This is DonnaLee’s friend Patty Maloney guest blogging for our warrior princess.
As you know, DonnaLee’s cancer has been progressing, and in the last week, she’s been facing new challenges. DonnaLee is in the hospital right now, dealing with multiple health issues, including a low platelet count that had caused uncontrolled bleeding in her mouth. Luckily, that is under control at the moment.
I visited DonnaLee earlier today, along with Mary Cox, and as usual, DonnaLee had a roomful of company - we joined her family in celebrating DonnaLee’s half birthday today! Her children Taryn, Emily and Ian were there, along with Ian’s wife Chelsea, Taryn’s boyfriend Cody and her dad Chris, and DonnaLee’s granddaughter Addison.
Despite being weaker, DonnaLee was in good spirits overall and at times optimistic. Does that surprise anyone who knows and loves our warrior princess? That quick wit and brilliant smile are still in full force.
Still, DonnaLee is also realistic. She is uncertain what the immediate future holds for her, or if she will even make it home from the hospital.
Now the hard part: DonnaLee wanted me to let each and everyone of you know how much she has appreciated your love and friendship over the years, and that she wishes she had more time to spend with us.
Most important, DonnaLee would like you to keep her family in your thoughts. As hard as this is for her, DonnaLee says it is even harder for them. I could see that myself today. Our warrior princess has never let cancer stand in the way of her commitment to living life to its fullest and being totally present for her family - and that has not changed.
I may be sharing more updates if DonnaLee asks me to. I know you all share in my hope that DonnaLee will be able to be in the comfort of her own home again soon.
And, please share your thoughts and messages of love and hope for her! DonnaLee isn’t up to the task right now of responding to all messages. But I know she will read each and every message, and the support will help to buoy her spirits.
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6 comments:
My heart is with you and your family DonnaLee. Love you!
I love you cousin.
DonnaLee, my heart goes out to you and your family! Always praying and thinking of you! 😍 Jacob and kim
DonnaLee as you always prayed for me whenever I asked, I am praying for you and your family (as you asked) even harder!!! Lucy and I are constantly lighting candles for you at church in front of St. Anthony asking him to help you as you always asked him to help me!! You are so amazing and I just wish I could be as strong a woman as you are. Love Always my Dear Dear Friend!! Always our "Charlie" that's for sure!
Donna Lee, you have always been an inspiration to me during my treatments, sharing your thoughts throughout your journey helped me in ways I can never express. You are my hero and I can never express my thanks to you for sharing your journey with us. You will always be in my heart and on this thanksgiving day I thank you for the gift of YOU!
DonnaLee, I saw Taryn's Thanksgiving post on Facebook, and then caught up on how things have been going for you. I'm so sorry that you've been dealt such a crappy hand, but I'm so inspired that you've kept that trademark DonnaLee spunk and spirit that we all know to one degree or another. Why some folks have to face such difficult roads I'll never understand - but you've been on this road long enough that you've earned the right to take the rest of this path however YOU see fit. I wish you an easy journey however you choose - and know that as difficult as this is for your friends and loved ones, they will have great memories of their times with you, your big beaming smile and your infectious laugh (yes, 18 years later I still remember it!).
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