Mostly, I feel more hope than despair regarding breast cancer. And then there are days like today, when someone else dies from the disease, and an aching heart hurts me all over.
Daria passed away today. She was a Facebook friend, a sister blogger, a hard-core survivor.
Daria was diagnosed in 2000 at the age of 39 — why do people insist that breast cancer is not a young woman’s disease? — and she was treated with radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Then her cancer recurred in her chest area, and then another lump was found in her breast, and then it showed up in her lungs, liver, and bones. As a result, Daria was living on chemotherapy, and had been since August 2008. Remarkable, she was, digging up the latest news and views on breast cancer and sharing all of it for her Facebook friends, blogging her daily triumphs and troubles, inspiring women all over the world.
And then on January 20, Daria’s husband told her loyal readers that she was no longer able to write. On January 21, he shared that she was resting comfortably but was losing touch. Today, he wrote, “I was by her side and was able to kiss her goodbye several times during the night and then watched her slip away quietly in her sleep.”
Daria is no longer in pain. And that’s a good thing, and it sounds like she can cross off #29 on her bucket list.
But she’s also no longer with us.
And that makes me sad.
Daria’s blogs:
Living With Cancer
Daria’s Daily Pics
Polly Flint on 1/22/2011 at 9:25 pm said:
I read your post & began to read her blog & began to cry. Thank you for writing such a beautiful send up for an obviously wonderful woman. I pray for peace for her and continued hope for you, Jacki. Now I need to wipe my face & rub away my goosebumps so I can tuck my girls into bed. May God bless you, Daria….and I thank God for you, Jacki. ~pol
DawnV on 1/22/2011 at 10:18 pm said:
A sweet tribute to a wonderful woman, Jacki. I thought the same thing when I read the post (about her being able to cross #29 off her bucket list). And though these days are tough and heart breaking, I know that she gave strength and courage to so many women around the world as she blogged her journey- much like you have done. Hugs to you as you say good-bye to another breast cancer sister.
Meghmala on 1/23/2011 at 8:32 am said:
Your hand is mature enough to write.thanks for writing such a story.i am being your fan after reading your posts.
April on 1/23/2011 at 10:19 am said:
Thinking of her and her family at this difficult time and praying that they find peace and comfort as they heal. Although I did not know her, it sounds as though she touched so many and has left a lasting impression through her writings. Thank you for sharing this Jacki and for continuing to fight this terrible disease for so many others.
Nancy on 1/23/2011 at 10:22 am said:
Jacki, I am so saddened by this news of Daria’s passing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts about it.
Health News on 1/26/2011 at 11:03 am said:
I am very saddened by listening news death of Daria, I am very appreciate to you that you given us time to remind presence of Daria
Marie Ennis-O'Connor on 1/28/2011 at 1:00 pm said:
Very shocked and saddened at the suddeness of Daria’s passing. I had been following her blog regularly and it is just so awful to think she is no longer with us. Thinking of Don and her family at this time.
Michael on 2/18/2011 at 12:45 pm said:
Very sad. As someone who watched my own young wife die of breast cancer and watched her “slip away quietly”… Of course this brought tears to my eyes. It is a young woman’s disease, unfortunately. R.I.P Daria.
DeAnna on 2/22/2011 at 9:59 pm said:
When I read this blog I felt extremely sad and understood your despair. When you have been touched by breast cancer you can feel the pain, hurt and sorrow when someone dies from this horrible illness. I also empathised because I was diagnosed a year earlier in 1999 at the age of 40 and went through the whole gambit of surgery, chemo and radiotherapy. The medical profession must take note that this insidious disease is not only a old woman’s disease. But Daria sounds like she was a beautiful and courageous woman who has left inspiration and courage to others. Rest in peace Daria and I pray your husband will find solace from your many loyal readers.
Dan on 2/24/2011 at 8:56 pm said:
Very sad. Thanks for the reminder that this can affect any age of women.