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Linda
When I was expecting my fifth child in 1996, I developed swelling in my right breast.
My obstetrician told me that it was most likely due to my pregnancy.
I delivered in March. After delivery, I nursed and an ultrasound was performed instead of a
mammogram.
When the ultrasound was done I was told that it was nothing and to have it
rechecked after I finished nursing. I nursed my son for his entire first year.
When he was being weaned I realized that my breast still didn't feel right.
My doctor told me to wait, I had just stopped nursing and needed to give
it more time. During this time I went to another doctor for a second option,
and he concurred with the original diagnosis.
In June 1998 I woke to find both breasts double in size, red and hot. My
husband took me to the emergency room. The doctor on call that day was one I
had seen years ago.
When he examined me he said, 'This is not an infection.
It's Breast Cancer, and it's bad.' The cancer had spread to the bones and
kidneys.
I am 37 years old with five children. I should be making plans to
send my youngest to pre-school - instead I am planning for my death. ... because
some doctors are not educated about IBC and because it's rare.
Both patients and doctors need to be made aware of and educated about
IBC so that those of us who have given our lives to it have not done so in vain.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Linda
I met Linda in 1988 when I was a Scrub Nurse for my now Husband who is
Linda's physician.
I have been in total awe of this amazing woman
who has fought this disease with strength and courage. I am
extremely proud of her and the fact that I consider her my sister.
Linda, I wanted you and the world to know how proud I am of you and
how very much I love and respect you. I hope you know that I will
always be here for you!
God's speed my friend
Heather
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Linda
Linda and I have been friends since High School. In fact I met
my husband, Linda's best friend, at her Wedding.
Lin, I wanted you to
know how much your friendship has meant to me through the years. You
never took sides between Paul and I but supported both of us through
both the rough and great times.
You have no idea how happy it makes
me to see you finally experiencing the happiness and joy you have
always deserved.
I know that Paul is looking down from heaven and
sharing in the joy you have found. You were always his 'Cara.' I know
he would be so pleased to know you now have your own beloved.
I will always be here for you, my friend, whatever you need. You know where
to find me.
Friends Forever
Irene
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Tears That Caress His Cheeks
For Linda
As he sits alone in waves of pain,
his fingers making random patterns on the keyboard,
contemplating the times they shared,
and the times they didn't,
and now the times they never can.
Tears caress the skin of his cheeks,
while the cold blade of pain twists through his heart,
into the emptiness that now dwells,
where once she was kept safe.
His pain is as strong as the caring now past.
Yet still through the pain he remembers,
the smile on his face does not fade,
the pain in his heart does not fade,
the loneliness does not fade,
and the love does not fade.
The sun fades at the end of the day,
and he sits alone in darkness,
so no one will see him crying,
and the sorrow that flows from his eyes,
while the tears stream across the floor,
returning to the river of pain that made them.
The darkness is his only comfort,
as the light of the day now burns his eyes,
swollen and sore from releasing,
the tears that caress his cheeks.
Clive
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