My prayers to Linda's family.
Her obituary, in The New York Times, gives a little sense of this accomplished woman.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Linda Hallam: 1951-2011
My friend and colleague Linda Hallam died March 29, 2011. She had been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in July 2010. She is mourned by her husband, sons, siblings, friends, colleagues, and the triple-negative community. Another huge loss. I wrote about her in an earlier post, but words do fail me on this one.
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Hi Pat;
I read this last night with trepidation for my mother's surgery today....Not a good day. Mom went in for lumpectomy surgery today, and surgeon did a MRI prior....turns out that just when we thought the chemo had kicked the cancer's ass, (tumor shrunk to almost nothing) it is trying to re-establish itself in her breast again, and the nodes are still dirty, not clean from the chemo. So, instead of a lumpectomy today, my mom just had a mastectomy and at least 8 nodes removed. I'm terrified, sad, and discouraged. I really thought we could beat this....now I just don't know.
-Lisa
Lisa: I like to honor those we have lost, but I do know that it can be terrifying to read. And I hate that it has made you nervous. Most women do beat this disease, however, so try to keep that in mind. The mastectomy was probably a good idea, and could really help your mom. It sounds like her docs are aggressive and really paying attention, which also is a great sign. She is in good hands. Do keep thinking you can beat it. No two cases are alike. I have talked with many long-term survivors who had pretty scary prognoses. You and your mom are in my prayers. Pat
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. I am overcome with shock, sadness and fear because the tumor had responded so well, or so we thought, to the chemo, only to find out the rotten thing is trying make a comeback, less than 3 months from the last chemo. The surgeon, who is excellent, said she doesn't consider this a recurrence; rather it is cells not destroyed by the chemo. She did admit she was disppointed by the MRI findings, but still thought we had a chance to beat it for sure. I mean, a boob is just a boob. You can live without it. That part isn't the scary part...it's the thought that the chemo didn't get it all (neoadjuvant) and that it was trying to grow again already. Have you ever heard of that happening before, and someone still surviving? Much love to you, and your messages are so very much appreciated. I have two little girls who are scared they may lose their Grammie and I am praying for a good outcome...
Lisa
Lisa
Lisa: Listen to what the surgeon is telling you. As I hear it, she is saying this is beatable. I have, in fact, talked to people who have not had a complete response to chemo and are alive and kicking years later. A complete pathological response is ideal, but a partial response, which sounds like what your mom had, can be good news.
Here's a virtual hug: ((((((((((((())))))))))))) Pat
Pat,
Dang it! Thank you for sharing about your friend. While it is really hard to read (especially when you had TN), what a tribute to your friend. She sounds like a remarkable woman! (and she is inspiring even after her passing.)
My sympathies to you and her family.
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