Ok... One thing I have struggled with is the ability to discuss my personal adversities in an open forum. I have always had an issue with feeling like I am airing my personal "dirty laundry" and that is just something I have never done. Last night listening to the radio show and hearing Bill say "let it go" really has helped me to come and ask for extra support today. Everyone here is always so loving and supporting and it is my own thing I have struggled with, but today I am asking for extra prayers.

My sister whom is also my best friend has struggled with several aspects of life for the past 10 years or so. It originally started when she was diagnosed with kidney disease. She underwent several surgeries to try and fix it and eventually lost her kidney. Which was ok but after all the surgeries her addiction and constant need for pain meds eventually led to other things creating more addictions. She then struggled with a drug addiction to the point she lost her daughter, everything she ever had. Almost 2 years ago she gave up the drugs, went into treatment and has worked this past year regaining her life. I have been so proud of her and her accomplishments. She is my best friend. The past few months she has had some personal female issues that have led to the need for a hysterectomy. She went a few days ago for her pre-op check up. They did blood work, x-rays, etc... she received a call yesterday that she needed to go back and have a cat scan they had found some spots on her lungs. She had the cat scan and was told today they will send her to a specialist but are pretty confident she has lung cancer. Therefor they will not be doing the other surgery she needs for fear that opening her up would causes the current mass to spread.
Thanks for listening to all of this. This is just so very devistating. My sister has worked so hard to regain her life and make a new life for herself and 10 year old autistic daughter and now this. I am doing my best to remember everything Bill said last night that was perfect timing. I remember he said we don't get to pick the hand we are dealt and that is so true. If everyone could please keep her in your prayers through this challenging time.

I can totally relate and will keep you and your sister in our prayer circle. Let me share some insight with you on something that really was a pivotal changing point for my family.

Back in 2006 we lost relatives (two to cancer) and one to suicide. It was a hard year for us emotionally, but a pivotal point when we had to really begin to look at who we were and how we were showing up in the universe.

There are times in life when we are dealt a really crappy deck of cards, and we have two options:

1. Play the hand dealt
2. Fold

Your sister has ended up with that deck of cards and given what you've shared with us thus far - I can surely bet that she'll take option no.1. I've known people to pull through lung cancer and come out in remission and still here twenty years later. I ask only one thing of you - continue to love her, support her, be her best friend, and be there with pom poms in hand to cheer her on. She's going to need you to continue to be YOU - that's what will pull her through.

Keep us posted - I know what I've said may not help ease the anxiety, I've been there and know how much it stings, but I also know that the God Lord Will Only Give You What He Knows You/She Can Handle.

My Love, Support & Prayers are here whenever you need them. Stay strong sweetie!

Ohh Nikki!!

My prayers are with you.......
I can sure understand how much courage it takes to open up and share something so close to the heart and so very personal. My thoughts and love prayers are with you and your family. I am always here for you Nikki....

I will pray for you and your sister.

This is definitely one of those things that you have no control over and to be able to trust in a higher power is comforting. Your sister is lucky to have you.

I will be saying a special prayer your you and your sister.

Nikki....you, your sister and your family will be in my prayers. From what you've opened up and shared, I'm sure that your sister knows how much you love and support her and that will help her tremendously along her journey. Blessings to all of you...
~Terry~

I will say my prayers for your sister and also for you to have courage and graciousness during this difficult time. I always say grace because I know how difficult cancer is on families, as much as the patient.

I do not know if your sister is married or not, so I am going to say some practical things which I don't want you to feel are rude or mean hearted. I just happen to have a high functioning autistic son, and work/associate with parents of autistic children. First, try to make sure the little one realizes that someone will be there for her, and maybe help her understand about mom being in hospital. Changes are very difficult for autistic children.

A really good optimistic fortitude is necessary for you and your sister right now, and all other family and friends. I lit some candles in prayer, right before logging on, so I know someone is looking out for your sister.

Take care of yourself, and feel free to write me. carbs752

Keeping your sister and her daughter...as well as you in my prayers.
-Karyl

I'm so sorry you are going through this. My heart is breaking for you. Prayers definitley headed yours, and your sisters way. Praying, wishing, and hoping for the best.

Hello Luvbugaz,

It sounds like you and your sister have a lot going on. The first thing to remember is that there are a lot of people here who have a lot of compassion, positive energy and wisdom to give out, so its always okay to come here and put it out there for everyone to see. Second, personally I am a big believer in the fact that the events in our lives make us who we are. As hard as the circumstances you and your sister have been, they are what will shape you as people in the days and years to come, so do what you need to do to take care of yourself and find the wisdom in everything you have to experience. Easy words to say, hard deeds to do, I know. But you have all of our support and positive energy to help you through, as long as it takes.

CousinMark

Nikki - I will say some special prayers for your sister as she braves this anxious time. I will also say my prayers for you as you find the strength to help her through this. Be sure to take care of yourself so you can best help your sister. - Michelle

Nikki....my lots are with you and your family.....take care....

Nikki, I wish I was home right now for you! I'm sorry to hear this news. My prayers will be with your sister that it is not what they think and all will be OK. I will pray for comfort & peace for you and your sister & family tonight. Miss you and see you soon! Carolynn

Nikki - I will definitely keep you and your family in my prayers. Is she here in the Phoenix area too? A few years ago Steve was diagnosed with colon cancer, had surgery and then six months of chemo. I could not have made it through that time without the prayers and support of friends - so please let me know if I can do anything to help you or your sister. Margaret

Nikki - So sorry to hear about your sister. I do appreciate your willingness to share with the community. It helps us all to be of help to you. Please know that I am here for you and that you and your family are in my thoughts. Peace. Liz

I am praying for you and your sister too Nikki, keep us posted and let me know if I can help in any way.
Brandi

My prayers are with you and your family.
Here's a prayer for your sister. It's a Daily affirmation
God bless
Jerome


With a growing awareness of Spirit within, I claim health and well-being.
Saying yes to life and yes to healing, I claim health and wholeness now. As I keep my thoughts about my total well-being held high, I continue to affirm life.
Knowing that the spirit of God permeates every organ, cell, and atom of my body, I hold a vision of myself as energetic and strong. I am aware that the healing presence of God is moving throughout my body; and because this is true, I am healthy and whole.
Being health-minded, I continually turn in thought and expectation to the perfect, free-flowing life of Spirit within me. I give thanks for the awareness of this healing presence, which uplifts me in every way.
I know that God is life. Divine power and presence are within me, and with God all good is possible.

"Your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly."--Isaiah 58:8

Wow!!! I took a step back this weekend to regroup and take some time to sort things through how we are going toget througheverything as a family. So I was not on line. I was havinga difficult time reminding myself of how strong I need to be for my sister. I logged on today to see the mounds of support and I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone. My eyes are welled up with tears and enormous lump in my throat to see all the love and support. I( know this is just the beginning of this journey and I appreciate al of you so very much. Thank you!

Love you Nikki! I am so sorry to hear this....I can only imagine how worried and concerned you are for your sister. Just know I'm lovin and thinkin about you and your sis. I will be sure to pray for you, your sister and your family. Your sister is so lucky to have you along side her.... Wish I could give you a hug...Lots of Love to you Nikki ~ Marie

I am praying for your sister. I am sure she feels so blessed to have a wonderful sister like you.
Sara