One of the obligations of saying Hello....

Bella Luna said:

Kathi... those are beautiful
Kathi... those are beautiful sentiments. I can relate to reaching out to others too. Yes, we are all the more richer for knowing and saying goodbye sometimes. Thanks for the share.
BL

yes the price for humanity,
yes the price for humanity, but wouldnt want it any other way. I sometimes ask, God 'so what are the lessons" and I am learning every day, through the good things and bad. Part of experiencing life as human. Some of us have to delve deeper than others. I was joking with some friends however, that I have stopped asking God to teach me as I dont always like the methods. Thanks kathi for this, you are awesome.

Eloquent words...
Deeply heartfelt sentiments so beautifully expressed by both Kathi & Chen... I don't even know why I'm typing. There's nothing I can possibly add.

Since day one here on the board, I have felt quite "different" than everyone else. Still do, to some extent. In the earliest days, not sure I "belonged" here. Because I joined as an already "longer-term" survivor - right around five years out since original diagnosis. Wanting to mark that anniversary. Long done with invasive treatment. Not seeking support & encouragement, nor information. Desiring only to give back, in a new & expanded way. Provide support & encouragement. Beyond what I had already done/still do locally, in & near where I live.

However, I quite unexpectedly gained so much more than I could have ever imagined. Constant awe, admiration, respect and inspiration from all those who valiantly fight the dreadful disease - enduring sometimes horrific treatments (as I once did, so long ago) in order to hopefully survive. All without promise nor guarantee. And special heroines - those who have fought more than one battle. Like Kathi, and now Chen... RE & Jeanne... Meena... Others... We sometimes call ourselves "Pink Princess Warriors" - those who are forced to fight again are elevated to Queen status, I've often written. Another title none of us wants, ever.

And Heidi - who did not win. I literally "feel" the intense mourning, the utter sadness, over Heidi's passing - even if limited by only cyberspace. This is, unfortunately, our reality. I wish I had a magic wand... (Wish I had a dime for each time I've typed that sentence.) And I also wish that some day, I won't need to wish for a magic wand anymore...

To all those overwhelmed by grief & fear - please, remember that most of us do, indeed, survive the evil of breast cancer. Most, not just many. With everything I can possibly muster, I hope & pray that all of us will. Even if a miracle is required. For someone who contintually wishes for a magic wand, belief in miracles certainly is not much of a leap.

Thank you, Heidi, for all you gave so freely to all of us here. Thank you, all fellow members, for all you give of yourselves. And thank you to all those who've given me their hearts of true friendship beyond the board itself. Which is preciously treasured, and always will be, in spite of the most difficult times.

Kindest regards, Susan

Akiss4me said:

I need this....
Thank you my friends. You have confirmed that I needed to be at this very place, right now, reading these words, this very minute...I'm checking in. As a bonus, I have been wrapped in warmth from your post. I love reading your wisdom and insights. Your words often inspire me...thank you.
Hugs & hope
♥Pammy

Thank you
Kathi,
Thank you for your words. I am sure your prayers are working.It so nice to see survivors who are always in our thoughts.
I joined when I finished my invasive treatment after 15 months years of my initial diagnosis. Never being a member of any discussion board or support group, I had questions and I wanted to help others, but was too weak to volunteer or go to support group and meet breast cancer survivors in person. I found an amazing group of good people with sense of humor and very caring. And yes my dream meeting in person has been realized several times and feel blessed.
I still miss many who left for better life and hang out on FB. I am thinking of those who never came back and hope that they have been well and just move on.

2010 was a difficult for this board. We lost, had recurrences and emotional meltdowns. Still moving forward and living with and after breast cancer - there is no way back for us- this is our life

Kathi,
you put it so beautifully.

We all have a special bond on this board, it crosses any distance, overcomes
all our fears and differences.

Love,
Ayse

cahjah75 said:

Kathi
I thank each and every one of you who have stayed or come back on the boards because you help so many of us who are just starting our journey or are in the midst of it all. Without the encouragement and tidbits of info you share we would possibly be fearful, underprepared, alone in our feelings, etc. I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart and hope to one day be one that stays to let others know what I've been through too.
{{hugs}} Char

Paying it forward, indeed
and you've definitely done that, Chen.

When I joined in May, I was so confused and frightened. I really did not fully understand what my diagnosis and treatment meant, even though I listened and could recite accurately to anyone who asked the stage, grade, receptor status, and oncotype test number of my bc. And then treatments began and although I was told by the medical folks what to expect, they really don't know how it feels. Sure, they know you're frightened, but they don't know what that fear feels like; and they know you're sick but they don't know how that feels, either.

So here I am on the other side of treatments, feeling like my old self again - yet I still post questions and the feedback I've received has always made me feel better. I hope now that I, too, can pay it forward. Thank you all for what you've given me.

Suzanne

Sunrae said:

Thank you all for posting
Thank you all for posting such beautiful words. There are times when I stay away from the boards because it makes me so sad, or I just don't have the energy. But I'm always drawn back because here are where my kindred spirits are, here is where I get support and encouragement, information and I can vent and no one gets tired of it. I hate it when I hear the sad news of someone's death, I'm sure it causes heartfelt pain in all of us.
I really appreciate all you sisters who stayed with this board after finishing your treatments. We need your input and your advice, your encouragement and love for us. Thank you for thinking of the rest of us and staying here to help us.

I'm so completely inspired
I'm so completely inspired by the words of Kathy, Chen and all you pink sister. I dont post as often, but I'm usually on 3 times a day reading and trying to keep up. I read some of the wisdom here and know I could never express it so eloquently or so mindfully. I am forever greatful to this site and all the beautiful people I have met. We are all blessings to one another. I must admit I've never found a group with hearts and spirits as beautiful as those who post here.

i joined just a month ago
pretty much after my treatment of surgery was complete. I have been overwhelmed by the courage, obvious caring and warmth expressed in each and every post. I joined when Heidi wrote her last post, and the outpouring of concern and then grief brought me to tears--and I didn't know any of you. I still don't, really. I, too, am really just looking to give back and to "talk" with women who understand where I've been. Because I don't have any further treatments, I am firmly in the survivor camp, but hope I can offer advice and solace to those who need it.

Thank you to those who have so eloquently given of yourselves and who have been there for others.

betsy

I can simply say THANK YOU
I can simply say THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. I joined in June of 2010 and the outpouring of support I received from everyone was so unexpected. During the first months of my treatment I couldn’t stop talking about how wonderful everyone was on this board and so open and willing you were to share your experiences and help me with all my fears and concerns. I log-in everyday. It's now 8 months later and I feel so empowered, loved and cared for I just want to give something back. Recently a friend and neighbor informed me that she has breast cancer. She knew of my breast cancer and needed to know how I am surviving. I told her all about our board, gather all my information and products and took them over to her. She was so overwhelmed and so appreciative we just cried for what seemed like hours. I am so proud that I was able to give back some of the love and support you all have given me. Again, all I can say is THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

Sparkle