First Blog Post by Shannon
Where to start? Everyone here is doing fine. We've had some time to recover & decompress from the crazy, twisted, whirlwind that was the shock of diagnosis, panic to get to MDA, immediate brain surgery, & now pending adjustments to our new normal. This week has been getting strong each day (it's kind of astounding how quickly the recovery has been) and spending time as a family. We've had some of the best food (the steroids have me eating like crazy). We saw a Rockets game, visited the aquarium, the kids are having a ball. We've been calling it the brain tumor vacation. I'm also very happy that we have a good stream of visitors not only lately but also coming soon. We have been overwhelmed by the presence of our village. However, those who were here for the most scary parts of this were experiencing their own trauma. Many of them also ended up sick themselves as often happens after a major life stressor. They have also been decompressing this week & coming down slowly from what we all went through so having reinforcements has been wonderful. I've had a steady stream of current and past students (love) from the area, colleagues, nearby family, & friends. It's been wonderful to feel so loved. At some point I will have to write out a very long story from my perspective but my brother says I should save it for my book. Monday we learn more about what we are dealing with and next steps. This is not over for us. There will be treatment, perhaps years of treatment. There may be additional surgeries. But there are some things I'm clear on. I have the best doctors, medical facility, and cutting edge technology in the world at MDA. I am also 100% confident and will do whatever is needed. I am not at all intimidated by this journey that life has just handed me. Stay tuned for more updates!
Comments (17)
Hearing from you has made my entire week. I saw someone at work from a distance yesterday that looked like you for a second, and I was excited and thought "oh there's Shannon!" like I would have normally, but then it hit me... But reading your words makes me smile and reinforces how much I adore you and your sweet family! I know you are preparing for the next part of this journey, and you are where you absolutely need to be. I am praying for endurance and a continued fighting spirit to do this thing. I love y'all!
Wow, Shannon, you continue to amaze me! I'm so glad you've got such a strong--and large--network of people who love and support you. Remember that some of us can't be there in body with you (the semester marches on...), but we're thinking of you, praying for you, and missing you. Love to you and family from the folks in the SCSC! Love, Grace
Shannon, I know you've heard this before, but it's worth repeating over and over again: you are indeed a superwoman, and a true inspiration to us all. You have every positive attribute needed in order to meet and complete all the steps of this journey. Know that you and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers every single day. I would like to pre-order your book, by the way.
(Still Shannon) Love all of you. For those who I can't see yet (but I suspect that we will be able to at least visit Lubbock soon enough), just take care of our students and our efforts at Rawls. My classes, my lab students, my student organizations, and others who depend on me for help will need you. Taking care of them for me will go a long way. I will be back full time soon enough! Do not hesitate to reach out to us at anytime. Jason and the kids are on a work schedule so you'll at least be hearing from Jason in a pretty regular way. If you happen to be in Houston for anything you'd better stop by!
So glad to hear this update Shannon! You are such a strong woman you inspire all those who know you! Praying for you and the journey that you are on! Love that you are sharing this journey with all those who love you! Sending lots of love!
That's my girl! I am ready to move on to your next step with you. My daughter, my hero.
You inspire life!! Thank you
Awesome girl, keep up the hard work and positive attitude -- you are amazingly strong! Anything I can do on this end, please tell Jason to let me know. Love to Aiden!! LOVED hearing from you on Facebook -- bomb threat, are you kidding me??!!
U ROCK GIRL💃💪💃💪💃💪 So PROUD of your strength and attitude!!!! LOVE YOU TONS❤️
Shannon, I'm so glad to see your spirits in tact. There is only one way to look now-that's up! I will continue to keep you & your family in my prayers. Keep your chin up. Love you.
Bravo! Great attitude & optimism that makes us all feel a tad better! Love you, N.
Of course you're not intimidated.....that's NOT YOU!!! SO, SO good/glad to read your post! Stay positive! Love you LOTS!!! Shyrle
Well, you were watching Netflix and recovering from sinusitis when last I ventured onto Facebook, before going out of town for 10 days.....then pow!#^%**#^ what the?! Shannon, you never cease to amaze me with your humor and your smarts, and now your amazing poise and bravery! You are truly a force to be reckoned with. I just read Jason's further explanation post and just want to say, could you have a better sidekick than that man? Godspeed sister. You've definitely got this. Sending love from a faraway Lex friend! Julie Griggs (((((big hug to Aidan from his GS buds)))))
Praying for you in this Journey. We can see Gods loving hands guiding you and your family through, all the way! Nurse Debbie All Saints
Shannon, Me and Kasey from the Neuroimaging Institute at TTU are so glad to hear and see your progress! We have been wondering about you and today I received an email from attending the First Unitarian Church about you and was so happy to find this blog! Praying for your continued progress and wishing you well. Barbara Bowley and Kasey Rieken
Shannon, You are amazing! And you're at, what I think, is the very best center in the US for care. Been there myself! You're in good hands. Thinking about you and wishing you a full and swift recovery. Love to you and your family. Marilyn Westfall
Shannon! I miss you! I'm so glad that you're doing so well. You're right... The road ahead is a long one. But of all the people I know, I have no doubt that you have the strength and courage to get through it! You inspire me!! Love you lady!