Update

Wednesday Oct. 22, 2008

I am feeling pretty well most of the time but there are a few minor moments each day that remind me that I had chemo last week. I get a little tired and rest when I need to but try to stay on top of everything I can. For those who were aware I had my hip scanned last Friday and that has come back clear of cancer. I never thought I would be so excited to have arthritis in my life! It is a huge deal as there are those who do have it progress, usually to a hip. We are so thankful and relieved. We are keeping things simple at home and really working with our kids on hand washing and not sharing drinks which is hard for 2 four year olds, they are starting to understand germs a little bit and getting used to it. Even though my counts are OK right now, anything I catch can be much more serious with a weakend immune system. So for now I really truly have no appointments until my next treatment November 6.

Shauna Dunford

Today

Hi everyone,

My appointment is over and I did well. Most of my fears have been conquered as I now know what to expect.It is very comfortable and the people are very nice. It's also easy to make friends and find someone to talk to, I have experienced this through all my appointments so far. The next few days will be more than likely just feeling a little like coming down with a cold, possible body aches, a little nausea but nothing too major...yet! It gives me the confidence that I need starting off and that is good. Now we wait 3 weeks and do it again! Just think, we are now killing cancer!! We are all in this together, I love you all for sending your love and support in so many ways. Keep sending it!!!! Much Love- Shauna

This is part of the TEAM SHAUNA support!

We're missing some family from Vermont and lots of Shauna's new friends. With the bad weather on Saturday we decided to have a family breakfast instead of the "Race for the Cure" walk in

Salt Lake, to have the "kick off" of our Team.

We love you Shauna!

Update

Thanks so much to everyone who came to help us move into our new home!! We could not have done it without all the many hands that came last weekend to help. We have accomplished everything we needed to do, everything else can wait! Our three little kids are our primary focus (other than cancer) and they are doing OK. We are struggling in some fairly minor areas as expected but doing our best. It has been my greatest wish to be a mother and it makes me even more angry at cancer for jeopardizing that blessing that did not come easy. Our focus in life has always been our family but now it involves enjoying every moment so much more than before. Thank you for all the emails, phone calls, cards, comments, etc. Each thing sent is so much appreciated and cherished. I know in the months to come I will re-read them for the added strength and encouragement I will need to get through each day. I can't thank you enough for your prayers and fasting on my behalf. If you have ever wondered if someone you pray for or fast for can feel what you do for them, they can! My anxiousness and fears have been calmed so many times. As for today, I feel really good (1 day before treatment). I expect to do well during this first round, but I am prepared for "anything." I do feel myself becoming a germ freak but that is what it's going to take to stay out of the hospital and as healthy as possible. It's going to be difficult! My spirits are good so far and I am ready to get going. I am sure I will "hit bottom" so to speak and have many difficult times ahead but with the support that has been shown to us we will all get through. Thank you to each one of you who have done so much and offered everything to us that we could possibly need at this time. We are so blessed to be surrounded by neighbors, family and friends who are all so positive and determined to help us win this battle. Following is a little exerpt from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's Conference talk that sums up how I feel about all that is being done for our family at this time:"But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods. Some of them gave birth to us... Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind. "Rick and I have already experienced so much to be grateful for from so many people. Among many other things we are learning that there are many depths of grattitude. We can't express enough how thankful we are for all of our "angels." Much Love-Shauna

The Journey Begins...

This afternoon Shauna, Rick and mom went to meet Dr. Hansen, the Oncologist. He was very nice and Shauna liked him. He took some time to explain a few things about the cancer and the type of treatment that would be best. Shauna has read quite a bit about her cancer and kept right up with the doctor about the different medications used in the chemo treatment. He whole heartily agreed that it was the right decision to hold off on the surgery and do the chemo treatments first. He was very pleased that Shauna is very healthy and want to keep her that way.
On Wednesday, October 15th, they need two more baseline heart tests, so they can monitor her during her treatments. The day after these tests, Shauna begins her first chemo at 10:15. She will have 6 cycles with 3 weeks in between, for a total of 18 weeks. Each visit will take 3 hours. If all goes well, she should have her last treatment the end of January.
Her "Team" (family, friends and new ward) is ready to rally! We can't tell you how much we appreciate all the prayers and love that have been shown to Shauna and her family. We know our Savior is with her, and his love from each one of you will sustain her, and see them through this difficult time. May I say, "Hooray!" to the Webb Lane Ward! What examples you have been, you have truly been amazing and we THANK YOU!

UPDATE ~ MSABC Walk

The making strides against breast cancer walk is this coming Saturday, but because of the weather we have decided that we are not going to participate. It is going to be wet, cold and just plain miserable. It's more important to make sure Shauna stays healthy, so going out in the cold and wet weather is not a smart thing to do. Those of you who would like to still participate that is wonderful, but just to let everyone know Shauna and her family won't be there. Thank you all for your love and support!

We can't possibly say enough thank you's to everyone who is coming to our aid at this time. Our family and friends and neighbors are such incredible people. I love all the emails and comments on the blog, the simple words you send offer me so much comfort and I truly do feel your love and prayers. Thank You!

• This week beginning 10/6/07 I will be getting family life buttoned up (as much as possile) before my hair falls out the next week. Fun stuff!~ We will get back the genetic testing on Tuesday or Wednesday, we expect that to be negative but no one knows for sure. All it will do is give a possible explanation where the cancer came from.
  
• Tuesday is the Joshman's 11th birthday! His football team made it to their first playoff game where they were defeated on Saturday. We had a great season!!!
  
• Thursday will be the cleaning day at the new house: 607 S. Allison Way, (turn east off Angel onto Tylers Way, go east to Allison) I will be there at 9:00 after dropping off Isaac and Meg at pre-school.
  
• Friday at 8:00am 2 Men and a Truck (thanks to some really nice guys!) and Rick's work United Team Mech. (thanks to some more really nice guys!) have guys scheduled to help and we are so appreciative to everyone. My thoughts are these groups can get the stuff to the house and we can have others at the house putting stuff away. Any willing hands are welcome anytime.
  
• Saturday is the walk at Liberty Park and we will continue getting everything in order at the new house and we expect to stay there that night, anyone who can come we would love to see. Just seeing all our friends and neighbors I have loved makes me so happy. Many people have put alot into getting our home finished and we really appreciate all of the loving hands.

Remember to do your self breast exams not only in the shower but also lying down. My tumor is very large but is undetectable sitting up. Don't ever forget that! I am one in 8. For every 8 women one will get breast cancer. And 40 doesn't matter!!!! I don't want anyone else to go through this so check yourself. Much Love~ Shauna

SHAUNA
Today your job is to enjoy yourself, your husband and your kids! Have a happy birthday and remember how much I love you! I wish I was there today, but I will be there around noon tomorrow, hopefully before your surgery. Enjoy your day and don't worry for tomorrow, everything will be fine. I will make sure your babies are well taken care of until you are home. I love you Shauna and admire you more than you know. I am so blessed to not only have you as my sister but also my best friend. I love you, Happy Birthday!!!!