Thursday, September 10 is Shauna's last Chemo and we are ready to CELEBRATE!!!!!!!! We are going to have an end of chemo ice cream party on Monday the 14th at 6:00, it will be a Rick and Shauna's house 607 S Allison Way in Kaysville. Everyone who would like to celebrate with us is welcome to come anytime between 6 & 8 p.m. We hope to see you there!!!
Shauna has requested that everyone she has ever known be there so make sure to mark your calendar;)!!!!!!
Monday, September 07, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Back to Life!!!!
Sorry I haven't blogged in so long but I have been totally enjoying my life since radiation ended almost 4 weeks ago. It seems like longer we have done so much in that time. My skin peeled atleast twice and some areas 3 times but I am totally over that part. My skin looks normal and healthy which at one point I didn't think would ever happen again. My blood counts are almost entirely "recovered" which is pretty incredible. I still have some minor swelling in my right arm and hand but they don't think it's lymphedema and should improve with time. I have to keep reminding myself that I have been through something very difficult and allow myself time to heal.
I have been on the Tamoxifen 3 weeks and it is fine. The hotflashes are noticable but not as bad as on the terrible chemo drugs. Those were like nuclear heat plumes!
I have decided that every drug and little thing they tell you has it's purpose and chemo has been around long enough that you should just do what they tell you. I told the Dr. at my last chemo that I was irritated with the weight gain and she said OK let's go without the steriod this time(they give to everyone on just about any chemo drug.) I had a migrain for 2 days and a kidney infection and just felt awful. I won't make that mistake again I will just have to live with it. It's a minor price to pay to feel good and have so few side affects.
We have been doing yard work which has been hard but so much fun to see it come together. Rick has done all the hard parts but I still think it's been theraputic for him too. He is such a good husband!!! We are celebrating our 16th Anniversary next week and I am so glad to be here to celebrate our family!
Now I continue my chemo drug Herceptin every 3 weeks. I am not counting or anything but I have 5 left, I finish on Sept. 10th. Even though these aren't difficult I will be so excited for that. I am also trying really hard to grow hair but it's not working! I have special syrums, scalp massage, etc. but I would take any suggestions!
I constantly think about all of the people who have helped us to this point and I don't know what we would have done without all those who helped hold our family toghether in so many ways. My friend (who had cancer) said at the begining, "Shauna this is a gift." I have to say that it is. My life before cancer seems so niave compared to now. Rick and I have learned so many things about living. As most people know things still happen even though you're going through something hard. Computers still crash, kids get the stomach flu, or the memorable emergency appendectomy but it's life... and I am so glad to be a part of it!
Love- Shauna
I have been on the Tamoxifen 3 weeks and it is fine. The hotflashes are noticable but not as bad as on the terrible chemo drugs. Those were like nuclear heat plumes!
I have decided that every drug and little thing they tell you has it's purpose and chemo has been around long enough that you should just do what they tell you. I told the Dr. at my last chemo that I was irritated with the weight gain and she said OK let's go without the steriod this time(they give to everyone on just about any chemo drug.) I had a migrain for 2 days and a kidney infection and just felt awful. I won't make that mistake again I will just have to live with it. It's a minor price to pay to feel good and have so few side affects.
We have been doing yard work which has been hard but so much fun to see it come together. Rick has done all the hard parts but I still think it's been theraputic for him too. He is such a good husband!!! We are celebrating our 16th Anniversary next week and I am so glad to be here to celebrate our family!
Now I continue my chemo drug Herceptin every 3 weeks. I am not counting or anything but I have 5 left, I finish on Sept. 10th. Even though these aren't difficult I will be so excited for that. I am also trying really hard to grow hair but it's not working! I have special syrums, scalp massage, etc. but I would take any suggestions!
I constantly think about all of the people who have helped us to this point and I don't know what we would have done without all those who helped hold our family toghether in so many ways. My friend (who had cancer) said at the begining, "Shauna this is a gift." I have to say that it is. My life before cancer seems so niave compared to now. Rick and I have learned so many things about living. As most people know things still happen even though you're going through something hard. Computers still crash, kids get the stomach flu, or the memorable emergency appendectomy but it's life... and I am so glad to be a part of it!
Love- Shauna
Monday, April 27, 2009
Race Day!! May 9th
I am so excited for May 9th, Race for the Cure at Gateway!! It also will mean radiation is over. So I can't wait for both. Anyone that wants to can still register
at www.komenslc.org, the group name is "joggin for jugs." It starts at 8:30am, Rick will be at the back of the line with all the strollers. I think I will go with him unless I have to go ahead for some reason. We will see, it should be really fun!
Everything else is going fine. Radiation has made me tired, burned, and even more tired. As of today I have 9 "zaps" left. The onlcologist said it would make me more tired than chemo and I didn't believe him so now he's getting the last laugh. I can easily deal with tired. We have managed to go camping the last 2 weekends so it's not too bad.
At my next chemo (May 7th) I will be starting tamoxifen which I am not happy about. It does have side affects but I will have to get used to them because I will be on it for 5 years. It blocks cancer cell growth especially during the first 5 years to prevent recurrence. Let's all hope anyway!
I hope everyone is well, we are so thankful for all our friends and family helping us to this finish line!!! Much Love- Shauna
at www.komenslc.org, the group name is "joggin for jugs." It starts at 8:30am, Rick will be at the back of the line with all the strollers. I think I will go with him unless I have to go ahead for some reason. We will see, it should be really fun!
Everything else is going fine. Radiation has made me tired, burned, and even more tired. As of today I have 9 "zaps" left. The onlcologist said it would make me more tired than chemo and I didn't believe him so now he's getting the last laugh. I can easily deal with tired. We have managed to go camping the last 2 weekends so it's not too bad.
At my next chemo (May 7th) I will be starting tamoxifen which I am not happy about. It does have side affects but I will have to get used to them because I will be on it for 5 years. It blocks cancer cell growth especially during the first 5 years to prevent recurrence. Let's all hope anyway!
I hope everyone is well, we are so thankful for all our friends and family helping us to this finish line!!! Much Love- Shauna
Monday, April 13, 2009
I hope everyone had a Happy Easter! We did!
Radiation is going fine, I have figured out it does have sde effects but they aren't terrible...yet. The fatigue isn't too bad yet. I have what they call "chording" down my arm to the wrist and even on top of my hand which feels like scar tissue and it burns, hurts,and stretches when I use my arm. I have to exercise it morning and night to keep it under control and wear a sleeve. The only good thing is once radiation is over it should sibside, or I should be able to manage it. It came on the first few days of radiation and really got bad last week but a trip to the physial therapist has helped a ton. Other than that and the daily drive to McKayDee I am functioning almost normally and I love it! I never thought I would be so thankful to clean my own bathrooms but each time I do it I am thankful that I can. It's been so funny what little things we appreciate after all we have been through. We sat in traffic in front of Lowe's and Rick grumbled, as soon as he did I said," I am just glad to be here, all 5 of us!" He frequently makes the same comments when we do things we haven't been able to do together like go to church after all these months of them going without me. I thought we were thankful people before but we really are now.
Don't forget Race for the Cure is May 9th. The team name is Joggin' for Jugs and you cna sign up online @ www.komenslc.org. My last radiation is May 8th so we are hoping to make the race a party! Love- Shauna
Radiation is going fine, I have figured out it does have sde effects but they aren't terrible...yet. The fatigue isn't too bad yet. I have what they call "chording" down my arm to the wrist and even on top of my hand which feels like scar tissue and it burns, hurts,and stretches when I use my arm. I have to exercise it morning and night to keep it under control and wear a sleeve. The only good thing is once radiation is over it should sibside, or I should be able to manage it. It came on the first few days of radiation and really got bad last week but a trip to the physial therapist has helped a ton. Other than that and the daily drive to McKayDee I am functioning almost normally and I love it! I never thought I would be so thankful to clean my own bathrooms but each time I do it I am thankful that I can. It's been so funny what little things we appreciate after all we have been through. We sat in traffic in front of Lowe's and Rick grumbled, as soon as he did I said," I am just glad to be here, all 5 of us!" He frequently makes the same comments when we do things we haven't been able to do together like go to church after all these months of them going without me. I thought we were thankful people before but we really are now.
Don't forget Race for the Cure is May 9th. The team name is Joggin' for Jugs and you cna sign up online @ www.komenslc.org. My last radiation is May 8th so we are hoping to make the race a party! Love- Shauna
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Radiation!
We are finally in radiation and it's so good to get going. I go every day at 9:30am to McKay Dee where I get "zapped!" They are very pleasant people to work with and they make the best out of yet another of the yucky requirements to get back to good health. I have no side effects yet but anticipate by the end of this week having "a sunburn." The area is much larger than I expected. It's about the size of a wash cloth, one corner even goes under my arm and onto my back. It's all pretty interesting. I continue to go to chemo for Herceptin. It's my wonder drug. There are almost no side effects. I especially like this month, I go on the 16th so there is only 1 treatment this month which mentally makes me feel better!!
The rest of the family are doing well, Josh has completely recovered from his appendix removal and Isaac and Megan are doing well. Rick is doing really well now that we are at this point. The kids and I are going to do some fun things together this week while they are out of school for spring break. It's so good to be feeling better! Love- Shauna
The rest of the family are doing well, Josh has completely recovered from his appendix removal and Isaac and Megan are doing well. Rick is doing really well now that we are at this point. The kids and I are going to do some fun things together this week while they are out of school for spring break. It's so good to be feeling better! Love- Shauna
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
What a crazy life....
We thought things were settling down for us but Josh had to get in on the excitement Sunday morning. Rick and I thought he had is weekly "Sunday Flu" coming on so we told him to get ready and get in the truck! He lasted 10 minutes at church (Rick drove him home) and when we called to check on him 45 minutes later we knew it wasn't the flu. I went home and checked on him and he pointed right in the appendix area. I said, "dang it!" and drove him to McKay Dee ER where he continued to get worse and after an ultrasound they confirmed it was his appendix. He was in surgery by 2:00 pm, it was pretty unbelievable to be sitting there for more health issues. Anyway, he did really well and was home in bed by 11:30 pm. It worked out so we could all get some sleep before going back to the hospital for radiation.
This did mean the 4-wheeling trip to Glamis was cancelled for Rick and Josh. They were very sad!
Radiation starts on April 1st, I think I got my hopes up when I talked to them on the phone and I just assumed that they would get me going on my schedule but it didn't work! I did get all the preliminary stuff done so I will just go for 25 minutes each day starting April Fools Day!
We sure hope everyone else is healthy! Much Love- Shauna
This did mean the 4-wheeling trip to Glamis was cancelled for Rick and Josh. They were very sad!
Radiation starts on April 1st, I think I got my hopes up when I talked to them on the phone and I just assumed that they would get me going on my schedule but it didn't work! I did get all the preliminary stuff done so I will just go for 25 minutes each day starting April Fools Day!
We sure hope everyone else is healthy! Much Love- Shauna
Friday, March 20, 2009
Radiation!
Monday starts the radiation. I am actually anxious to get it going because then it will be 6 weeks and it's over. I have been feeling really good with the exception of the colds I keep getting and can't fight off. This one is either a sinus infection or ear infectionm either way my head hurts! My cough is very annoying especially after the surgery. You don't really want details it's just very uncomfortable! Anyway, I have been walking my 30 minutes every day and we have even gone for a family bike ride which was more difficult than I thought it would be but still great! Every day I am feeling closer to who I was before and I am so excited! Shauna
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Still doing well!
So, the last 3 weeks has been.... rough. I am feeling better every day. I have finally had the last drain removed (yeah!) but the Dr. filled my expander for the 2nd time, the pressure is unbelieveable. She said I am healing well and all that good stuff so I am glad. This has been one crazy experience along with all the rest. We are somewhat able to breath sighs of relief now that we are at this point, that is especially good for Rick, he was a nervous wreck but is much better now. I am cleared for radiation and we are getting the appointments scheduled but I will be off the schedule that I had set for myself. I wanted to start next week but it will be 2 weeks from today to ensure that everything is completely healed. That's just the way it goes.
Everyone is asking about the hair! The minimal amount of existing hair (and I mean minimal!) has grown a little but not many new sprouts yet. I got some special shampoo/conditioner and intensive hair growth therapy, no one really knows if it will do anything but one of my chemo friends says it has definatley worked for her. If it doesn't work it will get me back in the habit of shampooing my hair. It's been kind of nice to just loofa my whole body including my head, it's very quick too! HA!HA!HA! As soon as I have anything to speak of I will be sporting it! I am very excited to have hair that won't blow away in the wind!
The Race for the Cure is May 9th and we will be there! The team name is Joggin' for Jugs, it should be fun! Love- Shauna
Everyone is asking about the hair! The minimal amount of existing hair (and I mean minimal!) has grown a little but not many new sprouts yet. I got some special shampoo/conditioner and intensive hair growth therapy, no one really knows if it will do anything but one of my chemo friends says it has definatley worked for her. If it doesn't work it will get me back in the habit of shampooing my hair. It's been kind of nice to just loofa my whole body including my head, it's very quick too! HA!HA!HA! As soon as I have anything to speak of I will be sporting it! I am very excited to have hair that won't blow away in the wind!
The Race for the Cure is May 9th and we will be there! The team name is Joggin' for Jugs, it should be fun! Love- Shauna
Monday, February 23, 2009
The worst is over & we got the best news!
My surgery was Wednesday, and it was as awful as you can imagine. It took almost the entire night to get ontop of the pain but once I did I felt much better. Within a few hours of that I was ready to go home. I have much more range of motion with my right arm than I had anticiapted so that is good. I have 2 drains which makes me look and feel like an alien. They will be gone Tuesday!!! I feel like I am doing well given the circumstance.
We got the best news possible on Friday for those of you who haven't heard, all 16 nodes were negative! The cancer was not visible to the pathologist eye during surgery but was there under the microscope. They did get clear margins around the cancer cells. The Dr. called and said this should make you so happy! Me and my pain meds were already happy when she called but I was even happier after that news!!
We are all doing better now that the surgery is behind us. Especially Rick! I made fun of him in the last post but I don't think I could have watched him go through this type of thing, it's harder for the care-giver (in my opinion) because you feel so helpless. He and my mom have done great at taking care of me, and so many others caring for our family. The stress has been reduced with so much great support and such good news from pahtology. We are so thankful!
No sprouts of hair yet, I expect something in the next 4 weeks. Who knows???
We love you all so much! Shauna
We got the best news possible on Friday for those of you who haven't heard, all 16 nodes were negative! The cancer was not visible to the pathologist eye during surgery but was there under the microscope. They did get clear margins around the cancer cells. The Dr. called and said this should make you so happy! Me and my pain meds were already happy when she called but I was even happier after that news!!
We are all doing better now that the surgery is behind us. Especially Rick! I made fun of him in the last post but I don't think I could have watched him go through this type of thing, it's harder for the care-giver (in my opinion) because you feel so helpless. He and my mom have done great at taking care of me, and so many others caring for our family. The stress has been reduced with so much great support and such good news from pahtology. We are so thankful!
No sprouts of hair yet, I expect something in the next 4 weeks. Who knows???
We love you all so much! Shauna
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Surgery Update
Shauna is out of surgery, and everything went well. They say everything looks great and they didn't see any signs of a tumor. Great news! She is now in her room but is still in a lot of pain. They have given her more pain meds and are working on getting it under control. She will stay overnight and hopefully be able to come home tomorrow afternoon.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Wednesday...Surgery Day!
Feb. 18th is my surgery and I am totally aware of how hard it is going to be but anxious to get it over with. For me it will mean I am halfway through all the awful stuff and that is a great milestone! I have not told my kids exactly how difficult this surgery is to recover from because right now they are not worried and I want to keep it that way. Isaac and Megan wouldn't understand anyway but Josh would work himself to tears. I don't want that. Rick is enough for me to handle. They all understand that I will be limited and uncomfortable.
Anyway, Rick is mad at life (I have been there) if he seems more grumpy than normal he's just angry and scared. For the most part I have moved past the anger and I am able to see the one road to get my health back, however unfair, this is it. I also am already looking forward to the reconstruction and know that what tomorrow brings in temporary. Just so you don't have to wonder, I will have a tissue expander placed tomorrow that will be filled as much as possible. I should only have to have saline added a few times. What that means is it probably won't be extremely noticable especially as time goes on.
Cancer has taken away so many things, my health, my energy, and my hair. I am reminded every morning of what is at stake when I see my kids sweet faces, I am fighting for so much and it's all worth it. I have my moments when it weighs heavy on me and by the time I am done we will have had an entire year of really hard things to go through. But that being said tonight (Tuesday night) we are doing something silly to break up the awfulness. I chose to have a Farewell Party for my boob! Rick is not laughing but I think it's great! I wanted to have my family come over for a blessing anyway and decided to make it a party. So tonight we are making lemonade out of the lemons we have been dealt or what ever way you want to say it.
I need all the positive things that so many of you have sent my way. The emails, letters, cards, etc. I really do cherish what you send and from time to time totally depend on them to pull myself together and go on.
I will have my sister post something to let everyone know how the surgery went. Thanks for all your love and support! Shauna
Anyway, Rick is mad at life (I have been there) if he seems more grumpy than normal he's just angry and scared. For the most part I have moved past the anger and I am able to see the one road to get my health back, however unfair, this is it. I also am already looking forward to the reconstruction and know that what tomorrow brings in temporary. Just so you don't have to wonder, I will have a tissue expander placed tomorrow that will be filled as much as possible. I should only have to have saline added a few times. What that means is it probably won't be extremely noticable especially as time goes on.
Cancer has taken away so many things, my health, my energy, and my hair. I am reminded every morning of what is at stake when I see my kids sweet faces, I am fighting for so much and it's all worth it. I have my moments when it weighs heavy on me and by the time I am done we will have had an entire year of really hard things to go through. But that being said tonight (Tuesday night) we are doing something silly to break up the awfulness. I chose to have a Farewell Party for my boob! Rick is not laughing but I think it's great! I wanted to have my family come over for a blessing anyway and decided to make it a party. So tonight we are making lemonade out of the lemons we have been dealt or what ever way you want to say it.
I need all the positive things that so many of you have sent my way. The emails, letters, cards, etc. I really do cherish what you send and from time to time totally depend on them to pull myself together and go on.
I will have my sister post something to let everyone know how the surgery went. Thanks for all your love and support! Shauna
Monday, February 09, 2009
Finally!!!!
Wow! I am so happy to be feeling better I can't even tell you! That one was my last of the "bad" chemo's and it was exceptionally awful but I am feeling better now! I just wish my energy would come back but I have to be patient. We are preparing for surgery next Wednesday, no getting out of it this time! I am not exceptionally nervous (only a noraml level of nervous) because I have had so much time to think about it and get it straight in my brain! It is going to be hard but only for a while. I will be rid of cancer at that point and that is what I have to focus on. My oncologist expects everything to come back negative (which is a positive thing, LOL)and the best outcome possible. These are good steps in the awful ladder of breast cancer. Radiation will begin 3-4 weeks after surgery. That will be another roller-coaster but only for 6 weeks. I am so thankful for everyone taking care of our family. I am also thankful for those following the blog and keeping in touch with our family. You mean so much to us and so do all of your words of encouragment. I love it! Shauna
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Last One is all DONE!!!!
We went to chemo today a little unsure if they would give it or not as I have come down with another nasty cold. They still did it! My fever was difficult to break on Tuesday night initially but I have some aggressive antibiotics and I am feeling better for today. Tomorrow I will go and get the last of the Neulasta shots and then suffer through the next week and hopefully be done with the hardest parts of chemo. We truly never know what to expect but we are definately hopeful. My Doctor couldn't have been more positive and enthusiastic about my response to the chemo. He said I was tough (even though I feel sort of wimpy right now) and that I have responded so well he expects great results from my surgery and lymph node dissections. We are still so amazed, relieved and above all very thankful!
So, at this point everything is still on schedule and will more than likely keep my surgery on schedule for Feb 18. They can always give me another Neulasta shot if blood counts are down! (I will be so mad if that happens!)
We are still going to be "hermits" for a little bit longer to make sure I can be as healthy as possible for surgery. I love all of your emails and can't begin to tell you how they lift my spirits! I am so thankful for everything everyone is doing and have done for us. We have such a long list of family and friends serving us it's so humbling and over-whelming for Rick and I to watch as so many family and friends do everything imaginable to see us through. There are so many things people have offered to do and we really appreciate it. We have been touched beyond words by the sweet things people have offered on our behalf and the constant requests to do more. If you could bottle up some energy for me that's what I really need!! LOL
Thank you to everyone for sticking with us on this. It is definately a long road to recovery! We love you! Shauna
So, at this point everything is still on schedule and will more than likely keep my surgery on schedule for Feb 18. They can always give me another Neulasta shot if blood counts are down! (I will be so mad if that happens!)
We are still going to be "hermits" for a little bit longer to make sure I can be as healthy as possible for surgery. I love all of your emails and can't begin to tell you how they lift my spirits! I am so thankful for everything everyone is doing and have done for us. We have such a long list of family and friends serving us it's so humbling and over-whelming for Rick and I to watch as so many family and friends do everything imaginable to see us through. There are so many things people have offered to do and we really appreciate it. We have been touched beyond words by the sweet things people have offered on our behalf and the constant requests to do more. If you could bottle up some energy for me that's what I really need!! LOL
Thank you to everyone for sticking with us on this. It is definately a long road to recovery! We love you! Shauna
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
I am stonger than nails... but not chemo!
I wrote the last update before my 5th treatment and boy what a difference a little chemo makes! This one started out bad when we got to the Dr. all my counts were down except 1. I was surprised by that but soon found out what it meant when I got the 5th treatment with low blood counts, "WOW!: that was awful. I have my 3rd kidney infection and my kidneys have decided on their own to refuse to continue metabolizing insulin for the rest of my body (basically). The nurse described it as insulin pouring out before it can be grabbed so my blood sugar was too low. I have been very miserable since my treatment but have done much better today, Jan 14th. I have been in contact with the Dr. and the sugar should level out by this weekend in time for something else I am sure. They speculated yesterday when they checked my counts that they would recover enough to have the last treatment ontime which is good because I want it over so badly! This is one awful roller-coaster ride and I would like to get off!
I am going to see a surgeon today and will get a surgery date which I keep referring to as a "goal" because my counts will have to be recovered for surgery so there is some chance it will be delayed.
Anyway, we took the kids to Build-A-Bear before my last treatment so they could make something to snuggle while I am in the hospital for surgery! It was fun and important for me that we do something like that to help them as much as we can. Rick is another story, he is officially a mess! I keep telling him not to worry and he looks at me like, "have you seen yourself lately?" LOL Yes, I have and it's a mess, so for now we have agreed to pretend to be normal however he did not yet agree to stop worrying! LOL
I don't think I have been saying this enough but I was reminded today that everyone's focus should be on doing their self exams and getting mammograms regularly if you are suspicious or of age! My RS Pres. and Stake RS Pres. came and visited today and a ward member went in after being reminded by my diagnosis and they found a lump in each breast. She has had her surgery and begins radiation shortly, she did not have to do chemo BECAUSE SHE FOUND THEM VERY EARLY!!! I am going to have a girl party as soon as I feel like I can and we are going to learn together how to properly do exams and learn that it need not be embarassing or shameful to do your own exam, it could save your life!! Please do it!
One more Chemo to go!! Thanks so much to our family, friends and ward for taking incredible care of us! I am so thankful! Love-Shauna
I am going to see a surgeon today and will get a surgery date which I keep referring to as a "goal" because my counts will have to be recovered for surgery so there is some chance it will be delayed.
Anyway, we took the kids to Build-A-Bear before my last treatment so they could make something to snuggle while I am in the hospital for surgery! It was fun and important for me that we do something like that to help them as much as we can. Rick is another story, he is officially a mess! I keep telling him not to worry and he looks at me like, "have you seen yourself lately?" LOL Yes, I have and it's a mess, so for now we have agreed to pretend to be normal however he did not yet agree to stop worrying! LOL
I don't think I have been saying this enough but I was reminded today that everyone's focus should be on doing their self exams and getting mammograms regularly if you are suspicious or of age! My RS Pres. and Stake RS Pres. came and visited today and a ward member went in after being reminded by my diagnosis and they found a lump in each breast. She has had her surgery and begins radiation shortly, she did not have to do chemo BECAUSE SHE FOUND THEM VERY EARLY!!! I am going to have a girl party as soon as I feel like I can and we are going to learn together how to properly do exams and learn that it need not be embarassing or shameful to do your own exam, it could save your life!! Please do it!
One more Chemo to go!! Thanks so much to our family, friends and ward for taking incredible care of us! I am so thankful! Love-Shauna
Monday, January 05, 2009
Chemo #5
I can't believe we are to this point already. Thursday will be my 5th Chemo. I have been feeling really good the last few days, and surprised to have some energy and to have so many "good" days! I really appreciate the continued support via email, text messages, visits, etc. Everything my family, neighbors and friends send really boost my spirits and I am finding that lifting spirits is a huge part of healing. This is such a long process that it's hard for people to understand how long it takes to be clear of it and I appreciate the way you have all hung in there with me because it won't be complete until OCTOBER, can you believe that? We will get there no matter what.
Some neighbors who have gone through cancer treatments with their daughter (among many other trials) brought us this quote and I thought it was good for anyone in any difficult situation: "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we endure is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure especially when we endure it patiently, builds our characters, purifies our hearts, and expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God, and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation that we gain the education that we came here to acquire." - Orson Whitney
I think this is a great reminder why we go through all the trials of life large or small and the people you will meet as a result. I have this quote on my night stand so every day I can remember why I am doing all this hard stuff and those who are going through it with me. None of us can choose our trials but these words make it easier to keep focused on each task and the end goal.
My kids are doing fairly well, each day that I feel good is a day they can forget for a minute. It's sobering to hear your child pray that your cancer will go away, "cancer" is a word that children shouldn't have to speak. Megan asked me, "when are you going to feel better, mommy?" She stressed the "when." It's a very long time for all of us especially a 4 year old. It's amazing the people who enter into your life right when you need them, a neighbor who is a speach pathologist just happened to visit and was able to give us some good advice and help us relax about Isaac's stuttering which began right when I was diagnosed. It's one more thing we can allow some time to see how/if it works itself out. None of this is easy for anyone. We are all in "survival" mode so anything that can be fixed with patience is most likely to be made worse until we can locate some patience. When we find it we will let you all know where! LOL
The Race for the Cure in Salt Lake is May 9, 2009 and is a 5K (from what I can find.) I will be walking it, Rick will be running with the kids in the jogging stroller. As soon as sign-ups are available I will get a team set up so everyone can register with the team. I am so excited for this one, I will be about 6 weeks from reconstructive surgery at that point and should be finished or almost finished with radiation. I will be so close to the end of the bad stuff. I hope everyone is healthy and doing self breast exams at the very least! (Aunt Kathy!) Take care and I write again after #5.
Much Love-Shauna
Some neighbors who have gone through cancer treatments with their daughter (among many other trials) brought us this quote and I thought it was good for anyone in any difficult situation: "No pain that we suffer, no trial that we endure is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer and all that we endure especially when we endure it patiently, builds our characters, purifies our hearts, and expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable, more worthy to be called the children of God, and it is through sorrow and suffering, toil and tribulation that we gain the education that we came here to acquire." - Orson Whitney
I think this is a great reminder why we go through all the trials of life large or small and the people you will meet as a result. I have this quote on my night stand so every day I can remember why I am doing all this hard stuff and those who are going through it with me. None of us can choose our trials but these words make it easier to keep focused on each task and the end goal.
My kids are doing fairly well, each day that I feel good is a day they can forget for a minute. It's sobering to hear your child pray that your cancer will go away, "cancer" is a word that children shouldn't have to speak. Megan asked me, "when are you going to feel better, mommy?" She stressed the "when." It's a very long time for all of us especially a 4 year old. It's amazing the people who enter into your life right when you need them, a neighbor who is a speach pathologist just happened to visit and was able to give us some good advice and help us relax about Isaac's stuttering which began right when I was diagnosed. It's one more thing we can allow some time to see how/if it works itself out. None of this is easy for anyone. We are all in "survival" mode so anything that can be fixed with patience is most likely to be made worse until we can locate some patience. When we find it we will let you all know where! LOL
The Race for the Cure in Salt Lake is May 9, 2009 and is a 5K (from what I can find.) I will be walking it, Rick will be running with the kids in the jogging stroller. As soon as sign-ups are available I will get a team set up so everyone can register with the team. I am so excited for this one, I will be about 6 weeks from reconstructive surgery at that point and should be finished or almost finished with radiation. I will be so close to the end of the bad stuff. I hope everyone is healthy and doing self breast exams at the very least! (Aunt Kathy!) Take care and I write again after #5.
Much Love-Shauna
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
