hollie

Hopeandgrace,
Thank you for checking in to say hi and also for thinking of my Aunt Sopihie.
Marion, Lainy, Kris, Joyce, and Darla,
Thank you for reaching out and sending so many well wishes and good thoughts. When I found this today I was very touched that so many people out there are so caring. I called my Aunt right away to read her all the kind words you all wrote. She started to cry and was emotional as this process has been quite hard on her and everyone. You can all relate to this awful cancer and we are both so grateful for all the support. She is unable to sit at the computer to respond so I am sending her love and gratitude. Her humor and strength has not been the same for some time now. It is so hard to see her slowly suffer with the symptoms. At this time I would say the ascites and abdominal pain is the hardest part. She does get drained every Tuesday, but only gets a bit of relief and it is short lived.
This time last year we thought that would have been her last Thanksgiving and were praying she would make it to see her first grandbaby. Anna, was born in January and now making it to the first birthday is in reach. I wish there was some way someone could comfort her and ease some of the suffering. Just barely getting by day to day seems so unfair. Well, thank you all for being out there. I know heartfelt concern is a click away. You are all the best. I am looking forward to my time over Thanksgiving and will write when I return. Take care and God Bless You! Love, Hollie

Lisa,
I am so sorry to hear you are not feeling well. You sure have been through a lot this past month. Hang in there and prayers coming for strength and better days. Bet the Fall colors sure look beautiful where you live. It is cold here and even snowed yesterday. Love, Hollie

Lisa,
I have been thinking and praying for you! I am so relieved to hear you are home and recovering. Stay strong and keep that positive attitude. You are such a trooper and will get through this. What a blessing your Mother is there to help you recover. Hang in there Lisa. Hollie

Hello to you all,
I thought I would write because I have not seen any posts from my Aunt Sophie lately. Her sister, my Mom, has come from Iowa to be with her at this time. It is such a good thing to have someone there all the time to be with her. At this time the avastin has not proven to be much help. We are still hoping that changes soon because the ascites is quite bad. I am driving to be with her this Memorial weekend and then she and my Mom may come up here for two weeks. That of course involves getting approval from the insurance for a drain up here. It would be just great if we could get her up here again. She so loves the mountains. She is spending time with Sarah and that adorable Grandbaby Anna this week too. Safe travels to you all if you are traveling this weekend. I will be traveling about 950 miles this weekend. Love and prayers for you all, Hollie

Irene,
Been thinking of you and wondering how it went. Thanks for the report and so happy things are looking ok. I know you will see your 45th birthday and many good days ahead.
I agree about not being alone in this battle.. People are amazing here on this site….Take care of yourself Irene. Love, Hollie

Hi…I love it. OUr Eternal life with the lord is such a mystery. I really enjoyed reading your post. Hollie

Hi everyone,

I have read and re read all your posts to myself and my Aunt Sophie. She is so touched and says thank you to each one of you for your concern and support. At this time the medicine is still not approved and she is still waiting. I am praying it is approved because if it is not she will not fight the battle with chemo any longer. THe treatments have already stopped but she would consider more treatments if there was something to do for the ascites. She will be drained again on Tues.
For now we are jsut winging it as far as who is with her and where she will be. Her daughter and little grand daughter are there now so that gives me much comfort. They will leave on Sunday and then my sister is going down for a visit and I am hoping my AUnt will come up here to stay in Truckee again for a month or so. SHe has two beloved pets that need new homes so it is hard all the way around.
Just thought I would touch base and say Hi. We have six feet of fresh snow to play in here in Truckee. My kids have been out on snow days all week and it is beautiful but a lot of snow to deal with. I will be in touch as soon as we hear something on the avastan.
Jeff, she has been trying the ibuprofin and we will see if it helps. When she goes to see her doctor next she should mention the steroids. Also thanks for the nice words on me being a good niece..My Aunt has been so suportive and amazing to me that I feel more like she is my Mom. We really have a great relationship and she is also super close with my two kids Ben and KAte (9 and kate is 7)…Hope you all had a nice day and will have many more to come. Love, Hollie