And It’s Off!

by Lisa on March 22, 2009

in Cancer Sucks, Depression, Uncategorized

This is Lisa’s final post. It wasn’t completed, obviously, but the last she touched it was February 13. – Karl

Back in June, Sister D shaved my hair the morning after my first chemo cycle.  In fact a few days later, Karl shaved his hair in solidarity.  (Miss you Karl!)

When I think about that morning now there’s one thing that sticks out in my memory…courage.  I remember the courage it took to have my younger sister shave off all of my hair.  It also took courage to record it and post it on the Internet.

Since that time I’ve been wearing turbans on my head and occassionally I wear a wig.  But recently my hair has started growing back in.  Just a little bit and it’s white in some places.  Me, with white hair!

Well, the other night I asked Dude if he could track down a certain black turban upstairs.  He said “sure” and as he started to go upstairs he asked if I was going to put the black turban on because if I was he wanted the one that was on my head to take upstairs with him.

Normally I don’t like anyone to see me without anything covering my head.  I have to ask myself , “Don’t you have any courage?”

I took the turban off and handed it to Dude.

“Look!  You have hair!  It’s starting to grow back.”

“But I look so ugly!!!”

My husband came over to me and gave me a huge hug and told me that I was beautiful.  He insisted that I stop wearing turbans immediately.  I…

{ 57 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Chatty 03.22.09 at 11:50 am

Lisa you had more courage than any person I know…

Chattys last blog post..Just Stuff

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2 Geeky Tai-Tai 03.22.09 at 11:51 am

Lisa, you were beautiful. I see your picture everyday on Facebook and think of you and your family. I hope you can feel the love we have for you, my dear.

Geeky Tai-Tais last blog post..Road Trip

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3 Mish 03.22.09 at 12:00 pm

I wish I had half the courage Lisa… I miss you…

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4 Secondhand Karl 03.22.09 at 12:14 pm

There’s also another snippet she started working on, but it’s really not even a paragraph long.

Miss you muchly, Lisa.

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5 Kathleen 03.22.09 at 1:03 pm

I never met her, but I don’t think it’s possible for Lisa to have looked ugly. Thanks for posting this. It’s nice to know that she knew how deep her courage went. She most certainly used every ounce and more each day she was alive.
No more turbans…peace…

Kathleens last blog post..Let them eat steak

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6 ocb 03.22.09 at 2:15 pm

Right now I picture you watching us with rockin’ hair a la Rock Bitch. And shades.

I miss you friend.

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7 Louise 03.22.09 at 2:25 pm

I get a little thrill in my heart everytime Twitter tells me that there’s a new blog post here.

As Chatty said, Lisa had more courage than anyone. Karl, thank you for putting this up.

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8 Shelli 03.22.09 at 2:35 pm

God thinks you’re beautiful, too. We miss you.

Shellis last blog post..The Only Thing Constant is Change

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9 Karen Sugarpants 03.22.09 at 3:15 pm

I miss her so much my heart hurts reading this.

Karen Sugarpantss last blog post..Not Being My Mother

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10 Christine 03.22.09 at 5:11 pm

I miss Lisa and her blog posts, too. It seems like at least 3 times a week, on my xm radio (channel 49) I hear the Stone’s “Miss You” and see it as a moment to remember Lisa and her courage throughout her last months.
I really miss you, Lisa! I hope that Dude, Cam and Teenie are doing well. Thinking of you, too.

Christines last blog post..An off topic quicky!

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11 Ms. Changes Pants While Driving 03.22.09 at 7:31 pm

still beautiful.

Ms. Changes Pants While Drivings last blog post..i love babies

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12 Elle 03.22.09 at 11:24 pm

I bet you looked regal.

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13 jane 03.23.09 at 12:11 am

What a beautiful place to end a blog… being told she’s beautiful from the love of her life.

Karl, Thank you for posting this & all you’ve done.

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14 Carolee 03.23.09 at 6:31 am

I’m sorry to say I discovered this after Lisa’s passing. I didn’t realize it at first as I started on the 1st page , thought the memorial was for someone else, then went back several posts to get a “background.”

I could feel Lisa’s courage & spirit.

Hope the kids are ok

Carolees last blog post..It’s party time! Come join us!

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15 kapgar 03.23.09 at 7:04 am

That is a fantastic post that, even though it’s dubbed “incomplete,” needed no additional words.

kapgars last blog post..There’s a time, a place for everything…

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16 defendUSA 03.23.09 at 8:06 am

I love the way a woman looks with a “cancer fuzz ‘do”!! Are you kidding me? There really is something beautifully sexy about it. Maybe it is the vulnerability. Maybe it’s the way a person’s eyes seem to shine. Or is it the smile?

No matter. I bet the Dude was right. Wished we could have seen it!
I miss you, too. I have to admit, I sorta clapped my hands when I saw new post…Feb 13th. Hmm. I got an email from you on that day….

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17 perpstu 03.23.09 at 10:26 am

With or without hair Lisa was a truly beautiful woman. I miss her….

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18 annie 03.23.09 at 1:38 pm

Well, I think it seemed finished, her husband told her she was beautiful. I like that just the way it is.

annies last blog post..I’m a Twit

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19 Tracy 03.23.09 at 5:30 pm

I miss you so much, Lisa. You were such a big part of my day, my life… sadly I never realized it until you weren’t here…

You are the most beautiful person I have ever known…. I love you.

Tracys last blog post..Did Someone Say Something??

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20 Dawn 03.23.09 at 5:34 pm

The post made me teary-eyed. The comments before this one made me out-and-out sob.

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21 kerry 03.23.09 at 6:32 pm

Perfect post… It made me cry..but saying your beautiful to the one with cancer…its the one thing that heals so many things…I can’t explain it just as a patient..Perfect..in a sorta *It is what it is* way.
Truly Lisa.

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22 becky 03.23.09 at 11:40 pm

This post made me smile and cry….. Lisa had so much courage and to have your hubby reaffirm your beauty (inside and out) is the ultimate finale. I miss you Lisa –

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23 Kathleen 03.24.09 at 8:36 am

Got this quote in a daily email and thought of Lisa…

“There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world even though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind.”
Hannah Senesh, 1921-1944
Hungarian-born Poet and Soldier

Peace…

Kathleens last blog post..Facebook infiltration

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24 DaDuck 03.24.09 at 8:39 am

Thank you for sharing that post with us.

DaDucks last blog post..Needs content

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25 TAWNYA 03.24.09 at 2:18 pm

Thanks Karl. Lisa’s missed very much.

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26 BeeBee 03.25.09 at 5:32 am

Heartbreaking.
So much love.

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27 Shannon 03.25.09 at 4:01 pm

Thank you, Karl. It was lovely to read this…

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28 Angie 03.26.09 at 8:02 pm

I didn’t know why I kept coming here. I never met Lisa, but it felt like I did. She wouldn’t even know who I am, I commented so little and yet visited so much.
I really thought she was going to get better, like a miracle from God and that…
And now it feels so strange to read this post, written when she was still breathing and she still wanted us to know how much courage it took to shave her head.
But you know what? She knows me NOW. She’s looking over and saying “hey angie, now I see you and your life and how much you cared even though we never met”.

She helped me be a better person, she helped me care. Because of her I joined Chemo-angels (And even though I still don’t have a buddy because of my country, I am still waiting). Because of Lisa, I hate cancer and will do everything I can to help stop it. She helped me realize what I have. Most of us take health for granted and only worry about it once we’re sick.

Lisa, I’m glad I got to read your blog. I’m glad I “met” you. And I am REALLY grateful that you taught us that IT IS WHAT IT IS.

All my love,
Angie

Angies last blog post..There’s fabric, and traffic and Mrs. Clinton involved…

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29 Moogie 03.27.09 at 11:31 am

It’s perfect just the way it is. She was and is still, a shining star and I am sure she is watching us from up above, warming us with her love.

Thank you for posting this Karl.

Moogies last blog post..You still need me

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30 Jo 03.27.09 at 1:55 pm

The thing I have always admired about Lisa is her courage. Seeing this final post only makes me a bigger fan of her’s. She was one of the most awesome people I’ve ever known. :)

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31 Black Belt Mama 03.27.09 at 9:51 pm

This totally just made me cry, because when I saw her two days before she passed away, she wasn’t wearing a turban. She lived with courage and she died with it too.

Black Belt Mamas last blog post..How to Annoy Your Kid Keri Hilson Style

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32 BlondeBlogger 03.27.09 at 9:52 pm

The most powerful “…” I’ll ever read. Took my breath away.

She was beautiful….nothing could take that away…not even cancer.

BlondeBloggers last blog post..Britney Spears Circus – Verizon Center, DC

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33 Mig 03.29.09 at 6:58 pm

Courage and love. Her final post had both. I feel blessed to have known her here, even if it was only for a little while.

God rest her soul.

Migs last blog post..Sunday Stealing: The Ginourmous MeMe

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34 mamikaze 03.30.09 at 12:38 pm

Lisa had courage to spare. I never met her in person, but reading these posts makes me happy to have known her at all.

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35 Just Meee~ 03.30.09 at 1:03 pm

I keep coming back – L@@King wanting something new to be here… and knowing there won’t be…

Lisa ~ missing you…

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36 Heather @ Domestic Extraordinaire 03.31.09 at 3:21 pm

I saw a new post in my feeder-as I have been behind in my blog reading. Was crushed when I realized that she is still gone. Many hugs to the Dude and girls.

Heather @ Domestic Extraordinaires last blog post..Girls Day out.

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37 Laura 03.31.09 at 9:14 pm

Everytime I hear a Rolling Stones song, I will think of her. I still can’t believe she has been gone over a month. Doing Race for the Cure this Saturday and she will be on my mind.

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38 BlondeBlogger 03.31.09 at 10:19 pm

I heard someone say “it is what it is” the other day and it made me miss her even more.

BlondeBloggers last blog post..Check This Hand ‘Cause I’m Marvelous

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39 MrsRobbieD 04.01.09 at 9:04 am

Missing Lisa everyday. Missing seeing a Tweet to tell me she’d posted something. All seems missing nowdays.

Hugs to Dude and the Girls…

MrsRobbieDs last blog post..At a Loss

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40 Leslie 04.01.09 at 6:29 pm

Thank you for posting this. It is beautiful. I dropped by because I think of Lisa almost every day. I have two other friends going through cancer surgery and I know I’m a better friend to them right now because of Lisa.

Leslies last blog post..Happy Birthday Ron – Edited Version

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41 she 04.06.09 at 8:03 am

there she was, fighting the fight of her life for a 3rd time, and she was telling herself to have courage. . . that’s “our” lisa. rip.

shes last blog post..Alcohol Impairs Judgement!

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42 Yvonne 04.06.09 at 11:45 pm

I miss you Lisa!
Because of you I also just registered to be a chemo buddy in your honor. I hope Dude and the girls are finding peace and know they are thought of often. Thank you for reminding me to hug my kids a little tighter and appreciate the little things!
YOU ARE A GEM!

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43 Janice 04.07.09 at 8:39 am

Miss you Lisa …

Janices last blog post..Public Service Announcement

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44 defendUSA 04.11.09 at 7:53 am

Sigh…me, too. Hope the family is doing alright…I’m having easter candy corn…:)

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45 Maureen 04.16.09 at 1:04 am

Lisa, I still check your blog to catch a glimpse of your sweet face. I hope and pray that Dude and the girls are doing alright, they must miss you terribly. All your blogging friends miss you as well. Your sweet spirit will live on in all of us forever. You are definitely NOT forgotten.

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46 Karen Sugarpants 04.18.09 at 5:03 pm

I miss you.

Karen Sugarpantss last blog post..The Things I Wish I Could Say To You

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47 Nina 04.22.09 at 10:57 pm

I know it’s weird for me to say, but I miss you, Lisa. This is the only place I know where to say it. I miss you.

Ninas last blog post..Best

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48 defendUSA 04.27.09 at 6:01 pm

Well, why else am I here…I want to talk to Lisa!! I went to some classes for continuing ed. One was on molecular apps in regard to diagnoses and treatments of disease and Cancer.

Of course, I learned that they can test a person for certain genetic things that allows them to try and get some cancers to respond. I was all over the instructor! i was sure I could find a way to save Teenie and Cam from the potential!
I wonder if you were able to do any genetic testing or if it ever occurred to you. I learned that some identifiers CAN help with prevention.
I also learned that some cancers ’shed’ and some do not. My friend Dave’s is a shedder. And damn, if I didn’t learn that they really can’t do much for him as glial tumors are not susceptible to much.
He decided to go to hospice a couple of weeks ago. It made me cry, but at least he was still capable of calling the shots. His cancer may have spread but he has refused to “know”! I am sure it won’t be long. We turned 45 last week and I am thankful he made it past his b-day.
I’l miss him and I still miss you.

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49 Leanne 05.01.09 at 8:39 am

I miss sending you cards each week. I miss not being able to read your blogs and mostly I just miss you not being here.

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50 defendUSA 05.11.09 at 12:15 pm

Lisa, I Hope you were waiting for Dave. He’s done fighting and needs someone funny to lead the way. May the road rise up to meet you…until we meet again.

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51 Maureen 05.28.09 at 11:36 pm

This blog is so quiet without you, Lisa. Miss your sense of humor…..

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52 MrsRobbieD 06.08.09 at 10:38 am

Well I did it Lisa. I got my teal and black nautical star done in your honor & memory over the weekend. Though I didnt know you in real life (other than email) you meant something to me and will never be forgotten.

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53 Krystle @snarkykisses 06.11.09 at 11:25 am

Just thinking about you alot today for some reason… we miss you.

xoxox

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54 D. Seals 06.18.09 at 11:42 pm

I keep coming back and don’t know why. Maybe it was your spirit, maybe your tenacity, or maybe just your refusal to give in. Or maybe it was the fact you told it all in front of everybody, warts and all. I’ve had cancer, radiation, and am now a bit of a freak. I don’t think I could have been as honest as you were.

Dude, we pray you and the girls are finding your way. Take care.

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55 Lisa O 06.23.09 at 4:28 pm

Oh how I miss you Lisa! You touched my life and I’ll never forget you. I pray for your family that they are finding some peace and comfort.
Much Love

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56 Nina 06.23.09 at 8:24 pm

Lisa, it has been months but I still long to hear your voice. If Karl or Dude could let us know how they are, many of us would be most grateful. Mostly, I just can’t believe we’ve lost you, dear girl. I never dared think what it would feel like. And it feels … just… awful. I miss you.

Ninas last blog post..More Again?

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57 defendUSA 06.23.09 at 9:21 pm

Sometimes I click and sometimes I can’t bring myself to do it, because…just because. Tonite I clicked. It’s lonely. I hope your girls and Dude are alright. It has been hard on my friend Dave’s Mom. What way is it supposed to be when your “baby” leaves before you? I suppose your parents feel that, don’t they?

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