This is a very hard post for me to write - my dear sweet cousin is dying and only has days to live. So I am looking to all of you wonderful blogging friends to say a prayer for Donna. If it is her time, then I pray for a peaceful passing and if God sees fit to grant her a recovery then it will be through prayers.
Donna is the daughter of my first cousin Nellie, who is like a sister to me. We have been close all of our lives. More so in the last 30 years. Nellie has vacationed here with me in Southern CA for 6 months at a time, so Donna is like a granddaughter. She is soft spoken, kind, sweet and would do anything in the world for you. She loves roses and adored her Border Collies - was a true gardener.
They live in Buchanan, VA on a farm raising chickens, Border Collies, cows and a horse. About 7 years ago she was involved in a car accident and hit her chest. Later on she noticed a lump and went to the doctor, as most of her fathers family has died of cancer. The doctor sent her to a specialist. It wasn't cancer, but they felt it could become cancer later, due to the family history. So they decided to take the lump out and give her 10 radiation treatments, just to be safe. Some where along the process the 10 became 30 and really damaged her lungs. From that point on, she couldn't breath, had to have oxygen, medicine and the list goes on and on. She has so much scar tissue in her lungs that there is no room for oxygen.
I guess what I am trying to say is PLEASE all of you get a second opinion on any surgery that you need.
I feel that I need to share this with all of you, so you do not take the word of one doctor, after all they are human too, and do make mistakes.
I am sorry this is a sad post, but I do wish all of you a Very Happy Mothers Day.
Lots of hugs to you all for your prayers for Donna and her family, thank you. It is in God hands now.
Mary
Prayers for your cousin Donna. Hoping that God will give her more time. Hugs to you Mary. I know this is a sad time for you.
ReplyDeleteKris
Oh Mary I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I will be saying prayers for all of you.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Thanks so much Julie. Donna passed away this afternoon and is now with God. She is no longer in pain. Pray for her sweet family to give them peace.
DeleteLove
Mary
Mary, I found you through Diana's post. I'm so very sorry for your niece, and for this tragic story that is unfolding. I couldn't agree more about getting second opinions, especially in the medical climate we now live in. In my opinion, a very large percentage of treatments are done, simply for the money, not out of concern for the patient. I know. It's terrible to feel this way, but I've seen a lot and worked in the medical field for many years. What a tragedy for this to happen to your niece. My prayers are with you all.
ReplyDeleteMary, I'm sorry for calling your cousin your niece, but my prayers are the same.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tragedy, Mary. Of course you have my prayers and wishes for healing or, if that's not to be, a gentle passing. And you have my heart as well, knowing how difficult this is for someone you love. Yes, we have found out the hard way the value of second opinions. Thank you for sharing Donna's story.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Jeanie for your prayers. I pray that everyone who reads my post will always get a second opinion. It's all about money.
DeleteDonna passed this afternoon and she is no longer in pain. She put up a good fight, but it wasn't meant to be.
Thank you again.
Mary
You are kind to share this story about the wisdom of second opinions and potential side effects of that amount of radiation. I pray for your dear cousin as you requested.
ReplyDeletePraying for you cousin Mary. I am so sorry to read this since Dianas post. Lifting many prayers her way and your family too
ReplyDeleteBlessings my friend. xo
Thanks so much Celestina, but Donna left this afternoon to be with God. I thank you for all the prayers. We knew she wouldn't make it, but we just had to try to keep her longer, but it wasn't to be.
DeleteThank you dear friend.
Mary
Dear Mary, I am a friend of Diana's and had to come say hello and tell you that I'm praying for your cousin. I am an ex-Ca. girl who moved to Colorado 8 yrs ago, but my heart will always love Ca., especially northern Ca.
ReplyDeleteMay His healing cover Donna and restore her lungs through the breadth that gave her life. May peace reign in all of you as you journey through this.
Hugs,
Noreen
Oh thank you so much Noreen for your prayers. Donna passed this afternoon and we knew that she would not make it. Now she is at peace and in no pain. Again, thank you so much.
DeleteMary
Mary, just heard from Diana about your cousin. I am so sorry. Some of the things that are meant to be for our good and for healing are not always what we need. I hope she has a painless journey and will send up prayers for her. Take care of yourself, Mary..xxo Judy
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Judy for your prayers. My heart is breaking as God took Donna this afternoon to be with him. She is no longer in pain.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much.
Hugs,
Mary
I am so sorry, Mary. It is so sad. I will say a prayer for for you both. xoxo Su
ReplyDeleteOh, Mary! My heart breaks for you about your cousin Donna! I'm so sorry. I had commented on your previous post after reading the prayer request over at Diana's. I'm praying for her family and for you too, Mary. You're so right - doctors don't know everything and second opinions are good. Blessings to you, my sweet friend, and I pray you will feel God's arms around you as you grieve the passing of your cousin.
ReplyDeleteShelia
MY dear sweet Donna passed away this afternoon. I thank God that she didn't suffer to long and she is now in God hands. You are so right, yes we do put to much faith in our Doctors and second and third opinions should be taken in to consideration.
DeleteThanks for all your prayers for Donna and her family.
Hugs,
Mary
Bless your heart Mary. I am just seeing your post and was going to say I would pray for Donna. but now I will pray for you and her family. I am so sorry..
ReplyDeleteLove, Mona
My prayer go to Donna and for you and your family she is in God arms in peace take care your self
ReplyDeleteBlessing
Isora
XOX
I was headed over to offer prayers and read she just passed. Now she's in God's hand, what better hand to be in. My sympathy for your loss.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss, Mary! Donna is now with the Lord and no longer in pain, however, you pain and the pain of grief that your family is going through, is hard! Praying for peace in the midst. I hope you received my email last night! Cindy xo
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry. So many times we put far too much trust in a doctor...second and even third opinions are good. Perhaps the radiation treatments were not even necessary. She sounds like such a lovely person and it is a very great loss. My prayers are with you and her family.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your sweet comments. I don't believe she needed any radiation treatments at all. They only took the small lump because there was so much cancer in her fathers side of the family. I don't she would have ever needed that treatment.
DeleteShe is with God now and in no pain - she can breath now.
Again, thanks so much.
Mary
Oh, Mary, I didn't realize she was family. and also didn't realize there's not a lot the doctor can do now. Prayer, as you know, is so so powerful and I will say a prayer for her...for all of you.
ReplyDeleteTake care and pls keep us informed.
My dear Mary, I'm so sorry to hear this about your cousin, Donna. She has been through so much. May God be with her during this most difficult time. I'm thinking of you and sending love and comfort.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
I'm so sorry, Mary, what a shame. Donna has been through the mill. I hope and pray for a miracle but if that doesn't happen, I hope she is in peace and free of pain when she passes. You are a special lady to ask for prayers. I really believe in the power of prayer, even from those we don't really know.
ReplyDeleteLove to you, take good care.
Jane x
How terribly sad, Mary. Prayers for your cousin, Donna, and for you & Nellie, too.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Mary.... Prayers for healing,strength,comfort and peace for Donna and all of her family and friends!
ReplyDeleteDebbi Saunders
I am visiting from Nana Diana's blog and was so saddened to hear of Donna's passing, and wanted to let you know we will certainly be praying for all who loved her and who miss her so much now!
ReplyDeleteMary, I too read of Donna's passing on Diana's blog. I am so sorry and pray for all of you!
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
I am so sorry to hear about your precious cousin....My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family...
ReplyDeleteMary, I'm so sorry to read such sad news (I read your replies to some comments). I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteDoctors are human and unfortunately do make mistakes..more unfortunately..their mistake can change a life in a heartbeat..or end one.
ReplyDeleteI feel sorry for all of you.How unfortunate.
My sympathies :(
Mary, saying prayers. So much heartache is going on right now. Seems everywhere someone is under the burden of sadness. Summer will be a long time coming this year, but when it does I hope the sun shines for her and you. I will heed the second opinion advice. I lost faith in doctors years ago.
ReplyDeleteMary, I heard that your sweet cousin passed away....my sincere condolences to you and the family in this most difficult time. Take care Mary!
ReplyDeleteSending love and prayers to you and your family. It's so so hard to lose a loved one.
ReplyDeleteHow distressingly sad! Donna, you, and the entire family have my prayers.
ReplyDeleteDear Mary
ReplyDeleteI'm sending prayers for Donna and for you, to keep you strong through this difficult time.
It sounds like Donna has been through the mill - well and truly.
I agree with you about getting a second opinion - a fresh pair of eyes can pick up something and go down a different path.
Donna is in Our Lord's hands, I can't think of a better place to be.
Take care dear Mary
Hugs and love
Shane
Mary, I'm so sorry to learn of Donna's passing. My heart breaks for you and the rest of her family, and all of you are in my prayers. May God's peace be with you. Gentle hugs, Nancy
ReplyDeleteMary, thank you for the birthday wishes. It means so much to me. Oh my gosh, The San Diego Zoo is the best! We went there a few years ago when we lived in So Cal. You should take a trip there soon, as you're not too far away. The animals would love to see you. :)
ReplyDeletelove, ~Sheri
So sorry to hear about your cousin Donna and the bad decision her doctors made for me.
ReplyDeleteIt happens, people need to question outcome of radiation treatments
I'm so sorry about your dear cousin, Mary. Sending prayers your way and sending you an extra big hug. So true about getting second opinions from drs. So often we believe everything they tell us, but you are right, they make mistakes too. Take care, my sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteOh I am so very sorry about your cousin :( What a terrible time for you all :(
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this Mary. Thinking of you all with gentle thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteJemma
Mary, I'm so sorry! I'm a bit late reading this, but I want you to know that I'm sending you hugs and saying prayers for you and everyone!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! Oh, I'm so so sorry to hear of your health woes! I'm glad you got to the doctor and that you're feeling better today! Oh, I've had shingles myself and they are most unpleasant! I'll be praying for you, my sweet friend. Just take care of yourself and get well.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Shelia ;)
Hi Mary, stopping by to say hello and hope you are well and doing good. I am so sorry for the passing of your cousin. My prayers remain for your family and God's comfort for all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and your sweet visits. Wishing you a great weekend ahead. Blessings xo
This makes me sad and mad at the same time! I wish more thought was given for the patients welfare and not the almighty dollar, but that's wishful thinking.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry for the loss of your beloved cousin. She's free of pain now, and you have an angel in heaven looking after you.
So sad to hear about this. My prayers are with donna and I am sure now she'll be watching you from above with a big smile on her face.
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