We all love fighters. Mrs. Witbee was a major source of inspiration to me when she was having her treatments. She was more of a scrapper than she thought.

Although people do not know my little sister, she is also a cancer survivor who refused to let the disease run her life. She had a mastectomy, went through chemo and radiation only to discover the cancer had spread to the other breast. Second mastectomy, more chemo more radiation. The radiation had done damage to her skin to the point she could not get implants. Through all this, she kept her book shop going, with help from friends and family for the 'down" days, continued to create her picture quilts and perked US up! My sis also has MS and, again, refuses to let it get her down.

The song "wind beneath my wings" is my song to her. SHE lifts me up with her indomitable spirit.

There was a young women battling colon cancer who worked for Aera Enregy.  Herb Benham was keeping track of her and her progress and she also was a fighter, going to work when she could, trying to care for her family through her treatements.  I don't remember her name but often wonder if she is still fighting her battle.

We give a lot of attention to cancer even though there are so many deadly or mind stealing diseases out there.  People generally rally around the causes for diseases that have touched their lives but we care for all no matter what it is.  It just seem slike cancer is more prevelant than the other.  Everyone I know has either had cancer or have had it strike in their family.

I too admire the people who have had to go through it with courage while helping others understand. 

My thoughts are with everyone who must fight this battle, and please know that there is a great amount of love in wishing for a full recovery.

I fought the cancer battle about 16 months ago.    Am doing fine.   I'm very fortunate that my breast cancer  was caught early - thank goodness for yearly mammograms!    Had surgery, didn't need chemo or radiation, just on an oral medication each day.   Fight the fight and don't give up.   Live healthy, and avail yourself of the appropriate screeening mechanisms (mammogram, PSA, colonoscopy, etc).   The secret is to manage our own health. 

Janice in the mountains

Nancy - I think cancer is the great equalizer. It strikes everyone and doesn't discriminate based on race, lifestyle, gender, or class. Sure there are things you can do to reduce your risks, but you can never reduce it completely.

Nancy, I believe the womans name was Amy something.  I too often wonder of her as I read the articles when they would come out.

Witbee you are so right.  When I see people with more money than Croesus get cancer and die at a relatively young age with all the best care in the world, I know that it doesn't make a bit of difference.

Michele, thanks, I believe you're right, her name was Amy.

Thank you Miss Rachel. I hope my friend, Wendy, pulls through, and her caring and upbeat spirit will help her.

My wife, Mary, and I just returned from a two-week vacation in Oregon, Idaho and Washington. Had to wear our coats a lot despite the sunshine. Cool ocean breezes donchaknow.

Heard you on the radio this morning. Have Jake do that plumbing job. It's easy.