Keith: I am not the kind of person who sits back and takes this stuff lying down. I am going to fight this, and regardless of whether my fight is successful or not,
I am going to be relying (as I have already been doing) on Karren’s support, help, strength and courage to make it happen.
In addition, we have so many supportive friends. They are providing spiritual, moral and physical support to us both. As you can imagine, our energies are
going to be focussed on each-other over the course of this ordeal, but we want to keep our friends informed and involved, so we have decided that we will use this blog as a means of keeping everyone informed, but also as a source of strength to anyone who wants to read it.
We want to show that Love for one another is going to be a key weapon in this fight as Karren will be coming across things that really aren’t in her natural skill set and she will be required to dig deep into her strengths and Love to see her through.
We want to show that there are so many things that people encounter in life that just aren’t quite as important as people think they are in the big scheme of things. Those little daily annoyances that get to us about our partner become less significant when compared to the prospect of life or death, or coping with pain, loss and helplessness.
We want to show others who may find themselves in a similar situation some of the tools and skills we found/will find that help us through.
We want to share this experience with our friends, and give our friends a chance and a forum to provide us with advice and feedback.
There is also something you can do for us:
The cancer is not so much a series of tumors, but rather, a set of places that the cells from the original site have decided to set up camp. The goal is to destroy these cells and you can help by directing your energies, prayers and healing thoughts directly at the specific cancer cells with the express focus on destroying them. Also energies for increased health for Keith, as chemotherapy also destroys good cells and weakens his immune system.
There is evidence that directed and focussed healing thoughts and prayers can change another’s chemistry. We have already experienced your thoughts and prayers, and they have sustained us through a very difficult time, and we feel loved and not so alone.
Keith’s Wish
Karren: Keith asked to me to keep the blog going for as long as it felt right after he died, for life doesn’t end with death. We found it hard to find the journey of loved ones and friends on line who lived after the death of a loved one, how they coped (or not), what challenges they faced, and how they lived on without the one they loved.
Keith also knew the love and support you gave us together on the journey through his illness would help me on my journey without him here every day. And for that, we both thankyou.
Keith and Karren's Blog 
As I sit here with tears rolling down my cheeks, I feel hopeless to know there is nothing I can do to help except offer my thoughts and prayers to both of you. And know, that you are both very dear to me. Karren, I have said it before, but if you need an ear, then I can be that ear, or if you need a hug from a friend, then let me give that hug, Keith has you but you need someone too – I cannot imagine what this is like for either of you. Miracles happen and I will be praying for one. Love you both and wish that words could heal.
Keith and Karren, I’m not a religious man, so I won’t off you a prayer, but my thoughts are with you both: Keith, you have the strength to fight a good fight, and Karren, we know you have the energy and enthusiasm to support Keith through this challenging time. It’s great you’ve started a blog – we’ll keep tabs on your progress, and enjoy watching the news get better 🙂
Dear Keith and Karren,
With all that’s going on you have taken your friends’ need to help into account and set up this blog. Thank you for helping us overcome our sense of helplessness and showing us how we can help ‘be’ with you both through these days. Yes our thoughts and support are certainly with you. You are right, there are many stories even in our own family where a positive attitude like yours has helped people go into remission and live a pretty full life and that will happen for you too. Take care and know that we are with you in spirit. Much love, Paul and Pavithra.
I’m with Natalie with tears running as well. As you know Keith, I can cry at the drop of a hat! Keith I know you will give this fight the absolute best effort you can. I’ve said it before, and I hope I can say it again, you’re a stubborn little bugger, but one that I love a lot. Karren, I can only imagine what you are going through at this point. If there is anything at all you need or want, please just give David or myself a call and we’ll be there.
Keith and Karen, words can not express the emotion I feel today. I can not even imagine what you are both going through but I do know that the love, support, and committment to each other and your strengths combined will get you through this difficult time. You are truely a testament to how special you are to each other. You are both beautiful people and you deserve to pull through this. My love goes out to you both and my prayers are with you. xxxoxxx
Keith and Karren, thank you for creating this blog, for sharing your lives with us, and for giving all of us who care about you a way to help. Healing thoughts are streaming out to you.
I am sitting here completely overwhelmed. I am in awe of the strength you both have and so completely moved by your blog. Thank you so much for sharing your life with all of us. I am not only moved by the struggles and pain you are going through, but more so the absolutely pure love and complete connection you have for each other. It is truly amazing and inspirational and I am so very happy for both of you that you have found each and you seem so perfect for each other!
Keith, I am so very sorry to hear about your illness. I can only imagine what you must have gone through and continue to be going through. I am glad you have a true soul-mate in Karren to give you strength, support and love. I am very glad we have stayed in touch and I truly hope I have an opportunity to see you again.
Karren, I have only met you once, but you left an impression on me and I was very happy to see Keith so content and settled and obviously in love. Your strength and positivity shone through then and certainly shines through in this blog.
My thoughts are with you both and I am sending positive thoughts and big hugs your way…
Remember when you were young,
You shone like the sun.
Shine on you crazy diamond.
Come on you target for faraway laughter,
Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!
xoxoxox
Keith, its been an absolute priviledge to know you and to work with you for over 16 years. Thank you for all your tireless dedication and commitment and for giving us a chance to be a part of your life. Remember the good old days where we looked forward to you cooking the lamp roast for us at office on a regular basis. It was just perfect. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Karren and I know He will strengthen and sustain you both during this time. Though you are going through the fire and through the water.. He will bring you out into a wealthy place. With love & prayers
Hi Keith,
On a feisty note, you are the only person who has control of your body, nobody can tell you how long you have and what quality of life you have on your journey. As Howard advised, this is your cancer, you own it, your body has produced it for a reason, eliminate the reason and expect good health. “Cancer is not a disease…..rather the result of many crises of toxicity that have as their common origin in one or more energy depleting influences….it is the body’s final attempt to rid itself of septic poisons and acidic compounds that result from not being able to properly remove metabolic waste , toxins and dead cells in the body”. (Timeless Secrets of Health and Rejuvenation, Andreas Moritz.)
I pay tribute to you and Karren’s approach to your health revelation and trust that this is the start of your journey towards attaining true health whilst moving away from the sickness industry. I will send a copy of this book for your interest with Howard when he visits next week. Our thoughts, ideas, gifts, advice, love and strength are yours to choose and use or discard as you see fit.
Love and support to you both.
Hi Karen 🙂
Your mum told me on sunday what u r facing. I also saw Mickey’s post on FB. As u knw only to well, Iv’e been threw this myself & nuthn can quite prepare u 4 it. The only thing I can think to say at the moment is “I’m thinking bowt u both. I wish u both the strength u will need to do this fite. I wish u LOVE & I will send prayers ur way” Thinkn bowt u CUZ 🙂 xoxoxo Reign & family
Hey Guys
Big man hugs coming your way, an a whole lotta healin energy…just move that bag round the back there Keith during the hug bit..Ta 🙂
Strangely enough we met in this fascinating medium. Reading the posts and sentiments, it reminded/reinforced in me, of what a powerful, inspirational, emotive strength it purveyed, yielded. There comes a time when traveling this road of many turns, surprises(both good and bad) obstacles, joys, sorrows, loves, loves lost ecetera ecetera( hey who use to say that…Exactly ..Yul Brunner and he looked like he was doing chemo as well….oops digression) A time when you let go of all the fears of our mindset, conditioning, our worlds created, our somehow important yet in reality meaningless little things that are shittin us.
It’s a time when you read a blog like this and realise that there is a strength in it all, a strength from your partner, from a collective consciousness/energy. Strength and love from friendship, family, loved ones, it’s a sense that will feed both your own inner strengths, and it’s to be drawn on to keep you staying strong..In fact.I’m a stronger man for being part of this Blog!
So .. guess I’m saying, tho we never felt the need to piss in each others pockets every 5 minutes, you already had an inner strength that struck a chord with myself… and others, and if you need a lean..you have US
We’re sending it your way. Stay Strong Terrible Paulsie TP
Oh dear hope that didn’t sound too trendy.. Hey Gnat we have to catch up someday.
You are correct; the power of prayer and positive thoughts is very important. I am not sure how you get in touch with your higher power but I am communicating with mine now and seeing you both with loving eyes and feeling healing and strength.
Do what makes you feel whole and good. I have you on the Silent Unity prayer list. http://unity.org/prayer/index.html
Love and prayers to both of you.
Rita Lagana
Hey Keith and Karren,
I seem to be losing touch with time or vice versa. It was only last week when I dropped in on you wasn’t it … whatever! I have to say that I enjoyed our time together, and when I left I felt that if anyone can turn a condition around you can Keith and you could not have a better person at your side.
When I saw you on the verandah in your dressing gown, your appearance shook me a bit, but in the course of our couple of hours together I was blown away with your whole attitude and determination. It was very good to see you on your feet after a period where I understand you’d been laid up for a while prior to the first chemo session.
I loved Karren’s description of the social workers hovering around with mixed messages and unspecified intent! Some of your imagery was striking. Actually I guess they’re all set up to deal with people who have been conditioned through our wonderful western way not to be responsible for themselves. So it must be quite difficult for some of these souls to come to grips with you two who aren’t sticking to their script.
I tried to call you yesterday with no luck so will have another go tomorrow.
Thinking only of your continued improvement and – back on your bike M8!
Cheers Howard
Words cant describe, what an amazing blog. Two incredible people fighting something like I have never seen before amongst any of my friends I care so much about. A million positives and all the energy in this world to you. Makes my heart pound reading your blog. A whole bunch of love to you both. Julie and Dale xxoo
I agree with you Julie, Words really can’t describe the feeling in this site.
Since knowing of Keith’s illness after finding out he had just gotten married…. seeing the photos and not knowing at the time… I felt so numb. Then I got the link to this blog, read about Keith’s illness and struggles, read history of Karren & Keith.. then I was overwhelmed from the love here I was feeling.
I feel very humbled that both Keith and Karren have put it all out there for us to share, and I hope that even from afar you will feel the love and support we send you both at this time.
Thanks for some beautiful memories…