Tomorrow is another day. - Scarlett OHara 2/29/16

After some good tidings and a few well timed visits from dear friends and family, I finally felt I had something positive to cling to Thursday night.  Bill stayed with me as he had the previous two nights.  I scooched over so Bill could climb into bed and we recapped our day together.   Thursday had not been a good day.  It was then we decided to forge good news o four own.

I woke up Friday with a new outlook.  I decided I was in this fight to win it.  Our friends and family had been enveloping us with support, strength and, acts of love.    We started working on a game plan for what we would say to my oncologist when he stopped by on his morning rounds.   Bill was writing down what I wanted to say in case I was too drowsy to tell him how I felt.   Every morning I get an email with my horoscope.  While we were talking about what we were going to say I received the following.

2/26/2016 Taurus – You have much to accomplish and a limited time in which to get it all done.  You may take an unusual, and daring approach.

Bill immediately sent it to him mom Linda and she said “the universe is conspiring to help Shannon.”

When my oncologist came in for his morning visit we said we would like to discuss the game plan moving forward with him.  I told him I understand he needs to be realistic with us on my condition.   I don’t wanthim to sugar-coat the truth.  I said sports teams are only interested in athletes who suit up to take the field and win the game.  I don’t anyone on my team who thinks we have already lost.  I have always cheered for the underdog and now I am the underdog.  I let him know that there is no room for anyone on my team who has written me off. I informed him I can tend to be stubborn and I only want people on my team who will be as stubborn as me.  I am a plodder, not a sprinter, but when I start something I always finish it.

My improving mental and physical outlook was what he was hoping to see.  He said that he can be stubborn too and would attempt to match my tenacity.

It was then that Bill asked him that if his wife were sitting in Shannon’s shoes what would he do.

He informed us that he had just got done consulting with a colleague at the Mayo Clinic on my case and they had come up with another treatment option for me.  He said that because I have some wandering, freeloader cancer cells, starting chemotherapy prior to doing chemo & radiation together would be the most aggressive plan of attack. 

After discussing the pros and cons of the different treatment options we were all in agreement that this would be the right course of action. 

Chemotherapy starts Saturday.