Stage 4 Cancer Complications and Bad News  

Hi there, I happened upon this video and wanted to open it. You seem like such a lovely woman, and I send you wishes of all good. I have had three major cancers (bladder, colo-rectal, and the last one lung, sigh). I am currently NED, but I am aware of my quite tenuous health circumstances. Still trying to come back after a difficult (but so far, successful) surgery, which was already almost a year ago. I wrote this poem one day when I was thinking about people telling me how "strong" I was. You know how that is...we do not have a choice, and it is not always "strength" we have, it is simply the reality of getting up and facing each new day given to us. I hope that I am not being too forward. My husband has been listening to the video and when I said that I was going to leave a note, he said, "Tell her that I say hello, also." So "hello" from him! Anyway, here is my little offering, as you navigate this very frightening time, and I send much love from just south of you, deep in the coastal redwood forests in northern California. ~ joana Hard Day Would you mind...is it OK? That I just feel dark and sad today? I know it’s best that I’m a warrior, strong, But my bravery doesn’t always last so long. I’ll come around tomorrow, sure, And I’ll battle tough, yes, for my cure, But today came the fears, and I’m feeling weak, Please, just let that tear fall down my cheek. And try to understand me now, Even though you’d like to see me plow Through this trial, so brave and ready; I’m just not feeling so very steady. I’ve tried to toss these bad feelings, as though They don’t exist, but sadly, I know That this is serious, it’s very real; Cancer’s in my body and it’s brutal to heal. Shoving my emotions down Sure, might give me a “hero crown,” But frankly, right now I just want to cave-in; This is the most scared I’ve ever been. Please, allow my worry, and my moments dark, *I really haven’t lost my spark,* I’m in this, I swear, for the hard, long haul, I’m just down right now; today, that’s all. Please accept these times when I may not smile I’ll be back to myself; just give me a while, Please honor my feelings -- understandable quite As I step through this most important fight I don’t need extra pity or special attention When my fears, and sorry things I mention; I just want your plain acknowledgement Of today’s sad, creeping sentiment. We don’t have to wallow in the mess, I’ll feel better, as I progress But days like this...they’re normal; they're OK Please don’t try to help me “smile it away!” The best thing that you can do in my defense, Is to just validate my experience, Though sadness and fear aren’t the greatest thing, They’re real sensations that cancer brings. I don’t plan to immerse myself in woe! I will be cheery again, I know. It’s today that’s trying my weary spirit; Please bear with me, and try to hear it. I don’t need pity or coddling. Nor an attitude remodeling. There’s no need to try to make me smile Just your easy presence is so worthwhile! I just need to “be;” nothing more, I’ll soon return to the sunny shore Where hope is bright and promises healing ~ For now I just need to feel what I’m feeling. Your desire for me to be that model of hope, Positive and strong, ever able to cope Is so cherished, and for this I love you But...there *will* be days when I’m feeling blue. ~Joana Marie Dougherty McGee

The positivity in this woman is INCREDIBLE! If I were in her shoes, I wouldn’t be able to stop crying 24/7. Wow! She is an incredible inspiration.

So sad for this beautiful, vibrant soul.

Bless you Sarah. I am a Cancer survivor, and you CAN do this Sarah. Stay strong. This World needs you x

I have never been treated so well at a hospital as I was as a cancer patient. They seem to have an extra dose of empathy for people with cancer. It’s so sad watching this sweet woman and knowing that she has passed

Hey Sarah…. My husband and I will be praying for you too. I had rectal cancer in ‘07. Stage 3. Cancer sneaks into our lives and all we can do is fight the best we can. We really wish you the best and a comfortable journey as you navigate throughout your troubles. Enjoy each day. Stay close to the Lord. You are not alone! 🙏😇

You are such a beautiful person. I’m so sorry you have to endure this awful disease. We need more people like you in this world. ❤️❤️❤️

My dear, I’m a cancer survivor X4. The only pain I have ever had was shoulder pain, that literally shook me to my core. I had a stage 3 tumor and the morning after surgery the shoulder pain was gone, that was in 2010. That was of the left lung. In July of this year I got cancer again in the right lung and this time did cyberknife. I have lost both breasts to cancer, and cervix to cancer. This has spanned 37 years, numerous chemos and surgery’s. I’m still here. Never give up when all else fails you always have God in heaven. Just fight like a girl and cancer doesn’t have a chance. Hugs

I just found your channel. I have been having neck, shoulder and left arm pain. I am in stage 4 lung cancer. They attributed my pain to muscle pain. I have been using a heating pad and meds. Stay strong..

So sorry you are going thru this. As a 3 time cancer survivor I am keeping you and your family in my prayers. God bless.

Yay for palliative care! So glad you have a compassionate team. Hoping you the best.Thank you for sharing your journey.

I've been with a Palliative Care team since my first surgery fir my cancer. It's been amazing. I'm so happy you are going there. It improved my quality. I pray it does the same for you.

I love how you are able to take all the bumps in the road of your journey and still keep such an amazing attitude.

Sarah, this is the first video I have seen. I am now subscribed and will be one of your prayer warriors. God works his power thru us to help one another and I know that's why I cane across your video. Prayers for answers with your next scan and a good treatment plan.

Seems as if you are getting great care. You can beat this. I’m a breast cancer survivor and I follow others who are having chemo. So many of us are surviving bad cancers. It’s amazing!! Don’t give up. Just keep moving forward and loving that beautiful family.

wow wow wow, you are handling this so well, I don't think I could be as calm and positive as you are :)

I don't know how I came upon your video, but I am crying watching. I can't even imagine what you are going through. Being a Christian woman, I firmly believe in the power of prayer and miracles. Iam praying for you right now and will lift you up in prayer every day. You are incredibly strong and inspiring. Don't give up, God has you in His hand. 🙏❤️🙌❤️

First time viewer here.made me cry, as a 30 year nurse long term and hospice. We try and do love our patients. My brother in law has had lung cancer mets from prostate for years .takes experimental treatment johns hopkins.basically womans hormones .works great this is his second trial. No other treatment available for him. Dig around even if you go to another state. I have lots of stories I could tell. Pain is horrible.i understand the frustration. If there is anyway to quit work do it....xxoo

I just came over from Heather's channel, The Kneady Homesteader. She does a Friday prayer circle every Friday, and you were on her prayer list. I'm here to join in praying for you and your family. New subscriber following along and catching up. Love, hugs and prayers from Kansas

I am a retired certified oncology, and a Praying unceasingly as my retirement job. My connections with patients was indeed a Blessing…. You are in my prayers … The power of prayer is amazing. After spending 40 years in health care, starting as a nursing assistant and retiring as a nurse educator in a college, I have witnessed many a miraculous turn around. My oncology training in part was at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC… Prayer was always my greatest weapon. I will pray 🙏. The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you : The Lord turn his face to you and give you peace . Numbers 6: 24-28 I am Catholic, we typically don’t memorize Scipture… I started yesterday, this is my 1 st 1.. Gob Bless 🙏🎚❤️

Your video came up on my page. Thank you for sharing. I will be praying for you. Your a beautiful soul. Many hugs and much love ❤️

Praying for you dear. Stay strong. Your amazing. And so brave. ❤️

Your beautiful picture compelled me to open this video. I am a Christian and I absolutely believe in prayer, and in answered prayer. You are now in my prayers for healing, and for God to show you the best pathway to that healing.I will be praying for you daily. Much love. ❤

We nurses are earth angels I like to think for hurting souls! How does your faith Sarah support you?. You are so strong sweetie and what a wonderful mom you are!, ❤️

Just happened upon your video. I'm a mom also and couldn't imagine going through what you are. I have a fear of dying and I would literally be in tears if I had stage 4 cancer, so you are strong :) I hope all the best for you....will be following :)

Hi Sarah, I went through this with my sister. This very same cancer. I wish you the very best and will be praying for you every day. I plan on being here to cheer you along the way on your journey. God bless and prayers.

Sarah , my name is Gayle and I just came across your channel … you are INSPIRATIONAL and truly a WARRIOR ⚔️ ~ Stay STRONG and POSITIVE is 🔑 you’re right ! I have had three very close brushes with truly life threatening situations involving a botched surgery that gave me sepsis in 2020 and I’ve been going through what is called sepsis sequelae . Lost my gallbladder and just recently had to have a colostomy with a stoma placement which ended up being three major surgeries in two weeks time. Woke up in ICU after losing 5 units of blood after a spontaneous bleed in my mesentery after the second surgery. So they had to go back in again. Anyway , you’re AMAZING and you give me hope and courage to keep fighting! Im rooting for you and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and send you healing light with hugs 🙏🏼🌟 keep smiling ! You have a beautiful one

Sarah you're a warrior you can do this. I'm praying for you🙏🏼🙌🏼👑💕 many positive healing thoughts and prayers for you🙏🏼

God bless you honey. You have such an upbeat and grateful attitude. You’re a hero.

I too have just started my stage 4 cancer journey recently and I truly feel your fears and pain! A roller coaster ride is the perfect description although this is a ride I'd like to get off of! Often times just when you think you may be getting ahead of the curve, it hits you with another nasty surprise. I'm only 56years old. I went from being an active 280 lb hiker and kayaker to a 191 lb very older version of myself in just one very short year! My prayer for all of us is that maybe we are allowed to see hopefully 5 to 10 more years? My sad reality is each day when I hear that someone else has lost their fight in not even 5 years! This disease truly sucks for all of us!!!!!

💗💗💗 sending hugs and wishes for less pain and a good happy day with your family. Hang, in there, you're my hero.

I’m a stranger, but I wish I could give you a hug. You are brave. You make a difference. You are loved. Love from me to you.

You are an amazing person who has an amazing bunch of people looking out for you and praying for you. Sending so much love and hugs.

Saw your Mom at Bunco on Sunday and I asked her about your situation as I hadn't seen anything on Facebook for a long time. She gave me instructions on how to get to this blog, so now I'm up to date. This latest development is scary news and I am so sorry that you are having such a hard time. Praying.....

Prayers and blessings to you! Your attitude is awesome❤️❤️❤️ Hugs!!!!

This video happened to pop up. I have subscribed. You seem to be a very strong woman. Very raw.. Thank you for sharing this very hard time in your life.

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. You are strong and will come through this and be stronger afterwards. That being said, don’t feel bad about having down days and asking for help. 🙏

I am praying for you. I am in a similar situation and it’s HARD not knowing. The fear is real and it’s a challenge to stay positive. I care and I hope you will be surrounded with a great medical team and those who love and support you. ❤️🙏🏼

Dearest Sarah, just found you by chance and I am enriched by watching your video. You are in my prayers and I will keep you close at heart. Hugs, and yes there are people that care. Bless those beautiful souls who are taking care of you. Keep us all posted. Bless you😘😘❤️

Hi Sarah, for some reason this appeared, was drawn to watch u. Can’t imagine the emotional turmoil u are going through as well as the physical. Try to stay strong and positive. I have heard of so many ppl whose prognosis wasn’t good but fighting it and the positive thinking went along way to their recovery. Sending positive loving vibes to u 💕

Hi Sarah. This is first time seeing your video. I am a Christian woman who loves God and I am putting you in my prayers 🙏 ❤️ 💙 Always, Lori

I just found you and now I’m a follower. It sucky sucks now but cancer treatments have come a long way and you will get through this.

Honey, I am so sorry you had to go through that, but I am so glad to hear that you did not have a blood clot and it was so responsible of you to go have it checked out even though you were in such pain. I do not have cancer, but I have a similar situation from time to time where I get horrible pain in my chest and across my neck and into my arm. It blooms and gets stronger and stronger and even through I don't have shortness of breath I have a pressing, crushing kind of feeling. Eventually it goes away. It can be 10 minutes or it can be hours. I think my doctor nailed the diagnosis this time. He said he thought it was something called an esophageal spasm. He explained to me that sometimes the thin muscle over your chest wall can spasm for no apparent reason causing heart attack like pain. He said a high percentage of people going into the ER for heart attack symptoms actually are found to have this. It was very comforting to know that he took the level and degree of my pain seriously. Maybe you could mention this to your doctor. I might be something that could put your mind at ease if it happens again, but please check with him first as I do not understand how all your medical treatments might be effecting this. You are so brave and your tears only show your strength! Sending love and hugs and prayers from Georgia USA

Just came across your video. Prayers and healing to you. Strength and love to you and your family

Thank you for sharing, My prayers are with you through this journey, This could happen to any of us at anytime . Hugs and prayers from South Carolina . Stay strong and positive.

This video popped up on my feed. I don’t know you, but I am praying with and for you. Sending love and light your way ❤

Bless you 🙏. Stay strong and positive. Much Love and Prayers 🙏 from West Virginia ☺️

You are so vibrant! Do what is best for you. Do not feel guilty for your hot baths. Try to not think while you lay there. Just relax. And let the warmth go throughout your body. And put cozy clothes on, a blanket and STSY ON THE SOFA! Nothing wrong with that! You are available to whom wants to talk to you. ❤️ sending good vibes and thoughts your way. Love from Norway 🇳🇴

You just popped up and I'm glad I did. You're one tough girl. You'll be in my prayers.

😢still so sad but i love hearing Sarah's voice. I'm wearing my blue nail polish girl. ❤

I will keep you in the top of my prayers everyday. I know what you're going through I have cancer too but I'm very fortunate mine is a very very slow acting cancer. I go in every 6 months for a scan in the last year there was nothing there praise God. Just keep the faith

Just seen you for the first time. Bless your heart. Prayers for you and your loves.Dont claim it sweety fight hard.

You are in my prayers and sending you hugs and it's okay to cry and be scared. What an amazing job your doing on being positive but it's okay to not be okay! Deep breath and smile. You are strong and many prayers coming your way. 🙏 🙏 🤲

Glad you were seen at the ER so quickly. That's always a good thing.

Hi sweetie prayers ur feeling lol better. So glad u caught the possible spread a month sooner. Usually with shoulder pain it sadly is bc it’s in the lung but a month sooner to get a plan started could mean a lot. Prayers r with u! I always talk with the Lord and He comforts me in all my sickness🥰

I pray you get well and I pray they finally end all cancers it has took quite a few of my family members too God bless you

Prayers,always believe in God and God bless you and your family and the whole world today and tomorrow and forever

I just came across your video. Sending prayers from the bottom of my heart. ❤

Hello, new sub here. Wishing you many blessings that bring you smiles, peaceful times, and many happy moments . You got this!

Sending you many, many prayers for healing. So very sorry you are having to go through such a scary, painful situation... 🙏🙏🙏❤

sending love, strength, and blessings from canada 🍁 ❤🙏🏻

I’m so sorry to hear this news. Praying for you 🙏🇨🇦

I'm praying for you and your family. God bless!!!

You can do this girl. Stay positive. It’s going to get better.. love you. Your an inspiration

I'm glad you are here and talking to us. Thank you.

This is the first video that I watched of yours and I'm subscribing now. Just know that no matter what you can get through it. No matter what everything will be okay. Keep thinking that no matter what you will be okay. You will get through these hard times and I feel like you're going to come out on top and even if Ilit don't go the way that we wish. You will always be okay it will always be okay XOXO

I am so sorry your going this cancer. I am dealing with my second round of cancer. I am going through a stage4-A lung cancer.

I just came across your video. I too have been diagnosed with Melanoma, I wish you lots of love xx

Sending hugs and healing prayers 🙏💜🙏

I am praying for your recovery 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️

God Bless you . Such an inspiration 🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼

I really hope you've got somebody with you to give you a great big hug ... I'm feeling awful for you and can see how scared you are . We are programed to expect the worst unfortunately. .. but luckily most of the time we are wrong ! I shall be be keeping an eye on your journey and will look forward to you getting through this and coming out on top 💙😘

God Bless! Stay strong!

You have been through so so much Sarah! 💔💔💔 Rest in peace!

My prayers is with you and your family Stay strong ❤❤

Cyberhugs from the Northern part of Sweden. I have stage 4 breast cancer to the bones, I know...

F cancer, your amazing wishing you all the best.

Praying for healing in the name of God AMEN ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

I hope you can stay strong and keep going. I love you guys!

Keep the faith love Prayers for you.

Ohh Sarah your another level of brave & such a sweetheart x keep on fighting my love 💕

Yo como Enfermera jubilada, agradezco el reconocimiento para trabajo de mis colegas 💕 Te deseo lo mejor y para tu bella familia 🥰

God bless you sweetheart, do the palliative thing, they’re wonderful. I am praying for you, I understand.

You're in my thoughts and prayers 💙

Please fill yourself with the hope of all these survives I'm praying for you😃😃

🙏🙏🙏 Praying for you girl!

You are lucky that you have time with your family as such it is, you are on your feet and you will get the support you need when things get bad, also covered by insurance. I know it sucks it will kill you but again you have this precious time with your family and loved ones and you are making the best of it and this is sooooo important, I wish I had that. I suffer from Lyme disease lost everything and had and have covid with lung damage I can barely breathe, if I go to the emergency room they will send me home screaming at me that there is nothing wrong with me, I did not have more than one hour of sleep per night in the past two years, my family is ruined, lost everything, house, money, everybody walked away and I will die as well just like you only in a worst much way, nobody is giving me pain meds my nerves hurt, severe constipation, enemas, suffocation and a million other issuess... The reason I am telling you this is to open your eyes that what you have even if it will kill you you still have dignity and your loved ones are with you, you will get all the support you need and leave this world with some peace of mind and not go insane! What I am writing is horrible I know but I wish I would be in your place, if I tell you that you are lucky you will tell me I am crazy... Probably people here will think I am crazy maybe I am, I guess I need some sleep. I do hope that you will find a miracle cure that will save you, nobody should suffer in this world with this horrible disseases.

God works in mysterious ways beautiful soul. The ache was your Guardian Angel jumping up and down on your shoulder, trying to get your attention, to nudge you to go to a Doctor. I will pray for you and your family.

I’m so so sorry your going though this my heart goes out to everyone suffering from cancer my mum was diagnosed with cancer last November unfortunately for my mum she wasn’t seen or treated properly due to the pandemic and was told in December that it was incurable she’s still fighting I wish you all the best my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family stay strong ❤

Thinking of you! Stay strong!❤️

I know your pain. Stage 4, now progression to spine, hips and arm.

It’s okay to be scared. The worst place to be is not knowing next steps. So hopefully that will come together soon. Do you have a FMLA program at your work.? It may be time that this battle is full time- and avoiding exhaustion is one of the best things you can do to help your body .

I know everyone s cancer and journey is different my sister had a mastectomy then she had pain in her shoulder too actually they gave her scans and told her it had spread to her liver. She had already made the decision as she was in remission she said she opted not to have any more treatment for anything. She was so strong and had a young family she was a diabetic and I want to say Cancer never ever caught up with her because 14 years on she unfortunately took a Hypo noone with her fell I to a coma and that was that. I'm staying even though they said it's spread to liver nothing ever happened. I'd be a scared too and I'm so sorry it's this feeling out of control I know as I also speak from my own experience of Breast cancer. I'm praying for you and hoping for the very best outcome for you xxx

Stay strong thinking of you take care xx

Love you sis❤ You are strong 💪🏿

Hang in there. I am sure everyone will be praying for you. I know I will be.

I have no idea how I got here,but I wanted to send my prayers to you

Positive vibes from Australia ❤❤❤

you're very brave I've had breast cancer good luck

What a wonderful and brave lady you are…………be you……stay strong………most of all let people in ………god bless thinking of you …….hope all goes well ……🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈🌈