Photo Copyright: Maggie May
I find after suffering from cancer and having chemotherapy, that I have much empathy towards other people who are going through the same thing.
One lady who I have *met* through blogging, is Lakeland Jo from Windermere in Cumbria. When she learnt that her cancer had returned and was not operable, she went to London and approached the Royal Marsden for a second opinion. That was a very long way to travel from the lake District. After yo-yoing between yes and no for a good while, the hospital finally agreed to a very risky and lengthy operation that has been going on for most of today (Wed).
Being a Christian, she believes in the power of prayer and I know that prayer helped me tremendously when I was first diagnosed with cancer, when I was in a devastated state and also while having chemo.
Jo's husband has posted an update here and she was still under anaesthetic when he wrote it and she had a long way to go. However Jo was doing very well and things looked positive.
I think that she will need a long recovery from such an operation and I would urge all the people who prayed or sent up positive vibes for me, to please do the same for Jo.
Maybe that is why we go through bad times, so that we can help others through their suffering too. Its the only way that I can make any sense out of it at all.
I know that you won't let me down and I can't tell you enough how I value all the friendships that I have through blogging.
I am pleased to say that Jo has pulled through the operation, here and the outlook seems to be pretty good. She will need our prayers as she recovers over the next few weeks.
27 comments:
Darling Maggie, I'll try to send the strongest vibes of love and caring and hope-it's times like this when I wish I could stop thinking.
Thank you for posting about Jo. I think that she is going to need all of our support.
She is in my prayers!
Thank you so much Maggie. As you know Jo is one of my dearest friends and one of the best people you could ever, ever meet. I spoke to her on Monday and almost collapsed when I put the phone down, thinking that thay may have been our last conversation. She was incredibly brave.
Paul's progress report is far beyond what they were hoping for since the docs had not given them a lot of encouragement. I am beyond happy and obiously Jo will be thrilled.
xx
So true Maggie, when we have walked in those shoes we want to help others. Your friend is in my prayers as well as you and Harry.
.......:-)Hugs
Maggie, dear one across the pond, I am saddened to hear of your blogging friend's suffering and that she has had to undergo another sugery. I will, of course, add her name to my prayers as yours has been since we've met. I am so appreciative that you have continued to do well and, as my 66th birthday is only four days away, I praise my Maker that he has, thus far, seen fit not to add any such maladies to my tribulations. I do have frequent discussions with him about why he chose to have my job end and take my income away so my travels are curtailed. I guess He has some purpose that I am not to understand.
I'll keep Jo in my prayers along with you.
maggie xxxxxx She is in our prayers - thank you so much.We must have a walk soon - together xxx
sending good thoughts !!
You know Maggie, I do believe you have a very good point there about the trials we often must endure and once on the healing side, it changes us, makes us more willing to share, to help others, especially to offer prayers of healing. And that is definitely what I will do for your friend. As you know, I am also on my second trip down the cancer highway, but I firmly believe what carried me through the first time is the same thing but with even more power this time due to all the prayers and good wishes I've received not just from family and friends I've know for many years, but also so many from blogger friends who are "Johnny come lately" to my life. Something definitely has been there, looking after me through all of this, the same as it was for you too. Has to be the prayers then, don't you think?
Thanks for sharing this! I cannot imagine what you..or she..has faced!! Its only through faith and prayer that I imagine one has the strength to go on!!
You and she can count on my best, healing vibes. Very best thoughts to your friend, Maggie.
Thanks for posting about Jo. I certainly will add her to my prayer list.
Maggie you know I don't pray but I am more than happy to send her positive vibes, and hope and wish for the best possible outcome.
I will definitely be saying a prayer for Jo. I hadn't realised she was ill. Sending you a hug Maggie. A x
Saying a prayer...
I am in a Wednesday morning study group and we are currently working through a book by Phillip Yancy - where is God through the suffering. We have talked about what you too have mentioned - the suffering allows us to reach out to others, and it usually strengths our faith walk. May you have a wonderful day and I will continue to offer prayers for a speedy recovery fo Jo...
Cheers!
Maggie, I said a prayer just now. I, too, believe in prayer being efficacious. All for the glory of God.
I'll keep Jo in my prayers and send Reiki too.
I will pray for Jo right now Maggie. Thanks for bringing her to my attention.
Hugs
SueAnn
i am glad to hear the surgery went well...adding it to our prayer list now...
I'll do any thing for you and a good cause, Maggie.
What an inspiring story. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for her.
Just caught up with your last few posts and pleased to hear about your scan results. Also, wish I could knit. My grandmother and my mum tried to teach me, but I was terrible at it. Quite handy with a sewing machine though!
You can be sure I'll pray, Maggie!!! Love you!!!! Janine XO
Just left a note for Jo and will keep her in my prayers. I'm sure there is a lot of positive energy being sent her way thanks to you, Maggie.
I certainly agree that people who have to endure suffering of any sort are often the most caring and empathetic people. I will certainly send thought of hope and healing to your friend and continue to do so for you.
so glad she is on her way to recovery, brave brave lady
Blessings to her and her husband
I think you are correct in your last statements Maggie. Surviving extremely challenging ordeals does strengthen character and I find makes you want to give back. I offer up healing and strength for her and her family. May they be well
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