Hulk or Deadpool?
Sorry about the radio silence of late. My last two rounds of chemotherapy were pretty brutal as the side effects were cumulative. It felt like my energy was getting sapped as each day passed. I stopped feeling like me and felt more and more like a lump.
After my 4th round of chemo I was scheduled for a CT scan and I was really nervous. This would be the big one that determined our course of action and if the last 2 months of yuck had not been in vain. The results would determine if I would continue the heavy duty chemo that I had been doing for the previous 6 weeks or if I would move on to the next phase of my treatment. Either way I was nervous, but I think I was more apprehensive of doing a round 5 as I was beginning to doubt if my body to take it.
There were days that I had doubted my treatment choice and if the pain and sickness was really worth it. It was on those days I would sit down and read all the cards, letters, notes and posts that people had sent me that helped pull me through. By the time I had my CT Scan and my appointment for the possible 5th round of Chemo I still hadn’t fully recovered from round 4. Knowing that the side effects are cumulative and had gotten worse with each treatment I couldn’t imagine what a 5th round would feel like and I was scared of having to get back on the horse. But knowing that if my doctor decided that it would be best for me to do a 5th round that I would keep going forward as I didn’t choose this course of treatment to fail. I am still going for cure!
So after a sleepless night I went in for CT Scan and then had to wait a weekend to get the results and see what the next steps would be. I was thrilled to find that doctor felt that a 5th round would not be necessary and we could move onto Chemo-Radiation therapy. Happy as I was about not doing another round I was pretty nervous about the Radiation. My doctor said that I should take a small break to recoup and recover prior to starting 6 weeks of Chemo-Radiation and that meant that I wouldn’t be on Chemo for our anniversary.
I was able to celebrate 14 years of being married to my best friend, my rock and my fella who is helping me get through all of this on a day to day basis. Bill has been by my side at all of my doctor’s appointments taking notes, keeping all of my medications straight and helping me get through the worst days as well as celebrating my milestones and good days with me too. I don’t’ know where I’d be without him. We celebrated by dining at the historic St. Paul Hotel, the venue where our wedding reception was held 14 years earlier and it was lovely.
But back to reality, today was day one of Chemo-Radiation. I hardly slept a wink last night thinking about it. It kept brining me back to our first meeting with my Oncologist when Radiation was brought up as a treatment option. Bill asked “are we talking Incredible Hulk or Deadpool here Doc”? The upshot is that it me snicker to myself and reminded me that everything is going to be ok.
1 down 27 more to go….
They say the first week or two should be ok but after that it will start to catch up with me so I’m going to enjoy these good days while and I can. The Lilly of the Valley are blooming in the park outside of my apartment and them smell like a little slice of heaven. Ours at home are just about to open and it is my favorite time of year.
I am looking forward to the benefit at Lee’s with so much excitement it makes my feet tickle. I am hoping to feel well enough to dance a few songs and my goal to try and make the whole day. I can’t wait to see all my friends and family in one spot enjoying one of my favorite things in the world, music & dancing. And for those who can’t make it I know you will be with dancing with up in spirit (and perhaps streaming it online). I hope to see all of your smiling faces this Sunday at Lee’s!
Comments (18)
You and Bill make my heart happy. I am looking forward to seeing you on Sunday.
So glad to hear you don't need more chemo! Looking forward to seeing you at Lee's on Sunday! xo
So glad to hear the good news and that you're able to have a good couple of weeks. Wish we could be there for the benefit, but we'll definitely try to stream in! =) XOXO
P.S. From what my neighbor went through, I'd go with Deadpool because he's totally red and so was she. But I'm gonna show you a trick on Sunday to prevent that burn: I barely even turned pink throughout my radiation. Keep up the good work!
So glad to hear that you get a break! So proud of you and Bill, for facing this together, and making good progress through all of treatment. Can't wait to see you and all the family and friends. We will help at whatever station you need us to. Love You
Glad it is moving forward! I was thrilled to hear you celebrated your anniversary chemo free!
Shannon - I am awed by your strength and also by Bill, with the strength he needs as he walks alongside you on this journey no one planned or wanted. But then, I have always been impressed by yours and Bill's relationship. And yes, I believe there is a cure at the end of this. I will be there on Sunday to enjoy music and dancing (the gift you two gave to me), supporting you and enjoying one of my favorite little bars. Hugs - Cindy Nygaard
Congrats on the progress you are making! Keeping my fingers crossed you will feel like a dance at your benefit.
Keep that positive attitude Shannon. It will certainly pull you through the times that are a bit difficult. You're a fighter, and with that hubby of yours, the two of you will keep kicking ass. Rock on baby!
Thinking about you everyday! Sending all the love and positive energy as possible your way. I hope the warm love everyone is irradiating your way help you during your radiation portion of the treatment! Love <3
Thinking of you Shannon as you start your six-week radiation journey. I completed mine March 10th. Six weeks seemed so long when they told me I had to do that rather than three, but in my case, it minimized side effects and I never had any blistering or anything. The fatigue is definitely cumulative, and continues a bit after the treatments are behind you. Calendula lotion is your great friend when it comes to the burn, and better yet, mix it half and half with some Aquaphor (which looks like Vaseline but works much better.) I was blessed with an extraordinarily positive outlook during my treatment and could take great pleasure in the special parking spot I got, the smiles of the treatment team, the friend or two I made among fellow "regulars" for the 8 AM slot, a familiar song wafting in, and other little treats. I wish the same for you!
It was so nice to read your inspiring update! Looking forward to the benefit on Sunday.
Thinking of you every day ... stay strong Shannon! There is hope and light in this journey forward! Wishing you continued comfort and hoping for an easier path in this next part of the journey. Although I've not yet walked this road, have journeyed with many friends and family members who are now living in remission. Every day with those we love and cherish is a gift.
to:Shannon from:Sabine Happy birth day I can't wait for you'r benefit so I can see you and be with you and watch you dans with you'r friend's. au revoir a bentot sabine
I am grateful for the updates Shannon - it helps those of us far away feel a little closer and in touch. So grateful that you were able to have chemo free anniversary celebration with Bill. You are beautiful and strong! Always in my thoughts and prayers.
As a fellow young cancer survivor, my heart goes out to you and Bill. I very much admire how you, your family, and your friends, embraced the moment to have an amazing benefit -- celebrating you by doing EXACTLY what you love. Humor, creativity, compassion and love -- they can get you through some pretty awful days and make the good days even brighter. (PS: I thought radiation was waaaaay easier than chemo. I hope it is for you, too.)
I think you will be doing just what Jaime Chismar posted..........That was too beautiful, and you have everything it takes to do the same. Praying for you always, Shannon! Hope the benefit was a huge success.
Shannon and Bill, Sofia and Victoria and Carlos and I continue to pray for you every night. You inspire us. Fuerza, abrazos. --Katherine