Tribute to Shirlann

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HeatherBLocklear
HeatherBLocklear Member Posts: 1,370
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment

Hi all,

Whenever I get really discouraged, I always look for Shirlann's posts. Not only is she incredibly positive, she's unflaggingly kind and conscientious in her responses to all those of us who are still traveling the dark road and worried about our different symptoms and side effects.

What I find truly remarkable is that Shirlann has been disease-free for over nine years, yet still spends time every day on these boards reassuring and comforting all of us. How many women would feel compelled to give back, day after day, for so many years?

Shirlann, thank you for everything you do. You are one in a million -- you've undoubtedly given hope to hundreds of women like me, and I love you for it.

Annie Armpit Lump

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited October 2008

    Hear hear!!!!!!  You've been a beacon of light for so many newbies.  I don't follow the other forums very much (I just have LCIS), but I know you are so incredibly helpful to newbies.  Thank You So Much!!!!!

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  • AnnNYC
    AnnNYC Member Posts: 4,484
    edited October 2008

    Leaf, just what I was going to say, "hear, hear!!!"

    Shirlann, you are just the best!  And adventurous, too -- besides your kindness, insight, positivity, and all-around help -- your world travels are an inspiration!  Hugs, Ann

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  • lisamed123
    lisamed123 Member Posts: 186
    edited October 2008

    I agree!   I remember when I came to realize what it meant to be triple negative (I was so clueless and such a newbie six months ago), I cam across Shirlann and it gave me such a tremendous amount of hope and really made me feel better when I needed it most.  I have noticed that she is always there when someone new has a question.

    Lisa

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  • mzmiller99
    mzmiller99 Member Posts: 894
    edited October 2008

    Ann and Leaf,

    Absolutely!!  Even though I haven't been here that long, Shirlann has stood out from the start, as a caring, supportive voice of rational advice.  She always has a thoughtful, non-judgmental answer for anyone she posts to.

    Your tribute is well placed and well deserved!

    Susan

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  • SoCalLisa
    SoCalLisa Member Posts: 13,961
    edited October 2008

    We are lucky enough to have Shirlann in our San Diego BCO Lunch Bunch...she is a sweetheart!!

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  • dalycity
    dalycity Member Posts: 248
    edited October 2008

    Yes, for sure! She's helped me may times.  Thank you, Shirlann!

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  • Dee811
    Dee811 Member Posts: 13
    edited October 2008

    Hi, I'm new; just registered.  I was dx last week. I have IDC pretty rapid growth.  went from quarter-size lump in July and now my left breast is almost totally a mass and feels like it weighs 10 lbs.  I will have a porta-cath placed this Thurs and my first chemo on Friday.  I'm going to have Taxotere, Adriamyan(?) and Cytoxan.  Can anyone tell me the side effects of these particular drugs?  We're doing chemo first to stop growth and hopefully shrink.  Then surgery followed by radiation.  I would love to hear any advise anyone can give me

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  • Mary-Lou
    Mary-Lou Member Posts: 2,230
    edited October 2008

    This describers her to a tee.

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  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 6,416
    edited October 2008

    AMEN TO SHIRLANN!

    My first two weeks she calmed me.

    Thank you for sticking around for us!

    Laura

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited October 2008
    I couldn't agree more.   Shirlann,   You Are The Woman !  


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  • sandee107
    sandee107 Member Posts: 66
    edited October 2008

    I agree.  Shirlann, I love your posts.  They always bring comfort.

    Sandee 

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  • cshamber
    cshamber Member Posts: 76
    edited October 2008

    Absolutely! She always gives a reply.

    And it is always appreciated. :)

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  • ICanDoThis
    ICanDoThis Member Posts: 1,473
    edited October 2008

    You were the first person who was there for me.

    I needed that

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  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 1,718
    edited October 2008

    Yes , yes! Tribute indeed! Shirlann is my angel. She made me laugh when I never thought I would again. And she is such a comfort and an inspiration. We are soooo lucky to have her here. Love you Shirlann!xxxx Melody

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  • erika-canada
    erika-canada Member Posts: 142
    edited October 2008

     Hi Ladies:

    I finished my Rads one year ago. This great Lady "Shirlann" has helped me beyond belief. What a gem this person is. In my opinion she has so many "ANGEL POINTS".

    How privileged we were to have her share her wisdom and kindness with us. I'll always remember how much You've helped me, you have absolutely no idea what you have done for me. Would love to meet you in person, who knows.....anything is possible.

    With love and the greatest respect,

    Erika --    Canada

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  • PeggyDixon
    PeggyDixon Member Posts: 125
    edited October 2008

    Dear Dee811,

    Hi there sweetie - it's too bad you had a bc diagnosis but this is a great site for support and information. I wonder if you posted your question somewhere else, because it might have gotten lost on this "Tribute to Shirlann" thread. You could re-post on the chemo thread. Anyway, I had ILC and went through treatments with the 3 drugs you list. I didn't have any side effects for the first couple of days, but after about day 2 (I think- maybe day 3) I was tired and the main thing that happened with me was that I couldn't taste anything - my taste buds were affected and everything tasted gros. I was sick only after one treatment - they give you anti-nausea drugs so hopefully you won't have any of that either. I lost my hair (all over the body - not just on the head!!) at about days 17-18 after the first treatment. I did have some mouth ulcers but vigilantly rinsed my mouth with salty water....you could ask whether to do that right from the beginning or wait until you have a problem...you may never have them develop. I had 3 weeks between treatments and by the third week I was more or less back to normal - not as tired and able to eat no problem. I had a port too and it was wonderful - made it all a lot easier.

    I hope this helps and that you hear from others too. You might be lucky and just have minimal side effects. Good luck to you! Just remember it is worth the side effects to be killing the cancer...that is how I looked at it - like the chemo was a positive thing!!

    Peggy xoxo

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  • lisa39
    lisa39 Member Posts: 255
    edited October 2008

    Absolutely!  I'm so glad you started this thread.  I have often thought about how much Shirlann's experience, wisdom and humor have helped me.  Thank-you!

    Lisa 

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  • dash
    dash Member Posts: 766
    edited October 2008

    Yes, Shirlann, you are one of the most beautiful people, inside and out and I want to thank you for helping me and so many others.Smile

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited October 2008

    Shirlann, you are very special!!!  Thanks for being you!!

    Harley

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  • Emily2008
    Emily2008 Member Posts: 605
    edited October 2008

    Bless you, Shirlann, for sticking around here and offering your mind and heart to all of us!

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  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited October 2008

    Oh my, I am in tears.  I can't believe all these wonderful sisters.  You are such a treasure to me, everyone of you. 

    I can't tell you how much your kind words have cheered me up.  So kind, so sweet.

    Hugs and kisses to everyone, Shirlann 

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  • candie1971
    candie1971 Member Posts: 4,820
    edited October 2008

    Thanks Shirlann, for all you do for our bc sisters.

    Hugs and prayers,

    Candie

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  • portiasproudmom
    portiasproudmom Member Posts: 2,125
    edited October 2008

    This time last year, when I first started my bc journey, Shirlann was one of the first ladies to respond to my frantic post.  God Bless you Shirlann, for being such a wonderful and loving person.  You've given so much encouragement and hope to so many of us.  You are truly one of a kind.  I love you, Shirlann!

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  • coonie
    coonie Member Posts: 7,618
    edited October 2008

    Thanks from me too Shirlann! I can always feel your "gentle" hugs. You give us newbies hope and inspiration. It's so scary to get a cancer diagnosis, but your words of wisdom always bring comfort. You have truly found your ministry :) Thanks a million!!!!

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  • LisaSDCA
    LisaSDCA Member Posts: 2,230
    edited October 2008

     I am fortunate to be another one of Shirlann's monthly in-person BCO-Lunch sisters. She has, from the beginning, always been compassionate and concerned with each and every one of my questions, upheavals, and mild panic. Wink I have, over the months, seen her welcome new BCO lunch bunch members with the same caring and concern.

    She's every bit as much of a treasure in person as her posts convey. Shirlann, thank you for your voice of calm and reassurance. Don't ever feel like you are a 'broken record' (I've seen you write that) for suggesting antidepressants, for advising anti-anxiety meds, for explaining post-traumatic stress disorder, etc. to the newcomer. You always are our voice of experience, of survival, of support. Definitely one of a kind.

    xoxox

    Lisa

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  • Calico
    Calico Member Posts: 1,108
    edited October 2008

    Let me chime in here and add that when I was new and scared I got a kick out of reading her posts, especially the "gentle hugs" at the end ;)

    Even though, they were not meant for me, I loved them.

    Shirlann,

    you are so very appreciated!!!

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  • sueps
    sueps Member Posts: 2,266
    edited October 2008

     Shirlann ..... I love you with all my heart and soul xxx

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  • nowheregirl
    nowheregirl Member Posts: 894
    edited October 2008

    I think what makes us love Shirl is that she is not perfect. She gets silly, pissed, down and even dumb from time to time, which I think makes us feel her closer because none of us is anywhere near perfect. She is just like us, yet would never ever spare time and effort to offer help and support. That's why we love you Shirl.

    xo

    Fumi

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  • IllinoisNancy
    IllinoisNancy Member Posts: 722
    edited October 2008

    Shirlann was a major reason that I got through the first few weeks of breast cancer.  She is an angel who offers great encouragement and guidance.  We are all lucky to know her.

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  • roxy42
    roxy42 Member Posts: 495
    edited October 2008

    Hi I agree Shirlann You are such  a beautiful  person with a heart pure as gold.You gave me hope and joy with every post.I'm 15 months out and Ned and doing well.All the women on these boards are wounderfull.When i get down or have a bad day i come here and read your post.I just want to say thank you for being that strong voice of courage.Godbless you and many many more years of health.....Love ya roxy

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