Weekly Round Up: In Memory of Jody Schoger

“No man is an island … any man’s death diminishes me” wrote the poet John Donne back in 1624. I thought of these words when I heard the news of Jody Schoger’s passing on Wednesday and how diminished we all feel as a result of her death. Beth sums up my own thoughts when she writes:

Even though I knew she was in hospice, I was still stunned when I received the news that she passed away. And in that finding-out moment, I knew the world was suddenly worse off for not having Jody’s fierce passion, intelligence, kindness, and advocacy in it.

Jody’s influence in the breast cancer community was immeasurable as the tributes to her that have filled the blogosphere demonstrate. Liz Szabo, writing in USA Today, described how Jody  “became a teacher, a guide and a fearless friend to countless men and women.” Jackie writes about how the breast cancer community has “lost a tireless advocate, voice of reason and fearless friend”; Alicia, Katie, Stacey, and Liza share their own personal memories of Jody, while  Gayle lovingly draws together a representation of the many tweets and memories shared on social media by Jody’s friends.

Elsewhere in the blogosphere…

Just as poetry has been on my mind this week, up comes two new poems by Susanne and Philippa 

Felicity writes honestly about the PTSD she has experienced and issues a plea for more to be done for cancer survivors to save them from falling off a mental health cliff.  Read a similarly-themed post by Chris.

Michaela Rosen writes of the reality of being a caregiver to someone you love who is seriously ill.

Fiona shares an insight into her work as a patient advocate.

Maureen is planning ahead with a holiday.

While she is grateful to the maintenance treatments that keep cancer at bay, Liz can’t help feeling rotten about their awful side-effects.

Delightful post by Tric on her very special secret photo album.

Dee writes about the mixed emotions of cancer survivorship. As a companion piece, do read Carolyn‘s excellent post on “survivorship bias”. She is writing about her experience as a heart-attack survivor, but her words are equally relevant to cancer.

Medivizor report on a new drug formulation for the treatment of nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy.

Jen reviews a new book A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles.

I still vividly remember those uncomfortable drains post surgery  – Terri shares some useful advice on how best to manage them.

Teri Wingham rounds up some thoughts by participants to A Fresh Chapter‘s recent Elemental Odyssey adventure.

Rebecca recounts a series of strange dreams and sensations she experienced before her cancer diagnosis and concludes that perhaps our bodies know long before we do when there is something wrong.

Jenny completes her marathon run and reflects on how much stronger she is now.

Lisa shares information on five cancer research stories worth following.

Caroline writes about why she uses social media during cancer.

Catherine captures the stress and frustration of dealing with hospital appointments in her latest post.

Audrey calls for more kindness in our society.

I will leave the last word this week to Vicki, writing about Jody, who says:

Ever the picture of grace and acceptance, Jodi didn’t ask anyone to fill her shoes when she was gone, but she asked that we continue her mission — to know, love, and accept those with breast cancer of all stages and to provide them with safe haven wherever we are.

I can’t think of a more fitting legacy and one that we can all try to carry on in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Until next week,

Yours with love

Marie xxx