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Date Posted: 04:41:42 12/06/11 Tue
Author: Ravenbeauty
Subject: 
What Is Most Important...............
Hey Gang,
Out of any of the gifts that I may receive this year, this will be the most treasured of them all. Ive never brought over a post from my Spoiler site at Voy before, but the author has given me permission to do so. When I was first diagnosed with aggressive Epitheloid AngioSarcoma in both breasts just two months ago (after already dealing with cancer in my left breast during my late twenties), my knee jerk reaction was to keep silent. I felt it was too private to share. I wasnt sure that I wanted the world to know my business. Im no Mother Theresa, but I realized that if I shared my journey with you, there might be a chance I could save a life somewhere along the line. I certainly have a lot of readers out here and at Voy, and I thought that I could use what has happened to me to get awareness out there about one of the most dangerous forms of breast cancer that many know absolutely nothing about. Both Inflammatory Breast Cancer and Epitheloid AngioASarcoma do not show up on an Ultrasound or a Mammogram and yet they are the deadliest forms there are. By the time a woman realizes that what she has on her breast is not a simple insect bite or rash, she has most likely gone to stage IV. I thought that someone who has read my story out there might see something odd on the outside of their breast one day, and instead of allowing someone to dismiss it as dermatitis (which is what initially happened to me and so I lost valuable time), she might insist on a biopsy or get further testing. To this day when I tell the various nurses I see what I am dealing with, they say that they have never heard of it before. This makes me sick to my stomach. It scares the hell out of me. I dont understand why there isnt more awareness out there on these two very aggressive forms (there are no lumps inside the breast). They are seen on the skin and move from the skin inward. Epitheloid AngioSarcoma is caused by prior radiation treatment to the breast with an incubation period of ten years or less. The following post had me in tears. The thought that this might have saved even one persons life has me overwhelmed with emotion today. Soap scoops are so trivial by comparison. I am posting her message below (and a link to my column that explains whats happened to me for anyone who may be late to the party, and will hopefully serve as a warning to us all). Still have a lump in my throat here. ♥
Raven,
I have a story to tell you that I was very hesitant to post here only because it is about someone elses health. I am not on Facebook but I am going to try after the holidays. I was at my doctor for blood work. The women doing it is about late 30's 2 children, has been there awhile so I know her. I asked how she was. I know she is a breast cancer survivor. {she talks a lot and very fast but is delightful} She said she is annoyed because she has this thing on the sides of her breast, an infection or a rash or an irritation of some sort, she went on to say that she had also been forced to change insurance and none of her old Dr's are now in her plan. Raven I swear to God my heart stopped, all I could think of was you. I managed to ask her how her cancer was treated. Guess what, same as you. Removal of tumor and radiation. It was 2 days before Thanksgiving and I had no idea what to do. I couldn't remember how to pronounce the name of the cancer, but I remembered what you said to look for very well. I ran out of there very quickly. I sat in my car shaking and trying to think of what the heck to do. I kept remembering how aggressive it is and having to go to new doctors is scary to begin with and I didn't know if she would take info from me with any seriousness {or if her new doctor would.} I drove home and looked up your old columns to find the one where you explained everything in, couldnt find it, but did find the name and some of your descriptions. I printed and wrote down everything I could find that you had said. Back on the road to the office. They were very surprised that I was back and I had ran out in the first place. Then I really shocked them when I said I had to see the Dr ASAP. My Dr. is one of the kindest and most compassionate people I have ever met. {no exaggeration} He lost his mother to breast cancer when he was young. He has been my Dr. for 15 years and has seen me through every bad thing in my life medical or not. His compassion always astounds me and his kindness has never wavered, ever! When I got him, I told him everything that she had said to me and then I showed him your words and the cancer you have.
I wish I could describe his face but I cant! He asked me ?'s about her words and symptoms. He then grabbed me and hugged me. He started to tell me how great I was, but I told him no, this women who wrote about it to us is the only reason any of this resonated with me. If it were not for her (you) I would have just wished her well and not have thought about it. He thanked me and said he would take care of everything. I trust him just as much as I trust my wonderful husband. He called the next Tuesday and told me that he had examined her and was frightened also. He got her an appointment with a specialist and a surgeon at Sloan-Kettering. Her insurance dosen't matter because he called in favors and professional courtesies. He wanted to know all about you. It is strange trying to explain to someone else how we know and love you but have never met. He made me promise to tell you a huge thank you from him and from the medical world everywhere. He said you are a women of great strength and so courageous. He said it takes a very special person to write about this battle you are fighting. He said you have the kind of caring the world needs to fight these cancers and to educate women everywhere. He said you are a true hero!!! He sincerely hopes that you are getting the best care possible and to keep on inspiring others. He said it is people like you who beat this thing. He will as well pray for you. Raven you ROCK!!! You have probably saved a life!! How many of us can say that. I don't know how to thank you. You are a hero and I am very glad that you are in my life (cyber-life) Please stay positive and fight this battle, we need you in this world. I pray for you all the time and will continue to.
PS Please feel free to post or not. To edit or cut down to a reasonable size, whatever you want to do. I know I rambled, but I wanted you to know every detail and how it all happened because if not for you none of this would have happened.
Finally, a link to the original column where I explained what is going on with me
My Cancer Diagnosis
P.S. On a soapy note, I see that My "Bree Williamson to General Hospital" scoop from 4 days ago grew some serious legs with another claiming credit. I apologize to those of you that are not on my Facebook, and did not see this posted. For the almost 5000 of you that saw when I broke this news, thank you for making sure that I was given appropriate credit (for that and my "Valentini in/Phelps out" scoop, which originated in February as well). It's small in light of what I am dealing with right now, but it means a lot to me nonetheless. Thank you.......:)
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Small blurb from my Facebook Wall on the BW scoop.... -- 
Ravenbeauty, 04:46:01 12/06/11 Tue [1]
Just a quick drive by on this. Apparently someone out there is attempting to take credit for my Bree Williamson to GH scoop that can be found further down on my wall from 4 days ago (It spread like wildfire shortly thereafter). I admit that I did not carry it over to my Voy site from Friday (a lot on my plate these days) but I have nearly 5000 witnesses out here that saw it plain as day 4 days ago. While I would never attempt to confirm or promise you a thing (I leave that to legitimate newspapers and magazines), I break a fair amount of the news we get. I won't get them all, but I will never stop fighting to receive credit when credit is due (it's hard to imagine how this might feel unless you are in my shoes). If Bree does not come to GH, you better believe I will receive full credit then! LOL! Just a little annoyance that was passed onto me today. It's small in light of what I am dealing with right now, but frustrating nonetheless. Just wanted to clear that up........
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Re: Small blurb from my Facebook Wall on the BW scoop.... -- Anonymous, 06:36:34 12/06/11 Tue [1]
Dear Raven,
I have been following you faithfully, but now we are not hearing anything about Brian Frons leaving which is old news already. In order to get all the scoops in depth we have to go to or join facebook for one life to live and to find out how you are feelng? Please let us now? Would very much like an answer to find out what to do.
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He looks ridiculous Raven! Everyone knows where the scoop on Bree came from! -- KC, 12:18:21 12/06/11 Tue [1]
He just looks ridiculous now. Nobody even knows who this guy is. It was discussed to death after you posted it on Friday for us with a picture of Bree and her new look for GH. Everyone knows this is yours Raven. Only a few idiots on Twitter are doing this. He's not off to a good start here. We have your back girl (all 5000 of us)!!
As for the other part of your post, I was in tears with everyone else. You have touched so many lives by sharing this painful journey with us. I will continue to hold you in my prayers.
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Raven should we loose hope about OLTL? -- oltlmania (sad), 04:21:32 12/07/11 Wed [1]
Raven, hope you are feeling better. With the recent announcement on valentini and carlivati moving to gh, does this mean we have no fighting chance?
I am wondering why Agnes Nixon does not force ABC to give up the rights to her shows or sell it to her?
Its ridiculous!
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Re: Small blurb from my Facebook Wall on the BW scoop.... -- andre adams (scoops), 06:33:17 12/11/11 Sun [1]
don't worry about these glory grabbers raven your fans are your fans we read you because it's .......RAVEN and we like your style. when it's iffy you say so and we have seen enough come to pass.
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Re: Small blurb from my Facebook Wall on the BW scoop.... -- Curlie (God Is Able), 19:58:43 12/28/11 Wed [1]
Hi Raven! I just wanted U 2 know that I am thinking of
U and keeping U lifted daily in prayer. As for those nay sayers I know U know better than 2 take them seriously.
U are the best and very gifted in what U do and U do it
well. I have always enjoyed yr collumn and now that I
know where 2 find U I will stay in touch. Be Blessed!
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I don't think Raven cares. -- RB fan, 00:54:24 01/01/12 Sun [1]
As someone who posts at SOC and on Raven's Facebook page, I don't think she cares about 10 naysayers at Soapcentral when she has 5000 fans on her Facebook page alone! Raven has the love and support of the actors, writers, and the fans (and this was even before she was diagnosed with cancer). I've never seen a Facebook page like Raven's before in my life. Everyone reads her (even the naysayers, which is pretty obvious). I think Raven has moved past that silly nonsense a long time ago. She has made it very clear that she no longer visits soap boards anymore. She probably doesn't even know that a few naysayers continue to bash her out of jealousy and spite. You need to see Raven's Facebook page to know that it's pretty doubtful that she cries in her sleep over a few SOC misfits who continue to attack her even when she is fighting cancer. Raven has more important things on her plate these days (and she is surrounded by love and support).
Hillary B. Smith, Catherine Hickland, Andrea Evans, Michael E. Knight, and Ilene Kristen just appeared on Raven's Holiday Show just for her! I think she will be just fine! :)
Kick cancer to the curb where it belongs Raven! We love you! XO!
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Re: What Is Most Important............... -- anon, 05:40:00 12/06/11 Tue [1]
You know, I'm not on Facebook- and I am generally a lurker on here. However, I have to say- that once I heard what was going on with you... OLTL took a back burner. I said my goodbyes. I will miss it, but saving this soap stopped being a focus for my prayers. The only prayers now are for you to get rest and focus on yourself. You are such a strong woman, posting about soaps should be the last of concern for you. Though I imagine it helps to have something else to divert your attention these days. If being a life long fan of soaps tells you anything, I will say this- they are not as important to me as a persons health.
We all love you for how much you have done for us over the years. I know I have looked forward to reading your posts for a long while now, however the only thing I want you to do- is concentrate on you. We love you and just want you to fight and get better. We are all happy to fight with you, send our prayers upward for you and hope they reach you.
You have become a part of our family. Soapfans forever- Raven fans for always.
HUGE HUGE HUGS-
we appreciate all you do for us, and all you give to us. Your posts give us all something to look forward to. I can only hope that we can give you something to look forward to as well- being here together- forever soap fans and friends.
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Re: What Is Most Important............... -- Mikele, 22:35:16 12/06/11 Tue [1]
I've only been lurking here for a while, haven't been able to figure out how to request friend status on facebook. But, everyday just like the song says I "say a little prayer for you." You have a strong,courageous and beautiful sprite. My mother was a breast cancer survivor, 15 yrs. Last X-mas she was diagnosed with lung cancer and in June she died. Very quickly and unexpectedly. So reading about your journey and struggles has been at times difficult and heart breaking and also uplifting to see you keep pushing. Thank you for every day that you share with us Raven. This is a nice place to go when I can't sleep at night.
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Re: What Is Most Important............... -- jo, 16:40:43 12/06/11 Tue [1]
See?! See, Raven?! There is something more powerful and wonderful than us, and it doesn't matter what you label it, there is a plan for each and every one of us. What a WONDERFUL letter. I pray for you. God Bless.
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Suzanne Somers is a advocate for radical alternative.. -- Marie, 05:26:21 12/17/11 Sat [1]
treatments for breast cancer.
Raven,
She was on Dr. Oz, Channel 5 WNYW at 4:00pm on December 16th.
10 years ago she had a 2.4 inch tumor on her chest wall.
The show mentioned Iscador & Bioidentical Hormone therapy
"Suzanne Somers is at it again.
Less than a year after the former sitcom actress frustrated mainstream doctors (and cheered some fans) by touting bioidentical hormones on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," she's back with a new book. This one's on an even more emotional topic: Cancer treatment. Specifically, she argues against what she sees as the vast and often pointless use of chemotherapy.
Somers, who has rejected chemo herself, seems to relish the fight.
"Cancer's an epidemic," said the 63-year-old actress in an interview in a Manhattan hotel a day before Tuesday's release of "Knockout," her 19th book. "And yet we keep going back to the same old pot, because it's all we've got. Well, this is a book about options.
"I'm 'us'," Somers adds. "I'm not them. I've been on the other side of the bed. And it's powerful to have information."
The American Cancer Society is concerned, because they prefer people to use the current proven methods.
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Re: Suzanne Somers is a advocate for radical alternative.. -- melster, 12:55:18 12/20/11 Tue [1]
I'm glad you posted this. I totally agree that Suzanne Somers has a LOT of great information. Thanks to her, my son, who has been sick for years finally got diagnosed with a gluten intolerance. We were looking for answers to his symptos for years and no doctor was able to help. I thank my lucky stars every day I stumbled across her book. She has lots of clear cut answers. And recommendations for doctors who can help. God bless you Raven, I pray for you to get better soon .
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Re: What Is Most Important............... -- madea, 07:31:48 12/08/11 Thu [1]
What you did talking about your diagnosis was such a brave and courageous thing to do, and it lifts my heart that because of your courage someone else has been helped and a life saved. I pray for you and I hope you have a blessed and peaceful Christmas.
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Re: Latest PP news! -- Chris, 11:07:15 12/08/11 Thu [1]
Have you heard the latest PP news that the company still have rights to both shows for a year to both of them, and that they are in negotiations with an overseas company to co-produce the shows? Was this the news you were referring to when you said that there was a chance that both AMC/OLTL will still be saved?
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Re: What Is Most Important............... -- dr.ivankipling, 02:00:23 12/11/11 Sun [1]
Raven you're constantly in my thoughts&prayers. I wish you all the best in life!I wanted to pop in&wish you a safe,peaceful,restful holiday season!I also want to tell you how much I LOVE your sub heading/message to ABCDisny&Propsect Park.ICAM with the sentiment.We were duped.My advice to soap lovers everywhere is to stay out of the Park.
God bless&keep you dear Raven:)
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Thanks Raven! I needed a break and I came over to read you. -- Belinda, 04:28:51 12/13/11 Tue [1]
I have been so busy these past couple months and I stopped over to read you and what a nice story and note.
I cried!!!!! I am sitting here at work in tears. That is so cool!!!!!! It does put everything in perspective. It is a miracle. Kudoes to you!!!
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