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I tried my best to recall all the different names LadyinRed would mention when we would be talking about FReepers. I thought those of you that posted so many well wishing and prayer messages to Connie would like to see her final resting place. It is a beautiful place, almost matching its newest resident with so much year around beauty.

This site has several pictures of where she will remain and I have a place next to hers. By selecting “next” or “prev” you can review all the pictures of this unique burial site.

Thank you all so much for your loyalty, prayers and well wishes. May God bless you all.

http://hthenson.multiply.com/photos/photo/2/8

LadyinRed's Final Post and Resting Place

http://images.hthenson.multiply.com/image/8/photos/2/500x500/8/P1010001.JPG?et=e3oEiWHhl203O52L9vz3QQ&nmid=113453046

I want to thank “ALL” the FReepers for so much, so much love, concern, prayers, encouragement, support, ideas, suggestions and all things I may have missed.
It has been truly phenomenal how the FReepers helped her. The Lady spoke of her FReeper friends often and how wonderful they are, how great they have been since JustAmy put the thread up. A special thanks to you JustAmy, our troop supporting, flag waving, compassionate friend. And a special thanks to MB, NPC, G1, JKP and our other friends that I have overlooked. She wanted to go to the corner one last time to see all of you but never got enough strength and energy to do so.

Her memorial service was good. We had many more people attend that we anticipated. She was cremated and her remains were placed under a bronze lid that covered her final resting place. Her resting place is out doors in the forest with a hole drilled in granite. There is a seasonal stream that runs nearby and a walk bridge crossing the stream and at the end of the bridge is where she is located. I will post a URL to show some pictures of her place, it is very unique and has beautiful surroundings, just what she likes. We visited the place together several times prior to her death.

Again FReepers and Friends — THANK YOU FOR BRINGING MY LadyinRed SO MUCH HAPPINESS AND PLEASURE DURING THE TIME SHE WAS POSTING.

http://hthenson.multiply.com/photos/photo/2/8

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This is my favorite LiR picture that was taken during a corner flag waving FReep session to support our troops. Such a pretty Lady she was with a personality that was more beautiful.

I posted a notice about LIR while my computer was signed on with Clovis_Skeptic — oops— but here it is again

This morning at 2:05 a.m. the LadyinRed converted her red clothes to a White Robe.

I and some local friends were with her at her passing. And, as could be expected she managed to start her trip to her new home with grace and class. Her moment was with very little commotion and alot of dignity.

Although it was difficult, I have read most of the posts about LIR. It makes me so proud of her and I want to thank each of you for your long distance love and continued kind and loving words about her.

Tom - AkA chadsworth

rh-—Some LiR update info
Thanks for the inquiry about the results. LiR is not concerned about the time delay to get the results. As the dr. told us, the action plans are pretty straight forward and two weeks delay does not seem to be a big concern. Our choices are — if the tumor(s) have decreased in size, she gets to take some time off from the chemo infusions. If they have not changed in size, she gets two more cycles and some time off. If the tumors are still growing it will be time for a program reevaluation. We still have an option to go back to Stanford and see a fantastic dr by the name of Heather Wakelee, head of the Standford oncology dept. This lady is quite impressive with all sorts of degrees, publications and a magna cum lade (sp?) in molecular biology. She told us we could see her anytime for LiR’s treatment program. We will wait and see the results first, it may not be needed.

Again, thanks to all for the love and concern.

BTW, we were able to get her ct scan today, an iron infusion and, believe it or not, another hemo booster. Praise God.

TO ALL -A short update on the LadyinRed.

After a second hemoglobin booster, she has not shown the recovery as she has previously done. We are pretty sure the long delay in getting her hemoglobin booster allowed her hemoglobin to get far too low and it just is not responding as it had prior to the missed shot.

After two shots of the hemo booster, her counts went from 10.2 to only 10.6. Not much improvement for TWO hemo booster shots. I cannot help but hold the insurance company at fault. She was holding her own with good hemo counts before the long delayed shot.

I wrote several letters to various agencies, including our state senator. The insurance co is being investigated for what happened to us, (not just us but a lot of members of the insurance co are finding the same treatment with benefits cut backs). I have been asked to tell LIR’s story on video and the state senator wants to use it in the investigation of the insurance co.

Anyway, LiR has another scan scheduled for Thursday (16th) but it is just a ct rather than a pet. The ct is faster and maybe LiR can subdue the cough long enough to get the scan completed. The cough is from a bronchial infection more than likely due to a weaker immune system as a result of getting so far down with the blood counts. She is scheduled to get iron infusions in hopes that the blood will go ahead and build itself back up.

Her doctor will be gone for two weeks, playing Navy, and we will not find out what the tumors are doing until he returns. We will put an update out when we get the info.

Once again — thank you all

Connie got her chemo three weeks ago (day one of the cycle) and then again 7 days later ( day 8). Her hemoglobin was marginal on day one so she did not get a hemoglobin booster (Aranesp) but could wait until day 8 after the next infusion. After the infusion on day 8, we were told Blue Cross would not authorize a shot for her hemoglobin. That took the wind out of our sails and nearly sank her boat. We offered to pay for it thinking it would be around 350 or so. “HELLO” Try $2,400. Well obviously we could not do that so we had to tuck our tail and go home to lick our wounds. I was pretty upset as was she, knowing that the hemoglobin would continue to go down. She was already marginal on day 1 and now after two more infusions, she was heading toward the transfusion mark. Normal is 13, transfusion occurs at about 9

I have written two letters and made 4 phone calls to Blue Cross about this, we finally got a shot of Aranesp in her but she was so far down ( 10.2) and feeling really bad after day 1 and even worse a few days after day 8. On day 12 we got her the shot but by that time, don’t know how low her hemo count was but I know she was really sick, weak, short of breath, nauseas with some vomiting etc. And coughing until she throws up whatever is in her stomach.

We were scheduled for a PET/CT today but she felt so bad and could not stop coughing long enough to acquire data for the scan so we had to postpone it. The next attempt will be next Tuesday for the PET/CT scan. This will determine the growth factor, shrink, stable or growing. If it shows shrinking she will get some time off, if it show no growth she will have two more chemo cycles and stop for a while and if it shows more growth, a reevaluation of her program will need to be done. This is a BIGGIE for her, she has really been worried about what the report will be. ME TOO.

I do not feel very confident at this point of being able to completely arrest the tumor growth. Her coughing seems to be getting worse, especially after the long time getting the Aranesp shot for her blood. She just does not show much if any improvement 5 days after the shot. She previously had been and felt almost normal after only a day or two later.

Thanks to you all - The Chadsworth

Last week Last week LiR had her 4th two drug chemo infusion. Typically, after the two drug chemo, she starts a down turn in how she feels. This downturn is due to the effects the chemo has on her blood, as well as the tumor. She has been able to get a shot which boosts her blood and prevents the chemo induced anemia from getting too bad. This shot brings her back into the human range of feeling SOMEWHAT CLOSE to normal, ie much less fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc. One of the purposes of the periodic blood tests is to determine what level her blood is in terms of being able to have the next chemo and at what level the blood benchmarks are to prevent the anemia effects. This is in part a quality of life (how do you feel) monitor during the chemo. The shot enables the patient to somewhat experience a NEAR NORMAL existence and gives a big boost to the mental aspect of having cancer because she feels like doing normal things. LiR has had three of these blood boosting shots during her chemo course so far and has become somewhat dependant on them to feel somewhat normal and knowing that she would feel OK after the chemo, she did not dread the chemo infusion.

The infusion nurse ordered the shot from the pharmacy and it was not delivered. The nurse called and found out that the medical insurance co. has reduced the point at which they will now pay for the shot. The level that the medical insurance co will allow the shot is ONE POINT above what the doctors will order a blood transfusion. TO HELL WITH HOW THE PATIENT FEELS, WE NEED THE PROFIT FOR THE CEO’S SO LETS CUT THE COVERAGE -— AGAIN.

Needless to say we are extremely disappointed and disgusted with the medical insurance co which over the years have paid a ton of money to. She was so looking forward to having a “feel OK” period since she has a longer period of no chemo because of the upcoming CT/MR scan on the 25th. We were going to pay out of our pocket for the shot, until we found out it was $2400. That is ridiculous also - what a medical world we live in!!!!

I am not sure what dietary items that she can eat that might make a difference. I feel for the other cancer patients that are in the same situation as LiR, it just is not right. If there is a medicine that can help the cancer patient feel better they should be able to have it.

Otherwise, she is doing very well and we are anticipating a good scan report. Praise the Lord.had her 4th two drug chemo infusion. Typically, after the two drug chemo, she starts a down turn in how she feels. This downturn is due to the effects the chemo has on her blood, as well as the tumor. She has been able to get a shot which boosts her blood and prevents the chemo induced anemia from getting too bad. This shot brings her back into the human range of feeling SOMEWHAT CLOSE to normal, ie much less fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc. One of the purposes of the periodic blood tests is to determine what level her blood is in terms of being able to have the next chemo and at what level the blood benchmarks are to prevent the anemia effects. This is in part a quality of life (how do you feel) monitor during the chemo. The shot enables the patient to somewhat experience a NEAR NORMAL existence and gives a big boost to the mental aspect of having cancer because she feels like doing normal things. LiR has had three of these blood boosting shots during her chemo course so far and has become somewhat dependant on them to feel somewhat normal and knowing that she would feel OK after the chemo, she did not dread the chemo infusion.

The infusion nurse ordered the shot from the pharmacy and it was not delivered. The nurse called and found out that the medical insurance co. has reduced the point at which they will now pay for the shot. The level that the medical insurance co will allow the shot is ONE POINT above what the doctors will order a blood transfusion. TO HELL WITH HOW THE PATIENT FEELS, WE NEED THE PROFIT FOR THE CEO’S SO LETS CUT THE COVERAGE -— AGAIN.

Needless to say we are extremely disappointed and disgusted with the medical insurance co. which over the years have paid a ton of money to. She was so looking forward to having a “feel OK” period since she has a longer period of no chemo because of the upcoming CT/MR scan on the 25th. We were going to pay out of our pocket for the shot, until we found out it was $2400. That is ridiculous also - what a medical world we live in!!!!

I am not sure what dietary items that she can eat that might make a difference. I feel for the other cancer patients that are in the same situation as LiR, it just is not right. If there is a medicine that can help the cancer patient feel better they should be able to have it.

Otherwise, she is doing very well and we are anticipating a good scan report. Praise the Lord.

Thank you so much for all the kindness in thought and prayer, you ALL are great.

Special prayer for Soldier Dad. My heartfelt wishes for comfort to you and the family. It is still time for a miracle if it be His will. May God Bless!

Time for a little update info. The LiR had her double infusion Friday as planned. Her blood tested good and did not have to have a blood boosting medicine shot. Her cough is not better except at a few rare times it seems to not last so long. I keep looking for it to stop and maybe it will before too long - God willing.

She is scheduled for a PET Scan on the 25th of this month with the results being disclosed on the 30th. If the tumor is shrinking, LiR will get some time off from the chemo, like 6 weeks or so. If the tumor is growth stabilized, she will have two more chemo rounds and then some time off (for good behavior), not sure how long. If the tumor is still growing, the program will be reevaluated and possible different drugs for a while.

Her spirits are good except for a rare occasion or event that reminds her of what is ahead of her. She is being a trooper, her determination is good but she is worried about the outcome of the PET Scan and what the radiologist report says. She has difficulty reading the thread so I do what I can to keep her informed of the more recent posts.

Thank you. — I showed your last two posts to LiR and she said the praying bunny was adorable and the flower card with the red roses was beautiful.

It is really great that small things can be so uplifting.

Thanks for the post — Your observations are correct, actually LiR likes just about anything chocolate. I am more the brownie nut. Mama Bear brought some of the best brownies to the corner FReep in Fresno supporting us “ Support The Troops” flag wavers. They sure were good.

LiR is the flower nut with the green thumb. Somehow, it sounds rather odd to say “I have some Brownies planted in my garden”;>) She enjoyed your website with the brownies.

Thank you so much PMM for the attention to LiR.

What a cute post Lucy. Thank you for your prayers, I so appreciate them. I am doing pretty well today actually since I am now in my post Chemo mode. I don’t go back until July 6th! Yippee! Again, many thanks to you all of my fellow freepers for your care and concern!

ladyinred

What a beautiful rose! I love roses, and before I moved to the mountains I had a yard full of them. Thank you so much for your prayers and this gorgeous picture. I am overwhelmed by the love and concern of my fellow freepers. I cannot express how thankful I am to all of you!

Connie, ladyinred

Thank You Ms Kitty Mittens

That song is one of her very favorite Christian Songs and she said to tell you the flower is beautiful too..

Thank You

Beautiful - Her favorite color - I am doing a glossy print for her.

MB I know there are a lot of people wanting to do good things for others and it is beyond their capacity to do so. Just saying what you do is an emotional uplifting for her (and me). Maybe one day soon we will stand with you on the corner again- I still have my silly little “repair your horn for $2” sign.

What beautiful posts you all have put up. The LiR has a hard time with the thread and cannot read all the posts because of the emotion it brings forth. So I go to the graphics posts and get the pics up and she looks at them without reading the whole thread. She really enjoys the flowers since she has a green thumb herself.

Thank you for the enjoyment of the pictures. Thank those of you that have put up the links also. You all are just great folks - period.

LiR has received some very thoughtful and kind words, prayers and unexpected help. We both are so very thankful for FReeRepublic, the FReepers and to those that have donated for LiR’s extremely expensive medication. You All have been encouraging and thoughtful. There are some we would like to thank but we do not have your FReeper names - God Bless.

Her status, as Clovis_Skeptic mentioned, LiR is feeling pretty rough right now and it is time to get another chemo infusion. The infusion sessions seem to have very little time between them. She did better after the previous session than this most recent one.

As far as the overall picture, she has a CT scheduled for next month. This scan will tell us if the chemo program she is on is working, i.e. is the tumor(s) still growing, stopped growing and/or God willing shrinking. The program does not contain one of the more popular cancer drugs because it causes neuropathy and since she already has neuropathy, it would make hers worse so they have elected not to use this particular drug. Her tumor(s) are slow growing and so will be the response from the medicine.

Her spirits are good right now and she tells me, “it is alright because I know God is in control”. What a trooper she is being and your support has helped - - - Thank you ALL so much.

kcvl

Good information and it certainly appears accurate based on LiR’s behavior after chemo.

Super website you put up for LiR’s condition.

Thanks so much — FReepers are the greatest.

Chads