Stagefree's last journey

She was so loved here...and around the world.

ebru's family,

You encounter so few people in life that possess that ability to draw you in and make you feel like you really know that person just through written words. I was always drawn to ebru's posts. I related to her pissed off attitude at times about this disease. I appreciated her strong love of family. I was grateful for the knowledge she shared with all of us. And who would not envy a little that beautiful face! She could be warm, sensitive, blunt, loving.....-all in one paragraph! She talked of you often and loved you so very very much. She will be missed by me.

Mary Anne

We are so saddened to hear of Ebru's passing. She was an amazing member who provided so much support, love, and inspiration to this community.

She was kind enough to contribute her story to the community a while back which we will share here in her honour.

We know that she will be greatly missed by so many but she will not be forgotten.

Sending our deepest sympathies to all of you who knew and loved her.

Stagefree's Story.

"Having joined Breastcancer.org more than 2 years ago, I was not a newbie at all to cancer. I was 'cured' from Stage 2 Hodgkin's Lymphoma at sweet sixteen, when I literally survived the pity looks & pessimistic comments on what I was going through. Back then, we relied solely on my medical team, having scarce sources to get information & more importantly support. I was alone, surrounded by my loving family and friends.

"As a textbook patient, I was not surprised at all when diagnosed with breast cancer at 37, as a long-term side effect of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. However, the metastatic bonus wasn't expected. The minute I learned it was not stage 1, 2 or 3, but 4 and that there was no stage 5, I calmly refused therapy. But wait! 20 years had passed and I had no idea about the new cancer therapies and for how long they could actually help me. My medical team insisted I do my research for final decision, which I am so thankful that I did listen to. After some gloomy news I received from Dr. Google, I met Breastcancer.org, a site full of not only up-to-date information on breast cancer and very helpful facts & suggestions (especially for dealing with side effects of each treatment), based on medical proof, but also a virtual sitting room full of ladies from all around the world, offering their support, guided by the site's dedicated moderators. With my past experience as a teen being so lost and alone during my treatment, I immediately hung onto BCO, and with the amazing information & support, I trusted I could give treatment a chance...and here I am, enjoying each day with good quality of life, still.

"My son was a first grader who just started reading when I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Now I am optimistically looking forward to his last year in primary school, which indeed is next year.

"I know I am not alone, I know I can share information, I know I can give & take support, I know breast cancer is not the main part of my life. Scrolling through our threads on our private forum for ladies with metastatic breast cancer & Stage 4 breast cancer, anyone can witness our joyful moments, our will to live our lives, not just our cancer, as long as we can. Thank you BCO for providing this grand opportunity to me, connecting me to such adorable sisters only miles apart."

-- stagefree (Ebru), Istanbul, Turkey, diagnosed at age 37

Ebru was a special inspiration to us all. I'm heartbroken. My deepest condolences to her family and all who loved her.

I'm very sorry to hear this news. I was not fortunate enough to know Ebru in person, but she had such a beautiful energy around her, it was an energy that transcended the miles and borders that separate us and always came through in her posts. She is a beautiful soul and will be greatly missed.

Oh no! I am so sorry to read this news. I will never forget Ebru. She had so much spirit! She seemed to naturally defy cancer and embrace life. She cared about her friends here. She was inspiring by simply being herself. Wishes for peace and good memories for her dear husband and son.

Shocking and terribly sad news. Ebru was a brilliant light on this board. She will be so missed.

And for her family... it's simply heartbreaking. My condolences to Ebru's husband and son; she will be with you always.

Rest in peace, dear Ebru.

So sad to hear the passing of Ebru, she was such a special sweet lady. My condolences to Ebru’s family.

We lost a bright light, you will be missed dear Ebru! ❤️❤️❤️

Joanne

My heart broke when I read this news. Ebru was one of the few bright lights to shine on this dark disease. She was always helpful and uplifting to others, myself included,while she herself was suffering.

My heartfelt condolences to her husband and son. She will be greatly missed.

I am so saddened to hear of Ebru's passing. I always admired the honesty in her posts. She was a very special lady who will be greatly missed. My most heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

So very sad to see this - my deepest sympathy to you both. RIP sweet Ebru.

I am so sorry for your loss. Ebru was an extraordinary and special person. Basiniz sagolsun. Nurlar icinde yatsin. Allah oglunuzu size ve diger sevenlerine bagislasin.

To Ebru's husband and son..I will miss her presence on these boards. Loved the selfies, her humor and her advice about good food choices while in treatment. I weep for your family and the loss of your beloved.