MelanieLR Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Hi all, I know, I'm so bad for not posting for so long. Quite frankly, I'm rather surprised to still be here. I stopped all treatment & went on hospice some time ago now (when I last posted). I have some good days & some bad. It's really a strange feeling though when you have a new or more intense pain & wonder if this is the one that will do you in. I want you all to know that I still do my daily 5's. Pretty cool that even at this point, I can still find 5 new things every day that I'm thankful for. I wanted you all to know that during my "good" times, I've been rather busy. I'm setting up a foundation to help educate people on the dangers of this sneaky disease. How it hides from the tests & imitates other things (especially for women who may be nearing menopause). The foundation will also ultimately (hopefully) be able to help people in my position. I recently found out that I'm hanging on too long for my own good. On October 6th. I'm going to be fired from my job because the time I've been on disability will be longer than the length of service. At that point, I will lose all of my benefits & most of my income (as well as my life insurance - gee, you think anyone else will insure me now?). I am teaching my husband how to set up fund raisers & benefit events. I did many of these in my healthy days. He is finding it a great comfort knowing that he will carry on the foundation for me when I pass. My sister & several other relatives & friends have already jumped on the bandwagon. The main hurdle at this point is to get the fund raisers rolling & donations rolling in so that the public education can begin. (If anyone out there is looking for a tax write-off, please let me know!) Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know that I'm hanging in there & what I've been up to. I think the strangest part of all of this is that even in death, I am still educating & working my tail off all the while wondering if this is my last day. I want you all to know that you are all in my daily prayers & that I miss you. Hugs & prayers, Melanie The Melanie Russ Lung Cancer Foundation Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Hey Melanie! Glad to see you looking so well! Still doing your fives, how wonderful! As for living too long for your own good, set your OWN schedule, don't let others set one for you. Stick around and share some sunshine, we miss you! xxoo, Becky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kel M Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Melanie, What an amazing legacy you're developing with a foundation that will help educate people about lung cancer. I am completely overwhelmed with your ability to give back in this way, and at this time in your life. Such strength!!! Sending many, many positive thoughts and prayers your way for lots more "good days". Kel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patkid Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Melanie, We miss you!! Thank you for the gift of your post. You are amazing and we stand in awe of your spirit in respect for your soul. Love Pat and Brian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Here's a "5" in honor of you, Melanie: 1) your post to us today 2) you are having some good days 3) your foundation will benefit many in times to come 4) we all are in your prayers 5) you still come up with your "5's" - maybe post them for us once in a while when you can Thougts, prayers, support, and love, Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilliBr1 Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Ditto to what everyone else has said. I'm sure it is your positive attitude that keeps you going. Prayers for you and your husband. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cindi o'h Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 MelanieLR, Great to see you posting again! We sure have been missing you around here! love, Cindi o'h Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ry Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 The foundation is a wonderful thing for you to do. I am glad you are hanging in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Treebywater Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 I Don't know of many people or posts I have been moved by more. What a gift you are, and will continue to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ann Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Melanie...it is so very good to hear from you ! I just think it is wonderful that you are working on the foundation and keeping yourself busy. I also think it is terrible that the "system" can just fire people because they are sick and have been out of work for too long. Have you contacted social security regarding disability? I understand that they will often run a case right through in a case like yours. It's just amazing how you are doing so much to spread the word about cancer and thinking so much of others!!! God bless!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bunny Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 you're an amazing woman. thanks for your post, I hope you continue to have good days. xoxo amie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fay A. Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Melanie, Seems to me that a call to the press would be in order. They can interview you to promote your Foundation, and to publicly out your employers for being...themselves. I am glad to know the sun still shines upon you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doughnut Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 I can't remember ever having felt so humbled. Your strength and selflessness is just incredible. Dee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K and Kids Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 I can't think of anything else to say except "You are amazing!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MelanieLR Posted June 28, 2005 Author Share Posted June 28, 2005 You all just amaze me. I don't feel like I'm doing anything that extraordinary. Just what I would have normally have done BC (before cancer). Just to give you a little extra, I'll post my 5's today for old time sake. Hugs & prayers, Melanie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Wood Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Melanie, how beautiful you are! So good to see your posting. My prayers are with you. Don Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.C. Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Melanie, I admire you. Hope you will be with us for many more posts. Love J.C. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAnn Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Melanie, It was so good to hear from you. Glad you are still here and thinking of all of us. You are a true inspiration, going the extra mile for future victims of this disease. I hope running your foundation will be a comfort and inspiration to your husband, family and friends. Thank you. TAnn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiny Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 My 5 for the day: 1. Melanie 2. The Melanie Russ Lung Cancer Foundation 3. Melanie's husband 4. Melanie's extended family 5. Melanie's Hospice program Take heart and take care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elaine Posted June 28, 2005 Share Posted June 28, 2005 Melanie You are such a joy. It is clear that you have been blessed. I, for one am very interested in your foundation as I, too, had missed dx (and then a mis-dx-- the year of missed dx was due to ignorance on the part of the doctors. I don't mean ignorance as in being a horrible word, but rather them not knowing and not being curious enough to find out. Much of it was chalked up to menopause--even though I hadn't had a period for nearly two years when my symotoms started. Let me know if I can help in any way. love and fortitude elaine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gail p-m Posted June 29, 2005 Share Posted June 29, 2005 Melanie I don't know what else to add to what all the others have said. You are amazing, simply amazing. Prayers for many good days together for you and your husband. Gail p-m Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenl Posted June 29, 2005 Share Posted June 29, 2005 HI Melanie! Good to see you, and glad to hear that you are hanging in there! Your foundation sounds wonderful - congratulations, and a very BIG thank you!! Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Haylee_38 Posted June 29, 2005 Share Posted June 29, 2005 Melanie, Was glad to see your post. I echo everyone else in saying you are so amazing. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Haylee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nushka Posted June 29, 2005 Share Posted June 29, 2005 Melaine, You are a wonder to behold. I think it is wonderful that you are doing all that you are doing, much less doing it under your circumstances. Can't wait to read your five for today. It is so very good to see you post. Keep in touch as you have time. Nina PS. Always in my prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don M Posted June 29, 2005 Share Posted June 29, 2005 Melanie: it was nice to see your post. I am glad you are able to stay busy with your foundation and admire your for it. I don't know that I could be that way. Don M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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