Dana with Regan's dog, Logan, and her dog Baloo (on left).
My sister Regan has been trapped in the nightmare of cancer land for several years. Two years ago, her husband Terry was diagnosed with melanoma, and in February he passed away. My mother has had two surgeries (very successful) for breast cancer. And last winter, Regan learned that one of her best friends, Dana, 35, had been diagnosed with breast cancer too – a very aggressive kind.
Regan, Dana and her boob cake and a fundraiser for her.
Dana has been living the horrific life of a cancer patient for the last several months with determination, humor, and the support of her family, friends and fiancé, Chris. She writes about facing her mortality and realizing "little of what I wanted to do [in her life] involved boobs," in a profoundly moving and ultimately incredibly hopeful letter she recently sent to her loved ones. Regan has posted it on a new blog called Chasing Whale Sharks – one of Dana's dreams. She will also be updating reports on Dana's double mastectomy that is scheduled tomorrow, August 12.
Baloo
Throughout her ordeal, Dana has been very proactive about asking for a miracle. And she is deeply appreciative of all the prayers she has received from people of all faiths. As she puts it "Graciously I would state that I was non-denominational. We did not care from what corner of the universe it came, or how and what you call your God; we would take it."
Somehow, something worked because Dana's prognosis went from bad to worse to suddenly, miraculously, better. But her journey to wellness is far from over, so please keep her in your thoughts tomorrow and say a prayer to whomever you call your God.
Thank you.
P.S. Don't you think Logan needs to visit the cancer ward in his Yoda costume?!
8.14.08 Update: Dana's surgery went well. She is up and about and hopefully ready to leave the hospital tomorrow. She sends her thanks for all the prayers and positive energy sent her way. I do too : )
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