In hearing about the many people who have cancer, it never felt so real until I was diagnosed with brain cancer.
I’m into my fifth month living with brain cancer. Well, it’s actually been five months since being diagnosed but no one can tell me exactly how long I’ve been living with cancer. It all started on May 20th 2009. I was doing something I love to do. I was racing in Central Park along with my company running team. I was 2 miles into a 3.5 mile race. I recall feeling weird, then turning in the opposite direction. I don’t recall spinning in circles, or hopping on one leg, or falling and scraping my elbow, or my front capped tooth falling out, or convulsing. This was relayed to me by eyewitnesses to my seizure. I vaguely recall being in the ambulance, but I don’t recall giving a fellow team member my phone number. This also was relayed to me later. I do remember being in the emergency room and calling my brother, later I was taken for an MRI and CT scan which both revealed that I have a tumor in my brain.
My first surgery was on May 26th to remove the bulk of my tumor. My surgeon did not want to remove the entire tumor because it was resting on my motor cortex. If he went too close to the cortex, it could have left me paralyzed on my right side. The medical team concluded I have a Grade II (low grade) Glioma. The doctors decided the best treatment for my residual tumor is to aggressively monitor it with frequent MRIs, until it grows back. Fortunately, the tumor is very slow growing. Unless I develop symptoms like increased severe headaches or have another seizure, they will hold off on radiation therapy as well. I think it’s like when a person has a bullet lodged inside of them. The risk of removing it is high and the doctors feel it’s best to just leave the bullet alone barring any symptoms.
I had another surgery because of an infection that appeared to have started in my eye, one week after being released from the hospital. I woke up and my eye was swollen. Within a matter of hours, it was swollen shut. This turned out to be an infection in my brain. So, my surgeon had to re-open my incision to “clean out” my infection. Since they were re-opening a fresh wound; the recovery from my second surgery was much more painful from my first surgery. I am amazed and sometimes wonder how I was able to deal with the pain. Truth be told, I didn’t have a choice.
I finally realized the severity of what I am going through when I was allowed to resume my regular routine. That’s when it hit me; I should enjoy every moment of my life. A few of my friends asked how this could happen to me-an otherwise healthy person. I work out, don’t smoke, rarely drink, etc. but not once did I question “why me”. I quickly went into acceptance skipping right over denial. I seem to have dealt with my cancer well. However, I do sometimes think that one day I will breakdown and have a very long cry.
I’ve been thinking long and hard about advice I can give to others in my condition. I could say that you should seek comfort in knowing that you are not alone, but that didn’t help because I don’t seek comfort in other people’s misfortune. I do say to:
- Seek strength in knowing that many others are surviving with cancer.
- Believe that even though cancer is a physical condition, we don’t have to succumb to it mentally. It’s the mental part of us that gets us through tough times.
- Learn to think and act positively. Don’t fall victim to how you are supposed to feel with having cancer. You are unique, like no other, and so too is your cancer.
- Work to breakthrough all the negative statistics, and start to think and act as though you want to be a positive statistic. Show cancer who’s the boss!
- Don’t only rely on your doctors for your treatment. Help them to help you! Question what they tell you. Take notes. Read up about all your medications and treatments. Keep an eye out for side effects you may be experiencing. Help them to decide what is best for you.
- It’s important to realize that there is not a “quick fix” when it comes to cancer. What works for one person might not work for another. You might be given medication or treatment that does not work for you. Inform your doctors so they can find alternative treatment. Your doctor can only recommend. He or she can not guarantee.
- You may not get back to who you were before your brain tumor. I say don’t try to. Just look ahead and move forward.
A brain tumor and its effects: The skull is basically meant to house 3 things; the brain, cerebrospinal fluid and blood vessels. A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells. The skull does not expand to accommodate this mass, therefore the mass presses into important parts of the brain. (Even a benign tumor can be harmful since it’s pressing into sensitive areas). The mass seems to start from one abnormal cell that grows when it is not supposed to. It learns to stimulate its own growth, lose its tumor suppressor genes, invade, become invisible to normal immune cells, and then form new blood vessels to increase their nutrient supply. A brain tumor has a major impact on our overall health, since it’s our brain that controls our physical, psychological, and emotional nature, therefore a brain tumor and its subsequent treatment can change who we are. I am fortunate in that so far I have not noticed any major change within me. I was told by my oncologist that my surgeon did a wonderful job with my surgery, since I am not showing any signs of neurological distress, and to date, my family and friends have not noticed any behavior changes in me.
The Pain: I think I handle pain pretty well. After my first surgery, after having my skull cut open from almost ear to ear to remove the bone, removing as much of the tumor as possible, then replacing the bone, and having staples put in to secure the incision site, I don’t recall rating my pain more than a 6-7 out of 10. Generally, most days it was 3-5 which was not uncommon for me since in the past I suffered from sinus headaches.
I previously mentioned that I am waiting for the day when I breakdown emotionally and have a good cry. Well, I had a not so good cry from the physical pain of my second surgery. Such pain that the word pain was not severe enough to describe the anguish I suffered. After my second surgery, I awoke to a pain level 10 of 10. It made me realize the previous 6-7 was really more like a 3. I wanted to put myself out of my misery but I didn’t have the nerve to commit such a sin. So, I lay in my bed crying, thinking the pain couldn’t possibly get any worse. I was wrong. The pain intensified. I quietly prayed that God would take my life. Then, the morphine set in and the pain started to subside. Thankfully, God didn’t act on my prayers.
My Infection: My infection was so bad that I required a second surgery. Then, I had to have a PIC line surgically implanted in my arm so that I could self-administer my antibiotics while at home. I had to do this twice a day for six weeks. The steroids that I was taking to help reduce brain swelling upset my stomach. Luckily, I didn’t have to take the steroids for too long.
Lack of sleep: While in the hospital, I was generally awakened every few hours for various reasons: to take medication, to have my temperature taken, to have my blood pressure taken, to have my I.V. fluids changed, to draw blood, to be examined by various doctors, etc. My body quickly got used to being awakened, so that even when I left the hospital, I would still wake up every few hours. After 4 months of this, I got a prescription from my family doctor for a sleep aide, which I took for only one week. It did help me to fall asleep, but it didn’t keep me asleep. One night, I recall taking a pill, then lying down to watch television. The next thing I knew, I woke up in the middle of the night, with no memory of what I did the night before. That was the end of the sleep aide for me. The commercials did say that some people experience memory loss, which was a bit frightening for me. Now, almost 5 months later, I am finally able to get decent nights sleep.
Life Changes: Since my seizure and surgeries, my life has changed. Not necessarily good or bad, it just changed. I now need medical clearance before I can get any other work done, including dental work. I can no longer look at a headache or upset stomach as just a headache and upset stomach. I have to always think of these otherwise minor symptoms in terms of my overall health, and with consultation with my doctors, determine if further treatment is required. While many people just have a family doctor, dentist and optometrist who they see once a year, I now have a team of doctors that include my neurosurgeon, infectious disease doctor, neuro-ophthalmologist, and oncologist. It’s nice to know that so many people are looking after my well being.
Outpouring of Concern: While I was in the hospital, I was truly grateful at the amount of people who came to visit me, and for those who sent their well wishes. My friends were a blessing to see. As for my co-workers, I can truly refer to them as more than just co-workers. They showed true friendship. As for my family, I will forever be grateful for the level of support they showed me. My younger brother and sister let me recuperate at their homes. My older brother has made resurgence in my life. My mother who lives in Florida stayed in New York with me for a few months. As for my father, we both have cancer. No one knows more than we as to what the other is going through.
Encouraging words: Ivan Noble, a BBC reporter said “wishing for miracles is a silly waste of time in precious days” and “cancer is succumbing all the time to both the incremental improvement of science and the determination of those of us living and surviving the disease day by day”. I also recall a quote from President Barack Obama who said “Hope is not blind optimism. It’s not ignoring the enormity of the tasks ahead or the roadblocks that stand in our path. It’s not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it and to work for it and to fight for it”. I am determined to be more than a one year cancer survivor, or a decade long cancer survivor, but to be a long term cancer survivor. I am determined to fight my cancer by doing my part to stay otherwise healthy, both physically and emotionally, and I encourage others to fight as well.
Continuing: As of my last MRI I still had some brain swelling, but it has reduced from the previous MRI. So now I can go from getting an MRI every month to not having to get another MRI for at least 6-12 months. People still continue to show their support and concern. A friend who I work with keeps her eye on me while we’re at the gym. People still call to check up on me. When people say, “let me know if there is anything I can do for you”, I can hear the sincerity in their voice.
I’m continuing to move forward with my life. The hair around my incision line has almost completely grown in. I’m back to work, and back to driving. And one of my happiest days so far was when I was told that I could start running again. I look forward to rejoining my running team for the 2010 season, and maybe I’ll even train for another marathon. I feel as though I’ve come full circle, and now I’m planning for the road ahead.
Healthcare: I’m very fortunate to have good health coverage. The hospital bills were incredible. One night in neurosurgery-intensive care cost $9,000. One particular bill I received was $88,000. Then, there’s the medication. A month supply of my anti-seizure medication without insurance cost $177. Then, I have all my follow-up appointments for the rest of my life. How can anyone afford these types of bills? It’s more than a shame that people get sick on a daily basis and have to stay sick due to lack of health insurance. I shudder to think of what my life would be like and how sick I would be if I didn’t have good health coverage.
A first person story by Collette Henry (pictured on the right)
(Published originally in Nov. 2 , 2009)
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Your story is so inspirational. My landlord’s wife, a cancer survior is living a normal life once again. Her hair has grown back, the lovely smile fills her radiant face and she is about normal life activities. Of course, we feel her faith pulled her through and continues to bless us both. A friend.
Alfred
God Bless you Collette! You are an inspiration to people who are going through this Cancer journey,for it is a journey for you as well as your family and friends.
You are walking on a Path that has bumps in the road but I see that you are jumping over them.
Keep walking in the light you and your Dad.
My Mom was Diagnosed with Stomache Cancer at the age of 79 and it is a terminal Cancer but her Spirit let her live her Life Strong.She taught me strength and don’t let it own you, you own it!
She has since gone Home to Glory but I know the courage and the strength that she showed and taught me, I can overcome any obstacle that is placed before. She also said to us put God first and leave all your trails and tibulations at the Foot of the Cross. Trust him and Believe and you will make it though and like you she never said why me.
So Collette I pray your strength and I thank you for sharing your story.I truly admire you!
God’s Blessings.Smooches with Smiles and Love!
God Bless You! So happy to hear y0u are doing much better and so impressed with your strength and bravery!!!
you are such a positive person. many people would be asking why me? it is my opinion that a mindset as such would delay or prohibit any joy that healing requires. keep fighting sister
Dear Collette,
You have done everything right. Although you have been suffering much hardship and pain in the physical, you are still able to let the mind and soul stay strong.
“Is there anything I can do for you?”
With Much LOve,
-m
I am amazed at your continued success in recovery and your strength in sharing your powerful story. You are truly an inspirational person for us all to learn from. Your story reveals faith in God’s miracles.
What a beautiful piece. My heart felt full reading it…in a very proud and courageous way. You are an inspiration to us ALL. You’ve used this experience to educate, and enlighten us further about the didease.
You’re handling your illness with such class and grace…I’m extremely proud of you. If you need that shoulder to cry on…I have a pretty strong one
You mentioned GOD during your treatment, and asked of him what you needed at the time. He knows what’ s best for us, and what our true thoughts are.
Love You!!!
This is an incredible and very emotional story! You are so brave Collette and I admire you for this! With hope/optimism, things that seem impossible can be possible – God bless you!
Collette, you are an inspiration for all. I truly admire your positive attitude, courage, and fortitude. I’ve lost quite a few family members to cancer, including my mother. Seeing you afflicted with such a disease made me take a long look as to what was important in my life. It’s important that we not take our lives for granted and to make the most of every day and to live our lives focusing on positive and happy experiences. As long as I have known you this has been your mantra. It is a wonderful thing that you have shared your story so that those who don’t know you personally may benefit from your positive spirit. May God continue to bless and keep you well.
Always,
Cathy C.
Hi Colette,
I’m Doris’ friend Alice (a/k/a Carmen). Your story is powerful! Congratulations on LIFE! It is sweet! When you are told you have “Cancer” you start to appreciate all the things you never did before. As a Breast Cancer SURVIVOR, I too was amazed at the strength and determination I had to do everything to beat the odds. Negative thinking was out of the question. It is so important to think and act positively. I never once sat on the pity party train. No one knew I had cancer unless I told them. My motto is “I have cancer but cancer does NOT have ME”. My life is in God’s hands and his will is my will. Keep fighting girl! We will survive!
The first time I met you, I knew you were special. You have been like family because of our mutual associations. I love you like a sister. I am so glad that you maintained such high sprit throughout your ordeal. I know God, therefore, I know you will survive and continue your journey through this tough fight. Thank your for showing us what having faith and hope means. Continue your journey with that wonderful spirit. I will be right here with you through it all. I will continue to pray for you. Live life, love and survive.
The ultimate measure of a [woman] man is not where [she] he stands in moments of comfort, but where [she] he stands at times of challenge and controversy. –Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thanks to Danny for providing you this opportunity to share your story, your strength, your inspiration.
With love…
Dear Collette
God Bless You! And blessings from my daughter Sage and my wife Pat. We love you dearly and gain strength from your courage and positivity.
Just so you know, Sage is now 7 years old. She will be blessed and encouraged by your life and your story.
A friend for almost 20 years and a friend for life,
Ron Johnson
Colette, it has been a long time since we have spoken, but wow, when you speak you speak big. Thanks for sharing your story. I thought you was a special spirit before–in our infrequent connections–but now I know you are something more than a special spirit. You are rare. You are informative. You are empowering. You are real.
Collette, your story is amazing. I can’t imagine staying positive through an emotional and painful experience like this. The continued positive outlook on life is an inspiration to all. Your message will certainly help others that are in a similar situation.
Collette – -
Thank you for sharing this. I am moved and encouraged by your strength.
You are a truly special person and I am fortunate to know you.
Sue
Hey Collette, what an awesome story, thanks for sharing it. I had no idea all that you went through…I knew you were tough, but I guess I didn’t realize just how tough. Your advice would be amazing for anyone going through what you went through and to be honest your positive outlook is inspiring whether dealing with sickness or anything else life might throw our way. I’m glad to know you’re doing better and I’m always amazed to see how great you look so soon after your surgeries. I definitely think you should do another marathon, it would be an incredible way to show cancer who’s boss and since I’d like to run another one it would be nice to have the company. Thanks for sharing your story and for keeping us all updated on how you’re doing.
Collette,
You are a true trooper and a survivor. Your story was touching and straight to the heart. I love having you as a friend, and now….. more than ever we are more than just co-worker’s. Stay healthy and remember we all love you. Mabel
Collette, you are an inspiration to us all and this piece is wonderfully written! Thank you for sharing your story, as I know many people out there will find strength in your words. Life is fragile and precious and your story reminds us to take nothing for granted. Your perspective and attitute towards this difficult life experience is beyond amazing, and this story further solidifies what we all already know…which is that you are one amazing human being. When is the next volumn of the Collette Henry memoirs coming out?!?! Keep kicking butt, girl!!!
XOXO,
Eric
I am so-o-o happy that you are on the road to recovery. Your story was awesome and extremely inspirational. I always keep you in my prayers. Love, Doris
Hi Alice aka Carmen
Yes, we are survivors! and it feels so good! And I plan to keep fighting and reminding myself that cancer does NOT have me!
Collette
A beautiful, emotional & compelling story. I Know that you have given a lot of people a different view— Hope, & Faith. Let’s Celebrate Life. Remember when you realized and said, “I should enjoy every moment of my life”. ENJOY.
…and not only have we known each other for so many years, I expect that you will continue to crack jokes on me for the many years to come – and begging you not to come down so hard on me still won’t get you to stop.
Dear Joan,
that was a very nice MLK quote….and yes, thanks to Danny for this opportunity…
Collette
An ‘emotional’, ‘inspirational’ and ‘beautiful’ Masterpiece!! I had tears in my eyes while I am reading this wonderful story. You Rock, Collette!
Love always…xoxo
Hi Jacques,
what you wrote is so true! This is one sister that will keep fighting.
Collette
Collette,
Not only are you inspiring, uplifting and courageous, you write
> beautifully. Your story can’t help but put
> things in perspective for all who are fortunate enough to read it…
-Lee
>
Collette
Bravo. You are the inspiration that people with Challenges (or without) need. I will pray that your courage is infectious. Your words heal. It is because of people like you, who share and inspire that makes living a life a joy. Keep reaching even though you have the brass ring in your pocket. Write more too.
Peter
Very inspirational story …..Thanks for sharing.
hi Lee,
thanks so much….thanks for taking the time to read my words.
Collette
Very inspirational…………..Thanks for sharing!
Collette,
Thank you for sharing this experience, I was truly moved and felt it was important to share it with others. So many times we take things for granted and sweat the small stuff.
Life is a gift that should be celebrated; your story embraces reality and all that is good.
Be well my friend, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family always.
Best,
Lucy T.
After all you have been through, you are so strong and positive. That is great because people who live an average simple life cannot show the confidence and happiness of life. I hope your recovery continues to go upward at a steady if not quick pace! You are in everyone’s prayers, especially mine. Love you big cousin!!
Hi Collette,
You are a true inspiration and I feel blessed to call you cousin. I really believe that your positive attitude is going to help many other people to be victors as well.
I continue to pray for you and I know that the best is yet to come for you.
Love,
Michelle
Do not allow the the tumor to grow back!
Start flooding your body with fresh green juices daily, no wheat grass. Eat mostly raw fresh fruits and vegetables.
Do Yoga, Tai Chi and meditate daily.
Please do not let the tumor grow back!
Stay positive.
Collette,
The account of your experience is riveting and your strength is inspiring. If more people faced life’s challenges with your courage and determination, mankind’s potential would be almost limitless.
Collette,
You are such a “phenomenal woman”, a fighter,
an inspiration, and such a blessed friend.
The testimonial of what you have been through
….well just reading it brought me to an emotional
shuddering.
Thanks so much for sharing.
I know the hard part is over, I am always on your
side.
Always your friend
Chris
Colette,
This is a beautiful testimony to the human spirit. Thanks for sharing your story with the world. You are doing great! You are in my prayers.
Continued blessings.
Dr. Maxine Thompson
Hi Collette-
Thank you so much very much for sharing your story. Your courage and positive outlook brought tears to my eyes. You are an inspiration for anyone trying to overcome an obstacle of any size. I admire you and wish you success in your recovery. Blessings!
Your courage and faith are impressive. I have great confidence that these will carry you for the next several decades.
Good luck
Love,
Pete
Collette your story is amazing. I am very proud of you. You are amazing. I am so happy you are on your road for recovery.
You will always be in my prayers.
Collette,
This article is truly a great piece. You have brought many insights into the disease that people just can’t conquer and I hope that you can reach many with your success story and give others hope. Words can not express how happy I am for you that you are kicking this disease in the butt! May you always continue to be healthy and strong. You will be an inspiration for all!!
Janette
Its people like you that let me know that if I’m ever diagnosed with cancer I am not alone and that I can learn alot from you. You go Girl!
Hi Michelle,
and I feel blessed to call you my cousin. I hope my message will help others as well….
hope to see you soon
Love Collette
Hi Alisha,
thanks for th well wishes…..I love you too!
Your big cousin…. Collette
Hi Anita,
thanks… I will keep up with the hope and optimism! Collette
Hi Doris… thanks for keeping me in your prayers. Love Collette
Peace and Blessings Collette,
Cristal J. Yuzon is my spiritual sister, she sent me your testimony and I am tearful, just rejoicing with you for what God is doing in your life. You are a blessed woman of God, very blessed. Your testimony has given me a another level of gratitude and appreciation that has allowed me to be even more thankful to God for all things. To God be the glory!! I will be praying for you as I will never forget your testimony.
Collette: Thank you so much for sharing your inspirational story. I am so impressed with your strength and courage — and for being able to share such a deeply personal and emotional journey. May God bless you and keep you well always. I will keep you in my prayers. Lucy C.
My friend for ever and ever and ever. May God continue to keep you strong. He needed a messenger and he chose you. Great story. Hey I am happy to see you have support everywhere and you know me I am only 4 hours away but when you need me I am there in a jeepy.
Collette,-
I was so inspired that I had to email your story on to many others and hope that you will have many more opportunities to equip and encourage. It’s a blessing to discover your purpose, but it takes courage to walk in it, so I say, “walk on girl, walk on!”
Collette,
Great story and also quite inspiring. I know you are strong and can overcome any obstacle so keep on keeping on. See you at Cosi.
Love,
Cherry
Collette,
You are truly amazing. While it is understandable for people to take solace in knowing that others are going through the same difficulties they are, the fact that you don’t truly demonstrates your courage and grace.
Collette,
Your story is a powerful testimony to the power of faith, the power family and the power of true inner strength. As I have told you, Thank you for sharing this very personal part of you. I have
much admiration and respect for you as a person, for your kind nature, nurturing spirit and ability to fight the battle that you are fighting. Keep doing what you are doing, your a one woman powerhouse of inspiration!
collette, you telling your story is a true acknowlegement of the importance to love life and not take anythign for granted. you have a tremendous amount of courage and strength. i will keep you in my prayers. i thank you for sharing your story. we all can learn form you.
hugs,
annie d.
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I admire your strength and positive attitude. It is great to hear you are back to doing some of the things you love…and I agree that you are a phenomenal woman…
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the information of yaur site is all that i need…. i was bookmarked it. thanks
Flattery will get you everywhere
thank you
HW
May God keep you strong every day!
you are a strong and powerful woman! God Bless you!
My Sista, You are a remarkable Woman! Your story brought me to tears! Your courage and strength and wisdom is so p0werful. May you continue being blessed! God bless you and your family and support team! You are a Beautiful Sista!!
losing a great friend of my hit me like a brick one day she was fine and doing great then a few months later i was told she had to have brain s,so that she could have a longer life s, but it was untrue . she died i still cant get pass the pain, and longing to say goodb.. so im saiding to the living hello, hello .keep fighting to live.
Michele,
Thank you for sharing your story.
HW
God bless you Collette: I am a baptist preacher in a small town, Lynch, Ky. My wife had cancer for the last two years. Last Christmas she was in the hospital in Lexington, Ky. She was in the cancer unit from Thanksgiving to Christmas. She had lymphoma twice. Now she’s doing very well. Her hair has grown back and she’s again singing in the choir and yes, you and her are survivors!
Go ahead, Girl. You articulate splendidly. I can’t imagine what you have been through. I have so much regard for your strength, resolve and steadiness.
I have a story to tell. It pales in comparison but I thought it might be of some interest. It’s my connection to your narrative.
I was diagnosed with a brain tumor some years ago. It’s still sitting on my pituitary gland and was responsible for years of ailments which were misdiagnosed. I ‘suffered’ through bizzare symptoms and strange ailments for years.
My body stopped processing fluids which would normally sweat out or be excretd. My lower body, legs in particular, started swelling up and I was told I was developing ‘Elephant Man’s’ disease. My doctors treated me symptomatically for this and other ailments for those many years and no one picked up on the possibility of a brain tumor.
I persisted in agitating for treatment as my symptoms got worse until one test for hormone levels finally dentified the problem. My physician was bright enough to make the connection and an MRI confirmed the tumor.
I am blessed in that my medication keeps the tumor in check and has apparently reduced it’s growth to some degree. No mention of cancer; just a tumor that will remain with me and medication I will have to take for the rest of my life. I have it easy.
Thank you for reminding me that wonderful, beautiful people are bearing up under much more daunting circumstances. Challenged but not bowed.
Your bravery is evident. Your story is an inspiration. Thank you for sharing. I applaud your positive spirit and your sensitivity.
I am so very respectful of your sure and steady resolve. Keep on.
Thank you, Collette
God Bless
John (Atlanta, Georgia)
Awesome story. Seems to also have gotten awesome doctors and family around you. And oh hell, you’re gorgeous too
Best wishes.
I dont know whether I want to cry or shout. Your life is amazing. I wont say “story” because it makes it so small when its so BIG. I have walked in your shoes but a different type of cancer. To me illness is illness no matter its ugly name. Its our courage that fights our battles with any kind or level of illness. Reading your “life” I became very encouraged for many reasons, one is because today for some odd reason I am finding myself in such a “funk”, after reading your “life” I am lifted and greatly reminded of the little things that we allow to get in our way. I am a poet so I decided to write a little to make myself feel better and I did write two pieces today, still I needed something extra. I logged on to HW a place I have found such peace,education and excitement during my visit. Thats where I found you and your sharing your “life”. I am so blessed to have read this. You and your wonderful spirit has uplifted me in such a great way. HW is doing such a powerful thing in more ways than one. I wish this magazine could reach many people of color in times of need. My dear continue to live, laugh and pray as you are blessed and a winner. Thank GOD for you!
Sundra!
Dear Ronnie,
thanks for sharing your story, and I’m glad that your wife is back and the choir and doing well.
Collette
Dear John,
It’s not true that no one’s story pales to mine, we just each have different struggles to bear. You’ve been thru a lot. I’m so glad that your tumor had reduced to some degree and I’m happy to read that there is no mention of cancer.
Collette
Dear Mike,
Yes, I had wonderful doctors, and thanks for the compliment!
Collette
Dear Sandra,
I’m glad to have been a source of inspiration for your poem writing. And yes, HW is doing a wonderful thing. I hope it’s base continues to grow.
Collette
Dear Sundra – I apologize for spelling your name incorrectly….
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