When Blood Collides
Viewing comments for Chapter 70 "Before the Celebration"A family's love is tested.
25 total reviews
Comment from Shirley B
Hi Shari, I started a new seizure med and it has me a little slow, I have missed your writing so much. Who would have thought itching would have been a symptom of cancer. I am anxious to hear more about the birthday party. Take care and have a Merry Christmas, Shirley
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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Hi Shari, I started a new seizure med and it has me a little slow, I have missed your writing so much. Who would have thought itching would have been a symptom of cancer. I am anxious to hear more about the birthday party. Take care and have a Merry Christmas, Shirley
Comment Written 13-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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It's always so good to hear from you Shirley and thank you ever so much for the six. I found out about the itching from an article on the internet. Apparently, doctors don't know everything. What a surprise. LOL
Hope your new med works. That would be a lovely Christmas present.
Comment from sibhus
Wow, that's really hard to imagine that she went twelve years without knowing anything was wrong. I know it happens, a friend of mine recently died of bone cancer and he didn't even know he had it, until he had a minor traffic accident. After he got rear-ended, at a train crossing, the paramedics sent to the hospital for a routine check-up, and that's when the found it. Your idea for birthday seems to have made the day, I'm sure your sister really enjoyed it. Good chapter, Spitfire.
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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Wow, that's really hard to imagine that she went twelve years without knowing anything was wrong. I know it happens, a friend of mine recently died of bone cancer and he didn't even know he had it, until he had a minor traffic accident. After he got rear-ended, at a train crossing, the paramedics sent to the hospital for a routine check-up, and that's when the found it. Your idea for birthday seems to have made the day, I'm sure your sister really enjoyed it. Good chapter, Spitfire.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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Thanks, husky. I bet there are a lot of us running around with these mutant cells. Too bad science hasn't found a way to find them before they do serious damage. What a shocker for your friend. More details about the party next week.
Comment from barkingdog
Your sister sounds so brave, but I guess that's the way we are when the final news is upon us.
I'm glad she love her crown and wanted to give and receive a hug.
As you said she is maintaining her ego which is so important to her.
Excellent writing of a very difficult time to recall, Shari.
:) ellen
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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Your sister sounds so brave, but I guess that's the way we are when the final news is upon us.
I'm glad she love her crown and wanted to give and receive a hug.
As you said she is maintaining her ego which is so important to her.
Excellent writing of a very difficult time to recall, Shari.
:) ellen
Comment Written 13-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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Thanks so much for the exceptional review, Ellen. I was amazed that she was so perceptive and confronted the doctor about dying.
She had taught Bobby to accept his lot and not hope to ever get better. She's practicing what she preached.
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Yes, I can see how Bobby's illness was a dress-rehearsal for her own. Sad but true.
:) e
Comment from mermaids
I have not heard of this type of cancer and how short a time your sister had to live. The symptoms are misleading, they could be symptoms of something else, especially fatigue and itching. I am also amazed at how good she looks.
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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I have not heard of this type of cancer and how short a time your sister had to live. The symptoms are misleading, they could be symptoms of something else, especially fatigue and itching. I am also amazed at how good she looks.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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Bile duct cancer is rare which pleased my sister! If she had to have the disease, at least she didn't want to be one of thousands. No kidding!
Comment from ProSongwriter
Hi Shari ...
Well, this was a bittersweet chapter. Seeing Barb looking so good and, apparently, in decent spirits and then hearing the tale of the time she has left. On a personal note, I learned something I didn't know and none of my doctors mentioned to me ... I had severe itching of the skin, my entire upper torso for several months, the i was diagnosed with cancer; not a single doctor told me that might be a symptom of cancer.
I'm curious to see how the birthday party goes. Looking forward to the next chapter. I'll be redundant ... I really enjoy your light, casual style of writing. Love it!
Best to you & Frank ...
Alan
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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Hi Shari ...
Well, this was a bittersweet chapter. Seeing Barb looking so good and, apparently, in decent spirits and then hearing the tale of the time she has left. On a personal note, I learned something I didn't know and none of my doctors mentioned to me ... I had severe itching of the skin, my entire upper torso for several months, the i was diagnosed with cancer; not a single doctor told me that might be a symptom of cancer.
I'm curious to see how the birthday party goes. Looking forward to the next chapter. I'll be redundant ... I really enjoy your light, casual style of writing. Love it!
Best to you & Frank ...
Alan
Comment Written 13-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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I don't remember how long Barbara itched, but she did say it was severe. I'm sure she went to the doctor too who didn't realize it. I read it online.
Be redundant as much as you like. As long as it's positive. Appreciate you like the style. Writing doesn't come that easy for me. That's why it takes so long to post. I work three days or more on a story.
Comment from Eigle Rull
Oh, oh, I'm beginning to like your sister... She seems head strong and determined in her battle. I admire that in a person. In addition, she's being pleasant. Maybe I misjudged her a bit. At any rate, I enjoyed this chapter very much. I'll be watching for the next one. Best wishes and a MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours, my good friend.
Always with respect,
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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Oh, oh, I'm beginning to like your sister... She seems head strong and determined in her battle. I admire that in a person. In addition, she's being pleasant. Maybe I misjudged her a bit. At any rate, I enjoyed this chapter very much. I'll be watching for the next one. Best wishes and a MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and yours, my good friend.
Always with respect,
Comment Written 13-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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Thanks so much, Eigle, for the six. A death sentence can bring out the best in people. :-)
Comment from alexisleech
I'm glad the cake and crown were well recieved by your sister. I was dreading the possibility that she didn't like them. I'm also glad you told her what your mother used to say. She wants to have a dignified end, and knowing her mother was so proud of her must have made a big difference. Whilst earlier chapters didn't endear me to Barbara, this one did. Whatever your differences in the past, it sounds like she was a classy lady!
Alexis xxx
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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I'm glad the cake and crown were well recieved by your sister. I was dreading the possibility that she didn't like them. I'm also glad you told her what your mother used to say. She wants to have a dignified end, and knowing her mother was so proud of her must have made a big difference. Whilst earlier chapters didn't endear me to Barbara, this one did. Whatever your differences in the past, it sounds like she was a classy lady!
Alexis xxx
Comment Written 13-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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I'm glad this message is coming through. The sister I remember is returning home in more ways than one.
Comment from Debbie Noland
What excellent characterization here. You use this little arrival/meeting scene to show us a thorough picture of this woman who is your sister. You do this by skillfully combining backstory, your thoughts and reactions, and her words/actions.
I've said his before, I know, but it is your mastery of and attention to the techniques of fiction that breathe life into these nonfiction. Narrative can sometimes challenge a reader's attention span, but not so in your case.
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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What excellent characterization here. You use this little arrival/meeting scene to show us a thorough picture of this woman who is your sister. You do this by skillfully combining backstory, your thoughts and reactions, and her words/actions.
I've said his before, I know, but it is your mastery of and attention to the techniques of fiction that breathe life into these nonfiction. Narrative can sometimes challenge a reader's attention span, but not so in your case.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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Debbie, thank you so much for your encouragement. I read so many really good stories on this site, it's good to know I measure up.
Hugs,
Shari
Comment from Louise Michelle
With all your sister's flaws, I have to give her credit for not wanting to feel sorry for herself. It seems that on this occasion you both were able to relate in a sisterly fashion.
I am very impressed with your sister's appearance and how well you described it. I'm also impressed that you were not jealous of her. To this day my sister hates me because I got all the compliments.
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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With all your sister's flaws, I have to give her credit for not wanting to feel sorry for herself. It seems that on this occasion you both were able to relate in a sisterly fashion.
I am very impressed with your sister's appearance and how well you described it. I'm also impressed that you were not jealous of her. To this day my sister hates me because I got all the compliments.
Comment Written 13-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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How could I be jealous when I had the better lifestyle? At least, that's how I saw it. Her life was an unhappy one for a long time. We really connect in the next two chapters.
Comment from judiverse
The feeling in this really comes through. I was amazed by your description of Barb; in the last stages of cancer she managed to look lovely. It must have taken some effort on her part. I'm glad she liked the crown. Interesting that she was surprised when you told her your mother had said Barb could succeed at anything she tried. Too bad she didn't act on her symptoms sooner, but it's easy to do that. Very powerful chapter. judi
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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The feeling in this really comes through. I was amazed by your description of Barb; in the last stages of cancer she managed to look lovely. It must have taken some effort on her part. I'm glad she liked the crown. Interesting that she was surprised when you told her your mother had said Barb could succeed at anything she tried. Too bad she didn't act on her symptoms sooner, but it's easy to do that. Very powerful chapter. judi
Comment Written 13-Dec-2015
reply by the author on 13-Dec-2015
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Thanks so much, judi, for the six. I was stunned that Barb was so perceptive as to guess her own death sentence. Even if she had found out earlier, I doubt she would have gone through those chemo treatments with their severe side effects, but I think she might have rented a place in Tampa and spent more time with Bobby and me.
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You're welcome. Sometimes people don't want family members to see how badly they're suffering when they have a fatal illness. judi
