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Gadget Girl
Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 02 2004 : 10:45:33 AM
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Some of you may remember Rich referring to some folks struggling with cancers and health issues that either affected themselves or a loved one. Well, I thought I would update everyone since the time has come for extra thoughts and prayers.
A lot of us remember or have met Dana (the original WooooHooo girl!) She is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer. I talked with Dana the other night (and Jayne has talked to her recently too) and she has let me know it is OK to let folks know what she is facing as she can use all the good thoughts anyone cares to send her way. This little lady's attitude just blew me away! Her ever effervescent curiosity is strong as ever! Of course she has her down times, but for the most part she is making the best of it and she says she has great support from family, friends, and the company she works for. We talked and talked about old Mohican times and she asked about many of you and was disappointed that she would not be able to make the Gathering (she originally had planned on bringing her boys) this year. She is a very strong and inspiring and brave girl and I hope you will all keep Dana in your prayers. If any of you would like to write to Dana, you may email me and I will share her address!
For today and tomorrow in particular we need to remember Ilse. Her Mom has been ill and she is scheduled for surgery tomorrow, Ilse will also not be making the gathering due to the need for her to stay close to her Mom. We'll miss our Dutch Trader!!!
Finally, I will humbly add the concerns I've dealt with this spring. My daughter, Jordan, was diagnosed in April with a rare cancer, called a desmoid tumor, of her right upper arm. This is a non-metastasizing fibrosarcoma (non-metastasizing - a good word, fibrosarcoma - not so good) that doesn't spread to other organs, but is locally aggressively invasive. Some call this the best kind of cancer to have - IF THERE IS SUCH A THING! We waited until after school was out (she is right handed and wouldn't have been able to finish her junior year) for her surgery and in the meantime the tumor has grown. The surgery will remove a chunk of tissue about the size of a baking potato from the back part of her upper arm. She, like Dana, has a great attitude about all this and I'm sure will be a trooper through her recuperative process. Her surgery is this Friday morning and our prayer is that the surgeon will get all of the tumor. She will likely have some radiation therapy afterwards as this tumor has a 40-80% recurrence rate and limb loss is a reality for some with this type mass. Jordan's tumor is the same tumor that the baseball player Dave Dravecky of the San Francisco Giants had - he pitched a game after coming back from his first surgery and was known as the Comeback Kid. In his second game back, after winning the first, he threw a pitch and broke his humerus - it was called the "pitch heard round the world", because all the folks in the stands could hear the crack. He had exactly the same tumor, same location, and same size as Jordy. He now has an organization that offers support to amputees and those with cancer. Two Monday's ago Dave actually called Jordan and that made her feel so special to know she had a connection with someone like Dave - He and his wife are some really good folks!!!
In keeping with Kurt's Thought for the Day from good ole Ben... "Prayers and Provender will not hinder a journey"...while we need no provender, prayers won't hinder our journey!
GG
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Jayne
Overseer of Ariel's Auction
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 23 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 02 2004 : 11:38:26 AM
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Diana,
You know we'll be sending those postive thoughts and prayers your way! Jordy's lucky to have such a strong and loving Mom to see her through this tough time. But you'll need some support, too. So look no further - we're all here!
Dana surely is a strong individual. After all she's been through, she has maintained her "spunkiness" and woohoo spirit! Prayers to you, too, Dana!
Didn't know about Ilse's mom. Hope all goes well with her surgery and recovery. Karen & I thought we might have to miss the Gathering, too, due to OUR mom's cancer that was diagnosed in March. But to offer up a bright picture of things...she had extensive surgery in March, has been through 3 treatments of chemo, and looks and feels better than ever!
So hugs to everyone, and hang in there!!
Jayne |
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Christina
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 02 2004 : 11:57:08 AM
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Diana, We must be connected by some psychic cord, Gadget Girl, because I was thinking about you and Jordan all the way into work this morning and then I get here and get your post! Please know both YOU and Jordy are in my thoughts and prayers ... you both are going to need support in this time and know that you have it down this way... Also sending up thoughts for Dana and Ilse at this time. Wow, it seems like SO many folks I know of are struggling with cancer and its related issues...Jayne, SO glad to hear things seem to be going well for your mom. Thoughts, prayers, vibes, etc. wending their way skyward for all... Christina |
See this face? This is the face of a woman on the edge. Whoopi Goldberg, "Jumping Jack Flash"
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Karen W
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: June 04 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 02 2004 : 12:03:33 PM
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As horrible as it is to have to deal with these health issues in our families, it's good to know that there are others out there sending out their thoughts and prayers. Please include mine for everyone in need of them~I'm sure there are those out there whose need we are not even aware of.
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Kate
Ariel's Cabin Caretaker, Retired
United Kingdom
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: June 10 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 02 2004 : 12:05:38 PM
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Well… please know that all of you sweet folks that are in need of a little extra ‘lovin’ and ‘prayers’… YOU GOT THEM, GALS!!
As some of you are aware, I went through the Breast Cancer thing last year and even now I’m still doing the surgery thing, to get things ‘tidied up’. It’s a SCARY, SCARY thing. But I have to say, it was the love and kindness and the support from all my family and my friends, both here and on another of my ‘home’ Boards, that I got through the original 12 hour surgery and the follow up treatment so well. Believe me – having such wonderful friends ‘behind’ you makes SUCH A DIFFERENCE! They give you the confidence to be strong, to fight and to keep going – and not to be afraid. Even if you DO have the odd ‘down’ day, you know it’s okay to be down, because your friends are there – and they’ll help you get up again. Friends are invaluable - and the most special people in the world!!!
So now, it’s time for me to return the ‘prayers and good wishes’ that everything goes well for all you folks. AND I DO. I send up prayers for good recoveries for each one of the special people that need them. And I ask God to place His healing hands around you all, take care of you, and give you back to your families, safe and well.
OKay… loads of GOOD, POSITIVE VIBES being sent out!!
GOD BLESS…
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Kate
"Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thainig thu." (Remember the people from whom you came.)
~ Celtic Wisdom
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Gadget Girl
Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 02 2004 : 12:08:43 PM
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Oh Jayne, you and Karen too certainly know the anxiety and fears when health issues arise. And I am positive we will all have good outcomes. These bumps in the road just sometimes turn out to be real gully washers to get through, but we will get to the other side! Especially when we have such supportive friends and family to help lift us up! We are also fortunate to live in a time when medicine has come so far that it can minimize the distress to us and to our loved ones through new treatments and medicines. I still marvel at the success of little Sophia! I guess this is one thing that might make us history buffs glad to be living now!
GG |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: November 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 02 2004 : 12:54:33 PM
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Oh migosh! Diana! I am so, so sorry to hear about this! Of course, I had no idea!
Even though we've never met, I feel as though I know you. Please allow me to add my prayers and very best wishes for Jordan. I will pray that her surgery is successful and that the doctors will get all of the tumor so there will be no reoccurrence. I know she is going to be just fine.
Dana, Ilse, Kate... my prayers and thoughts are with all of you, as well.
You know, women are very strong. We usually hold up very well through really tough times. Then when it is all over, we look back and think: "Wow. How did I ever manage to do that?!" It is my hope and prayer that all of you will be doing this very, very soon. Hold on, stay strong, and know that there are people here who care about you and are supporting you from afar.
God Bless! Joyce |
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Kaylynn44
Mohicanite
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: July 13 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 02 2004 : 6:39:14 PM
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Diana, Thank you for reminding us about all of our fellow Mohicanlanders that need our prayers. Although I already have you and Jordan and Karen and Jayne's mom in my prayers every night, I will add Ilse and Kate to them too!!! I know how scarey cancer is, but I think that it helps a person immensely to know that they have friends praying for them. Stay strong girls!!!
Kay |
~ An Infinite Zephyr~ Some things never end As long as goodness exists Winds shall always soothe
www.cloudsbooks.com
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Kate
Ariel's Cabin Caretaker, Retired
United Kingdom
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: June 10 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 02 2004 : 11:21:58 PM
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Well, thank you ladies, for your good wishes! I really do appreciate them! I’m really lucky… things are coming on well and at this moment, I am now ‘cancer free’! Yah!!! Of course, I have – and will continue to have, regular check-ups (in fact, I go to see my Breast Specialist tomorrow) and I’m very hopeful of getting a ‘clean bill of health’! I will need more surgery but… I can do that! It’s a small price to pay to get back to full health. Meantime, I’m just recuperating from the last surgery - and working like crazy to get things done around here, that didn't get done because men DON'T SEE... *sigh*...
By Gathering time, I shall be ready to get walking and white water rafting with the best of ‘em!!! (‘Course, I’m not going to tell my Doc.! ‘What the eye doesn’t see… and all that…) Though my stamina is pretty much NIL, and my strength is… pretty much NIL, I’ll just take it all at my own pace. It’s not a competition and… I’ve got two weeks to get through everything! Okay, all you folks might have gone home by… hehehehee…
I think you’re right, Joyce… women DO just ‘get on with it’. I guess we always feel we’ve got too much to do to be lying ‘abed’ all day. And we have homes and families to take care of… we CAN’T just ‘give up’ or ‘give in’. So, we have and get over the surgery, we get stuck into the treatments, take the drugs and do what has to be done. I think it’s our natures. But thank goodness for THAT! It’s what inspires us to grow healthy again.
Of course, having special friends who support you is a BIIIIG plus!! I found that you can face just about ANYTHING when you know that you have support from your family and friends. Somehow, these special people help you find the courage and strength you really didn’t know you possessed! And it’s amazing what positive thoughts and wishes and love and prayers can achieve!!
Hence, I shall be sending positive thoughts and loving prayers on behalf of Dana Woooohoooo, Jayne and Karen’s Mum, Jordan and Diana, and Ilse and her Mum - all these ladies who need them just now and I hope to hear that they have got through their ordeals safely and well.
Take care, EVERYONE! |
Kate
"Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thainig thu." (Remember the people from whom you came.)
~ Celtic Wisdom
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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 07:50:46 AM
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Ladies, please know that prayers are being sent from me as well. God listens and He takes us very seriously. While we may not understand the mystery of prayer..and we don't need to...this much I believe, that actions in Heaven begin when someone prays on earth...what an amazing thought.
God bless you all and may He wrap you in His loving arms and hold you really tight through these trials. I'm thinking of you all. |
Theresa |
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Bookworm
Colonial Militia
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: February 10 2004
Status: offline
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 08:07:39 AM
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Bad things happen to good people, as we all know, but friends happen too. Diana, Ilse, Kate, Karen and Jayne, Dana -- add me to the list of those sending thoughts, prayers, and heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery for you and your loved ones. |
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Ilse
The Dutch Trader
Netherlands
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 3:47:42 PM
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Thank you all for your kind messages! Unfortunately today did not go as planned. Because of an emergency surgery ruining the hospital's schedule, my mother's surgery had to be postponed until sometime next week. She's a bit down now, since she expected to start recovery tomorrow and maybe be back home in 9/10 days.
Thanks again! Karma still needed |
OH HAI! Blessinz of teh Ceiling Cat be apwn yu, srsly. http://www.lolcatbible.com/index.php?title=Main_Page |
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Cherie
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: July 02 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 03 2004 : 5:42:52 PM
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Prayers have been sent heavenward for all of those mentioned. I know he hears. |
Support our Country, our President and our Troops |
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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 04 2004 : 09:01:25 AM
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quote: Originally posted by Ilse
Thank you all for your kind messages! Unfortunately today did not go as planned. Because of an emergency surgery ruining the hospital's schedule, my mother's surgery had to be postponed until sometime next week. She's a bit down now, since she expected to start recovery tomorrow and maybe be back home in 9/10 days.
Thanks again! Karma still needed
I'm sorry to hear that. Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part. Hang in there, Ilse. We're thinking of you. |
Theresa |
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Kate
Ariel's Cabin Caretaker, Retired
United Kingdom
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: June 10 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 04 2004 : 10:25:39 AM
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Ohhhhh... that's a shame! Your Mum will have been all psyched up and 'ready to do it'... then, it's a no go!! That's really hard on the nerves! No doubt your Mum was resigned to going to theatre, and though nervous, she was prepared - and now she's going to have to face up to it all over again!!
I know that it's nobody's fault - heck, it was an emergency! But still, it's a shame that the hospital couldn't reschedule for later in the day.
Well... the good thoughts, positive vibes and the prayers will just continue to flow toward the Netherlands and surround your Mum! I hope that she gets over these 'blues' soon and just takes it easy till next week...
I know you'll be taking care of your Mum, Ilse but - take care of yourself too!
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Kate
"Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thainig thu." (Remember the people from whom you came.)
~ Celtic Wisdom
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Christina
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 04 2004 : 3:14:16 PM
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I'm so sorry to hear that, Ilse. I've been there, done that. Been through several surgery postponements with both parents over the years and it IS a nerve-wracker. But please know that you and your mom are in my continued prayers. I will pray not only for her recovery but for emotional peace for both of you during this trying time! peace, Red |
See this face? This is the face of a woman on the edge. Whoopi Goldberg, "Jumping Jack Flash"
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Ilse
The Dutch Trader
Netherlands
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
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Jayne
Overseer of Ariel's Auction
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 23 2002
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 11:41:37 AM
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Been wondering all weekend, too, Ilse!
We're anxiously awaiting word, GG!
Jayne |
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Gadget Girl
Gatherer of Gathering Gadgets
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 5:37:15 PM
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Oh WOW guys - thanks so much for thinking of Jordy!!
I'm sorry - I have been a bit lazy, sleeping while Jordan sleeps, and trying to catch up on sleep. The first night was bit rough.
Jordan did GREAT! Unfortunately, the surgeon couldn't get it all. It was attached to the humerus bone and some periosteum (the bone covering) had to be removed. This just means more risk of infection and more long term pain I'm afraid. They will send the specimen to John's Hopkins or Bethesda for an "expert" pathology reading. So I guess the radiation is inevitable (I am really not thrilled about that as any radiated tissue will not heal as well if there are subsequent surgeries, which are likely). They had to remove the middle segment of her deltoid, part of the posterior deltoid segment and part of her tricep. BUT considering all that, her range of motion is outstanding (YAY!!!!) and she is doing great so far with pain management. Just been on Motrin today (another YAY!) and she has just been an angel - even when she was waking up from anesthesia and still so groggy and wouldn't open her eyes - she would say "Thank You" to the nurses and anesthesia team. I'm really proud of my young lady!! She has done SO much better than I would have. She has a drain in her arm and is ready to get that out - otherwise, she has been a peach! Her arm looks great too - everything is so symmetrical and her surgeon made an extra effort to keep things from being disfiguring. He and I both cried at how good things looked! I think he was right proud of himself (I was too!) I knew from the beginning he was the man for the job - just had one of those "feelings" - and it was the right way to go (as opposed to going to Duke or somewhere else for someone more specialized in soft tissue tumors). SO - things went well, waiting for a final path report (to look for malignant potential) and then we'll choose the next road to go down toward eventual recovery.
Thanks So Much for all your prayers and well wishes! They REALLY do mean more than you know. I held up so well during all of this because I knew there were so many thoughts coming our way. I am hoping Jordan can make the last day of the gathering so those of you coming can see what a successful first round she has had. No doubt thanks to all your prayers!!!
GG |
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Kaylynn44
Mohicanite
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: July 13 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 6:02:01 PM
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GG, That is WONDERFUL news!!! I think that we have all had Jordan on our minds this weekend, and it really makes my day to know that she is fine!!! I know that y'all still have alot to go through, but just remember that you have friends that care about y'all, so we will be keeping y'all in our prayers.
Kay PS That would be great if Jordan could make it to the Gathering. I would love to meet her!!! |
~ An Infinite Zephyr~ Some things never end As long as goodness exists Winds shall always soothe
www.cloudsbooks.com
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Theresa
Bumppo's Tavern Proprietress
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 17 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 06 2004 : 8:37:47 PM
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I can hear the joy and relief in your voice, Diana. This sounds really great and I do hope she can make it to the Gathering...I'd love to meet this brave young girl. Thanks for the news and send Jordy our love.
P.S....get some rest. |
Theresa |
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Jayne
Overseer of Ariel's Auction
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 23 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 07 2004 : 11:54:11 AM
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Diana,
Thanks for the report, especially when you must be pretty worn out. Glad to hear things are going well post-op. I also look forward to meeting your brave daughter - hope she will join us. You both take care!
Jayne |
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Christina
Deerslayer
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: May 27 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 07 2004 : 1:00:40 PM
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So glad to read the positive updates, GG! Prayers and good thoughts are still going skyward for both of you! It would be great if Jordan were able to join us -- I'd love to see her again! BOTH of you take care! peace and love, Red |
See this face? This is the face of a woman on the edge. Whoopi Goldberg, "Jumping Jack Flash"
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Stephanie
Gathering Sachemess
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: June 23 2002
Status: offline
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Posted - June 07 2004 : 3:29:53 PM
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Thanks for the great update, glad to hear your little lady is hanging in there, Diana. If she has one bit of your spunk she ought to do pretty well. Please keep us updated. GG, you and the other ladies have been in my thoughts and prayers since I read the original post. I tried a couple of times to respond but got interrupted, booted off line, etc. I was so sorry to read about the challenges my Mohican friends are facing. You have so many people praying for you and supporting you, though! Mohicanites are the wealthiest people because we have SO many friends who really care.
It seems like cancer touches each of us at some point... one of my very best friends was recently diagnosed with renal AND lung cancer. She had the kidney removed a couple of weeks ago and begins her chemo today for the lung. Please keep my friend Molly in your prayers as well... Hugs to you all, Stephanie |
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Karen W
Colonial Settler
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: June 04 2002
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Posted - June 08 2004 : 3:53:30 PM
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Glad to hear good news about your daughter, Diana. I have thought about you both often. Will add Molly to the list, Stephanie! Wishing everyone well, Karen
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soldier2lotm
Pathfinder
USA
Bumppo's Patron since [at least]: January 21 2004
Status: offline
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Posted - June 08 2004 : 8:00:24 PM
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you.... and hope everyone recovers fast. |
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