Please forgive me for not responding to every one who read what I wrote and responded with such heartfelt kindness and prayers. I will say that I am not too proud to solicit such for I know how much prayers can mean and the healing powers thereof. Myself and family have indeed felt and received every prayer that was sent our way. Thank you so much for the friendship and comradire that has develped within this group. I am deeply touched.

An update on my sister: the surgery went on for 4 hours and her husband and the rest of us were on pins and needles the entire time. We all met with the surgeon (including our 83 year old mother) after about what seemed a lifetime. He told us that all the cancerous tumor had been removed with the kidney (it had not spread to the bladder) and that they were 97% confident of her complete recovery. I know some of you have had this horrible disease in your own family and it is a hard one to beat. The only cure for this cancer is to catch it while it is still contained to the kidney and remove it. As the doctor told us there is no plan B for this. If this doesn't work there is nothing else.

My sister is recovering well and is expected to leave the hospital this Saturday evening. She will be recuperating for about 4 weeks and all our prayers are that she will be up and back to normal as soon as possible. She is 55 and with one kidney remaining we hope everything goes well from now on.

Again thank you, one and all for blessing us with your thoughts and prayers. Love, Peace and Blessings to all. Barbara

I remember the other piece you wrote on this in the memoir group, and I think writing it as a poem is even more powerful. Your family already had strength, now I think they could use some respite from these trials.

We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Barbara, I am coming late to this beautiful and touching poem of yours. I hope that all went well today, and send my prayers for your sister.

Sorry for the double posts, but I'm having so many problems with this computer taking it's time to post replies.

Barbara, my younger brother, who is now 60, had a kidney removed 2 years ago because of cancer. I can understand how vulnerable your sister feels, and how upset you are, especially after losing a brother to this disease. We've been through the loss of our parents which, though sad, is the normal plan in life. However, I think it's very difficult to lose our siblings whom we've basically known from birth.

I hope and pray that your sister returns to health for a very long time.

Barbara, my brother had a kidney removed 2 years ago at age 58 because of a tumor. It was so shocking for him as he works in the medical field. It had a profound affect on on other brother and I because this is the first time we've come up, as siblings, against mortality.

I'm sorry about your brother, but wish nothing but health for your sister. We lose our parents, which is part of the plan, but losing a sibling where we've known one another since birth is very painful.

So sorry to hear about your sister. . .such an evil disease coming in two's.  Sending prayers, and calm healing energy to you.

You express your love for your sister and the hurt that you feel for her illness quite beautifully. Be sure to have her read it. I will keep your sister and you and your family in my prayers that the surgery is successful and her health restored. Keep your little chin up. Anything is possible with God. Zil