I don't know if any of you ("old-timers") have also received the same message I have about our friend Flamingolady, aka Dee. (In the message, it calls her *Betti and Dolna, as she is apparently known on other websites.) I guess I should not reveal the details publicly, but she is seriously ill (non-covid-related, and much, much more serious).
The message does not say that she is hospitalized, but it comes from the same source who was updating us with her major surgery 2 years ago. So it's possible. But on the other hand, it says she won't see a specialist (surgeon) until June 15th. So maybe she just wants to ask for prayers without contacting all her friends personally.
Anyway, for those of you who are inclined, please offer prayers. I'd be glad to share the details privately, or I could get you on the list for updates, if anyone wants.
Pass along our warm regards and hopes for a speedy recovery.
Yes, will do.
Also, she recently told me she's been enjoying the Inkscape facebook group. But I don't belong to facebook, so I can't post there. I'm not even sure if this kind of message would be appropriate there. But if it would be appropriate, and someone who participates can post there....well, more prayers can't hurt ❤
It sounds like Dee's condition worsened significantly and surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. They said there's a good chance it's cancer.
I think I might make a drawing, or maybe something like a 'feel better' card. If anyone else wants to do something like that, I'd be glad to send it. Just let me know. (Although it will probably be some time before she's up to looking at a computer screen....but well, it's my way....)
The surgery went well. The tumor was cancer. But they are still doing tests to find out what kind of cancer.
Oh, I certainly don't doubt Dee's computer skills! But there are other reasons (which I probably should not post publicly) why it might take longer than expected.
Anyway, as of the last report I got, she's doing well. ❤
Dee's been moved into a "rehab" facility (which in the US means a nursing home - a new trend here, which is apparently a cost saving move by hospitals, and which I hope and pray I'll never have to experience) (from everyone I've ever talked to, it sounds like it's best to decline the "rehab"). So anyway, she's recovering from the surgery.
No news yet about the kind of cancer or treatment plans.
Not much to update. Things are about the same as before. She's still in "rehab". The report mentions some areas where things are not improving, but I guess in other areas they must be improving. There still is no diagnostic info available The last report gives July 7th for a release date to finally go home (although it seems there are some problems with the facility, and she may voluntarily go home before then) (big surprise).
I guess the good news is that she isn't getting worse. I'm sure the surgical wound must be healing. But the original symptoms which caused the discovery of the tumor are not getting better. At least it doesn't sound like they are much better to me. Her stay in rehab has been extended to July 15, because progress has been slow. Still no news on the kind of cancer or treatment plans, but she has an appointment with an oncologist.
Her family says they appreciate all the prayers and good wishes ❤
I'm not sure exactly why, but Dee was transferred to a different rehab facility last week. From what I can understand, she may be there for another couple of weeks. I think the main reason for going there rather than going home, is not so much medical issues, but for physical types of rehab. It does not sound like the most worrying symptoms have gotten any better, sadly. The oncologist appointment was rescheduled by the dr. so still no news about specific diagnosis or treatment.
Her husband is giving her all our messages, which I've sent a couple with small, simple drawings. (I'm not exactly sure if her husband can print them or bring a laptop to the facility (because he's legally blind). So I made them small.)
And they're always grateful and appreciative for thoughts and prayers and good wishes!
Finally got another update. The updates have become much more detailed than I would have expected, but I don't feel like I should share all the details here, without permission. The short version is that Dee made it home for a couple of days in early August, but it became too onerous, with home health care not really able to provide the level of care needed. So she's back in....hmm, it's either the skilled nursing facility, or no, it sounds like hospital, where a new scan found a new tumor, for which another surgery was successfully done.
Now there is a diagnosis of glioblastoma, which I'm pretty sure is a type of brain cancer. As far as I can make out (really lots of details to sort through), she will be starting both radiation and chemotherapy next week. She will remain in the hospital during treatments because of the difficulty and expense with transportation from home and back (apparently an ambulance is needed for transport).
They sent me a link to info on glioblastoma, which is about as off topic as possible here. But I'm sure everyone is able to search on their own if they want any more info. But from what I read....well it sounds like prayers might be the best medicine 😢
While miracles happen and there's no denying the power of hope, or unless there are a bunch of replies that you still want to get updates, I might or might not share further updates here. If someone definitely wants to get updates, let me know, and I'll get you on the email updates list, so you can get them personally.
Hi Brynn, Thank you so much for the update. This is very serious and yes.. I'll join the prayer force for Dee. Would you please put me on the email list for updates? I have found a friend in Flamingolady, although we are on different sides of the world.
Hello, I am someone that is interested in Inkscape for certain desktop publishing applications.
I made a forum account because I'm interested in Inkscape, the topic in the previous thread I replied in and because I want to talk to people about topics like in this thread.
(I am a very pragmatic person, something to mention, as far as 1:1. Something I would want to say also saying the following. Because generally people are right in their criticism towards the faith. Though short to say it in a sense that I would have to say more, at least if it leads to doubts with people that keep a distance of the faith. And I am not a person outside of the faith).
My impression is prayer answered if I come across this topic. Also because of the previous one I replied in.
I don't see a link to send a pm. ,,Prayer answered'' would mean quite a lot. Normally, what I have to say, on itself it can hardly be discussed. Possibly it takes time. Because it is about some things that are very real where this is not "expected". Not common. And other reasons that solely have to do with this.
(Edit: just installed autocapitalize Autohotkey script made extra spaces in the last paragraph)
This topic was not created to generate a discussion about faith or prayers in general. One of our members (Flamingolady) is very sick and her family and friends are asking for prayers for her comfort and healing. (The prayers don't need to be posted here, although you could if you wanted to. But you should not send prayers via PM to Flamingolady (because she won't see them anytime soon).)
It would be surprising to see a discussion about faith or prayers in this forum....although it would be ok in this board only (Community Cafe board). Mostly this forum is meant to provide support for Inkscape.
I hope all the prayers for Flamingolady are answered, but it does not sound so good at this time.
I don't have any factual information to share. But Kirstie has just received a very brief email from Dee. Personally, I'm overjoyed to learn that she's still fighting the good fight, and still remembers us.
I just wanted to mention it here, for those who remember her and might be interested. I'm sure she and her family would appreciate prayers, as before, for those who are inclined.
I remember Flamingolady from a few years ago. I enjoyed her posts. May I impose upon your to send this picture over to her? I figure that it could be something to gaze at and quiet the mind. My wife and I had a friend pass on from glioblastoma several decades ago and memory lingers. We made a music cassette and dedicated it to him. Outside of this picture, I don't know what or how I can contribute further to and for Dee, but, at least, I can be part of her community. Thank you, Brynn
Oh, that is so sweet! I'm sure she will love it. I'm working on something to send as well. And also I thought I would send the last About Screen contest winners, since she probably can't manage either Inkscape or the internet right now.
And thank you, Brynn! I know that our gestures might be small, and yet they carry a lot of meaning. They can make all the difference in the world. That is what counts. We stand by Flamingolady's side to buoy her up. Indeed, standing by, Roy
Hi Roy, Sorry for the delay. I don't visit the forum much lately.
I personally had an email reply from her on last March 22. Because of the damage caused by the cancer, she is unable to articulate her thoughts. So her replies are exceedingly brief - usually just one or 2 words. As far as I can tell, there has not been any significant change. But it's hard to say.
But I'll try sending a new message, and tell her you're thinking about her.
I guess it would be ok to give you her email address - privately, of course - if you like?
Yes, absolutely! Please pass on my e-mail to Flamingolady. My wife, Joan, and I spent some time remembering our friend, Allan, who passed on from brain cancer. He was 39. It slowly ate away his ability to sense and communicate with the outside world. We made an audio cassette of Ukrainian with Joan singing and me accompanying her on the bandura. Allan heard most of it before he left us. There's lots more to tell but I want to keep the focus on Flamingolady. These times weigh on us and I wish there were better ways to lighten the load. If she can have somebody work a console for her, here's a Youtube of me and my accompanist, Lilin, playing Russian balalaika with piano accompaniment:
Oh Roy, I'm sure she will love it! I will definitely send her the link!
I know what you mean. I suppose most of us have this experience although I can really only speak for myself. As a younger and middle aged adult, when I took the time to ponder the senior years (which was never much time pondering it) surviving our own friends and family was not pondered or even considered. I was more worried about health and vitality. I thought about how it would be spending time with friends and family, in an old body. I never considered that there might not be any time.
Unfortunately this kind of discussion is way off topic, maybe too far off topic, even for this off topic focussed board. I don't know of a better forum for it. But if you do, I'd be glad to meet you there. You can send it to me via email or private message. I will send you a private message in a few minutes, and give you my email. Then we can switch to email.
Thank you for letting us all know this sad news. I will miss Dee very much from the other side of the world. And I will remember her very big sense of humor, enthousiasm and creativity.
Community Café asking for prayers for Flamingolady
Inkscape.org
Hi Friends,
I don't know if any of you ("old-timers") have also received the same message I have about our friend Flamingolady, aka Dee. (In the message, it calls her *Betti and Dolna, as she is apparently known on other websites.) I guess I should not reveal the details publicly, but she is seriously ill (non-covid-related, and much, much more serious).
The message does not say that she is hospitalized, but it comes from the same source who was updating us with her major surgery 2 years ago. So it's possible. But on the other hand, it says she won't see a specialist (surgeon) until June 15th. So maybe she just wants to ask for prayers without contacting all her friends personally.
Anyway, for those of you who are inclined, please offer prayers. I'd be glad to share the details privately, or I could get you on the list for updates, if anyone wants.
All best,
brynn
Pass along our warm regards and hopes for a speedy recovery.
TD
Hi Brynn,
She has been on my mind for some time, but now I know why! Thank you for this post.
Yes sure, praying is what I'll do.
Love, Kirsten.
Yes, will do.
Also, she recently told me she's been enjoying the Inkscape facebook group. But I don't belong to facebook, so I can't post there. I'm not even sure if this kind of message would be appropriate there. But if it would be appropriate, and someone who participates can post there....well, more prayers can't hurt ❤
It sounds like Dee's condition worsened significantly and surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. They said there's a good chance it's cancer.
I think I might make a drawing, or maybe something like a 'feel better' card. If anyone else wants to do something like that, I'd be glad to send it. Just let me know. (Although it will probably be some time before she's up to looking at a computer screen....but well, it's my way....)
Hi Brynn,
Thank you for the update.
I will send her an e-mail-card. Do not underestimate Flamingolady's determination to look things up on a computer!
The surgery went well. The tumor was cancer. But they are still doing tests to find out what kind of cancer.
Oh, I certainly don't doubt Dee's computer skills! But there are other reasons (which I probably should not post publicly) why it might take longer than expected.
Anyway, as of the last report I got, she's doing well. ❤
Dee's been moved into a "rehab" facility (which in the US means a nursing home - a new trend here, which is apparently a cost saving move by hospitals, and which I hope and pray I'll never have to experience) (from everyone I've ever talked to, it sounds like it's best to decline the "rehab"). So anyway, she's recovering from the surgery.
No news yet about the kind of cancer or treatment plans.
Thank you Brynn for the updates! I did send her an e-mail and hope that someday she will see it.
Not much to update. Things are about the same as before. She's still in "rehab". The report mentions some areas where things are not improving, but I guess in other areas they must be improving. There still is no diagnostic info available The last report gives July 7th for a release date to finally go home (although it seems there are some problems with the facility, and she may voluntarily go home before then) (big surprise).
Thanks for keeping us up to date @brynn our best wishes go out to her recovery! 💗
I guess the good news is that she isn't getting worse. I'm sure the surgical wound must be healing. But the original symptoms which caused the discovery of the tumor are not getting better. At least it doesn't sound like they are much better to me. Her stay in rehab has been extended to July 15, because progress has been slow. Still no news on the kind of cancer or treatment plans, but she has an appointment with an oncologist.
Her family says they appreciate all the prayers and good wishes ❤
I'm not sure exactly why, but Dee was transferred to a different rehab facility last week. From what I can understand, she may be there for another couple of weeks. I think the main reason for going there rather than going home, is not so much medical issues, but for physical types of rehab. It does not sound like the most worrying symptoms have gotten any better, sadly. The oncologist appointment was rescheduled by the dr. so still no news about specific diagnosis or treatment.
Her husband is giving her all our messages, which I've sent a couple with small, simple drawings. (I'm not exactly sure if her husband can print them or bring a laptop to the facility (because he's legally blind). So I made them small.)
And they're always grateful and appreciative for thoughts and prayers and good wishes!
Hey folks,
Finally got another update. The updates have become much more detailed than I would have expected, but I don't feel like I should share all the details here, without permission. The short version is that Dee made it home for a couple of days in early August, but it became too onerous, with home health care not really able to provide the level of care needed. So she's back in....hmm, it's either the skilled nursing facility, or no, it sounds like hospital, where a new scan found a new tumor, for which another surgery was successfully done.
Now there is a diagnosis of glioblastoma, which I'm pretty sure is a type of brain cancer. As far as I can make out (really lots of details to sort through), she will be starting both radiation and chemotherapy next week. She will remain in the hospital during treatments because of the difficulty and expense with transportation from home and back (apparently an ambulance is needed for transport).
They sent me a link to info on glioblastoma, which is about as off topic as possible here. But I'm sure everyone is able to search on their own if they want any more info. But from what I read....well it sounds like prayers might be the best medicine 😢
While miracles happen and there's no denying the power of hope, or unless there are a bunch of replies that you still want to get updates, I might or might not share further updates here. If someone definitely wants to get updates, let me know, and I'll get you on the email updates list, so you can get them personally.
Hi Brynn,
Thank you so much for the update. This is very serious and yes.. I'll join the prayer force for Dee.
Would you please put me on the email list for updates?
I have found a friend in Flamingolady, although we are on different sides of the world.
Hi Kirstie,
I sent you a PM to confirm your email address.
Thank you Brynn!
Hello, I am someone that is interested in Inkscape for certain desktop publishing applications.
I made a forum account because I'm interested in Inkscape, the topic in the previous thread I replied in and because I want to talk to people about topics like in this thread.
(I am a very pragmatic person, something to mention, as far as 1:1. Something I would want to say also saying the following. Because generally people are right in their criticism towards the faith. Though short to say it in a sense that I would have to say more, at least if it leads to doubts with people that keep a distance of the faith. And I am not a person outside of the faith).
My impression is prayer answered if I come across this topic. Also because of the previous one I replied in.
I don't see a link to send a pm. ,,Prayer answered'' would mean quite a lot. Normally, what I have to say, on itself it can hardly be discussed. Possibly it takes time. Because it is about some things that are very real where this is not "expected". Not common. And other reasons that solely have to do with this.
(Edit: just installed autocapitalize Autohotkey script made extra spaces in the last paragraph)
Welcome to the forum, MvO.
This topic was not created to generate a discussion about faith or prayers in general. One of our members (Flamingolady) is very sick and her family and friends are asking for prayers for her comfort and healing. (The prayers don't need to be posted here, although you could if you wanted to. But you should not send prayers via PM to Flamingolady (because she won't see them anytime soon).)
It would be surprising to see a discussion about faith or prayers in this forum....although it would be ok in this board only (Community Cafe board). Mostly this forum is meant to provide support for Inkscape.
I hope all the prayers for Flamingolady are answered, but it does not sound so good at this time.
Hi Friends,
I don't have any factual information to share. But Kirstie has just received a very brief email from Dee. Personally, I'm overjoyed to learn that she's still fighting the good fight, and still remembers us.
I just wanted to mention it here, for those who remember her and might be interested. I'm sure she and her family would appreciate prayers, as before, for those who are inclined.
All best 💕
Hi Brynn,
I remember Flamingolady from a few years ago. I enjoyed her posts. May I impose upon your to send this picture over to her? I figure that it could be something to gaze at and quiet the mind. My wife and I had a friend pass on from glioblastoma several decades ago and memory lingers. We made a music cassette and dedicated it to him. Outside of this picture, I don't know what or how I can contribute further to and for Dee, but, at least, I can be part of her community. Thank you, Brynn
Oh, that is so sweet! I'm sure she will love it. I'm working on something to send as well. And also I thought I would send the last About Screen contest winners, since she probably can't manage either Inkscape or the internet right now.
Thank you very much! 💗
And thank you, Brynn! I know that our gestures might be small, and yet they carry a lot of meaning. They can make all the difference in the world. That is what counts. We stand by Flamingolady's side to buoy her up. Indeed, standing by, Roy
Hi, just checking in. How is Flamingolady doing? Roy
Hi Roy, Sorry for the delay. I don't visit the forum much lately.
I personally had an email reply from her on last March 22. Because of the damage caused by the cancer, she is unable to articulate her thoughts. So her replies are exceedingly brief - usually just one or 2 words. As far as I can tell, there has not been any significant change. But it's hard to say.
But I'll try sending a new message, and tell her you're thinking about her.
I guess it would be ok to give you her email address - privately, of course - if you like?
Just curious why was my previous message held for moderation?
New rule? (new since I was here last, anyway)
Edit - Well, at least it was approved quickly. Thanks!
Hi Brynn,
Yes, absolutely! Please pass on my e-mail to Flamingolady. My wife, Joan, and I spent some time remembering our friend, Allan, who passed on from brain cancer. He was 39. It slowly ate away his ability to sense and communicate with the outside world. We made an audio cassette of Ukrainian with Joan singing and me accompanying her on the bandura. Allan heard most of it before he left us. There's lots more to tell but I want to keep the focus on Flamingolady. These times weigh on us and I wish there were better ways to lighten the load. If she can have somebody work a console for her, here's a Youtube of me and my accompanist, Lilin, playing Russian balalaika with piano accompaniment:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IS_gWLgDa9M
She might like the video -- it's cute. I still like to watch it.
Brynn, thank you for being there and being the support you are, Roy
Oh Roy, I'm sure she will love it! I will definitely send her the link!
I know what you mean. I suppose most of us have this experience although I can really only speak for myself. As a younger and middle aged adult, when I took the time to ponder the senior years (which was never much time pondering it) surviving our own friends and family was not pondered or even considered. I was more worried about health and vitality. I thought about how it would be spending time with friends and family, in an old body. I never considered that there might not be any time.
Unfortunately this kind of discussion is way off topic, maybe too far off topic, even for this off topic focussed board. I don't know of a better forum for it. But if you do, I'd be glad to meet you there. You can send it to me via email or private message. I will send you a private message in a few minutes, and give you my email. Then we can switch to email.
Great! I'm taking care of backlog work here at the computer, so it'll be easy to look into e-mail every few minutes. Talk with you in a bit, Roy
Hi Friends,
Sadly, we lost our dear Flamingolady night before last 😭
https://inkscape.org/~flamingolady/
I try to remember our happy times, drawing with Inkscape.
Dear Brynn,
Thank you for letting us all know this sad news.
I will miss Dee very much from the other side of the world.
And I will remember her very big sense of humor, enthousiasm and creativity.
Love,
Kirstie