Hello forum members
The Guardian has just announced that Dina Rabinovitch has died. guardian.co.uk/
We on the Breast Cancer Care forums will remember her writing and campaigning and send condolences to her family and friends at this sad time.
Sam
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
I am very saddened to hear that news. I had just finished reading her book a few days ago. I also would like to send my condolences to her family and friends.
Just read this…feel so sad. I remember when Dina was diagnosed and started writing her column…a while after my own diagnosis in 2003. We exchanged e-mails about her articles a couple of times.
I think Dina has never been out of treatment since her diagnosis. Her story of rapid progression is the kind of story which frightens us all but is oh too common…particularly among younger women.
Thank you for all those interesting articles…and the book, and particularly for your last Guardian article. Thoughts and best wishes with Dina’s family and friends particularly her husband and children.
Jane
Thank you, Sam, for telling us. Very sad news.
At least she is at peace now.
My condolences to her family, friends and those that knew her personally. I hope that in the days to come, the knowledge that she brought hope and a smile to many who are walking that rocky road, will bring comfort to those that love her.
Ruth
Thank you, too, for telling us. I knew this coming, but still it is very sad. She started out so hopeful because she had a very big name oncologist who is always in the newspapers and the best private care possible for primary cancer (herceptin immediately at a time when NHS patients had to fight for it) and yet, in the end it was not enough. It just goes to show that, even with all the improvements in cancer treatment, there is still alot to be done, especially for extremely high risk patients (she had lots of bad risk factors and was diagnosed when she was still breast feeding, which is a separate risk factor, BC is really nasty that way). She leaves behind four children, the youngest of whom is merely six. As always, condolences to her family and prayers.
I didnt know who this lady was, however I would like to pass on my concolences.
This is a terrible disease and frightens us all.
Lynne.
Saddened by this news, condolances to Dina’s family and friends,
May you rest in peace and be free from pain now Dina,
Kelly
-x-
Very very sad news
Sharon x
Very sad news. I also have recently read her book. She is a very talented lady.
My condolences to her family and friends. R.I.P.
I am so very sad to read this news.
I have been following her Guardian column and will miss her writing, insight and humour.
My thoughts and condolences to her husband and children.
Jenny
xx
Very sad to hear this news. I followed her column, which started shortly after my own treatment ended. Her last article, published only two weeks ago, was particularly good.
My condolences to her family
I was very sorry to read of this especially as she was only 44 and had young children. I read an article she wrote earlier in the year in the Mail on Sunday “You” magazine and remember being really angry with her because she said she had the lump for over 3 years before she did anything. I think at the time I was also angry because she was a woman who had the means to access Harley Street, she didn’t have to hang around waiting for NHS appointments. It’s very sad for her husband and young family.
I am very sad but was amazed how much she was still achieving in her writing up to the near end.
I felt a parellell with her and myself as our youngest child is near enough the same age and my treatment pattern semed to be following hers although I was only diagnosed in 2005.
I am very sad that the amount she wanted to raise for the cancer centre had not been raised in her lifetime despite all her efforts.
Condolences to her family and friends.
Kate
I really hope this doesn’t sound insensitive but I, like cherub, was also saddened when I read that she had waited three years to check a lump.
My thoughts are with her husband and young family.
Teacup
I think Dina failed to have her lump checked out because she thought she had none of the risk factors most publicized. Ie: she was a young mother, lots of babies, long time breast feeder, slim, healthy…
I have followed her blog Take Off Your Running Shoes since she began it and like all the others who have posted, felt such deep admiration for her. Clever, courageous, witty and entertaining (even in extremis), woman . She’ll be missed by so many, so much. I’d urge all ladies who haven’t yet donated to her fund for a research unit at Mount Vernon to do so. You can do so via her blog ( Just GIving)
RIP, Dina.
Kitty
i am really sad to hear the news about Dina
Her book ‘Take off your party dress’ is one i read over and over again
Jools
Thanks for that Kitty.
Whatever the reasons for her not getting her lump checked (if you read her book she is breastfeeding and it did not occur to her that it was anything) lots of us are in the same situation- I didnt get mine checked out straight away- I didnt even think it was anything either- I really dont think it is the right time for criticisms- she has paid the ultimate price hasnt she, and you can bet she lived with regret, although wether it would have ultimatley made any difference is anyones guess as she had no lymph node invlovement at dx and was unlucky to have a particulary agressive form of bc that didnt respond well to treatment.
I loved reading her blog and will miss her.
xxsam
So sad to hear this. I actually met her once and had a chat to her while I was waiting for some blood test results - I had my chemo at the same hosp as her and most of my treatment at Mount Vernon. I didn’t know who she was then, just a friendly face when I was nervous about needles. She actually gave me the tip about using emla cream, which got me through my chemo without too much trauma.
Thanks Dina for telling it like it really is. God bless.
Sincere condolences to her family.
I agree whole-heartedly with Kitty’s comments. Dina didn’t fit in with the pattern in which we are led to believe are risks in breast cancer. I was misdiagnosed by four years and many would say I was mad to trust my GP. It’s all to easy after the event. Dina wrote with great talent and although I didn’t think “Take off your Party Dress” was my kind of book, there were nights when I just couldn’t put it down. It was very different to all the other BC books I have read. Written in a warm, lively and entertaining way. Her refusal to submit to a reduced life is an inspiration to anyone who has ever faced adversity. I am very saddened by her death.
My thoughts are with her husband and family.
Jeannie
I also met Dina through a friend of mine - she is an amazing lady. I had a fundraising event at my house this weekend in order to raise money for CTRT (Cancer Treatment Research Trust) (the charity Dina was raising money for) and the event went really well. I shall be continuing to think up new ideas to raise money in order to fulfill Dina’s wish of raising £100,000.
I had my last lot of chemo on Tuesday and little did I know that Dina passed away on that very day. Nobody told me until today as they didn’t want to upset me and I feel pretty numb about it but I am a fighter and I plan to be here for a very long time.
My thoughts and wishes are with her husband, young son and rest of the family.
RebzAmy