Comments for The Carcinista

Comment on Transformation, turning points and clarity in life. by Barbara

Barbara — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 06:24:28 +0000

I am glad you are still posting. I can’t imagine how hard that must be. My mom died in September from Ovarian cancer. The thing is she *did* know the symptoms. A good friend of hers had died of OC and my mom knew the symptoms well. She went to the doctor and explained every single symptom that marks OC and do you know what her doctor did? Nothing. She told my mom she should lose some weight. (She weight about 165 at the time.) I year later when she could no longer bend down and tie her shoes and was experiencing diarrhoea and reflux so bad she could not go out. Again she went to the doctor who then did a pelvic exam and found a 8 inch long tumour. Stage 3. Too late for a miracle.
I miss my mom every single day and try to educate women about this silent killer. I wish OC got half the press that Breast cancer gets.
Keep up the good work. I hope you and your children are healing.

Comment on Hosed by Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:50:12 +0000

Hi Kim,

Thank you for the note to Sarah – and to the rest of us. The kids and I are doing well. Your note is appreciated. It was nice to know that someone out there was thinking of her! I’m pretty sure Sarah did get tested for BRCA and it came back negative. But I will be sure to check again in the records. I appreciate you taking the time to ask.

I’m going to be running my third Boston Marathon this spring with the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge team to raise money for their innovative research program. I’m shooting to raise $10,000 to go toward this so that more researchers can find even better treatments and cures for the many different cancers out there. In my mind, my effort is so small compared to the challenge in front of the researchers – and of course the challenge endured by those who have cancer.

Thank you for doing what you do. Please keep it up!

On the note about not calling. Please don’t beat yourself up about that. I have had to come to terms with many things that I wished I could still talk to Sarah about. And other things I wished I never had said. But, over the past 9 months, I’ve learned that when you wish you could have done something differently, rather than worry about it, take that knowledge and put it forward in your life. So, in the future, when you’re on the fence and not sure about making that call or saying hi, do it. I’ve actually pushed myself on this exact same thing. And so far I haven’t regretted it.

Thank you again for reaching out. It’s nice to hear from you.

Sincerely,

Mr. Wonderful

Comment on Hosed by Kimberly Cullen

Kimberly Cullen — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 00:12:43 +0000

Hey Sarah!
I know you are gone but I wanted to tell you how I admire your couragious spirit, love of fashion and the woman you became (& girl you were at school)!!! You are so kick ass! Love it!!! I heard that you were dx with Ovarian….I wanted to pick up the phone so many times and be like…”do you remember me, Kim Cullen, from AIS?” I thought of you often and struggled with calling – i wish I did. I attended your memorial sitting next to Michelle Markel and Leslie Gross. I am sorry you & your family had to go through this. I hear so often- since it is my field- about Ovarian Ca. I wanted to make sure you knew and your family knows that I fight every day for early detection. I educate Physicians about BRCA Cancers and unfortunately Ovarian – regardless of age or family history is part of this syndrome. I always wanted to talk to you about this – for your family- but I knew this was none of my business. I hope your family can be empowered by this message and perhaps someday someone will be tested and we can prevent this in your boys & their children (other cancers types are associated w/ BRCA such as prostate and pancreatic). I lost a friend, Tracey, before you passed – they thought the primary was Ovarian. I am so sorry I did not call you.
xo, Kim

Comment on Things I don’t have to worry about anymore. by Jennifer L

Jennifer L — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 19:13:04 +0000

Wonderful blog…… I wish I had known her! (I am a friend of a friend….)

Comment on Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month? Hmmmm…. by Kathleen

Kathleen — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:34:24 +0000

How in God’s good name, do you have the time to blog? I imagine you work and care for the kids. This is very impressive. I have thought about your family a lot over the past month. Starting a school year without Mom/Sarah must be another hurdle for your family. As always I will keep you in my prayers.

God bless from the bible belt!

Comment on Transformation, turning points and clarity in life. by WhiteStone

WhiteStone — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:55:17 +0000

Sarah was one of my heroes…and now you are as well.
I’m 2 years 9 months out from my ovca diagnosis…on my 3rd chemo regimen but feeling rather good in spite of it all.

I hope you will always…directly or indirectly…remember all of us teal ladies.

Bless you! And bless your boys!

Whitestone
aka Kennebec

Comment on Transformation, turning points and clarity in life. by Emily Beck

Emily Beck — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:00:25 +0000

Thanks as always for everything you and Sarah share with us. I love your own distinct voice, and hearing hers continue through you. I think of you, Sarah and your family every day. Wishing you continued love and strength, now and always.

Emily

Comment on Transformation, turning points and clarity in life. by Nicole

Nicole — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:25:09 +0000

That was a beautiful post, Mr. Wonderful. Sarah was lucky to have you, and you and your boys are lucky to have Sarah with you forever. Thank you for sharing your words with us.

Comment on Transformation, turning points and clarity in life. by Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 15:52:56 +0000

Hi Betty – thank you. The feedback is appreciated. Cheers – Mr. Wonderful

Comment on Transformation, turning points and clarity in life. by Betty Langley

Betty Langley — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 14:46:03 +0000

Mr Wonderful (AKA Ed) Sarah never ceased to amaze me and you are doing the same thing. I know what the young lady was saying by “be known” Very important to me and sometimes when I am trying to help my husband “know” me I get frustrated. Am so glad you reposted the FD comments as I had looked for them and couldn’t find them. I know so well what she meant by fatigue. It probably was my first real symptom but as you said 20/20 hindsight. Anyway keep up the good work and stay in touch.
Betty, Santa Fe, New Mexico