Thanks for sticking around to continue to support us in our fights. You have a lot to share with us.

Love,

Brenda