A request for two very good friends

[woodsprite]

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.

[japple]

1. (((((friends of Woodsprite)))))

[Delphinus]

2. Thank you for posting and asking ...

{{hugs}} to you and healing energies to all.

[cate94]

3. Sorry to hear this about your friends

I will definitely keep them in my thoughts.

[PumpkinAle]

4. Sending Love and Light

to Marcia and Bev and also Bill and Rod.

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

Hugs.

[Habibi]

5. Sending light to your friends and their loved ones

with wishes for the best outcome for all.

[woodsprite]

6. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for my friends.

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]

7. Peace and healing vibes for Bev and Marcia

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

May their sufferings be eased

[woodsprite]

8. Wanted to give another update.

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.

[Delphinus]

9. Thanks for the update ...

keeping them in a circle of light.

[onecent]

10. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your

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