Comments for My Fight with Breast Cancer

Comment on Regarding My Beautiful Wife by jensloan

jensloan — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:25:08 +0000

I know this message may be extremely late, but I'd still like to extend my condolences for your loss. Your wife seems like such a trooper considering that she was going through so much because of her breast cancer. The love overflowing from this blog post has moved me. You're brave to still continue working on her words after she has passed. I probably won't be able to do it if I were in your shoes. - http://dailyhealthinformation.blogspot.com/

Comment on Regarding My Beautiful Wife by bambie

bambie — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 23:04:14 +0000

Michael, I have just spent the whole afternoon reading Karen’s blog and I have never laughed or cried as much as I did today. I have been diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer and every emotion, highs and lows, hot flashes, MRI scans, CT scans that Karen has described, I am now going through. She was an amazing women with a gift which will not be forgotten. I think this blog is amazing and I hope one of these days you will publish her other posts, I know there are many people out there wanting to read more. I know you must miss her terribly, I never knew her and I miss her! Sending prayers and best wishes to you and your family.

Comment on Regarding My Beautiful Wife by Loreo31

Loreo31 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 02:53:42 +0000

Dear Michael,

I came across Karen’s blog today as I was researching delayed diagnosis of breast cancer. I have a mass that the radiologist has assessed as “probably benign” and recommended another US in 6 months. It is a fairly large mass with irregular borders. My doctor won’t order a biopsy without the radiologist recommendation.

After reading Karen’s blog – I am going to insist on a biopsy immediately. Her words really touched me and I was so hoping for her to be one of the three to make it. I am so sorry that she didn’t.

She has left a legacy in her story that we have to be advocates of our own health to ensure a future. I feel that I know her and that I stumbled on to her story for a reason.

God bless you and your family Michael.

Comment on Regarding My Beautiful Wife by Pat James Hanz

Pat James Hanz — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:37:07 +0000

PS I have a blog, too, at http://phanz.wordpress.com It helps a lot to write.

Comment on Regarding My Beautiful Wife by Pat James Hanz

Pat James Hanz — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:36:29 +0000

I am not sure if you are checking back here now and hope that you are living a full life now. I stumbled upon this account and am very thankful that Karen took the time to write. Her descriptions make me feel less alone. I am fortunate as I have stage 1 breast cancer with HER2 complications, but have a good prognosis. I found the lump myself and pushed the medical institution to hurry and get me in and into treatment. I had a faulty initial diagnosis, too. The huge lesson is that it is our health and, therefore, ours to advocate LOUDLY! It is always good to remember that every life leaves its imprint an has value to those that follow. Thank you.

Comment on Regarding My Beautiful Wife by jillianstaats

jillianstaats — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:36:12 +0000

Dear Michael-
I am an intern at Breast Cancer Network of Strength. I came across Karen’s blog while doing some research for the company.
I was instantly hooked by her humor! I found myself laughing out loud, and nervously grasping the edge of my seat as I read her candid descriptions of tests, doctors, and treatments. I found myself abandoning work to read this blog, feeling more and more that if I ever got the chance to meet this charming gal we would be instant friends. 10 minutes ago when I finally reached the end of her posts, I burst into tears.

I am only 21 years old, and until reading her story not even working for this organization taught me what it truly means to live with breast cancer. I was hypnotized to learn what it is REALLY LIKE to have chemotherapy. She answered questions I never had the nerve to ask survivors.

I think of Karen on a daily basis–while strolling through Target, walking my own dog. At first she terrified me- because she is so strong, and I doubt I could face the decisions she made in the same way.
Last week for the first time I had a doctor teach me how to do a self breast exam. I imagined her cracking a joke as my doctor’s cold hands felt around, and wished i was as witty.
I just wanted you to know that she has touched my life.

Sincerely,
Jillian.

Comment on Regarding My Beautiful Wife by Anthony

Anthony — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:48:56 +0000

Thank you for sharing this tragic news with us. I am so sorry. No one should ever have to lose a loved one to breast cancer. I hope to read Karen’s other posts, but I also hope to hear from you. Your experience would be invaluable to other men in the same situation. That’s part of what I want to do with MenForaCause.org – to provide support and community for men in this difficult situation. If you would ever be interested in sharing with our community, please contact me. My thoughts are with you and your family. Karen was an amazing woman.

Sincerely,
Anthony

Comment on Hi Mom and Dad! I have breast cancer! by hiphopqtx2

hiphopqtx2 — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:47:45 +0000

I have not personally experienced breast cancer because I am only a teenager, but my grandmother unfortunatly has it. She had the surgery to get her whole breast off instead of going through radiation. When she told me the news about her cancer, I know it must have been difficult. Telling someone you love that you have breast cancer is similar to telling you father that you have just took his Beamer for a joy ride and crashed it. Although cancer is a way more serious topic, they are both heart breaking. I feel as if you handled it in a good way; quick, easy, and straight to the point.

Comment on Regarding My Beautiful Wife by jenchele

jenchele — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 19:11:24 +0000

Michael, I am so very, very sorry. You probably don’t remember me, but I met you when we were young careerists in dallas in 2006. I have been following Karen’s blog ever since and always kept checking back. It broke my heart when I found your post. I didn’t know her, but how I wish I had. She was an amazing woman and you all were blessed to have her in your lives. She will be missed.
Michele Alvarez

Comment on Regarding My Beautiful Wife by morganne

morganne — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:24:44 +0000

Dear Michael,
I am so very sorry. I didn’t know Karen and I don’t know you, however from reading her blog it was very clear how much she loved you.
Thank you for this latest post, which must have been so difficult for you to write. I really appreciate that you will continue to post the rest of Karen’s words. I think Karen’s blog is the best one I’ve ever read. I can’t explain how much her words mean to me and how much I appreciate her sense of humour, her honesty, and her wonderful writing.
Thank you for the song too. It’s such a beautiful song and I will play it over & over and even though it makes me cry cause it reminds me of the terrible loss of Karen, a truly amazing person, it also makes me smile.
kindest regards,
Morganne

Comment on “The Dreaded Look”, Post #1 by elesha

elesha — Mon, 18 May 2009 09:28:24 +0000

This is to karens husband. I hope your days are getting better with time. It must be so hard to lose the love of your life. Please when your ready could you upload her last journal entrys I would like to read some more of her words
Elesha

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by Terreah

Terreah — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:33:36 +0000

What I would like to say is ……Karen is very much alive in the hearts and minds of the many people(s) lives she continues to touch even today. She is …..still being read by so many who she continues to help……ME. I had not known of her passing and wrote her only to hear from others she has gone through onto Heaven’s Gate. What an angel !

This is such a “blessing” to have this gifted writer be able to have written her personal journey and share it with others. She continues to give the gift by continuing to ‘give’ of herself, her wit, her courage and her fight.

I hope we will be able to continue to access Karen’s blog as this website as it has helped immeasurably many and continues to be so helpful even today. God Bless the Family who lost their angel ….they will meet again. Love and Prayers.

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by trina

trina — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 22:04:16 +0000

I, too, am sorry to hear of the loss of this woman. Very sorry to hear it. I just learned that my sister has Level 3?? Breast cancer. I learned today. Hearing this lady’s journey was helpful and uplifting. I didn’t expect to hear she passed. The same as I didn’t expect to hear that my sister’s test was positive. Please, pray for us.

God bless all that enter this site.

Comment on “The Dreaded Look”, Post #1 by Marmarcia

Marmarcia — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 01:55:37 +0000

I think your journal is incredible. Every bit of information, every story shared is so important. During my breast cancer journey, I committed that when I survived, I would build a web library to help people organize all the information they find on the web. It’s great there is so much information – but it’s also overwhelming! So, my site is free, and I’ve created sections where you can save information on cancer. In the TAG box enter breastcancer and you’ll find websites. Also you can save sites there so others can more easily find them. Take a look. Thanks for helping me make my promise come true! Go to http://www.LinkShelves.com for more.

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by tasha

tasha — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 06:24:50 +0000

Though I didn’t know her, I too was a reader of Karen’s blog, found it through a breast cancer site for younger women (yes, I have cancer as well) – and was saddened to hear that she passed away last August. Here’s some info from her husband, on their real estate blog: activerain.com/blogs/azmortgagelady

So sad, what a great loss. Such an inspiration to so many. Rest in peace, Karen…..

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by elesha

elesha — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:27:33 +0000

I just want to say i found your post over a yr ago and can not say how amazed i am by you. You are so funny and you just writte so well. But please can you send an update. its been so long. Im worried.
Elesha

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by tasha

tasha — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 03:54:01 +0000

Not sure if the sad news is somewhere on this site, but I found Karen’s blog via the youngsurvival.org website (for young women with breast cancer – yes, I too am a member of that “club”, sadly), where it was noted that Karen passed away in August of 2008. Here’s a lovely tribute to her on another site: http://activerain.com/blogsview/657929/Karen-George-Goodbye-to

I too am heartbroken at the news. I never knew Karen, but felt like I had, in some small way, from reading her blog. Karen, you are missed by people you touched even though you never techically “met” them. My thoughts and prayers are with Karen’s family…..

Comment on Mastectomy Vs. Lumpectomy by birdlady

birdlady — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:51:56 +0000

Hi, there. Just found your blog tonight. This particular entry could be desribing me yesterday. Luckily, my husband was there with me in the surgeon’s office, so he heard what was said after the “C” word ’cause I didn’t hear much. I’m scared to death, but being able to get encouragement from women like you is wonderful. I’m looking forward to reading more and will order some of your excellent bracelets soon!

Comment on “The Dreaded Look”, Post #1 by katycox

katycox — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:06:27 +0000

I read your journal with great interest as I, too, had a similar journey. At every stop along the way (CT scans, bone scans, MRI’s, etc) everyone kept saying it was nothing.; After a bone marrow biopsy revealed breast cancer cells in the marrow it was finally diagnosed as stage 4 breast cancer. You search your past for clues and there are none. Was there something that I should have done or shouldn’t have done? I don’t think so. Everyone says fight hard, but how? I am taking the meds but they tell me this disease has a fatal outcome. I decided to keep on with my life as I once knew it and wait and see. Good luck to you. Katy Johnson

Comment on Hi Mom and Dad! I have breast cancer! by naturallyopinionated

naturallyopinionated — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:52:29 +0000

Oh, this brought back such sad memories of when I told my folks about my diagnosis (stage IV breast cancer) just 7 months ago. It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. So few people talk about these things – thank you for sharing your experience. I felt a sisterhood with you when I read your blog.

Hugs,
Lori
http://www.lorimoon.com

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by naturallyopinionated

naturallyopinionated — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:43:36 +0000

What beautiful story! It is true that people can be so compassionate and kind that it is absolutely stunning in its scope. I also am battling stage IV breast cancer – just learned about it this past April – and am finding my way through this perilous time with the help of great family and friends, and deep faith in God. I have said a prayer for you and will be following your blog with great interest. Take care.

Blessings,
Lori
http://www.lorimoon.com

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by triplecat3

triplecat3 — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:43:09 +0000

Karen,
It is a gorgeous day in San Diego, 75 degrees, sunny, light breeze and all of it…but despite these first rate weather conditions, I spent the the last 4 hours indoors reading your entire blog from start to finish, or at least to the latest entry. I am inspired by your courage, amazed by your stamina, and completely bowled over by your accute sense of wit and humour throughout your experiences. I really think you should carry this blog into a book. People NEED to read it, whether they are battling cancer, dealing with the anxiety of a diagnosis, or supporting a friend or family member. I will be looking for you on Oprah, Ellen and the like. Really Karen, I will keep reading, and if you publish, I will be one of the first in line to have my book signed.
Keep writing, and thank you for sharing,
Jen

Comment on “The Dreaded Look”, Post #1 by Ameliorate

Ameliorate — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 22:37:06 +0000

Thank you for sharing your struggles. Feel free to visit http://www.jungleroses.blogspot.com to hear another women’s story in her fight with stage 4 breast cancer.

Comment on The Biopsy by MaryLyn

MaryLyn — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 18:10:30 +0000

Karen- We have found a way to make a difference in Ludington, Michigan. When I read that your brother was in Michigan I wanted to email you. Plus, one of the woman in our group is from AZ originally.

Anyways…we’ve started something called PINK CHRISTMAS and we are turning the town pink for Christmas starting Nov. 15th….You may want to visit the web site and see the project for yourself this week at http://www.pinkchristmas.org The site will be live by the weekend. We want to lift woman up, inspire them and show them that we care- especially at Christmas! All our best….ML

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by Nothing_Fades

Nothing_Fades — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:26:53 +0000

Wow. This entry just brought me to tears.

I just started reading the archives of your blog and I have to say how much I admire your courage but more more importantly your honesty in sharing this struggle. Thank you.

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by cgg61

cgg61 — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:15:44 +0000

Sweet Karen,
With your infectious smile and contagious laugh, you easily make friends wherever you go. Being your friend, I’ve witnessed this to be true on many occasions. Whether it was at a Blackjack table (what memories), at a restaurant in Sedona or, my favorite place, that rinky dink dive of a bar you dragged me to (twice no doubt…because once wasn’t enough) where we signed a dollar bill “Thelma & Louise” and hung it on their wall of money, YOU made friends at every single place. What amazes me is that I know there were days you did not feel well, but you courageously carried on and NEVER complained – not once! I LOVE your sense of humor, I have so much ADMIRATION for you and your strength is a true INSPIRATION to the many women who face the daily challenges of this awful illness. How fortunate they are to read about your experiences and know they are not alone.

So, the fact that you made another friend while walking your dogs is no surprise, it’s just YOU doing what you do best!

I LOVE YOU with all my heart and I’ll see you on the 23rd!

Your Gambling Buddy, Rosemarie

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by horsepower280

horsepower280 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 19:45:41 +0000

Hello Karen,
My daughter who is 44 has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and had both breast removed. She is now waiting for reconstruction and then she’ll start chemo. I wanted to thank you for going to the trouble to put all this on a blog because I have learned more from your site than any others I’ve visited. I’ve laughed, cried, laughed some more but I’ve learned an awful lot about what she’ll be going through in the month ahead (Red Devil chemo). Thank you love for sharing that with the world and educating the ones who have never been through it.. I’ll have to work this weekend because I’ve spent ALL DAY reading this… I just couldn’t stop!!! I love your attitude, the fight and will to keep going on. God Bless You and thanks again for sharing the good, bad and the ugly.

Mary

PS: Your family seems wonderful too!

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by jobi75

jobi75 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:38:04 +0000

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by jobi75

jobi75 — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 06:34:49 +0000

Karen,
I was pleasantly surprised to read your last blog. I stumbled upon your blog earlier this year when one of my best friends was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I sat and read your whole blog that entire evening. To be honest I was so disturbed by what you went through, but as the time went on I felt better in knowing all the things that she would be going through. Thanks for posting your experiences, it has truly helped. I am also glad that you posted again, as i kept checking up on your progress. Your strength, as hers is inspiring. Please do not give up! Always believe and you will get through it!
As for the immigrant workers story.. I was so touched by it! I agreed with everything you said, and I only wish the rest of the country would help and welcome the hard working and tired, much as most americans were when they themselves immigrated to this country years and years ago. And while there is good and bad in everyone we are all human beings and deserve a chance to live a better life. I can only picture him saying those kind words to you…it brings tears to my eyes!
May you too live a better and healthier life. I do hope you are not sick again..but if you are hang on!!! The world needs more people like you

thank you,
Joanna

Comment on “The Dreaded Look”, Post #1 by pligg.com

pligg.com — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 19:30:36 +0000

Fighting Breast Cancer: My Fight with Stage IV Cancer

The “Fighting Breast Cancer” Blog: Most blogs put the “most recent” entry at the top of the page. Fighting Breast Cancer blog starts with first doctor’s visit.

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by renee73

renee73 — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:58:29 +0000

Hi Karen,

I’ve been reading your blog now for about a year now. Glad to see you are posting again. Love your words of wisdom and strength. Reading your post today brought tears to my eyes. What an absolutely kind gesture. Thanks for sharing your story.

Hugs,
Renee

Comment on The Kindness of Strangers by cathy livingston

cathy livingston — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 22:23:21 +0000

Karen,

So nice to see your posting. I always enjoy reading your entries from your journal. You always have something positive to say and never complain about the challenges you have been faced with. You amaze me with the strength that you display and your care & concern for others. You are a true fighter no wonder your website is “fighting-breast-cancer”. You are a true fighter that never gives up. Keep your positive attitude! I believe in you and always have. You are in prayers daily. Love Ya! Your Cousin, Cathy

Comment on “The Dreaded Look”, Post #1 by carmen

carmen — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 00:38:53 +0000

Sept 11/07

Hello Karen and Michael,

Was googling trying to find the logo for Breast Cancer to make posters to decorate our golf carts for a Breast Cancer golf tournament coming up this friday and came upon your blog.Wow… unbeleivable.Quite a trip for you all ! But you know Karen, I don’t even know you…(curious…what sign are you ?) but after reading all this I feel like I do ! ! Life is about choices ! You either choose to fight…or choose to give up. You are definetly a fighter !
You go girl ! My thoughts will be with you this friday, and I will tell all my girlfriends to look up your blog.
Good Luck….stay strong ,
all my best ,

Carmen Saumure
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Comment on Girls Gone Wild- Mayo Clinic Style by artgirl

artgirl — Sun, 09 Sep 2007 11:36:12 +0000

you are freaking awesome. i have to stop reading to laugh, cry, and empathize with various insanity. what an amazing blog. artgirl

Comment on The Red Devil: Adriamycin Chemo by Karen the Survivor

Karen the Survivor — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 20:51:48 +0000

Hello Becky~

I’m so sorry that you went through this with your mother. It is a horrible disease; no woman should have to go through this.

I am doing very well. I am enjoying remission and I am working on updating my blog.

Please keep checking back!

Comment on More Visits From Family Members by AMANDAMAGEE

AMANDAMAGEE — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 04:42:25 +0000

I AM GONNA REMEMBER THESE GIFTS THAT AUNT DENISE GOT YOU… WE FIND OUT THURSDAY… IF SHE NEEDS CHEMO

Comment on I’m in Agony by AMANDAMAGEE

AMANDAMAGEE — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 04:34:13 +0000

I HAVE ENJOYED YOUR SITE A GREAT DEAL! MY MOTHER IN LAW JUST HAD HER LEFT REMOVED FRIDAY. SHE IS ALREADY HOME AND DOING GREAT. I HAVE TO HONESTLY SAY… I HAVE NEVER FELT SO CLOSE TO HER. SHE IS AN UNREAL WOMAN! I AM SO PROUD OF HER!

I AM SORRY YOUR GOING THRU SUCH PAIN! I WISH THEY HAD SOMETHING FOR YOU ALL GOING THRU THIS!

Comment on “The Dreaded Look”, Post #1 by mike.d

mike.d — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 09:01:28 +0000

I was delighted to come across this wonderful Blog. Thank you for putting it together. I wish you health, wellness and the very best in your fight.

Just thought I’d share a recent discovery with you at UC Berkeley that you and some of your readers may find useful. Scientists at Cal have recently discovered that Diindolylmethane from Brassica vegetables is a potent activator of the immune system with very potent anti-cancer properties.

More information about this breakthrough discovery is available at:

http://www.diindolylmethane.org/

http://www.activamune.com/

Comment on The Red Devil: Adriamycin Chemo by Becky

Becky — Sun, 01 Oct 2006 03:15:23 +0000

Karen,
This has been a long time ago since you put your last message on. I hope you are ok. My mother died of cancer and I went through all of these things with her. I just wanted to tell you how brave you are. If you are still around, good luck in the future. If you aren’t, you are in a better place.

Comment on Fate Intervenes with My Cancer by jmaastew

jmaastew — Sun, 03 Sep 2006 19:58:51 +0000

You are amazing! I am laughing and crying all the way through this. I don’t even have breast cancer, but I suspect I will, considering that I am exactly like your husband.. (as far as being hypochondriacally paranoid with the internet to back me) I have all the facts at my fingertips and I’m sure that since my maternal Grandma and a few of my Aunts have been diagnosed with cancer.. and I am sooooo unhealthy (i.e. fast food, seriously overweight..etc) that I will probably contract it because the odds aren’t good anyway and I only make it worse by the choices I make.. nevertheless.. I was commenting on you, so I’ll get back to that. You are such a good writer, that I could actually tell when you were all lighthearted and mostly cheery and then when it sunk in that something serious might be going on. Very interesting. I am continuing to read now. Michele