Need some big prayers and positivity

[lorigaud]

Kelly, my best friend of 53 years (we've literally known each other since we were 5) was diagnosed with brain cancer nearly 2 weeks ago, and the tests came back a few days ago so she now knows that she's dealing with a glioblastoma - literally the nastiest, most aggressive form of brain cancer there is. This is awful enough on its own, but it's coming on the heels of the death of her dad a few months ago. Kelly and her sister had spent the last several years taking care of him as he deteriorated from Parkinson's disease. Kelly's sister Kim was living with him as his primary caregiver, although Kelly lives just around the corner and helped out daily. I'm incredibly worried about both of them and completely heartbroken as they gear up to fight this cancer battle as best they can. Neither of them ever married, and they are each other's greatest support.

Kelly has her first meeting with the oncologist on Wednesday. My sister (a retired ER nurse) is going with them to help navigate whatever the doctor tells them.

If you're inclined to pray, please hold Kelly and Kim in your thoughts. I'm trying my best to stay positive but it's so hard. Cancer just sucks.

[MamaBee]

Oh no... I'm sorry - Lifting her and your families up in prayers!

[KristinCB]

I'm so sorry to hear this Lori. That has to be so hard. Especially to have a friend as long as you have, wow. So good that you have a sister with the knowledge and ability to go to the appt.

[Scrap-therapy]

I just see your message Lori and I feel so sorry to read this. Cancer really sucks.
Your friend Kelly and her sister Kim are in my prayers and my thoughts. I will pray for you too. Lots of courage and love in this difficult moment.<3

[HeyJude]

That is devastating, Lori. Maybe the Dr's appt. can bring them some hope with the treatment plan. She is lucky to have a life-long friend like you for support, as well as her sister. Sending lots of positive vibes your way.

[amyjcaz]

My son rides a motorcycle and he had CANCER SUCKS embroidered onto his riding jacket... it totally does and I am so so sorry to hear about your friend. We are a praying family and will remember her!

[tjscraps]

That is such hard news - sending my thoughts & prayers

[lorigaud]

Thank you all. We live close.... like walking distance, so I told her that she might get sick of seeing me, but she's going to have to deal with it. Tomorrow I'm bringing Girl Scout cookies. Tracey M gave me some great advice about not being the crying friend. I am embracing that and will continue to do my best to keep Kelly in a positive mindset. Thankfully I have a ton of support that I can lean on too. I'm sure we're all going to need it.

[nietis]

How devastating
Lifting you and your friends in my prayers, Lori. Biggest hugs to you.

[AmieN1]

Big hugs! That's so nice that your sister is going with to the appointment- I can only imagine the information overload- so nice to have an extra person there to help ask questions. So sorry for this news for your friend!

[Saar]

I'm so sorry to read this, Lori. Big hugs.
But can I say... You are such a good friend for helping out as much as you can. She is lucky to have you in her life.
I truly believe that staying positive will help her. But cancer sucks, big time.

[bienejen]

That's a lot for one family to bear. I'm so sorry for your friend and for you. She's lucky to have a friend like you and a medical resource in your sister. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way!

[LJSDesigns]

Adding my prayers to all the others. I hate cancer so much.

[3BluEyedBabi]

I'm so very sorry to hear this, Lori. Big hugs to all of you.

[wendyp]

prayers and hugs for all of you

[Lidia G]

Prayers, thoughts and hugs to all of you during this difficult time.

[jaye]

Lori I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Sending good wishes to your friend that the oncologist comes up with a treatment plan that will make her comfortable.

[KingsQueen82]

So sorry to hear such terrible news for your friend! I truly do believe in the power of prayer and I will add her (and you too!) to my own prayers! Sending you all lots of love and healing vibes!

[aussiegirl]

Prayers for your friend, her sister, you and the doctors as she goes through this hard time!

[stephc777]

Prayers being lifted up for your friend, her sister and you as she navigates this diagnosis. Hugs!

[JillW]

I'm sure sorry to hear the devastating news and will be praying. Sending you hugs as well.

[tanyiadeskins]

I am so very sorry to hear this, I will include her and her family in my prayers. Cancer is just awful.

[jumbbumble]

I am so sorry to hear this, I will pray for her

[knittingbec]

I'm so sorry your friend (and you) are going through this! One of my mom's oldest/dearest friends is battling cancer right now, so I know how this diagnosis has a big impact on you, too. I hope the appointment went well and has given all of you some hope. Sending prayers & positive thoughts your way!

[lizziej]

Oh, my goodness! I'm so sorry to read this. I will be keeping all of you in my prayers!

[lorigaud]

Thank you all SO much! The appointment yesterday went well - the doctor is amazing and gave Kelly some hope and relief that she's not going to die tomorrow, if that makes sense. I think she is so overwhelmed and just was thinking the worst, which is totally understandable. There's a treatment plan in place and hopefully positive thinking will go a long way towards helping her live the best life she can for as long as she can.

[Scrap-therapy]

Oh this is better news Lori, thank you for telling us. I hope the treatment will help her and for sure the relief must be so helpful with the hope of course. I still pray for her and you and the positive thinking is great. She is lucky to have you as friend!

[craftytam]

I'm so sorry, Lori. I will be praying.

[kelseyll]

I am glad the Dr. was able to lift her spirits some. I truly believe in the power of prayer and all of you will be in mine!!! Being the "light" in her life and lifting her up each day with smiles and laughter, keeping a positive outlook and all will make her days brighter! Thank you for being THAT friend for her! I'm glad she has a good support group surrounding her!

[Josie]

So sorry to hear this! Sending my thoughts & prayers to Kelly and Kim and their families!

[StacyLynn]

Sending lots of prayers and hugs!!

[lorigaud]

I know those of you who are friends with me on fb likely know this news already, but my best friend lost her battle with cancer on November 18th, just 8 months after being diagnosed, and 11 months to the day after the passing of her dad.

Unfortunately, although Kelly was doing quite well through July, she had a series of small seizures mid July and went downhill from that point on, losing her ability to walk and eventually also her ability to speak. It was a heartbreaking journey for all of us who loved her, and we've been doing our best to support each other. In a way, it doesn't fully seem real yet....
I decided that I wanted to speak at her service, and thankfully I was able to do it. I guess you find the strength you need when you need it. <3 Kelly was a paper scrapbooker (that's how we all started years ago) and had created a scrapbook with snippets of her life. I used some of her words in my eulogy and people said it felt like she was there with us. She had a knack for fitting "that's what she said" into conversations to make us laugh, so I stuck a couple of those in there too. People laughed, they cried, and we all supported each other through an incredibly difficult day. My oldest son sang Hallelujah after I spoke, which left everyone in tears.
I will forever treasure the memories we shared since the age of 5.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and prayers as a result of my original post back in March. I appreciate you. I have not been around for the last couple of months, but I will return to scrapping in the New Year.

[HeatherH]

So sorry for your loss, Lori

[LauraOD]

So sorry for your loss, Lori

[laurabobaura]

big hugs, Lori!

[Scrap-therapy]

Truly sorry to read this Lori. Hugs to you <3

[Tracie Stroud]

I'm so sorry Lori. Praying for you and all her loved ones.

[carrie1977]

Oh no...that really is the worst of the worst in regards to brain cancer for adults. I'll be thinking of her and her family.

[HeatherB]

So sorry for your loss, Lori. Sending virtual hugs.

[DawnMarch]

I'm so sorry you're friend is going through this. You and she will be in my thoughts.

[allyanne]

I'm so sorry. Sending you love and hugs.

[nietis]

I am so sorry for your loss, Lori. Big hugs to you.

[Cheryl Ashcraft]

I'm so very sorry to read this. I lost my Mama earlier this year, and it was to cancer (liver). I wish we could have skipped the last 30-40 days.

I do pray daily, and will add you and yours into my prayers.

[LJSDesigns]

I am sorry for your loss, Lori. It sounds like your eulogy was beautiful. May you find comfort in all your wonderful memories.

[craftytam]

I have been following on FB. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
I love that you were able to use some of her scrapbooking in your eulogy.

[lizziej]

I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you have so many wonderful memories with her. May those memories help ease your grief.