[Feeling Wonderful Part II]

MO, what great, great news! Congratulations and I hope you find lots of fun ways to celebrate.

BeckyCW

[Mesothelioma]

I know a man who is a LONG-term survivor of mesothelioma. Granted, he is constantly fighting the disease, and he has been at death's door a number of times, but Spencer is living proof that the disease CAN be beat for many, many years. (Last I heard, Spencer was still giving folks a run for their money on the golf course.)

It's not a good diagnosis to have. But I believe this is also what Stephen Jaye Gould had, and he wrote an incredible essay on cancer and statistics -- He also lived a long time (20 years?) and died of something else.

Spencer is a wonderful guy who has helped the organization I work for to raise money for childhood cancer research, because he saw a lot of kids in the hospital -- and just because he has the biggest heart you can imagine. If you're still looking for people with this disease, I will contact Spencer and see if he can talk or email with you or your friend. I see it's been a long time since you posted this; how is your friend doing?

Becky

[now my dad has lung cancer too.]

Oh, Shelly, I'm numb just reading your post. I can't imagine how you feel right now, I'm sure your message conveys only a hint of the pain you must be going through. My prayers are with you to be strong and help your dad fight this, with him to have strength and great faith, and with his doctors to have the wisdom to do what helps the most. Hugs,

Becky

[Intro from BeckyCW]

Rochelle, you have no idea. I'm not sure goof-ball is quite the word, but... Hey, I have a fundraising idea! David, how much would you pay me not to tell stories of your childhood (and teen and young adult) escapades online here? (JUST kidding) I promise never to mention that time your friends brought you home after your first (and I'm sure last) party involving too much alcohol, or that time... oh wait. I'm ruining our chances of raising big bucks, here.

Anyway, thanks for the great welcome, everyone. And Snowflake, I love your John Wayne quote.

Becky

[Emergency room.]

Clear scans -- and you didn't even have to wait till Feb. 3rd! Music to our ears!

BeckyCW

[Intro from BeckyCW]

Now that I've already posted once (tonight - Update on David C.), guess I'd better introduce myself. I am David C's big (or should I say older) sister, Becky. Also sister-in-law to Karen and proud aunt to Faith.

Since I was already 8 when David was born, I remember what fun it was to have a baby brother and to watch him grow up. Well, mostly it was fun -- He WAS a noisy little thing. But then he grew up to be an incredible musician, so even the noises were worth it. He played his trumpet for my wedding march, and I wouldn't trade that memory for the world! I'll also never forget the look on my then-fiance's face when he heard David play for the first time at the rehearsal -- Shock and awe. (One of my first "I told you so" moments - ha!)

Anyway, David's diagnosis last March was such a blow, needless to say. He's my LITTLE BROTHER, for God's sake. Nothing is ever supposed to happen to him! (Nothing like this should ever happen to anyone.) Besides that, he and Karen had just brought Faith (and so much joy!) into our family a few months earlier. (Isn't she the cutest, most precious little girl?! Recovering well from her own recent surgery -- GO FAITH!)

David told me about this website and I have spent quite a bit of time reading various threads of posts, and I can see that you are an incredible group of people. There is really a lot of love, support, knowledge and life here.

For 6 1/2 years now, I've worked for the National Childhood Cancer Foundation, raising money for childhood cancer research. In the past I've also worked for the John Wayne Cancer Institute (twice) and for several other nonprofits since I've been at this kind of work since 1979. Anyway, research to cure cancer has been a big part of my life for over 15 years now. I have been fortunate enough to see a lot of progress over these years, but of course not enough. Until there is a cure for everyone, it's not enough.

I'm married to Wayne, we have no children (so I'm even more of a doting aunt), and we have one cat (Allie). We live in a small town near L.A. I saw a post from someone else who said she was ashamed to admit it but she loves living here... I do, too! We absolutely love it -- The only bad thing is being so far away from family -- especially now. In any case, I have volunteered my services in any way they are needed (fundraising/ non-profit management), and I'm looking forward to meeting KatieB this week when she's here.

Guess this will do for an introduction. Thank you all so much for being here for each other!

[David C update]

Hi, I'll introduce myself later, but this is David C's big sister. David went to the emergency room today, and I spoke to him and Karen a little while ago. They wanted me to let everyone know that it looks like he's okay, "just" bronchitis, and they're just waiting for someone to look at his CT scans before sending him home. They'll post something when they get home, I'm sure. Thanks, everybody, for caring so much!

Becky

Sister of David C. from Aylett (Richmond, VA)