Thursday, January 20, 2011

Daria is no longer able to post to her blog

Don here. This is the most difficult thing I ever have had to say…. Daria is no longer able to post to her blog.

Yesterday around noon, I brought my love to the hospital by ambulance. After some tests by the ER doctors, Daria asked for medication to control pain. It’s difficult for her to speak right now but she still knows what’s going on. 

This morning and every morning, I’ll print out your comments, take them to Daria’s bedside and read …. I think tearfully … each one out loud. Your words mean a lot to both Daria and I, they will be very comforting to hear.

In the next day or so I’ll know more and post.

Don

86 comments:

Debbie said...

I am so sorry to read this and am sending my prayers of comfort and no pain to Daria. She is an incredible person and I am grateful for all she has shared with the cancer community and with me.
Debbie

~ J ~ said...

I sit here in shock. I have been reading for so long and Daria was a light of hope while I was going through treatment. I know there are no words for what you are going through right now....Im so sorry.

Thank you for posting and please keep us updated.

Sue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer said...

Dear Daria
You are in my thoughts. I am hoping very much this latest setback is fixable. I have read your blog almost every day for the past 2 years and feel that I know you.
Love Sue

Jerry Carlin said...

Wow, Don, and Daria, a hard fought battle, what a horrible conclusion!
I will pray this is but a bump in the road and there is still hope.
I have followed this blog since my own cancer and realize there are many paths. You have fought long and hard, a good fight! and had the grace to share it with us and I thank you for that. I was never alone. Well wishes from here to you.

Sue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer said...

Dear Daria
I am very much hoping that this setback is temporary. I have been on your blog for almost 2 years after you posted on to mine. I feel that I know you. You are such a wonderful person and have brightened so many lives. I am thinking of you.

Sue in Italia/In the Land Of Cancer said...

Dear Daria
I am very much hoping that this setback is temporary. I have been on your blog for almost 2 years after you posted on to mine. I feel that I know you. You are such a wonderful person and have brightened so many lives. I am thinking of you.

barrie B. said...

i am praying for you Daria and I also believe Claudette is too.
Barrie Burden

katie ford hall said...

Oh Daria and Don,

I am so sorry to read this. What are the doctors saying? I've never met either of you but have been following your story closely. Lots of love and light coming your way from Ohio.

Katie

Debra Ward said...

Oh Don,

I feel so heartbroken and devastated for you and Daria.

Trying to remain positive and hopeful while sending love and prayers. Daria is such a bright light.

Love,

Debra Ward

Alli said...

Sear Don
I am just in tears sitting reading your words.
May God comfort you both in this very difficult time. I will pray for her and your family.

Daria has made such an impact with her blogging community. She is well cared for.

Please give Daria my love and affection.
Deepest respect

Alli.....xxoo

Jill said...

Thank you Don for posting. Many of us have been very concerned about Daria especially as she has never really missed a day without posting. My heart goes out to you and Daria during this time and our prayers and thoughts are with Daria especially now. Please give her my love.

Jill.

Jacki said...

Praying for you, my friend!
Take this time to heal yourself, and we look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you Don for keeping us posted.

Anonymous said...

Daria.: Hope you are feeling better. I am thinking of you. I have read your blog for a long time. Gerður in Iceland.

MK said...

Thank you so much for your post. My heart, prayers and good thoughts are with you and Daria and your family right now. Her words have always meant so much to so many. I am glad the comments you bring to her now bring comfort.

Anonymous said...

So sorry to hear that Don. Hope you are both doing as well as you can be. We are thinking of you both xx

CancerCultureChronicles said...

Thank you for this blog Daria and for your raw honesty. My thoughts and prayers go out to you both as you face this latest ordeal.

Tina said...

Oh Daria and Don. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please know that I'm thinking about you.

Tina

Anonymous said...

My Dear dear Daria, I haven't been blogging for a while and Alli made me aware of your situation. You are always in my thoughts and prayers, your name is in my rock garden for those I want to pray for and send good thoughts too. You are such a fighter, you are incredibly brave and I have fought cancer along side you. Take any meds to ease the pain, take anything they will give you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Don constantly. Your little welsh friend is sending you lots of welsh cwtches (coochez) which means loving hugs.

All my love, Sara xxx
(cancer aint gonna beat me)

Anonymous said...

My prayers and strongest thoughts are with you both.

Levi said...

Don, I'm so sorry to read about this but grateful that you can post and let us know. Please give her my love and tell her that her efforts to teach us have not gone unnoticed. My prayers are with you and your family.

Rachel said...

Daria,
I will be praying for you extra today and through this.
Please try not to let this drag your spirits down. Surround yourself with upbeat friends and happy things.
I wish there was something I could do for you. If there is- please don"t hesitate to ask or to have someone do it for you.
ladie_iris@yahoo.com

Don't ever give up. You're more than this awful disease.

Rachel

Kerry said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you Daria and you as well Don. Praying for strength and comfort at this time.

Anonymous said...

I have been following your blog for a while now and although you don't know me Daria, I am thinking about you and your family at this time. I am so sorry for what you are all going through. Seding love, light and healing from Marie in Ireland x

Debby said...

Daria ~ It was a shock to see this. My prayers are with you and with your husband. Your honesty during the chaos of your own illness has always impressed the snot out of me. I don't think that I ever said that, but it is true. Thank you, and we look to see you back here when you are able.

Anonymous said...

Don, my heart is breaking for both of you. Daria has been an inspiration to so many of us, and it is difficult to realize that she is not well right now. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you both. As well, I am praying for some miracles to come her way. Thank you for letting us all know. Please tell Daria that she is loved very, very much.

The Dirty Pink Underbelly said...

My prayers are with you, Don and Daria.

The "hits" globe is lighting up right now. Daria, you have touched people all over the world! I hope you can feel the love. Thank you for sharing. You've done amazing things this year.

Shelli

Jody said...

Don,
Both you and Daria are in my thoughts and prayers. You have all my best wishes,
Blessings,
Jody

michele said...

Daria, I've been reading your blog for quite a while (I'm pretty much a lurker) and have been touched by your strong, vibrant spirit in the face of such adversity. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your husband.

Michele in Israel.

TNBCAmazon said...

Dear Daria,

Needless to say that this is NOT the news I had been hoping to read on your blog today...

May you feel better really, really soon! I'll keep sending much love and lots and LOTS of good thoughts and energy your way!

Marina da Silva said...

Hi Don,
Say to Daria that I praying to her. I dont kown english but a have hope you undestand my words of cure, health and power to fight this disease. I'm cancer's survival. God bless you. Kiss for Daria.I wish I could say more about confort, hope, good news. Apologise my terrible english. Marina. Brazil

Sami said...

Daria,

Although I have only posted a few times on your blog here and there, I have read each and every post you've written since I started blogging at the end of the summer. I think we all feel close to our blog friends despite the physical distance, and I could sense that when I read the title of this post and my stomach turned.

Some of the greatest memories I had with my mom actually came after she told me, in the hospital, that she didn't have much time left. We brought in old home movies to watch together; we laughed and cried; I told her it wasn't her time to go yet, and she listened to me for as long as she could. At the time, I thought it was the worst possible situation to be in, but years later, my dad, my brother and I are able to see it as a blessing in disguise to have had those extra moments with her. I hope that you are able to find your own small blessings during this difficult time. I will pray that you are able to overcome this hurdle and spend much more time with us. I'll be waiting to hear the update. Please know you are loved & will be on our minds. xoxo

Sue Davies said...

Hi Daria

Sending you positive thoughts and energy your way. Thank you for your support you have given me through my blog and face book and look forward to some more.
Thinking of you and your family Daria.
Love Sue & Holly (UK)

Holly said...

o my God, Don...Daria and I have been breast cancer blogging friends for some time now...I am devastated. I am sending all my love and prayers your way..please give Daria a hug and kiss for me...

-Holly in Los Angeles...and Don, thank you for posting...

Carol Pack Urban said...

Don, I say prayers for Daria and all my cancer buddies every day. I'm not going to stop. Please let her know how much I value her friendship and her willingness to share her life through her blog and on FB. I love you, Daria!

gillian said...

Oh Don.So now I know who the "D" is that Daria always refers to.
Please send Daria my love. Daria, I am thinking of you and although I have never met you (I live in Johannesburg, South Africa), I have got to know you through your blog and now every day I log on to see how you are.
I hope your pain eases. You are in my thoughts. Sending lots of positive energy and love from the bottom of Africa. You are an inspiration to us all. Lots of love

Marlene said...

Thank you for posting Don. I'm so very very sorry to hear this news. You are both in my heart and in my prayers.

gillian said...

Me again.Just realised Daria, that reading your blog is one of the little pleasures of my day. Your attitude to how you deal with adversities is inspirational and makes one realise that it's all about taking action. Not once have you felt sorry for yourself. Thank you for sharing.

Robyn said...

Hello Daria and Don,
Daria, I found your blog while looking for BC blogs for an online friend who is going thru the same thing. I haven't posted before because I don't have cancer and felt that anything I had to say might not be welcome, in that light.

I'm posting now to let you know that you've touched my life with your courage and honesty and by how much you've helped others going thru the same thing. You and Don are in my prayers. I look forward to hearing that you're back home from the hospital, but until then, hugs and prayers from New Mexico. :)

Thanks Don, for the update. Hugs and prayers going to you as well.

OCWarrior1026 said...

My heart breaks for your Daria. Please know I am sending copious amounts of thoughts and prayers your way. Take care of yourself.

Anonymous said...

Hope you feel better soon. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Roxanne said...

Oh Daria,
You were my very first friend when I started blogging. You offered me comfort, hope and knowledge as I was fighting this awful disease.I always look forward to reading your blog. It has always been honest and heartfelt.
I am praying, my friend, that God will hold you, keep you from pain and provide you with peace.
Thank you Daria, for all that you have done to make my rugged journey a bit smoother. You have blessed my life and I will forever be grateful.

Love,
Roxanne

Unknown said...

I just learned about this blog, looking forward to Daria's insights. I'm so disheartened to see that my first reading is such a sad one.

Don, prayers to you and Daria that, soon enough, Daria will be authoring her own blogs once more!

Glenn said...

Thank you so much....my heartfelt wishes to both of you...keep the faith.

Peggy said...

Don;

Thank you so much for letting all of us, that read Daria's blog, know how she is doing.
I missed her daily dose of information and wisdom yesterday and was of course concerned.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both and please tell her that we love her so !

Anonymous said...

My prayers are with you both. I hope you are at peace.
Deanna - Arkansas

Anonymous said...

I came to your blog through RivkA's. I've admired your perseverance through clearly difficult times and have been moved by your writing. I am sending good thoughts and hope you are comfortable.

Moon Bird said...

I know how you feel, i went through it with my mother. Remain positive and cheerful. I will keep both you and Daria in my prayers!

Bernie said...

Don I am so sorry to learn that Daria is in hospital and not doing very well. Please let her know she is in my heart and prayers always. Be strong my friend, big hugs...:-(

Caroline said...

Hi Daria. I am sorry to hear you aren't posting now but Don is helping you which is great. I think this is very important as we, your blog readers, read your blog. We may not always leave you a comment or a message but we are here following your story. And you keep reminding me that I need a bucket list as well. I need to write down my goals, what I want to do, my dreams that I want to do. I may not share it as publicly as you but I will start - because of your influence.

Cancer is not a fun journey. I first was diagnosed in 1981 at age 19 with early stage Thyroid Cancer. 26 years later I was diagnosed with Stage IIA ER/PR positive Her2- IDC breast cancer. I am still on femara. I am still living my life with cancer for almost 30 years now. Its a stressful life but we are all still here.

Don please post regularly. We will keep reading. Thank you. {{Big Hugs}}

Caroline

Elayne said...

Daria and Don,
Please know we are thinking of you both & praying for comfort and peace. Daria, you have touched my life as a sister survivor and fellow blogger. Thank you, my friend!
Elayne, from Texas

Arlene said...

Don, thank you for posting to blogsite and keeping us updated on how Daria is doing. Please let us know what we can do to help.

Daria, the ladies from the group are sending along mountains and mountains of love. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Arlene - on behalf of the BC support group.

Nic N said...

♥Daria♥

My heart breaks for you and Don. You have always been so brave and so patient through everything--not only are you an inspiration for me, but for many, many others. Your blog is a source of primary information for others who may be facing their own difficult challenges with cancer. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us. Thank you, Don, for keeping us all in the loop. I have been so blessed to befriend you, Daria, through our blogs and Facebook. Even though we have not met in person, I definitely consider you a friend. I will be sending lots of love and positive thoughts your way, as much as you can handle and more.

♥♥♥

Anonymous said...

Dear Daria,

I've been reading your blog for the last few months and I don't think I've ever left a comment. I'm sorry about the situation you're in. I'm praying the Lord bring you comfort and peace during your hospital stay.

Joanna said...

Daria,

I was afraid that this day was approaching. I cried this morning when I found out that you are losing your fight. I can only hope that you have peace at this time in your life.

Love,

Joanna

Tina said...

Thank you so much for letting us know how she is doing. Please keep us posted. I am sending gentle hugs, and will be praying for you both.
Tina

Anonymous said...

I am so very, very sorry to hear this. Daris is such a gallant lady and we all love her spirit. You are both in our prayers and hopes and we abide with you, from a distance, but close in our hearts.

Sandy said...

Daria - you helped me so much when my TJ was diagnosed. I knew I could always count on you for tips to alleviate his chemo/radiation side effects. My prayers are with you during this trying time.

Don - I lost my TJ is Oct 2009 and I know how helpless you are feeling right now. It is so very hard to see the one you love in pain. My prayers are with you also.

denise said...

Hi there
I've been a silent reader for quite a while on Daria's blog. Her sharing has certainly lifted my spirits especially when I was caring for my 82year old mother with lung cancer.
Please let her know that she is very much in my prayers. I pray that she is comfortable and free from pain and that she recovers soon.
Please do continue to update us.

Thank you

Servivorgirl said...

Dear Dom,

Oh My Lord, I have been praying for her and will continue to pray. Please let dear Daria know that Denise thinks about her all the time and sends huge hugs and smiles. Keep the faith.

God Bless,
Denise

WhiteStone said...

Daria, you've been walking this cancer road far longer than my two years of ovarian cancer. I discovered your blog in my first year and have followed along, marveling at your steady walk, always moving forward, never complaining. Your steadiness has been an inspiration to me.

I'm praying for you during this hospital stay and for your hubby, too. Bless you. Bless you.

danaceau said...

Don and Daria I'm so sorry to hear this. I only know her through this blog, but I've been amazed at Darias capacity to share her journey on a daily basis while dealing with all of the side effects and complications of her disease and treatment. My thoughts are with both of you durring this time.

Anonymous said...

I'm sure I'm just one of many, many very appreciative readers of Daria's blog--people she may not know in person or via email, who nonetheless value her spirit as if they knew her! We're all out here, thinking of you and praying for you Daria. Hope you are resting comfortably and that we will hear from you again soon! Laura

Anonymous said...

Hi Daria and Don,

Just wanted to let you know that we are all thinking of you. If you would like or need anything please let me know. Ant and I will be in town on the weekend and can run errands or whatever you might need.

Daria, I just think you are amazing, and have so enjoyed getting to know you over these last few months. Your bravery and tenacity - in blogging, raising awareness for MBC, sitting with me with my Mom during her last days and dealing with all things health related - is amazing. Reading your blog has reminded me to appreciate the small things - like your love of a good cup of coffee - and how connecting with others can bring such comfort. You have been a support and an inspiration to me in ways you don't even know. I am sending prayers for your comfort, peace and strength. Just know that as you go through this part of your journey that you are not alone and that you are surrounded by much, much love. Gentle hugs, Tracy

Michelle said...

I'm very sorry to hear this, for both Daria and yourself. Please tell her I send her my love and strength.

Laura Morefield said...

Daria,

My thoughts, prayers and love are with you at this challenging time.

Breathe peacefully dear and inspirational woman. I hold a candle for you in my heart.

Glynis said...

Hello Sweet Daria. So you have your sweet angel Don, filling in for you as you rest and drift into some measure of comfort? I just wanted to let you know how much you inspire me and have given me strength for the journey. As I consider my return visits to the cancer clinic, I wonder why I get good news for now, and you are requesting medication for increasing pain. I wonder, but then I remember God's plan and how He sustains us and soothes our souls and prepares us for what lies ahead. Be strong my long distance friend and know that prayers for you and Don are being whispered and in between tears, there is a smile of gratitude. Thank you. You are a vessel and an inspiration. We need you back here to encourage us - your 'sisters,' Daria. Be strong. Rest well. Smile and know that you have touched me deep in my soul. xxx Glynis

Whidbey Woman said...

Daria and Don, I just finished watching a video of a speech Steve Jobs gave at a Stanford graduation in 2005. At the time he was cancer free and looking optimistically to the future. There were many things he said that stuck with me. One was, "Sometimes life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don't lose faith." His words seem prophetic... we heard this week that the bricks are flying at him left and right. I imagine you feel that way,too.
All I can do is say, hang in there. We love you. Daria, your blog has helped so many people...thank you for sharing your journey with us. Don,
thanks for the updates. We are sending our love and prayers your way. If bricks hit you, get back up and keep going. Have faith in better days. Love, Whidbey Woman

Unknown said...

Daria,
Praying for you and thank you for sharing your journey with us. My thoughts are with both of you durring this time.
Amanda

Unknown said...

Daria,
Praying for you and thank you for sharing your journey with us. My thoughts are with both of you durring this time.
Amanda

Janine said...

Praying for you both.

Chez said...

Don, as Daria was one of the first to become a follower of my blog when I began writing, she has always held a special place in my heart. I could see how many followers walked beside her and lived by her word as she inspired us all.
Please let her know how grateful I am to her for her presence in my life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. As always.

Teresa said...

I sit here in shock. I have been reading Daria since my husband's kidney cancer, she help me very much. I just wanted to let you know how much you inspire me and have given me strength for the journey.

Teresa

Julie Goodale said...

Daria & Don,
I tried posting yesterday, but think I forgot to do the security thing.

But you've been in my thoughts. Although we've never met, Daria, you have touched my life (and so many others). Thank you for your spirit & diligence.

I wish you both all the peace and strength you need.

Lani Horn said...

Daria, It has been an honor getting to know you through your blog. You have given us the gift of your stories and we will hold onto them.

I wish that you and Don find comfort in each other and, ultimately, peace.

Sending love.

Lani Horn

Debbie Nelson said...

Sending prayers and hugs to you..praying for strength. peace and comfort!

nancyspoint said...

Don and Daria, It makes me sad to read this post today and once again I am caught off guard by the intensity of my reaction. I am honored to have my comments read out loud. I hope hearing so many people express their caring thoughts brings you both some peaceful moments. Thinking and praying for you both.

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts, Daria and Don. Hugs!

Ann said...

Daria,

I'm you're in my thoughts and I'm holding you in my heart. You've touched my life more than I could ever say through your writing.

Thank you,
Ann

Just 'T' said...

Please tell her I'm thinking about her {{{hugs}}}

Pateeta said...

Oh Daria. I'm so sorry I haven't been able to keep up with what's going on; I just entered hospice last week, myself. My heart is so filled with love for you. Ever since I started reading your blog, I have learned so much, and gotten so much strength and inspiration from you. I can't thank you enough for what you've done for me, and countless others. You are loved and cherished, Daria. Peace and blessings upon you and Don.

love,
patty
(shades of blue)

Karen said...

Daria,

I so enjoy reading your notes, viewing your pictures, and just marveling at your grace and perseverance while you travel along this cancer road. You have always been a wonderful inspiration to me, and I pray peace and comfort to you. May God bless you and Don. We look forward to seeing your posts again soon.

Joanie said...

Daria,
You are a brave fierce fighter. You've been fighting the good fight for so long. I admire your bravery and determination in battling this cancer.

I wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead. So many people are praying for you.

Thank you, Don, for keeping us posted.

Joanie in Pennsylvania, USA

The Cebulas said...

Dear Daria & Don,
I am reading these words with such sadness. I had not been on your blog for quite some times as I had stopped blogging myself, but a friend gave me this sad news that I stop to stop by. What a strong fighter you are and a wonderful, may you be at peace for the weeks (months & more) to come. And may the suffering stops.
Your dear sister in heart,
Caroline

Ronni Gordon said...

Please tell Daria I am so sorry she is in the hospital and not feeling well. Having followed her blog, I feel like I know her, and she is a great person. Wishing you both comfort.

Well-Rounded Mama said...

Daria, I found this blog via a link from a friend's blog. I haven't been reading long but your words made a real impression. I'm sorry things are hard now but I hope you are finding some pain relief and some peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Don, I have been a caregiver too, and I know what a hard thing that is as well. I hope you are taking care of yourself and finding the little bits of time you can to breathe deep and release stress as best you are able. Breathe, breathe deep. Release. Take care of yourself too.

Both of you will be in my thoughts so much. Please keep us updated. Many hugs to you both.

BLOGitse said...

Hi Daria!
Greetings from Helsinki, Finland - back to Casablanca, Morocco tonight.
I hope you'll get better soon and back home.
Take care - both of you!