#70287 02-21-2008 10:01 PM | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 | Just received a call from Sue, Brenda died this morning at about 2:30am EST.
She called me about an hour ago to tell me that the hospital had called and said for everyone to come right away as they thought it would happen rather quickly.
I don't have any details at this time, the one request Bren had made was for any/all donations be made to the Oral Cancer Foundation.
Sue is amazing. She sounded so strong through all of this, very much like her mum. She said that she would post soon, maybe in a few days.
God Speed Bren! I'm going to miss you more than I can ever guess. I love you dear friend.
Donna
Donna
CG to Mom, dx 4/25/07 with tongue cancer,T3N0,tx began 7/6/07, 31 tx's of IMRT, 8 cycles of Erbitux. Brachytherapy, surgery, left neck dissection and temp trach placed all on 9/17/07, trach removed 10/17/07. ORN of jaw, late effect of radiation symptoms. **lost my beautiful mother on 5/5/11.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,244 | I really cannot for once find any words that fit the situation.
So I'll just send all my love to Brenda's OCF family, I know that none of us will ever forget the feisty Yorkshire lass..
Sunshine.. love and hugs
Helen
SCC Base of tongue, (TISN0M0) laser surgery, 10/01 and 05/03 no clear margins. Radial free flap graft to tonsil pillar, partial glossectomy, left neck dissection 08/04
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 388 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2006 Posts: 388 | She touched all of us with her courage, support, and positiveness. Bren will surely be missed for a long time. Our sympathies to her lovely family and friends. Dick and Jane
Husband: 3 SCC gum and cheek cancers 2002, 2005, 2006: surgery only. Scans clear after removal of small, well differentiated, non-invasive cancers. No radiation. 4th SCC lip diagnosed 4/13/07 - in situ, removed in biopsy. More lip removed 2/8/08 - dysplasia. 2 Biopsies 3/17/09 no cancer (lichenoids)
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Brenda was a lady that seemed to worry more about her friends in the forums than she did herself. I will never forget the way she would get on my back for saying or doing things she didn't agree with me about. I always looked forward to her post and she had a knack of making them personal, not just for me but for everyone of us. I know she jjust has to be in heaven this morning , looking down on us with her ornery smile , looking for her keyboard and ready to give us more words of wisdom.. Brendas family sure has my prayers.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 735 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 735 | Brenda
TO me ...all the way to the end was a survivor..she never gave up ... She will be missed more then I can say ..TO her family ..MY deepest sympathy goes to all of you , how lucky we all were to have her touch a part of our lives.
Shar
Sharlee
35 year old Female Non smoker, very occasional alcohol ..Scc T1N0M0,partial glossectomy and left neck disection ,2/9/07 No rad deemed ness. 4/16 tonsillectomy ..Trimengenial Neuralga due to surgery
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | I just can't believe it happened so quickly. I'm sure Bren will carry her positive attitude forward and continue to affect people. Luv and miss you Bren.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 | How can she be gone???
Deb
Deb..caregiver to husband, age 63 at diagnosis, former smoker who quit in 1997.
DIAGNOSIS: 6/26/07 SCC right tonsil/BOT T4N0M0
TREATMENT START: 8/9/07 cisplatin/taxol X 7..IMRT twice daily X 31.5.
TREATMENT END: 10/1/07
PEG OUT: 1/08
PORT OUT: 4/09
FOLLOWUP: Now only annual exams. ALL CLEAR!
Passed away 1/7/17 RIP Bill
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 | How can it happen so quickly. Do you all think she was that ill when she left on the 10th? Why didn't her doctors know more? How could they have left her alone so long and let this happen? I am so sad for her dear family. They must be asking the same questions. May you find comfort in her memory and spirit.
Debbie
Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 681 | Look at the chain of responses. What a diverse group Brenda touched. She so looked forward to her trip in spite of the agony she was enduring.
I will miss her posts. Even when I only had a few minutes to come on board I always looked for messages from Brenda and was anticipating hearing about her vacation. Although we all knew the reality we somehome expected her to return with an uplifting message.
Malka
SCC stage II Partial mandibulectomy w. neck dissection- July 2005. Renal cancer w. partial nephrectomy-Jan 2004. Breast cancer discovered in routine mammogram. Successful lumpectomy, sentinal nodes clear, RT only-2008 Reconstruction of mandible w fibula free flap-Jan 09. TORS removal of begnin pappiloma from esophagus-2010. Masectomy,rt breast 2013.
Support OCF
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 598 | We have all lost a great part of the spirit and soul that makes this community speacial. However, her contributions and caring live on in those she touched, including everyone here. Our family is keeping Bren and her loved ones in our prayers. She lived life to the fullest, right up to the last, which is really all any of us can hope for. She will be sorely missed.
Jeff
SCC Right BOT Dx 3/28/2007
T2N2a M0G1,Stage IVa
Bilateral Neck Dissection 4/11/2007
39 x IMRT, 8 x Cisplatin Ended 7/11/07
Complete response to treatment so far!!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 221 | Brenda had a way of offering no nonsense advice in a compassionate manner. Even though she knew that this disease would take her one day she still kept her sense of humor and selflessly gave of herself to anyone who needed advice or words of encouragement. I believe that we are all better people for having known her and having her touch our lives through her words. The way Brenda lived should be an example to us all.
I offer Brendas family my deepest heartfelt sympathy.
Love and Hugs,
Joy
CG to Father, 75 yo with SCC of the mouth; upper maxillectomy and neck diss. performed on 5/23/07. Father also suffered heart attack during surgery and now has CHF. RT complete on 8/28/07. Cancer back 11/27/07. RT and Chemo to start on 12/17. Cancer back 6/17/08. Finally at rest 08/08/08.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 | Not sure if you all caught Sue's thread in this forum, "Update on Bren"....she kind of led us on to the info there as she was given it.
I do know that in my last e-mail with her she did speak of being tired but was determined to go on her trip. What a fighter!
Sue said she would try to get on in a few days if she was up to it.
I wish everyone here comfort as they cope with our loss of our dear friend.
Love,
Donna
Donna
CG to Mom, dx 4/25/07 with tongue cancer,T3N0,tx began 7/6/07, 31 tx's of IMRT, 8 cycles of Erbitux. Brachytherapy, surgery, left neck dissection and temp trach placed all on 9/17/07, trach removed 10/17/07. ORN of jaw, late effect of radiation symptoms. **lost my beautiful mother on 5/5/11.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 | Hi everyone,
Well, that's it. My dear, sweet, amazing, wonderful mum passed away at 11.15pm PST, 7.15am UK time. The nurse said it was peaceful and she wasn't in any pain.
She's gone to be with gran and grandad, actually, they're probably all sat there having a brandy!
My mum had such an impact on so many lives, and you all had such an impact on here life. Thank you.
I will be having a service here in Orange County - probably on Saturday - and will give you all details of that, and the UK service once it's organized.
Mum asked for donations to be made to this website, so I'll spend the day organizing that also.
I'm hanging in there, spent the night at a friends. I'll be back online later.
Mum - sick as a dog, see her sig.
Dad - diagnosed with throat cancer late 2007.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 794 | Thinking of you with love and sympathy
Donna
CG to Mom, dx 4/25/07 with tongue cancer,T3N0,tx began 7/6/07, 31 tx's of IMRT, 8 cycles of Erbitux. Brachytherapy, surgery, left neck dissection and temp trach placed all on 9/17/07, trach removed 10/17/07. ORN of jaw, late effect of radiation symptoms. **lost my beautiful mother on 5/5/11.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 939 | Sue(and everyone)
She seemed so brave and yet so human..I will miss her,
Deb
Deb..caregiver to husband, age 63 at diagnosis, former smoker who quit in 1997.
DIAGNOSIS: 6/26/07 SCC right tonsil/BOT T4N0M0
TREATMENT START: 8/9/07 cisplatin/taxol X 7..IMRT twice daily X 31.5.
TREATMENT END: 10/1/07
PEG OUT: 1/08
PORT OUT: 4/09
FOLLOWUP: Now only annual exams. ALL CLEAR!
Passed away 1/7/17 RIP Bill
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF across the pond" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 1,940 | I spoke with Bren for an hour and a half ,just a week before i left for Abu Dhabi.She was indeed a lot sicker than she ever told anyone here,and was desolate that she had picked up a flu bug and was unable to meet me as we had arranged but she was very very determined to have Christmas and the New Year with her beloved Ray.We spoke a few times while i was away and she consistently enquired after my state of mind and well being right up to and after i came home.
This was the woman that was Brenda.Always more concerned about others than herself,but in her darkest times she reached out for reassurance.I wish she hadn't suffered so much pain in her last few weeks ,it seems so uneccessary in this day and age,and i am so sorry she didn't get her final wish to die in a hospice with her family all with her.She really didn't want to be in hospital.
It didn't seem much to ask really for a warm loving woman who cared so much about others .
Liz in the UK
Husband Robin aged 44 years Dx 8th Dec 2006 poorly differentiated SCC tongue with met to neck T1N2cM0 Surgery and Radiation.Finished TX April 2007
Recurrence June/07 died July 29th/07.
Never take your eye off the ball, it may just smack you in the mouth.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 | What an amazing woman she was. Her attitude sense of humor was so inspirational.
Left tonsil SCC, HPV+. T2N0M0. Tonsillectomy 3-07, bilateral radiation, cisplatin 3x, Tx completed 6-06. Clear PET 4-01-2008.
Thyroidectomy 5-9-08, resulting in permanent surgically-induced hypoparathyroidism and adrenal problems. Bummer.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | Through her posts, her inspiration, her gifts to us all, she will be remembered forever. She has touched us all. My prayers and thoughts for Brenda's family, and for Brenda, I know she has moved on to a better place of eternal joy.
Donna
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 27 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 27 | I know I haven't been around here long, but I recognized how much support Brenda gave and how much courage she had. I hate cancer and how it takes someone from the person you know and love to one you hardly recognize. I saw that in my own mother who died from cancer almost 17 years ago. Sue my prayers are with you and your family. My prayers are also with those here that counted Brenda a member of your OCF family. We do have the comfort of knowing she is longer in pain. Although that doesn't always fill the void for those left here on Earth.
Cindy
SCC of tongue removed 3/07 mod. left neck dissection. Tumor reappeared 6/07. Removed 8/07, right neck dissection, free flap from wrist for tongue graph. Radiation 30 (IMRT), chemo cisplatin 4 rounds finished 11/07.
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 5,260 | Sue, just post the time of your srevice in Orange County .'m sure most of us will be here praying with you. I'm older than Brenda, but many times I almost called her mom.
Since posting this. UPMC, Pittsburgh, Oct 2011 until Jan. I averaged about 2 to 3 surgeries a week there. w Can't have jaw made as bone is deteroriating steaily that is left in jaw. Mersa is to blame. Feeding tube . Had trach for 4mos. Got it out April.
--- Passed away 5/14/14, will be greatly missed by everyone here
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 179 | Thinking of you now. Your Mum will surely be missed. Please know that we are all here for you. Sending BIG cyber hugs!!! 
Dad: Age 65 Heavy smoker/drinker. Biopsy-No surgery. Cancer base of tongue/throat. "Invasive Squamous Carcinoma RRT" --Beginning 1/9/08: IMRT treatments (5X/wk),chemo pills (4/day) and Chemo IV (once/wk) PEG tube inserted 1/25/08. Treatments ended 2/26/08
JUNE 30, 2008 Officially CANCER FREE!!!
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 510 | ...another loss....so sad....no words, only more tears for our loss; what an inspiration Bren was and so precious to all of us! To the family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you......
CG to 77 y/o hubby;SCC Alveolar Ridge; Wake Forest Baptist Hosp surgery: 07/19/07; bi mod radical resection/jaw replacement;
T2 N2-B M0 Stage IV-A
28 IMRT +
6 Paclitaxel/Carboplatin
Getting stronger every day!
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 104 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 104 | I can't believe we have lost our precious, spunky Brenda even though her symptoms were indicating she was loosing ground. I just somehow thought she would manage to win another round. My deepest sympathy to her family and to all who grew to care for her through our association with this forum. She was one of a kind, inspiration to all of us.
Caregiver to husband Dx. Stage 4 SCC of gingiva with 3 nodes pos. Partial mandiblectomy with bone graft from iliac crest Dec. 2006. IMRT x30, Cisplatin x3. Completed Tx. March 15, 2007. Osteonecrosis & removal of graft & plate Oct. 2007. Recurrence of SCC Dec. 2007. Deceased Jan. 17, 2008.
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 211 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 211 | I looked forward to Brenda's posts so, so much - she was warm, honest, funny, irreverant and so empathic to others. Her love of life and determination were powerful and inspirational. After reading her posts I always felt more hopeful and determined that I could create a good life in the midst of my husband's cancer. My heart hurts for Bren's family and for all of us.
Last edited by Sophie H.; 02-22-2008 03:52 PM.
Sophie T.
CG to husband: SCC Stage 4, T4, N1, M0; non-smoker and very light social drinker; HPV+
induction chemo begun 7/07; chemo/radiation ended 10/10, first cat scan clear; scan on 5/9/08 clear, scan on 10/08 clear; scan 1/09 clear; scan 1/10 clear; passed away July 2, 2016
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 718 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 718 | I just read through all the posts on this thread and I'm devastated and speechless at the loss of our dear friend, Brenda. My condolences to her family.
Margaret
----------
C/G: Husband, 48 (at time of dx)
Dx 5/18/07 SCC, BOT, lymph node involvement. T1N2BM0. (Stage 4a, G2/3)
Tx 6/18 - 8/3/07, IMRT x 33 Cisplatin x3 (stopped after 1st dose due to hearing issues). Weekly Erbitux started 6/27/07 completed 8/6/07.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 493 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 493 | Thinking of her and praying for her family is all I can offer. I will miss her spirit.
Tim
Last edited by Stoj; 02-22-2008 05:56 PM.
Tim Stoj
63 yr old. Dx Jun 06 with BOT Stage IV. Neck dissesction on 19 Jun 06. Started Tx on 21 Aug 06/completed 33 IMRTs and 3 CT (2 Cisplat & 1 Carboplat) on 5 Oct 06.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 2,019 | I read this news yesterday and was totally at a loss for words. I am sorry she had so much pain before she died as she came back from her trip but I think she might have wanted the trip anyway. Brenda seemed to me to be someone strongly determined to really live until she died and I think she accomplished that. And I am so grateful to her presence here--showing the rest of us how that could be done. And reaching out to help so many other people. Her spirit will be missed here (and, I'm sure, in all the lives she touched). My prayers are with her family and loved ones.
Nelie
SCC(T2N0M0) part.glossectomy & neck dissect 2/9/05 & 2/25/05.33 IMRT(66 Gy),2 Cisplatin ended 06/03/05.Stage I breast cancer treated 2/05-11/05.Surgery to remove esophageal stricture 07/06, still having dilatations to keep esophagus open.Dysphagia. "When you're going through hell, keep going"
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 104 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 104 | My deepest sympathies to all Brens family and friends.
I too wanted more than anything for her to beat this.
It is a deep loss for us all.
She will be sorely missed.
Dad had oral lichens planus, and oral leukoplakia before T2 SCC,2 nodes.
DX10/23/03
IMRT 12/29/03.30 rad,3 boost.
Brachytherapy 3/8-3/11/04.
Recurrence Nov07 Stage IV.
4 Surgeries
No rads, no chemo
I have oral lichens planus,
thrush,leukoplakia 2/20/08
6/2/08 biopsies "inflammation"
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 | Good morning everyone.
Thank you all for the wonderful things you've had to say about mum. I just got off the phone with my brother, and they're organizing all the details across the pond.
Meanwhile, I have set up a service here in OC for Saturday next week at 2pm PST.
I pm'd Brian Hill, and have asked him if he would like to join us at the service (he's close to where I live), maybe say a few words about mum as well as OCF - still waiting to hear back on that one.
Also, my favourite fishing lake has offered me a free boat rental if I would like to go and scatter some flowers over the lake in mums memory. She never went there, but I think it's something I'd like to do.
The service here will be very upbeat - no black, bright colors and fun stories about mum's holidays over here. On the memorial table I'll also be putting a big bottle of brandy and some paper cups - everyone can have a shot after the service! Mum would laugh her a$$ off at that!
Sue
Mum - sick as a dog, see her sig.
Dad - diagnosed with throat cancer late 2007.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 | Sue,
You sound so strong just like your Mum. My heart weighs heavy with sorrow for your loss. You are handling things very well and I wish you peace in the coming days. Please know that we are all here to listen, you are a part of this family now.
So will that be on march 1 at 2 pm?
Peace and love,
Debbie
Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,676 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,676 | Sue, Brenda raised you well, and I think her middle name was surely "Courage". So many people are blessed to have known her, including me. Amy in the Ozarks
CGtoJohn:SCC Flr of Mouth.Dx 3\05. Surg.4\05.T3NOMO.IMRTx30. Recur Dx 1\06.Surg 2\06. Chemo: 4 Cycles of Carbo\Taxol:on Erbitux for 7 mo. Lost our battle 2-23-07- But not the will to fight this disease
:
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 341 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 341 | Sue - my prayers and thoughts to your family during this time. I'm really new here, but have been trying to read TONS of old posts and have seen several by your mom. She sounds like such an amazing person.
Michelle
Michelle, CG to husband (45), DX 2/08 Stage IVa Adenocarcinoma Salivary Gland (T2N2bMO)
Parotidectomy & ND 2/08, Tumor margins not clear, 4 of 30 nodes positve for cancer,
TX IMRT 39x, cisplatin 7x (completed 5/1/08),
PEG (4/22 - 7/9), No port. Currently in remission!
| | | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: May 2002 Posts: 2,152 | Dear Sue,
I read this on Saturday but have no way to post from my ancient computer at home. I can't believe this happened so quickly. I am so sorry you had to lose her, but if she was going to go, quickly is better than the long drawn out painful death this miserable cancer puts people through. She is now at peace.
Your mom was a champ with a marevlous sense of humor and the ability to help people by her words. We shall all miss her greatly. I extend my deepest sympathies to you, and her family and friends. I too will join her OCF circle of friends thinking of her on March 1.
Take care,
Eileen
----------------------
Aug 1997 unknown primary, Stage III
mets to 1 lymph node in neck; rt ND, 36 XRT rad
Aug 2001 tiny tumor on larynx, Stage I total laryngectomy; left ND
June 5, 2010 dx early stage breast cancer
June 9, 2011 SCC 1.5 cm hypo pharynx, 70% P-16 positive, no mets, Stage I
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 214 | Sue,
I would like you and your family to know what an impact your mother has made here. Her presence on this board, and subsequent passing, has prompted me to re-examine my attitude towards my illness, in a positive way. As I would read her posts, I would think to myself, "How is it possible for this woman to have such fortitude, grace, and genuine caring for others in the face of her own illness?" Truly remarkable.
Teresa
Left tonsil SCC, HPV+. T2N0M0. Tonsillectomy 3-07, bilateral radiation, cisplatin 3x, Tx completed 6-06. Clear PET 4-01-2008.
Thyroidectomy 5-9-08, resulting in permanent surgically-induced hypoparathyroidism and adrenal problems. Bummer.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 295 Gold Member (200+ posts) | | Gold Member (200+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2006 Posts: 295 | Sue,
Keep your spirits up during these trying times. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family from this household. It is times like this that I really have to stop and ask myself if I want to keep up with happenings on the site. I really wonder.
Bill D.
Dx 4/27/06, SCC, BOT, Stage III/IV, Tx 5/25/06 through 7/12/06 - 33 IMRT and 4 chemo, radical right side neck dissection 9/20/06.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 97 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 97 | I will miss her spirit, she was an inspiration.
Age 36. Four years of fighting Stage 4 Skull Base Cancer
Can't even fit it in the signature line. I've tried it all! 5 surgeries, IMRT, cyberknife, cisplatin, erbitux, AIM, taxotere, carboplatin.
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mMuDmVPkWYWish I could whistle down the Northern Lights And send them dancing all across the night Maybe then when all the sky was blazing Maybe then I'd feel you somewhere gazing at a star, And you could feel me too as I say goodbye to you It breaks my heart in two, to say goodbye to you Wish time could turn us back to yesterday The gods above would look the other way Maybe then we still could laugh together Maybe then it could be spring forever and a day But I must face the truth and say goodbye to you It breaks my heart in two, to say goodbye to you Wish I could whistle down the Northern Lights And send them dancing all across the night Maybe then in my memories for saving One last time you're on the hill waving from afar One last glance or two and I'll say goodbye to you It breaks my heart in two, to say goodbye to you
Mum - sick as a dog, see her sig.
Dad - diagnosed with throat cancer late 2007.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 179 Senior Member (100+ posts) | | Senior Member (100+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 179 | Absolutely beautiful.... brought tears to my eyes. Remembering Brenda and her loving and giving ways today.
Dad: Age 65 Heavy smoker/drinker. Biopsy-No surgery. Cancer base of tongue/throat. "Invasive Squamous Carcinoma RRT" --Beginning 1/9/08: IMRT treatments (5X/wk),chemo pills (4/day) and Chemo IV (once/wk) PEG tube inserted 1/25/08. Treatments ended 2/26/08
JUNE 30, 2008 Officially CANCER FREE!!!
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Nov 2007 Posts: 31 | Hi all,
I'm leaving now for the service. The minister is going to mention OCF and I'll do a collection afterwards.
I'd like to thank you all for all of your support and the love you have shown for my mum, but I probably won't be on the boards any more.
Good luck to all of you with your battles, you truly are amazing people and I wish you all the very best in your fights for yourselves and those you love.
Mum will be with you all.
Sue
xx
Mum - sick as a dog, see her sig.
Dad - diagnosed with throat cancer late 2007.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 | Do we all gather here at 5 on the east?
Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Well I'm here at 4pm just to get a front row seat.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 | I am here too David. I have poured a glass of wine for
a last tribute to her. I feel so sad for all of us.
Debbie
Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 Platinum Member (300+ posts) | | Platinum Member (300+ posts)
Joined: Jan 2007 Posts: 346 | The song that Sue sent on her link was absolutely beautiful.
Partial mandibulectomy and neck dissection 2/3/07. T2NOMO.
Had 14 hour operation which included reconstruction of jaw.
Reconstruction failed. Some radiation, no chemo.
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 720 Likes: 1 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: May 2006 Posts: 720 Likes: 1 | Wishing Sue and the rest of Brenda's family all the best ...
-- Leslie
Leslie
April 2006: Husband dx by dentist with leukoplakia on tongue. Oral surgeon's biopsy 4/28/06: Moderate dysplasia; pathology report warned of possible "skip effect." ENT's excisional biopsy (got it all) 5/31/06: SCC in situ/small bit superficially invasive. Early detection saves lives.
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 64 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 64 | I have been away from my computer for a few months. Just wanted to offer my deep condolences to Brenda's family and friends.
What a wonderful kind supportive person she was.
Fly on sweet angel.
"Brief is life, but long is love"
Adele,
mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the submandibular gland, 05/06, left neck dissection, gland and tumor removed, intermediate grade, margins negative, 9 lymph nodes negative, no rad, no chemo,
11/07 surgical biopsy of lymph node left neck, no cancer!
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 71 Supporting Member (50+ posts) | | Supporting Member (50+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2007 Posts: 71 | I have not been on this site for several months and was searching for Brenda. I almost sent an email to her and then decided to search her post and found this. I have been crying reading all of the post. Brenda gave me support through my treatments. My prayers our with her family.
Tammy 43 yr non smoker- Dx-10/11/07 Stage 4 Tongue Cancer Surg.10/17/07, 1/4 Tongue and 14 Lymph nodes 5 positive, Peg tube/Chemo port,Chemo 3 wks/Radiation 6 wks begins 11/07 end 02/08.Teeth removed prior to radiation. PetScan 05/08 CLEAR 09/09. 2011 diag. w/osteoradionecrosis.100 HBO's
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