Posted 2019-11-12T19:15:44Z

Pimp My Rollator

Hello Shannon’s support network,

It is actually winter in Houston! We had to turn on the heat this morning. Yikes! For those of you in snowy areas, please stay warm and dry. I am your guest contributor for today, Wendy, Shannon’s friend and colleague. Shannon requested that I write and give you all an update. Shannon’s brother, Steve, is here as well to help with all things.

Last Friday, 11/8, Shannon had an MRI because the doctor wanted to check out some side effects. She started dragging her left side a little and has to concentrate really hard sometimes to actually pick up her foot, move it, and set it down again. To help her walk without falling and to keep her steady, she ordered a “rollator”, a rolling walker with a folding seat. It is hot pink with zebra stripes on a bucket under the seat and zebra stripes on the front pocket. It even has a rearview mirror! Now she just wants to trick it out with a bell, reflectors, tassels, and a cup holder. It has already come in really handy when walking around M.D. Anderson, waiting on Lyft drivers, and other errands. She just sits down when she gets tired.

On Monday, 11/11, we went to meet with Dr. Greek (I cannot remember her name but I know she is Greek, so that is how I remember her) to report side effects and go over the results of the MRI. Unfortunately the results were not great. There is enhanced growth in the nodules, which means she has to come off this study and this chemo treatment. She meets with Dr. No Naps on Wednesday to go over the scans in more detail and discuss other options. Dr. Greek ordered more blood tests and is checking other factors to see if there is possibly another study for Shannon. Everyone will know more when those results come back next week. She said that Shannon is doing fantastic on her diet and her fighting spirit is definitely helping. Dr. Greek also recommended a book, Becoming Superman by Dr. Joe Dispenza, discussing the mind, body, attitude connection.

In the meantime we are hanging out, drinking coffee, and eating avocadoes and bacon (yay keto!). Steve will be here for a while and Cassie is the ever steady presence, doing whatever she can to maintain the household. Shannon’s mom will be here by the end of the week. Most importantly, Aiden is coming for the weekend and Shannon is super excited to see him.

Thank you for allowing me to update you all. Shannon will try to let you know when we have more news. I am headed home to Maryland where I will also be engulfed in the cold weather. Stay warm!

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