A little set back, but I’m back on track…
Been a little quiet here on my Posthope updates, sorry for the radio silence. I admit the past few weeks seem like a blur. After round 2 of chemo I just didn’t feel right. It was my first course with the additional chemo drugs added to my regimen and the side effects were pretty tough. The cold neuropathy was bad enough and definitely worse than before. We called the clinic and they told us to come in. After a few test I was readmitted to the hospital for observation due to some of my symptoms and difficulty managing a few of the new side effects.
The first two nights I was in the outpatient/observation wing and had a shared room. My first roommate could only sleep with HGTV on. She even turned it back on after a trip to the bathroom. The nurse had turned it off in the middle of the night because she was asleep. The sound of vintage homes being gutted to look like suburban developments or urban lofts was enough to churn my stomach and keep me up all night. Roommate #2 came in with her jaw wired shut under strict orders not to talk. She proceeded to talk non-stop for the next 14 hours. No sleep for me on night number two as she called all of her friends to make sure that they got the word through her clenched jaw that Garry Shandling had passed away. When it was too late to call her friends she came over to my side of the curtain to make sure that I knew as well. I was finally transferred to South 6 at Regions which is the oncology unit where I spent my first stay in the hospital and all the patients have private rooms.
Good News: Test results showed indications that the chemo is working.
Bad News: I have appendicitis. No wonder I was having pain in a new location.
Good News: The Swedes did a game changing study and published a paper last year showing that appendicitis can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
Bad News: My appendix can only be managed for now but will eventually need to come out anyway. We are hoping that we can manage it until they do the surgery on my tumor.
The rest of my stay was blur and after 5 days I was discharged to mend at home. I had a follow up the next day at the Cancer Clinic to see how I was doing and when I could start chemo again. Due to the hospital stay and appendicitis I had to delay the start of my third round of chemo, which had Bill and I worried that I would lose my momentum. When I was seen the following day my oncologist was impressed with how much I had improved in just 24 hours at home and instead of waiting a week to start round 3 he scheduled me to start it just two days later.
The morning of chemo round 3 I arrived at the clinic the best I had felt in weeks. Before they got started, a Reflexology appointment from my friend Tony helped me relax and ease the pain that I had which helped a lot. When he was finished I was mentally prepared for what lay ahead. Ever the optimist, I had high hopes that this round would be smooth sailing. Within two hours I felt as though I had been run over by a bus. I could feel my energy being drained from me as the minutes ticked by while the chemo was being administered. They sent me home with my chemo-fanny-phone pumping away for the next two days. Over the next 48 hours I did little else but eat what I could and sleep.
I am happy to say…. 3 down and one to go. My last clinic check-up this past Tuesday has me slated to start my last round of chemo on April 18th. I am still recouping from round 3 but feeling just a little bit better every day. I think we are sort of getting the hang of managing all the various side effects of cancer, chemo and different meds I am taking.
I have had some pretty rough days since my last post but knowing that I have friends and family rooting for me and keeping me in their/your thoughts and prays is helping more that you can imagine. The outpouring of love, support and generosity has taken my breath away. I don’t know how to thank everyone enough, but do know that I appreciate, no it’s more than appreciate, I am honored by your support.
Upon hearing the diagnosis, my friend Matt “Mattie” Mead ordered wrist bands for me that say “No One FIGHTS Alone” and it really is true. While the journey is my own I do not feel alone and have all of you to thank for that.
I got this, or rather, we got this!
Comments (33)
You are remarkable. We support you, but you are the lead fighter and doing a hell of a job. Keep it up! Love and blessings as always!
The only words I have are related to the last portion of your post.... and they are: <3 <3 <3 <3 You are right. No one fights alone. With so many people in your corner, this thing doesn't stand a chance. You are an amazing person.
What an extraordinary woman you are ,truly deserving of support simply by demonstrating such courage.
We got this! xoxo
It's always great to read your updates, Shannon! We are thinking of you and proud of you for your fighting spirit. Be strong and get well! Love from Germany, Stefi and Axel.
What a fighter you are, Shannon! Thank you for the update, and as always, you are remembered in daily prayers. You're never alone in this.
The blooming of hyacinth, daffodils, and tulips remind us that summer is just around the corner and the warmth of the sun will bring you much energy, and make this short term crisis in your life just that, short term. Much outdoor enjoyment is headed your way.
Love you Shannon, Thanks for keeping us updated.
You need a good set of earplugs for the hospital. :-)
S Oh Shannon, just know we are with you on this all the way, love you Teri
So sorry to hear how rough this has been. Each day is a victory to be celebrated. Another battle won in this war. One day at a time, one step at a time, but each one is a step toward the ultimate victory!
We love you! I made you a different hat. I will mail it to you.
Love you Shan! We are all still praying
You are a true inspiration, Shannon! I am so, so sorry you have to go through this! I can honestly say I've never known a sweeter soul than you. I am rooting for you and sending love and prayers every day! You were right when you said you've (we've) got this, because you (we) absolutely do! Hugs to you! <3
Thanks for the update Shannon. You are my hero.
It is so good to hear that you're feeling better after having felt so poorly for a while. I enjoy seeing pictures of the sunrise from your apartment building and hearing about Bill at your side as you two fight this together. I look forward to the time when you come back on the dance floor with us to share our joy, joy you first shared with us, at Lee's and elsewhere! Take care, we love you!
Shannon, Your courage and determination are impressive - and you are in my thoughts and prayers everyday ❤️✝😊 Rory
Shannon we are continually praying for healing. I am a testimony to the healing power of Jesus Christ after I was prayed over and healed of a serious disease by two elders of the church. One of those elders is our Aunt Cami who also has the gift of healing. I sought out Cami at church and said "I heard that you healed someone along time ago and I believe that it's true would you pray for me so I can be healed?" Then she called over Ralph who happens to carry anointing oil with him to every church service. The new testament says have an elder heal with anointing oil which is just olive oil. I had been prayed for before but this was different, I had a strong faith that it would happen and I had people praying that had the gift and used the direction of the Bible. Since then I witnessed my fiancee's healing by Dr. Brian Adams who goes all over the world healing and is almost penniless. Not the 80's rocker btw, he's more like Joe Pesci Haha. She had big lumps in both legs for months and she couldn't sleep from the shooting pain, he prayed over her and the lumps whatever they were, disappeared by the next day and no pain. He told us that sometimes it takes being prayed over many times to be healed but that it is very important that the person receiving the healing be repentant and willing to truly forgive everyone of anything and everything that has been done to them. Jesus has done that for us, and expects us to do the same for others. Then through the faith being demonstrated by true forgiveness and through the healing gifts given by Jesus we can all be healed. Its great to see your strength in this fight. Reach out to Cami or myself, we are all here for you. God Bless. Brad
Wow. That certainly sounds like an awful ordeal. I'm so sorry! You are so brave and one of the strongest women I know, to face this with such grace and faith. Many, many blessings and lots of love. XOXO
Shannon, thank you for sharing. I have been thinking about you all of these days and I knew that you will write when you would be able to do so. The important thing is that you rest and take care of youself. Just know, we are here, praying for you everyday. Love
As my friend Evan would say, Punch Cancer in Dah Face! You got this Shannonann just keep kicking asses and taking names, opening those cans of whoop ass and writing checks your ass CAN cash. POW!
i wrote ass 3 times. my bad.
Thank you for fighting so hard! And I am so glad to read your sense of humor is still with you. Cant wait to see you next weekend, and bring all the love in person! xoxo
Pleased to hear the good news that you can find amongst all the horrible sh*t you are going through and sorry you have had such a terrible ordeal. Your tenacity and willingness to share with us is admirable. I can only endorse what all your friends have already said and sure you know we are all rooting for you to get through this xx
You write so well. Thank you for sharing this with us, it helps us to fight this together with you. Stay strong pretty one XXXX
Shannon, you and Bill are continually in my prayers.
Shannon, Your journey has been filled with so many challenges and pain. Hold fast to the good; the chemo is doing it job! I'm wishing you more beautiful sunrises and ordinary days! (pain-free) <3
Hey Shannon, Kim & I plus The 99ers are pulling for you. Love to "Miss Shannon" from us all
You know how when you watch the Olympics, you sometimes tear up because what they are doing is so F*cking Hard! And the athletes are so F*cking Cool! That is how you make me feel.
So glad round 3 is behind you! You are doing a masterful job in dealing with this and we are all sending you all the prayers, positive energy and luck we can muster! Go Shannon and Bill! We love you both!
Shannon, Greatly missed you at Lee's this week! Am continuing to pray for your successful recovery and strength and courage for you and Bill as you wage this war.... And will keep cheering you on every day.
Stay strong, my friend! We are rooting for you. xox
You are so inspirational, Shannon. We are cheering for you on the ropes.. knock cancer out!!