Cancer & family

[Goldilocks]

I finished reading this book last night & cried & sobbed through Georgia's experience. I relived my terrifying past during those last chapters.  I had a "6 months to live" sentence 37 years ago - a total of 19 malignant tumors in my lymph nodes in my neck on the left side and 21 on the right..started out with thyroid cancer that would've been 'cured' if my doctor had removed my thyroid gland to begin with but he didn't want to 'disfigure' me.  My husband left me - told our 2 young children I was going to die (!) and cut & ran. Well, I did survive - I took the 50-50 chance on surgery - and 4 surgeries later I have remarried to a wonderful caring man who stuck with me through another cancer - breast cancer in 1994.  I was terrified it would happen again, but he stood like a warrior with me through the whole ordeal.  He doesn't even 'see' my disfigurement or scars, only 'me'.
     So for those of you that have had that dreaded word enter your life or one of your loved ones, absolutely lean on your family and friends cause the 'other' may not be with you thru sickness & health.  Lean on your God too -- whatever that may be to you.
    Bottom line - I worked 3 jobs (absolutely not a penny in child support)I kept my kids in private school - bought uniforms, books, braces, and paid off the house mortgage...by myself.  Oh, and that a**hole lives in another state with wife number 4.
   So, there is justice & love out there & I hope we hear more about James & Dakota and how Anita & Marty do with the rest of the wonderful club.  I had my own 'club' of girlfriends all from grammar school who stood by  through this entire time - women truly do form an unbreakable sisterhood that transcends dating, marriage, wedding and baby showers, Tupperware parties, girl scouts and all that wonderful growing up life experiences we all have in one form or another.
   This is the first time I've publicly aired my story, but I am now a happy fulfilled woman and I hope anyone reading this who is in personal turmoil can know that you can get through it -- and life will be different.
   Love and hope to my 'sisters' --

[soonersfan1968]

I just finished reading the book this morning and it has spurred me to find and OB/GYN in our hew city.  It has been almost 3 years since my last visit to an OB/GYN and I have been having some serious pain, but have ignored it because I was pretty sure that I know what it is.  After reading this book however, I am determined to get myself an appt. this week  and have things taken care of before they get out of hand.  I have three wonderful kids and a terrific husband and I don't want them to be without me. 

This story inspired and touched me in so many ways.

[Mughain]

Kudos to you Goldi!!!

I'm also a cancer survivor, though mine was diagnosed a bit earlier. I was diagnosed with leukemia 11 days before my 17th birthday, and was lucky enough to be in remission in less than 6 months. But it is certainly something I think about constantly, I'm 9 years out from my initial remission date, and almost 7 years out from the end of treatment. I worry about my 9 month old daughter, and one of my biggest fears was having a family with the fear of passing it on.

Unfortunately for me, with my diagnosis being the junior year of high school, I really didn't have that much support. I had a few friends, and my family, but it was definitely a trying time. I consider myself lucky to be where I am, because I can't imagine a world without my daughter. And I hope that if I ever have another cancer scare or issue, that I will get through it will the strength that got me through it the first time, and will at least be able to give some valuable lessons to my daughter.

[karmack]

Like so many others I also have a story. I've been through the breast cancer thing twice. Once in 1997 and again in 1999. I had lots of support from family and friends and was blessed with a wonderfold husband. I must admitted that the second time around I was afraid that he might not stick around. I don't know way. His reply was we got through it once and we'll do it again. We've been married forty years come October. In reading Kate's book there was the conversation Georgia had with the priest that really touched me. I really do believe in GOD and it was that faith that helped me the most. During surgery,chemo,radiation it was my talks with HIM that got me through. He really don't give us these health issues to punish us and I think Kate said it so well in her book. For those of you that are going through just have faith in the universe or whomever you find comfort in. I to hope to hear more about Dakota and the other characters. I also knit and crochet and find comfort in knitting for family and friends.

[RudysMom]

God bless you, Goldilocks!  You should write your own book.

[muckala2]

I just finished reading this book today.  One of my cousins was diagnosed with ovarian cancer when we were 18.  She is alive and well and happens to be a doctor.  I am an OB/GYN nurse so all of this touched home too much!  I have seen people at their worst but fortunately, I get to see them recover at times too.  I really hope Kate Jacobs will write a sequel about Dakota, James, Anita and Cat....Catherine.  I would be one of the first in line to get it!!

[JuliaRoberts]

(((hugs))))

to you all.

[jupiter]

I read the first book around the time by friend was told her cancer was terminal and i've just read the sequel , two months after she passed away.
The book has really helped me. I love the characters and they feel real to me at a time when i have lost a friend who was like gold dust in my life(like Georgia Walker),when other 'friends' have let me down. I know the best way to honour my friends memory is to remember her and do the best i can to do the things she would want to do if she was here(charity fund raising,helping people etc)

I can't quite take it what a devistating effect cancer can have on people's lives, but on the flip side of that i'm humbled by their courage in fighting the fight

I hope that Kate Jacobs knows how much her books have helped people

[HelenJames]

Something alike was discussed on the Yahoo! Answers last week, i can share a link if you want some