I'm so distraught about Aliengirl's passing.

[Evoman]

To be completely honest with you, I never knew her or spoke to her personally, but I did follow her posts about her being sick and her diagnosis with cancer again.

A big part of my connection with her (well, she didn't even know I was alive, but still) was the fact that I have cancer too. I'm only 32 and I was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer. I'm fighting with everything I've got, and Ive been going through an extensive amount of chemo and radiation (and surgery in about a month) to get through this. I guess it just breaks my heart that her cancer came back. Because I'm afraid too..I'm afraid that I can't fight hard enough to permanently beat this thing. I'm afraid that someday, my girlfriend might have to come on DU and tell you that I've passed away.

RIP Aliengirl. I hope I can face my own struggle with the strength and dignity you did.

[Broderick]

1. Best wishes to you.

It's a frightening battle.

Peace.

[one_voice]

2. Best wishes to you...

healing vibes for you! Hang in there.

[Flaxbee]

3. I understand, because I have close family who have fought cancer.

Not the same thing as going through it yourself, but it is still frightening.

It has come back in a few family members a few times, and been fought off. One doctor said it is like a chronic disease for many - and need not be fatal. Just 'maintained'. I hope that is what happens with you - you fight it off, and that it never comes back, but if it does, it is managed. There are many advances all the time - there's a video up about new ways to treat cancer, too - check out the video on the front page of www.novamir.org

I believe Alien Girl's was a very virulent form of cancer. I miss her very much; I've been here at DU for over 10 years and she was an old-timer, too.

You're doing fine.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

4. The fight can be wearying--I know people who have just given up, but

I hope you have it in you to keep fighting and know that you have all of DU rooting for you.

[Tikki]

5. Strong vibes your way...Evoman

And we are here to listen....anytime.

Tikki

[Evergreen Emerald]

6. I am so sorry you are going through this

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

7. sending healing energy and strengthening vibes. take care and get well, Evoman.

[progressoid]

8. It's tough for a lot of us.

But I imagine it's even more difficult for you.

Be strong - We're all pulling for you!

[Tsiyu]

9. (((((((((((((Evoman))))))))))))))

[emilyg]

10. There is life after cancer

I survided breast cancer and most recently colon cancer. Don't give up - fight like hell. Hugs.

[VenusRising]

11. Sending you vibes and lots of hugs.

We're here for you, Evoman.

[Evoman]

12. Thanks everybody

I'm not ever going to give up. But days like this make it harder, that's for sure. Thank your for your support

[hlthe2b]

13. Thank you for sharing your difficulties... you will be permanently in my healing thoughts.

May you find the strength to fight the fight and be rewarded with a return to health. Very best wishes....

[seabeyond]

14. i have been thinking of you. ah man,

I am so glad to hear from you. I betcha that is tough. It seemed to short a fight for her. I want the very best for you. Know, people here are thinking of you, missing you and wanting to know how you are. There have been a couple threads asking about you. We are with you in thought. Lots of love, from my heart.

[K8-EEE]

15. The most healing vibes to you!!

Love to you Evoman!

[Starry Messenger]

16. ((vibes))

We're fighting with you evoman.

[Grantuspeace]

17. So sad. And good luck and vibes to you Evoman! nt

[Old and In the Way]

18. Can't do more than send my best wishes...try to keep a positive attitude.

I had a very minor skin cancer surgery 5 years ago....medical technology is amazing and new breakthroughs are occurring that can extend or effectively treat these conditions, all the time.

[JI7]

19. i hope you are able to get through this, keep us updated

[LeftishBrit]

20. Very best wishes to you!

[PassingFair]

21. Everyone's experience is different.

If there is a way to survive, you will find it.

You have the support and admiration (even before your illness was known)
of everyone here on DU.

I am so sorry that you have to go through this.

[Odin2005]

22. (((GOOD VIBES)))

[Highway61]

23. Your in my prayers Evoman

nt

[soleft]

24. Wishing you courage and strength

[roguevalley]

25. i hug you, evoman. some people's goodness even reaches

through the internet. that was our aliengirl. I wish you well and all hope and peace.

[classof56]

26. Stay strong, Evoman

We need your strength and caring here on DU, and your commitment to causes that count. So sorry to hear you're going through this difficult time, but hope it helps to know how many here care for you and send positive thoughts your way.

Blessings.

[demtenjeep]

27. I am sorry. Praying that you heal

and that it doesn't return

[femmocrat]

28. (((hugs))) Evoman....

I can understand how this is hitting you so hard. Thank you for sharing with a bunch of total strangers and giving us the privilege of caring about you.

Your case is not the same as hers. Don't let fear keep you from positive thoughts and fighting as hard as you can. You need all of your strength right now. We are here for you when you need us.

Sending DU vibes and my own prayers your way. S

[GreenPartyVoter]

29. *hugs* I'm so sorry that you are in this battle. I don't know if you

go for prayer or vibes, but I would happily send out either for you!

[snacker]

30. Sending DU vibes

for strength and healing.

[denbot]

31. Vibes Evoman.

Peace to you.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

32. My deepest and sincerest thoughts, prayers, best wishes, good vibes and whatever else positive

I can extend to you and your family as you battle this horrible disease

We're always here for you:if you need us

[iverglas]

33. I never read the lounge ...

but I looked in tonight and just thought my little sister's story might buck you up.

She was diagnosed with stage III rectal cancer at age 42 -- a lifelong non-smoking vegetarian. That was nearly 3 years ago. First the colostomy, then the chemo, then the radiation, then the surgery, then the colostomy reversal -- a little over a year for the entire process. And she is completely good to go. No indication of any further cancer. It's a beatable one. Not that everyone will beat it and there's no guarantee you will, I don't mean to be flippant. But we found it can help a little to hear the good stories when you suddenly find yourself dropped in it.

My mum was diagnosed with lymphoma at almost exactly the same time. Her chemo and radiation (surgery wasn't possible) paralleled my sister's, a few weeks later throughout the process. Hers may recur, but she's good for now.

For several weeks, I was the only one who knew about my sister (apart from her partner), as she decided to keep it from my mum and brothers, and then flatly refused to discuss any of it with anybody, and just got on with it and that was it. The day I came in from out of town and went with my mum to the hospital for her first biopsy, and my sister was there for her first chemo down the hall, and I was looking after her kid in the cafeteria and running back and forth making up excuses to my mum for why I had wandered off and why my sister couldn't come to drive her home and trying to make sure they didn't cross paths accidentally ... I finally swore the nurses to secrecy and told them what was up, so they didn't decide I was an insane and neglectful daughter ... Anyhow, my sister decided to break the news to my mum later that day, and what a relief that was! But I'll tell ya, that was a tough year.

Everybody does it differently. My sister, with her everybody-shut-up approach, was one extreme. I don't know that I'd go the same way; I am bad enough with this broken leg, just a whiner. If talking about it helps how you feel, it's good you can do that. And if hearing about people who have gone through and come out the other end (maybe not the best metaphor for rectal cancer, hmm) ... well, my family would be glad if that helped a little.

[Evoman]

34. Thank you...I REALLY appreciate stories like yours.

If there is anything in this world that makes me feel better, it's stories of rectal cancer patients who made it past the cancer.

I think it's funny how people cope with cancer. I told everybody right away once I learned about the cancer. Hell, after I told my family, I even went as far as to post it on facebook. I've also written a bunch of blog post about living with cancer and fighting it. I think a big part of my being so open about it, is that I want other people to understand what I'm going through. It also opens up other people about their experiences, and they can tell me about their own good stories.

Thank you for helping me out.

[FirstLight]

35. thanks you for being so open and honest

and you know that our little Internet family here will be holding light for you as you venture through the tough stuff...and we will celebrate with you as you win your battles as well

[BanzaiBonnie]

36. Let your fear diminish.

Let your joy in life move you forward.

What brings you joy Evoman? Laughter? Love? Trees? Your dog?

Love life and take a joy ride!

[auntAgonist]

37. You can fight and you will. Keeping a good thought for you as you battle this

It's ok to be afraid. Lean on family and friends.

Best wishes to you Evoman.


aA
kesha

[OneGrassRoot]

38. Sending you many, many, many hugs of support, Evoman...

I am going to hold you in a space of wellness, and focus on your wellness, Dear Sir. I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to share your distress and give us the opportunity to offer support.

[geardaddy]

39. Healing vibes to you Evoman

and comfort vibes to you and your loved ones.

[riderinthestorm]

40. Pleae keep us posted when you go in for surgery too! Hugs to you, you're going to beat this! nt

[hunter]

41. Take good care of yourself...

[yellerpup]

42. Sending love and light to you, Evoman.

You can beat it. Here's to your complete and speedy recovery and a long, happy life ahead.

[Mojorabbit]

43. ((((Hug)))

If you ever need to vent you can pm me anytime.

[lillypaddle]

44. I don't blame you for being afraid

Cancer IS scary. But you're young, and I know you can successfully fight. Try to keep your spirits up if at all possible. Sending you the very best of wishes and hopes ... keep us updated.

[Arugula Latte]

45. AlienGirl's story was so distressing. But I think it is an extreme case.

At one point she said her doctor said hers was one of the worst prognosises (what is the plural of that?) he'd ever delivered to anyone. So it was a rare thing.

I've already told you that I've had two close family members fight and win rectal cancer in the past year. I have a good feeling that you will get a clean scan, too.

We're with you!

[Evoman]

47. I know.

You have no idea how much that meant to me. Is was during a time when I was really low. Thank you so much.

[Arugula Latte]

49. You're welcome!

[TZ]

46. Good to see you,

I've been wondering how you've been. Take care and keep us updated.

[Fla Dem]

48. Good thoughts going out to you. Fight! Don't give up. n/t

[Ecumenist]

50. EVOMAN You and I both fighting cancer, Hell, I was stage 4 and it was complicated with

internal GANGRENE! I wasn't supposed to make it out of the hospital and then to March of last year and according to the doctors, I'm not supposed to be here with a deadly cancer that has stopped DEAD STILL. You can do it, honey, you can do it, We'll help one another, how about that?

I understand the fear but you have to believe that you can beat this beast, once and for all. The only reason your girlfriend will have to come to us is to announce that you broke a bone dancing the jig nonstop for a week after you're declared free and clear of cancer, you hear me? LOL!!

Chile,, you're going to be just fine, this is just a test and bump in the road of life.

[Arugula Latte]

52. Wow!

That's so great! Big Congrats to you!

[BlueIris]

51. The loss of AlienGirl has hurt us all, Evo. So you are not alone. Keep up your fight.

I can feel you've got a lot of strength left.

[Tumbulu]

53. I am so sorry that you are going through this terrible fight-

sending light and hopes and for a future that holds much laughter and happiness and relief from these worries and painful treatments.