
First, I want to tell you I am a two time cancer survivor. The first time I just brushed off the breast cancer with a simple lumpectomy, but a year later, 2006, it came back full force and in March of that year I had a bilateral mastectomy. The social worker asked me if I was ready to die, but I told her, "Hell no! I have too many quilts to make!" I had just lost my mom the previous August to breast and brain cancer. During chemo, I had an adverse reaction, and went into cardiac failure. I suppose I was unconcious, but when I was in the ED, I could hear the doctors and nurses shouting and saying things like my pulse was only 30 and they were having a hard time trying to get IVs in me. I remember looking up and standing at the end of the stretcher was my grandmother, for whom I was named, and one of my favorite aunts. They were so calm and peaceful. They smiled and shook their heads and said "No, it's not your time" and then they left. 2 days later I woke up in the ICU. This is a true story. As a nurse, I have had many patients tell me they have talked to their loved ones and found peace and then later died. There is a heaven. There is a better place. I am not ready to go yet, but I am not afraid to die. There is a wonderful book out now called Do Dead People Watch You Shower? I highly recommend it. Peace to all!