Monday, August 25, 2008

Fragile


Life is and that's a fact. I hate to be the downer over here in blog land. My shoulders weigh heavy today. I have a friend who is 28 years old. She is like you, like me. Just strolling through life. Happy, healthy. A triathlete. Last September/October she was having some balancing issues. Just an inner ear problem? Some viral infection? NO big deal, this will pass.The symptoms only got worse. An MRI revealed a rare but aggressive type of brain tumor called an brain stem anaplastic astrocytoma . All of the sudden your world comes crashing down. How can this be? How can someone with no history of any disease or disorder, an athlete,28 years old and have this?

Margaret is a fighter. Big time. She is surrounded by the best team of specialists
in the country. She's had the best possible treatment here in Boston and at Duke.I have been trying to support her over these past months, visiting, waiting and watching her fight this so she would get on the Cervelo she bought in the fall but has never gotten to ride.

I'll make it short.
The tumor is growing. The chemo is not working. She is in Durham at DUMC where she goes down to meet with her neuro team of specialists. She was having problems swallowing and now breathing and is in the ICU today.
Please send your prayers and thoughts her way.

13 comments:

kerrie said...

oh that is so unfair and not right!
i will keep her in my thoughts and send some strength her way.

rr said...

Unfair doesn't begin to cover it. I am thinking of Margaret today, praying for a miraculous recovery. Hang in there.

Ange said...

oh my gosh, I am so sorry. My prayers are with you and your friend. Be strong.

TriGirl Kate O said...

She is a lucky woman to have you there to support her. My thoughts and prayers are going out to both of you.

Pedergraham said...

Oh boy. Oh boy. Strong thoughts headed to MA and NC.
-Danielle

Eileen Swanson said...

so sorry to hear that. i am definitely sending my prayers and well wishes her way. you hang in there too...

E

Kellye Mills said...

I am so sorry! Miracles do happen, and so I will pray for one here with your friend.

Mel said...

my prayers are with you Margaret....be strong and keep fighting the fight....e I know how hard this has to be on you too.....hang strong for her OK...I know you will :)

Hugs to BOTH!!!

Cy said...

Elaine- Hang in there girl. This is SO Terrible...and like RR said, Unfair does not even begin to cover it.

We can't try to understand this, that would just drive us nuts...we can only pray that good will come for Margaret.

Steve Stenzel said...

Wow. I'm praying for your friend. I'm wishing her the best!

Amanda Lovato said...

OMG...She is in my thoughts and prayers. I am both shocked adn sad for this young woman...

Jamie said...

My heart just sunk.

Thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated with her progress.

kerri said...

OMG--my stomach just plummeted. WOOOOO. HMMM, really makes you think, wonder just about LIFE. Sending postive mojo.