Zarovka (Z)

No. I am incredibly sad and shocked. I can only echo what everyone has already posted...that I fully expected her to beat it. Cripes, in a late October update she was doing high impact training HIIIT in her garage while taking extra oxygen. And I've just freaked myself out on how fast things can go south. She was trying to extend the amount of time Abraxane would work for her... She was one of the first people I followed, also, when I got on here. We corresponded a bit privately, as I'm sure many of you did. I'm so sorry friend. Travel well.

So sad to hear about Z. Beautiful poem in her honor, Jaycee

So, so sad, for Z, for her family and friends, and for all of us.....we've lost a wonder. Wonderful poem, Janet.

The word zarovka means illuminated lamp, light bulb, flash bulb etc., in Czech. I'm sure she knew that word. Our Z was a bright light here, in her professional life, and most important in her family.

I love the poem and pictures of Z's in the snow and sand and nature. The photo of her running strong and free is how I want to remember her instead of pics of face masks for rad and reminders of this damn disease.

Wonderful poem Jaycee, thank you! We have lost so many wonderful ladies here at BCO, but I doubt if many were as fierce in their determination to beat this damn disease and so generous in sharing her knowledge with all of us. As I read these posts so far, I recognize almost all the names which shows just how much she shared with so many. Like so many of you, I fully expected her to be the one success here. I've thought of her often lately but in recent days she was always on my mind, now I know why.

Illimae, thank you for sharing such awful, sad news. I hope when the time is right, you can share the loving, caring words of all her friends here with her family.

Rest in God's loving arms, free of pain Z.

Faith (in the future)

Hearing the news about "Z" is so crushing. Nothing about it makes sense or adds up. I am so saddened and shocked. She shared so much of her research, knowledge and ideas with us. Supported us. We grew to love her so much through her consistent posts for years that we had our first loss when she stopped posting. To hear this leaves me a bit speechless.

For the old timers around here, it reminds me a bit of Hope (Romansma). She was one of the persons who posted the most frequently for a long time like Zarovka, was loved by all on these boards and had a similar ability as Zarovka to draw people in to absolutely love and respect her in a rock star type way (without trying to do so). One day, she just quit the boards cold turkey, focused on her family and ended up passing about 8 or so months later. It was as if both she and Zarovka went from fighting this full steam to accepting that although each would continue to try, that internal hope was replaced with a grim reality none of us wants to consider would be inevitable at some point in the future. I just hate this disease.

So sorry to hear about Zarovka - she was such a help to me when I was first diagnosed; I met her on the Bone Mets thread, before I had my second opinion that led me to Ibrance. I was freaking out, and she calmed me down, encouraging me to get that second opinion.

I also remember the fact that she took a tumble on her bike at that time - went right over the handlebars. There I was, planning a very short life of sitting on the couch just waiting to die, and with everything she had going on, she was still active and adventurous. I was thinking of her when I had the opportunity to ride an ATV in Las Vegas (VERY uncharacteristic of me!), and I jumped at the chance. As you can see in my avatar pic, I had a blast.

Thanks for the inspiration, Z, you'll be missed.

I came to these boards when my mother got diagnosed with metastatic cancer. I was an absolute mess and this angel messaged me personally to give me hope. She shared her knowledge and her optimism which got me through some hard times.

I am shocked, but know Zarovka that your memory will live on through the countless people you helped both here and in the real world. I will always remember you, rest in peace.

just found out the news from the other thread. I’m totally shocked and sad. I thought that she’s enjoying her life as she reported NED. How come?! I also agree with the others that she’s definitely one the most knowledgeable in BCO and she helped others with her warm heart. She will be missed.

Jaycee, your poem is both heartfelt and heartrending. Says so much in just a few words...

Jaycee, you are just crazy talented!

Jaycee, your poem brought fresh tears, but Zar is worth a torrent of them. PatgMc had a great suggestion, and a few of us have adopted it. We're weaving a Z into our signature line to honor her spirit.

jaycee, beautiful poem . Very sad news , even though i did not know her much but i read all her post. Strong and inspiring lady. She will be greatly missed. We lost so many wonderful ladies and friends , it is truly a horrible disease. My heart goes out for her family , may she rest in peace.

Oh this breaks my heart. Z was such a beacon of hope and wisdom. I did not know her well here but always appreciated her encouragement and the wealth of knowledge she shared. May all who loved her be at ease.

Good morning,

I left a text message for Z’s husband and family on her phone after we heard the news. I sent our condolences and prayers as well as a note about how much we cared about her and her many contributions to BCO

He opened her phone this Morning in preparation for turning it off and saw the message from us. Wanted to let you know he received it.