Cathie's one of my closest friends, whom I love dearly. As most everyone knows, she's battling a brain tumor. On top of that, her marrriage of 17 years fell apart. It's been hell for her, yet she's such a strong person. Cathie's the first person to offer support, advice and kind words to everyone here in need. It's now her turn.

Cathie you are one of the nicest members on SO and a great friend. It's so unfair that you have to go through all this.You are in my prayers and I pray to God that you will be alright. God bless you. :)

Mariah Carey - Anytime You Need A Friend
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8Ng9dkTi5I

I will keep you in my prayers.

My thoughts & prayers are with you. Try to keep a positive attitude, I know that it is sometimes hard to do but it really does help.

Cathie, I am so sorry for what you're going through. You are such a great person, always there with your sense of humor and kind words. You don't deserve any of this :bighug: I will keep you in my thoughts.

You are an amazingly strong woman, and I can tell that just from what you say! You will overcome like no one else. :)

Cathie, you are such a vital and an improtant part of Sitcomsonline. Be strong and be positive. You will always be in my thoughts and in my heart. :)

Cathie, you know I love you and you're always in my prayers. You're one of the strongest people I know and if anyone can fight this, you can. Remember you have lots of people here who love you, never give up!! :bighug:

cathie you are a living angel and God will surely shine his divine mercy and grace upon you. you are in my thoughts and prayers dear so just hang in there!

Here I am, here I am
Somebody's waiting, anticipating your tears
Here I am, right or wrong
Where I am, you belong
When you need someone there to be strong

Here I am, when the good times come into town
Here I am, for a hand or just hanging around
Everyone sometimes stumbles and falls
A friend is a number you know you can call
Just to hear someone tell you, "Here I am"

In Time Of Sorrow...

May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Never turn your heart to stone,
May you always remember
when the shadows fall—
You do not walk alone.

Cathie, I had no idea that you were going through so much. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Cathie, I don't know you too well but you come off to be as an amazing, kind, and very strong person. You don't deserve what you're going through, yet you still have an amazing attitude about everything. We're pulling for you and pray that you get better soon. :hug:

Dear Cathie, you have my strong support, and of course, my prayers.
Gene

Stay strong, Cathie! I will keep you in my thoughts!

Cathie,
I know our paths haven't crossed on this site very many times, but I really do admire your strength through all of this, and I will be praying for you!

you're a very strong person and you're in my thoughts. :bighug:

I hope you get well very soon!!!

Cathie, you are a truly wonderful woman and I pray that you can overcome this illness and return to health. I also pray that you find TRUE love. Someone that can appreciate what I already know. ;) :bighug:

I had no idea Cathie was going through all of this. We have always gotten along and she's always been one of my favorites here. I know that there's a light at the end of the tunnel and you're in my thoughts and prayers.

I'm so sorry about everything- I wish you the best of luck and will be praying for you, I know you can pull through all this. You're strong, you've got to be strong to maintain a positive attitude. Stay strong and never give up.

i know you & i haven't talked much on the boards, but i do enjoy reading your posts; they're always funny & intelligent. you're going through so much right now; you are in my thoughts and prayers! i hope the doctors are able to get rid of the tumor, completely. stay strong!

From the moment I first met Cathie, she was like an Angel to me. I remember the first time her and I ever talked to each other in a thread, and believe it or not, that first time we talked it was an argument. Despite our disagreements, I knew there was something special about her, and so I sent her a pm basically letting her know that I wanted to be friends. From that moment on, she became one of my truest, and dearest friends, and we've never spoken a negative word about each other since, and always had each others back. It was her who emailed me when I was about to back out of my Arizona trip, and assured me that everything would be okay, and that if I got scared, to think about her, and she would be my Angel. If not for her, I very well might have skipped out on going, thus missing one of the great experiences in my life. I was scared when I got on that airplane, but immediately took her advice, and every bit of fear I had went out the window. I knew she was there sitting right next to me, and that comforted me greatly!!

I had know idea that Cathie had a brain tumor. :( I knew from posts I'd read that she hadn't been well, but because of her cheery attitude, and her constantely being there for everyone, I figured it wasn't too serious. I am so sorry Cathie that I didn't further investigate, and find out what you were really going through. Had I known, I would have said something sooner. You are an unbelievably strong and caring person, and if anyone can beat this, it's you. God is there for you, and so am I, and I will be sending all my prayers, and many good thoughts your way. I can't even begin to imagine the battle you're going through, but just know that you have this kid from Portland who loves you dearly, and who knows you have the strength to get through this!! I Love You Soooooooooo Much my friend, and I am here for you. And if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm just a phone call away!! I love you my dear friend, and you will be in my entire families thoughts and prayers!!! :heart: :heart: :heart: :kiss: :kiss: :kiss:

:bighug:

Be strong, Cathie.

Cathie, stay strong. My thoughts & prayers are with you.

Oh my gosh! I don't get here much anymore so I am behind in news. Cathie, I wish you love and prayers in these difficult times. My best to you.:bighug:

Thinking of you!!

All the best to you for a speedy recovery!

God bless you, Cathie...you're in my thoughts, heart and prayers...:bighug:

I never know what to say in these threads, so I've shied from them. However I think I need to put an end to this and just post in here!

I'm not a religious person, so I don't pray - it wouldn't feel right if I said I was praying. HOWEVER, I am keeping you in my thoughts AND sending heavy amounts of positive vibes your way! I've always thought you were awesome - you ARE awesome! You're not the kind of person to just stand off to the side and let things get to you. If you and the tumor were in a boxing ring, I know you would kick its ass good and hard! :D

yay cathie! :D all the best to you.

Cathie, I am very sorry to hear about your problems. You will be in my thoughts and prayers for a full and speedy recovery. You are an amazingly strong woman. We are here to support you.

^ I agree. Stay strong- we all believe in you.

My thoughts, prayers and support are with you, Cathie.

Awww, we love you Cathie. Stay strong!! :bighug: :heart:

That's just so sad. Tripperfan is one of the nicest, coolest people on here, and for her to be going through all this turmoil is insane. But we're praying for you, Cathie, and you'll find the strength to come through!! :rock: Also tell Geddy hi for me, you're a special person to all of us!! :bighug:

Hey Cat, where the heck are you? I know you had your Thanksgiving this weekend, you crazy Canuck. :lol: Before anyone goes all PC on me, ; ) this is a private joke between Cathie and me.

Lauren aka LuLu Rogers was kind, and talented enough, to make this for you, Cathie. It would make a nice avatar, or just something nice to have on hand. I know I plan on slappin' it on you during our next debate. :rofl:

Cathy, stay strong and positive. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I think for the first time in my life, I can't find the words for this thread. All your love, support, kind words, special PMs, the touching lyrics and photochop jobs (OMG am I ever gonna use that as an avatar!!) mean so much to me. It really brought tears to my eyes, but for the first time in a while, happy tears.

I guess with all that's gone on, (and Janice just mentioned the tip of it - there's been more - a couple of job losses, no medical insurance for prescription drugs, having to move and find housing without employment and leave my pets, etc.) my "real life" friends have kind of forgotten me. I don't judge them, I'm sure it must be uncomfortable for them to be around stuff like this now, and let's face it, it's mostly a bummer and people have their own crap to deal with. So it has been a bit lonely, but has given me a lot of time to reflect on things, so there's good that comes out of everything.

I don't mind questions, and especially "tumour humour" (you should hear the jokes we trade during treatments!! lol) What's better, is that I got the results of my MRI and bloodwork from last week today.

GOOD NEWS! The tumour has now reduced (had 12 radiation treatments this past summer) from 32mm to 19mm in diameter!!! I'M SHRINKIN' LIKE GEORGE CASTANZA IN A COLD LAKE!! :lol: :happyface

I just have to now take care of the %#*& cold my brother gave me over the weekend, get my blood counts up and diet straightened around and I hope there's no looking back. Next MRI is in a month. :)

Once again - thanks everyone for your words of encouragement. And a special thanks to Janice and Lauren for the whack avatar!! :wave:

:bighug: Cathie, you know we love you!!!!!

So glad to hear the good news, Cathie. That's great!

Once again - thanks everyone for your words of encouragement. And a special thanks to Janice and Lauren for the whack avatar!! :wave:

You is so very welcome! ;) :bighug:

Cathie, you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers, and I'm sending all of my positive energies and care in your direction...

:bump :2bump


I want to thank you, Cathie, for the gorgeous necklace that you sent me! It is out of this world beautiful, with the prettiest shade of blue, and a double heart as a pendant. :heart: :heart:

I had no idea you were so talented and could make jewelry! It brought tears to my eyes, as it was so symbolic of our friendship. Two gals going through a tough time, although my problems are miniscule compared to yours, Cat. I so appreciate it, and as I told you, it looks beautiful draped over my bedroom lampshade. A constant reminder of you, being there for me. I'll try to get a picture of it soon, because seeing is believing. Thank you so much.

:bighug:

Positive thoughts and energy sent your way.

darn...why am i so late to this thread...cathie, hang in there sweetie, we all love you and are all praying for you. we're all so lucky to have you as a part of our lives and i hope we bring you the comfort andsupport you've given to so many of us!

Hang in there Cathy you have alot of people here who care so much.
:bighug:

:bump :2bump


I want to thank you, Cathie, for the gorgeous necklace that you sent me! It is out of this world beautiful, with the prettiest shade of blue, and a double heart as a pendant. :heart: :heart:

I had no idea you were so talented and could make jewelry! It brought tears to my eyes, as it was so symbolic of our friendship. Two gals going through a tough time, although my problems are miniscule compared to yours, Cat. I so appreciate it, and as I told you, it looks beautiful draped over my bedroom lampshade. A constant reminder of you, being there for me. I'll try to get a picture of it soon, because seeing is believing. Thank you so much.

:bighug:

You are very welcome J! It was my pleasure to make it for you. I wanted a colour that would show off your beautiful blonde hair and it's one of my favourite colours. I actually made one for myself that's similar, but not exact so we can be "bead sistas"! lol

I'll get some pics of some of the stuff I've made and post them if anyone's interested. lol Maybe that's my new career. Actually, I do tons of different types of crafts and fine art just as a hobby. Keeps me off the streets and out of trouble!! :lol:

I know I've yet to answer you email. Just when it came in, I was pretty emotional to start so didn't want to type back thru tears, but I'm glad it helped lift your spirits - that was the entire intention.

Oh - and I meant to tell you that I put your "Boston" ornament up in the "place of honour" - right in the centre of my tree :D

Thanks again everyone for your good wishes and prayers! It really makes a huge difference - you'll never know how much.

As an update, I had another MRI a couple of weeks ago. The tumour has only shrunk a couple more millimeters, but it's better than growing. The "tentacle" is still a major concern though and now I have to see an oncologist as it does show cancer. I haven't even told my brother about this and won't until the time is right. I don't want to spoil his Christmas anymore than it already is.

Because they can't operate on this thing, they're hoping in the new year to maybe give me a couple more blasts of radiation and/or chemo directly to where the tentacle joins the tumour, in hopes that it will cutoff the blood supply and basically kill the tentacle and malignancy. I'll probably just have to put up with the rest of the tumour for the rest of my life, but if it isn't as big as it was, they say everything should be fine and it won't affect me in anyway. If it grows back (or becomes fully malignant from the radiation treatments), then hopefully by then, they'll have further treatments they can use.

I also met a young guy two doors down from me who also has a brain tumour. He's 25 and has had his since birth. His is benign, but I really feel for him because he has to live with his parents and can't drive. He goes in for more surgery on Jan. 26th and is terrified because his is in the frontal lobe so he's risking his eyesight among other things. That's why I can be very grateful that if I had to get this thing, it's at the back of my head and away from areas like that.

I still get the odd seizure or tremor if I get upset or over tired. I try not to bead necklaces then or it's "beads everywhere"!!! :lol: ;)

Bless your heart. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

http://images.paraorkut.com/img/pics/glitters/g/god_bless_you-1645.gif

We love you, Cathie!! Stay strong and God bless you!! :bighug:

Wow--I'm sorry for all your pain and struggles, Cathie

Here's a big ol hug from me!

:hug:

Cathee, you are always in my prayers :) You are a strong woman and a great friend.

God bless you :happyface

I just wanted to let you know how much I love your sense of humour and how much I admire your positive attitude!! I'm also blown away by all the stories about how even in the midst of everything you've been going through you continue to care for and help others. You are an amazing and incredible person!! You are in my prayers.:wave:

I just wanted to let you know how much I love your sense of humour and how much I admire your positive attitude!! I'm also blown away by all the stories about how even in the midst of everything you've been going through you continue to care for and help others. You are an amazing and incredible person!! You are in my prayers.:wave:



Oh wow! Thanks very much Marvo! :wave:

I'm not sure if we've chatted ourselves before or if you've recently changed your screen name? I see you've been around a while tho :)

Always great to hear from a fellow Canuck too! Especially BC - haven't got that many Western posters here.

hang in there, Cathie sweetie!!:bighug:
I can really feel for you, with all this going on, but it's GREAT that you have a positive attitude about it!

Hang in there honey, and I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!

Cathie , you really are an inspiration. Everything you've been through and you still have a possitive outlook on things. Don't ever change. You are always in my prayers and I hope everything turns out great for you. You deserve some happiness. :)

Cathie, I don't really know you but you're my hero. You are so courageous and positive. God Bless you always.

How's everything going, Cathie? :bighug: