A day of remembrance - 1256765

Dr West
Posts:4735

Today is Memorial Day in the US, a day not just for barbecues that heralds the unofficial start of summer festivity. It's a national holiday to remind us of the people who fought and died in our nation's battles and pay respect to their memory and their sacrifice.

Many of us have mixed feelings about the analogy of cancer with a war we fight, but it's hard to come up with a better one, and I think most patients feel as if they're doing battle with a terrifying adversary. In a world where so much is out of our control, there are also heroes who face it bravely, those who shore up the courage of others around them, who give of themselves to help others who might follow in their footsteps.

I just wanted to take a moment to honor the memory of too many in this community who fought a valiant fight very bravely and who aren't forgotten.

-Dr. West

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Reply # - May 27, 2013, 10:54 AM

JimC
Posts: 2753

Thank you for that wonderful, heartfelt post, Dr. West. There are many GRACE members I remember so well who fought their brave fight and made indelible impressions on me in the brief time I knew them. This is also true of the many dedicated and loving caregivers I've been privileged to interact with here; each of them touched me in the way they steadfastly stood by their loved ones, seeking information and support from the doctors and members here. With one important exception, I never met any of them in person but I feel that I knew them as well as anyone. We share so much together here - fears, joy, tragedy, laughter - the entire range of life. I often remember fondly those who lost that fight, but also those who survived them. Most of them are no longer active on GRACE, but I hope that they have been able to overcome the grief of their loss and find happiness and comfort and peace. Heroes, each and every one of them.

JimC
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Reply # - May 27, 2013, 10:54 AM

luke
Posts: 101

While not an American, I also want to honour those who fought, but more importantly, those among us who are still fighting the good fight. Happy Memorial Day!

Reply # - May 28, 2013, 02:30 AM

certain spring
Posts: 762

I have often thought in the last few weeks of GRACE members who have left behind them insights and experiences that help others to make sense of their disease. My shoulder pain, probably referred from the liver, reminded me of Lisa's Mark. Before discussing local liver treatments I looked back at exchanges between ts and Dr West. Now I am on steroids again I wish I could revive a long-running dialogue with Blue Skies about how dexamethasone caused us both to embark on a mad cupboard-clearing spree. I am having a liver biopsy tomorrow in case the cancer has changed in some way, as happened to TedJ and Laya's mother. I am pondering Afatinib and the side-effects of the Cetuximab/Afatinib trial that Jing and others described so vividly and monitored so conscientiously. Above all I am thinking of the dignity and humanity with which GRACE members have shaped our common narrative of illness and dying into a story of their own. It helps me to feel that any my experience is not entirely meaningless but might help others in the future, as theirs has helped me.

Reply # - May 28, 2013, 05:33 AM

JimC
Posts: 2753

cs,

I don't think you need have any doubt about how many people you have helped, not only with all of the information you have provided by sharing your experiences as well as the vast knowledge you have accumulated along your cancer journey, but also in the unflinching way in which you have faced your illness. Though I don't think everyone has the necessary emotional makeup to approach everything the way you have, I don't think anyone could fail to be impressed by your courage, and feel just a bit stronger with each of your posts.

JimC
Forum moderator

Reply # - May 28, 2013, 06:32 AM

marisa93
Posts: 215

I agree CS, that there are those who stand out as having helped and been helped. Let me just say that you are at the top of the list my friend! I truly admire the way you approach and handle everything that is thrown your way!

Mark was very strong in facing everything just as you are while I was the one who felt like I was falling apart. I was always very thankful for GRACE and knew everyone was here, anytime I needed them. And I know Mark would be pleased in knowing his experience may have somehow helped someone else.

My thoughts are always with my fellow GRACErs....
Lisa

Reply # - May 28, 2013, 08:37 AM

njliu
Posts: 142

Dear Certain Spring, I second what Jim and Lisa said about your significant contributions to this forum. I am sorry to learn of your progression. With your knowledge and wisdom, I am confident you would be able to deal with it the best possibly can. Our thoughts are with you.
NJ

Reply # - May 28, 2013, 01:14 PM

sherrys
Posts: 212

Very beautifully said, Dr. West. It always amazes me when I think of our GRACE family, those that are with us and those that aren't, in how much they have touched our lives and have become a part of us, and we've never met.

Reply # - May 29, 2013, 04:30 PM

daisy1963
Posts: 41

You are a special soul Dr West. Your generosity of your time is so very much appreciated. Namaste. Leah

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