This oncology appointment went well. I had to go early to get another "gallon" of blood drawn. :) They put my in a room shortly after to wait for the doctor and we were in so long, I finally laid down and went to sleep on the exam table with the paper pillowcase. I had never done that before.
I wasn't sure if I would decide to keep chemo treatments local or if I would go to Spokane where I am already comfortable with their Cancer center. The doctor came in VERY prepared with my patient history and was great. I appreciated his attention to detail, his caring demeanor, and how much time he had put into researching my cancer and my case. I felt peace with using him for this part of my treatment and I am happy that he is only 20 mins away. It will be perfect! I meet with the surgeon to put in my port tomorrow and I think that small surgery will likely be on Thursday. I am blessed that appoinments opened up when I needed them and that this is happening during the best "window of opportunity" where the cancer is compromised from the Heated Chemo that I already had.
This phase of chemo starts next Tuesday and will last 4-6 hours for the infusion. I will have to bring home a small fanny pack type pump that will continue to infuse chemo for the next 48 hours. I will do this routine every 14 days for 6 months. We did go through the side effects of the chemo and there are some that will be rough...but I CAN DO IT...and I WILL DO IT! Life is worth all of it...and I just hope it all works!! I might not have posted, but I think it is important to understand that we now know I have stage 4 cancer. This diagnosis was finalized during the last surgery where they saw how much it has spread. It is serious, but I am very optimistic about the treatments. I can't wait to return to my favorite job of mother and wife...and spend many more years having fun with my family!
17 comments:
I'm so glad it is going to be done here!! YEAH!!!!! We are here for you, for whatever you need. Love ya!!
Thoughts and prayers!!!!
Dear Shanda, you don't know me but my son used to date Bree when they were in high school (Michael Hansen). I absolutely love your sister by the way and I found about your ordeal through her. I just want you to know that we are praying for you daily and are so touched by your strength. Take gentle care and know that you have more prayer warriors out here than you will probably ever know.
Yea the treatment will be here!!! I am glad you feel comfortable and at peace with this Doctor. That is very important. I have Friday,Sat. and Sunday off this week give me a call if you need any thin g of need to chat. luv ya Annette
I have been reading your blog for some time now thanks to Sara Parks, but I have not been able to comment because every time I read your blog it makes me cry! Your spirit is so strong and you are so amazing, I know if anyone can do it, it is you and Larry. I still remember the days in Cleveland and you were always so fun,bubbly, creative, energetic,laughing and making everyone smile with all you did, you always inspired me to be a better person, to be happier, to be friends to everyone, to shop smarter-you always found the best bargains! Shanda you are a light wherever you go and I am not surprised that things are falling into place for you! Heavenly Father knows you can do this and I do too! I wish we were closer to help, but know that we pray for you and Larry and your cute girls every day! Much love Audrey Beck
Hang in there! You can DO IT! And call me whenever you need the company during your chemo treatments - I would love to come and just sit and hold your hand if needed.
Thinking of you and stay strong and positive! :)
Hugs,
Patt
SHANDA
you can do it my father in law beat stage 4 and if he can anyone can! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and you family!
Princes
You are such an inspiration with your optimism! Holy cow, you have made so many of us appreciate our jobs as moms, and wives, so much more. You've made me complain A LOT less! We continue to pray for you out loud in family prayers nightly, and I personally think and pray for you often as well. So glad you get to stay close to home for this next phase. We'll have to come visit you guys soon after we arrive in August.
I'm glad you'll be able to stay close to home!!! We think about you everyday! You go, girl!
I continue to be amazed at how this whole scenario is playing out and most amazed by the positive attitude and faith you exhibit. Ever fourteen days sounds so often to me. I am so sorry that it is taking over your life. As you say, it is a life worth living though. I look at your beautiful girls and think about the lessons they are learning each day from their amazing mother and father. Of the faith that you are instilling in them and the way you are empowering them to know that they have control of their attitude no matter what the situation and that blessings can be seen even in the worst circumstances. You continue to remind me to keep life in perspective and to cherish the mundane a little bit more. I'm so glad that you are able to get your treatments closer to home and hope that helps keep life a little more normal for all of you. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. Lots and lots of love from far away.
Shanda, I ran across your blog through Michele Standages. I just want you to know that you and your family is in our prayers.
~Kristi Webb Russell
Shanda! What a blessing! I am so glad you have peace and great doctors! You are amazing! good luck! love you!
Shanda,
I hope your "small" surgery went well and that everything is in place for the chemo. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this but know that you truly CAN do this and will not only do it but will do it the way you do everything in life- with power!!! The quilt you were given looks fantastic, how beautiful!! I"m glad the love is pouring out for you, you truly deserve it and have poured love on everyone around you for so many years I'm glad some of it is coming back to you!! We are praying for you always and hope you are able to enjoy the Easter weekend.
I got a Bedazzler..we could bling out your fanny pack :) Hope the port surgery went well today. I'll talk to you soon
Kel
Shanda, I was just checking in on you today, and had to say that you are an inspiring person. You make me want to go be a better mother to my children, and a happier person period. Thank you for your amazing example. We pray for you daily, and I think of you so often each day. I hope you can feel the strength that so many of your friends and loved ones are trying to offer you. I'm glad that you can receive this next phase of treatment close to home, and hope that that makes things a little bit easier for you and Larry and the girls. Forever strong Shanda! Much love, Sherrie
Hey Shanda: just wanted you to know that I'm glad you're an avid blogger so I can stay up-to-date on how you're doing; I'm glad things are looking up and I'm still praying for you, and lastly, I got a good laugh over your mail man crush, so thanks for that!!!!!
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