Tuesday, January 24, 2006~

Dear Maria~

I was so sorry to learn that you have brain cancer!  How awful!! Is there anything I can do for you (besides pray, that is)? You will definitely be in my thoughts as I go about my life!

That picture brings back memories, more than I would like. MRIs ARE a bit confining, and if you are claustrophobic, it can present a challenge. I have had several MRIs in my career as a patient, and it is NOT something I enjoy. Quite a few of my kids have had MRIs too, and it is especially terrifying to those who don't really know what is going on or what is happening to them. This is where I come into the picture, if anything, to try to comfort or reason with them as they go through the tests. I also have had cat-scans, and I have had other medical tests too, and I am very well versed on "the other end of the charts". Not a fun place to be if you are a nurse, like I am! :(

But there have been so many incredible advances in the treatment of cancer, including brain cancer. It is key to catch it as early as possible for the best chance of beating it, and earlly treatment is vital in the chances of surviving it. I know I lost my dear mother to brain cancer, and I also lost another friend to it, but by the time they were diagnosed, it was too late, and unfortunately, they did NOT make it. But you are young and strong, and if I know you, you have the spirit of a warrior, and I believe with all my heart and soul that you will beat this brain cancer. Sure, there will be many dark, uncertain days ahead for you, but as I said earlier, you will be in my prayers, and I will have my church family praying hard for you and your recovery.

Chere', please don't give up hope! I hate to hear that you are ready to give up! Life can't be THAT bad to where you would want to do so! I have had many trials myself, both as a nurse and a mother, and even though some of the trials were the worst possible that a person could experience, this was when I turned to God and also my family, and in time, this is what got me through it. Sure, it wasn't easy to see some of my kids fighting for their very lives, or seeing my elderly father close to death in the ICU, or seeing my beloved maman dying in front of me, but ALL people go through hard times like this, and this is when you have to have faith and BELIEVE that things ARE going to get better! I also have the option of relying on a Higher Power, in the form of my Lord and Saviour, and He has blessed me time and time again. I know you may not believe in Him (and you DO have that right!), but He has helped ME in my time of need, and it wouldn't hurt to call upon him, as you are struggling so! There IS a way, and there IS hope in situations like yours!

Well, dear, I will let you go. Just think about what I have said to you, and know that you are not far from my mind or my heart! God bless you, and please keep in touch in the course of your treatments! If you don't write right away, I can duly understand, and I will be looking forward to hearing from you when you ARE able to write back!

I love you with all my heart and soul! God bless you, and may He bring you comfort and peace during this scary time in your life!

(((HUGS)))

Your friend in Tennessee, Louie May Sandusky. :( >tears<