Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

woodsprite

(12,247 posts)
Wed May 14, 2014, 09:09 PM May 2014

A request for two very good friends

We just found out tonight that one friend has been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer. She is 72 years old and has decided to do what she can with the exception of chemotherapy, but will talk to her oncologist next week to find out more. She is a beautiful soul and it hurts everyone I know to think that she is going through this. She has asked that people not discuss it with her or mention it around her. She doesn't want to talk about it. She just wants to live. Please, if you can, include her in your healing, peace-filled thoughts and prayers. Her name is Marcia, her husband is Bill.

We also found out tonight that another friend, Bev, is having a very difficult time and is on dialysis for an unknown kidney issue. They've had to stop dialysis a couple of times over the past week - once for blood pressure issues and again for heart issues. She had a biopsy and the cause of her fluid buildup is still undetermined (over 100 lbs of fluid in a week). If you could add her as well, it would be appreciated, both by my family and I know by Bev and Rod.

I know that it doesn't matter in the least, but I wanted you to know that they both are one of us - liberal, spiritual, very active Democrats, good people who have always put other people's needs before their own. I am so sad tonight

Thank you for this.

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
A request for two very good friends (Original Post) woodsprite May 2014 OP
(((((friends of Woodsprite))))) japple May 2014 #1
Thank you for posting and asking ... Delphinus May 2014 #2
Sorry to hear this about your friends cate94 May 2014 #3
Sending Love and Light PumpkinAle May 2014 #4
Sending light to your friends and their loved ones Habibi May 2014 #5
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for my friends. woodsprite May 2014 #6
Peace and healing vibes for Bev and Marcia Tsiyu May 2014 #7
Wanted to give another update. woodsprite Jun 2014 #8
Thanks for the update ... Delphinus Jun 2014 #9
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your onecent Jun 2014 #10

PumpkinAle

(1,210 posts)
4. Sending Love and Light
Sat May 24, 2014, 05:09 PM
May 2014

to Marcia and Bev and also Bill and Rod.

May peace, love and light surround them all and you woodsprite.

Hugs.

Habibi

(3,602 posts)
5. Sending light to your friends and their loved ones
Sat May 24, 2014, 10:16 PM
May 2014

with wishes for the best outcome for all.

woodsprite

(12,247 posts)
6. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for my friends.
Sat May 24, 2014, 10:57 PM
May 2014

I finally have an update on both. Bev has been officially diagnosed with Minimal Change Disease
and is still on dialysis and starting on other drug therapy to get rid of the excess fluid and lower her protein levels. Often affects kids with kidney issues, not as easily treatable (but possible) in adults.

After talking with her doctor, Marcia has decided to accept chemotherapy treatment and debulking surgery, which will be followed by 3 additional rounds of chemo. Though 5+ year success stories of early stage IV ovarian cancer are at about 18%, there is still room to hope.

Certainly not an easy road for either family, but for now, that's the best news we could all have hoped. Thank you again!

Tsiyu

(18,186 posts)
7. Peace and healing vibes for Bev and Marcia
Mon May 26, 2014, 10:22 AM
May 2014

It's hard to see the good hearts suffer so much

May their sufferings be eased



woodsprite

(12,247 posts)
8. Wanted to give another update.
Fri Jun 20, 2014, 11:33 AM
Jun 2014

My friend Bev has been moved into rehab because she lost mobility due to being in bed, but she is building strength and making gains now. She is still on dialysis 3x week, but the Dr. is feeling that as soon as the excess fluid is taken care of and they wean her off of that, that she will be able to get back to her life.

Marcia is responding favorably to chemo, although it's been upsetting her stomach more than her doc would like. He changed the dosage and length of treatments, and that seems to be working much better for her. It does, however mean that she'll be having additional treatments at the end (3wks vs 9wks for the last round). The dr. is hopful that they can at least send anything that's left after debulking surgery into remission.

As of now, those are the updates. I had a dream about Marcia and Bill last night, so I'm hoping everything is still going as well. I guess no news is good news for the time being.

onecent

(6,096 posts)
10. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your
Sat Jun 21, 2014, 11:17 AM
Jun 2014

family during this rough time.
Hugs to you!!!

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Astrology, Spirituality & Alternative Healing»A request for two very go...