I was diagnosed in February, 2001.

Marianne

My name is Marianne. I would like to tell a very encouraging and also unbelievable story, regarding IBC and complications. I was diagnosed with IBC in February, 2001. I started my first chemotherapy on 3/30/01.

After a restless night, the next a.m. I felt dizzy, nauseated and the usual reaction symptoms. I called the Doctor, and he said it was dehydration, to proceed to the emergency room.

While I was in the E.R. I was put in a room to 'rest' until the Doctor could see me. While waiting, my blood pressure dropped, and I developed labored breathing, etc.

At the onset they thought the B.P. cuff was not on right, because my B.P. was not registering. (It was very low.)

After several minutes, my eyes rolled back in my head, I breathed deep and heavy, then I CODED.

I was stabilized until they got me to surgery and discovered that I had perforated my colon. They performed surgery, removed my colon, and attached an ileostomy.

I was in the Intensive Care Unit for 3 weeks, developed an infection, had to have iv's, antibiotics, and the 'works.'

They gave me 72 hours to live and had the priest administer the last rites. My family was planning for my funeral.

I remained 'unconscious.' I began to breathe better, the infection cleared up, and I awoke. I was in critical care for 3 more weeks, then tranferred to a rehab/nursing home.

Then I was discharged to go home, but had to have iv's of fluid at home. (An ileostomy presents a lot of dehydration, when one does not have a colon). After about 8 months of fluids, I started to get back strength, etc. I eventually recovered, remarkably.

My ibc is in remission right now. I am a 'walking miracle.' Hope every one of you are inspired by my story. Encouragement is divine.

Marianne

Please click on the titles of the song and the hymn in order to hear the music.

Bridge Over Troubled Water

When you're weary,
feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes,
I will dry them all.

I'm on your side,
oh when times get rough.
And friends just can't be found.

Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will lay me down.

When you're down and out,
when you're on the street,
When evening falls so hard,
I will comfort you.

I'll take your part,
oh, when darkness comes,
And pain is all around,

Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will lay me down,
Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will lay me down.

Sail on silver girl, sail on by,
Your time has come to shine,
all your dreams are on their way.

See how they shine,
oh, if you need a friend,
I'm sailing right behind,

Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will ease your mind,
Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will ease your mind.

* * * * * * * * *

Words and music by Paul Simon

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now can see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

And when we've been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We'll have no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we first begun.