Reality hits...

 Friday, June 1 2012

Well, folks, I think the harsh realities of a huge surgery set in today. Shelley has not had nearly as good a day as yesterday. Yesterday was probably almost too good to be true, but not too unusual for the first post op day. Shelley did get moved out of ICU today, sat in the recliner for an hour, and took a few steps from bed to wheelchair for the move. These are all positive forward steps, but she has been overwhelmingly exhausted and not nearly as perky. Even mumbling or framing a word or two is a real chore for her. She's had some low blood sugar issues today, too...indicating her body has had a pretty major stress. Her main surgeon saw her this morning and indicated there would be rough days ahead, but by the time he gets back from his weekend away, she will likely be making a turnaround. That's a good goal to look forward, to, but like Jim says...you can keep telling yourself this is all normal, but it's pretty hard to believe it! He will be staying the night in her room again, and hopefully can give a more progressive progress report tomorrow sometime!

Some were wishing the address of the hospital. It is Methodist Hospital, 8303 Dodge St., Omaha, NE 68114. Jim and Shelley's home address: 300 Northview Dr., Kearney, NE  68847

Believe it or not, your guest writer in a guest of her sister tonight! It's nice to be together when we feel far away from the ones we love. So...tonight this is being written by the Minnesota sister-in-law with the Wisconsin sister-in-law looking over her shoulder. We both agree that our one and only sisiter-in-law is a very special lady. Ad her husband is a very special man!

An addition: After reading the comments below and appreciating the expressions of sympathy for my "suffering", I want to say.  I remember very little about those first suffering days. I don't remember being transferred to PCU. I don't remember any pain. I have learned through this surgery and others that the first day that seems so good because I was doped up pretty good with pain meds, and then as the post title says, reality hits and the body has to respond to the beating is has received.  It takes a lot of energy to rebuild and not much left over for "normal" life.

8 Comments:

Luanne said...

Thanks to the special guest writer and her special sister! Thinking of Jim and Shelley tonight and wishing we could ease the suffering. Know we care.

June 1, 2012 at 10:20 PM

Renee said...

Awww...don't we all wish we could take some of the sffering to ourselves to ease Shelley's burden a bit.?! I do know the human body is amazing the way it can heal and I also know Shelley has amazing "gumption." But, it hurts to see your friends suffer!

I like to think of you two sisters together as you pen the progress report for all of us in Shelley's fan club.

  

War care to ALL you Kleebs....

June 1, 2021 at 10:29 PM

Anonymous said...

Hey, the novic guest blogger meant to say Shelley has had some HIGH blood sugar issues, requiring insulin, not low blood sugar. Also... to answer someone else's question: Bon is here to help at a funeral which happens to be right here in Stillwater, MN, the area I'm working in.

G'nite, Dorothy

June 1, 2012 at 10:42 PM

The J's said...

Thank you, both of you girls! I'm pretty sure that we all feel like you fit in well to the "special" category, too :) (AND family) today and have wondered how it went. It seems like day 3 is often the hard day. Thanks for the address, too. Hope everyone has a restful night. 

Maxine

June 1, 2012 at 10:54 PM

Dan & Cyndie said...

Isn't it a wonder how that word "special" seems to wrap others so closely to our hearts??

Like other's have mentioned, you know that if we could we would bear some of this for our Shelley.

With loving thoughts & hopes for a peaceful night.

Dan & Cyndie

June 1. 2021 at 11:19 PM

Raimie said...

Dear Dottie-Bon,

Thank you SO much for posting! and thanks for the address.

Dear Aunt, Shelley, 

Life sure is full of ups and downs...even of one's blood sugar! Alas, it must be something like coming down off "the birth high" (on a much greater scale)...Burst of energy right at first and then a crash!

Up or down, we love you!

June 1, 2012 at 11:12 PM

gkey said...

dears in Omaha (AND in MN tonight!)

I'm sure the hours are long as you struggle to make even little bits of progress A quote I came across recently says: "There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth going!" 

Rest well, all of you in our Father's tender care.

June 1, 2012 at 11:46 PM

Anonymous said...

I just keep thinking ALL of you are special and special to so many of us. I'm so glad that we know the living God and know the FATHER knows best. At times like this we can rest knowing HE has us under His wings. Love to all you from Ann in Alma.

June 2, 2021 at 7:59 PM

Day #1 of Recovery

Thursday, May 31, 2012

 The reports from Omaha continue to be very encouraging. Shelley has had an uneventful day (which is medicalspeak for "nothing went wrong.") She was taken off the ventilator fairly early this morning and was very glad to be rid of that thing.  She converses a little, but mostly takes long naps  Her pain isn't real bad, but the morphine is quite helpful.  All the doctors and nurses are amazed at how well she's doing.  She is even allowed to take some clear liquids by mouth.  Her face is swelling more and more as the evening progresses, which is just what they said would happen.  They've enjoyed a few visitors today.  Shelley is still in ICU--no real work about when she'll be moved out, but it likely will be soon.  Jim was going to bed down for the night in her room there, hoping for more sleep than he had last night!

Good night everyone!

Post script: (May 31, 2022)

I don't remember anything about that day except the ventilator removal.  I really wanted that gone!!

16 Comments

Anonymous said...

Ah, I like going to sleep with the thought of her doing so well tonight! Love to all!!

Janet

May 31, 2012 at 10:15 PM

Brenda Miller said...

Thanks for the updates!! Our thoughts are with all of you and hoping for a speedy recovery!

May 31, 2012 at 10:16 PM

Grumpy and Dayka said...

Keep the good posts coming!! :>)

May 31, 2012 at 10:27 PM

Renee said...

Good news. So thankful, Sleep well Jim and Shelley!

May 31, 2012 at 10:33 PM

Colleen W, said...

That is such good news. Keep up the good work, Shelley! Really thinking of all the family...

Love from Colleen and Ken

May 31, 2012 at 10:35 PM

Anonymous said...

So glad for all the good news. Hope all have a restful night. Thinking of you all and thanks for the updates.

Mike and Karla

May 31, 2012 at 10:38 PM

The J's said...

So glad for encouraging news! Thank you!

May 31, 2012 at 10:45 PM

Christa said...

So glad to hear the good news, Jim. I hope you get some sleep...the hospital is not the best place for that, especially ICU. It sounds like her strength is showing itself. We have surely been thinking that directions the last few days.

May 31, 2012 at 10:50 PM

Raimie said...

Dear Aunt Shelley, 

Glad to hear the glass is half-full! Well, I mean half full of swelling causing fluids is MUCH better than half-full of the "foul beast" that was in there before!

Love you and hope you both have a restful night.

Love, 

Happy to hear in NE

May 31, 2012 at 11:17 PM

Anonymous said...

Can't tell you how much you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are praying more than usual.

Love to all, 

Grahams

June 1, 2012 at 12:19 AM

Dan and Cyndie said...

It's good to hear of uneventful days and a time like this. Hope you both got a good night's rest, Jim & Shelley. Glad to hear of your strength showing itself, Shelley...never doubted it would :)

Loving thoughts and continued prayers coming your way.

Dan and Cyndie

June 1, 2012 at 5:21 AM

Sharon said...

Thinking of you both, Jim and Shelley, for continued recovery. You have a lot of friends who love you and support you always, even if we don't always say it. Hugs!

June 1, 2012 at 9;47 AM

Gramma Lorna and Grampa Garland said...

Will try this again...last time I tried to post, it evaporated! But, just want to tell you, thank you for your effort in posting, Bon, and all the good reports!! "REACTIONS"Shelley's reaction to this beast that invaded her head is so motivating! Sometimes we don't see the value of our friends until the have a "beast" to overcome and just value Shelley and Jim so much!! Love you all!! Garland and Lorna

June 1, 2021 at 12:00 PM

Anonymous said...

Thinking of your all as your journey through this unknown territory together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we hope you know how much everyone cares. Remember, you are not in this along. God's strength will be there when yours is not! Hope to make it up there tomorrow so hope we at least get to see you, Jim. Take Care!

Lynn and Jeanne

June 1, 2012 at 6:03 PM

gkey said...

dear In the thick of it, 

Wow! No words come easy tonight...just keep your chins up. Sounds like you are in a good spot with excellent care.

love, 

watching & waiting with you in heart

in 

NE

June 1, 2012 at 11:26 PM

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and so glad you had good reports. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Thoughts and prayers with you all!! Keith and Darlene

June 2, 2021 at 8:38 AM

Shelley, The Writer

Thursday,  May 31, 2012
Shelley has always been a writer. When letters were the main means of communication, hers were always a treat to het--several pages of the details about homefolks that you really wanted to hear about, but no one else took the time to put on paper. Pictures were always accompanied by notes in her familiar script. Wen electronics moved into the landscape of our living, you could count on lengthy, newsy accounts of family life, much to the delight of the faraway aunties. When blogging arrived on the scene, Shelley was a natural. Visiting their home, you would see evidence of Shelley's love of the pen and paper--journals, lists, letters. So, you can hardly be surprised to hear that Shelley had been furiously scribbling notes this morning, frustratingly hampered by not being able to have her glasses.
Jim is very excited about Shelley's alertness this morning, although technically she is still sedated. She is yet on the ventilator, but they are working toward removing it very soon. That will be a great relief to her--it's the subject matter for some of her notes! She looks really, really, good for all she has been through. The incisions on her nose are barely noticeable and while there is some swelling, it isn't bad at all.
They got to first see Shelley last night about midnight, and then they all dispersed for the night--Shelley's parent's when home, Jim and Lynette went to the motel, and Rod and Deb F. spent the night in Omaha and will return today, likely taking Lynette home with them.
So far, so good! We all have much to be thankful for, and a crash course in not taking life and health for granted. 

Caveat: (May 31, 2022) I love to write it is true, but the "notes" I was writing was my attempt to communicate about getting that ventilator tube OUT. It was very uncomfortable.  Jim saved those notes and they are gibberish.  I didn't save them.

16 Comments
  

Dan & Cyndie said...

Oh, what good news!! and yes I whole-heartedly agree that we all take so much for granted and aren't grateful enough for good health...things can change so very quickly. Keeping them close and appreciating the updates!

With love &care, Dan and Cyndie

May 31, 2012 at 9:10 AM

Renee said...

I so very much agree with what you wrote about Shelley's writing ability!! I am completely THRILLED to hear she is writing notes!! How tremendous after her ordeal yesterday. THANLS again for the update!!!1 Jim, if you are reading this, tell Shelley a special hello, and we aim to get down to visit the two of your after she has a bit more time to recuperate!!

May 31, 2012 at 10:25 AM

Grumpy and Dayka said...

Keep the good news coming1! :>) Loren and Laurel

May 31, 2021 at 1:24 PM

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for keeping us updated! This post made my heart smile :)

May 31,, 2012 at 1:24 PM

Anonymous said...

Sorry...Love, Janet :)

May 31, 2012 at 1:25 PM

Anonymous said...

That is our Shelley! Sending smiles and happy thoughts to you all. Luanne

May 31, 2012 at 2:53 PM

Anonymous said...

GREAT news!

Never a doubt about Shelley's courage and strength. Our thoughts and prayers are with you ALL!

Chuck and Lynda

May 31, 2012 at 3:33 PM

The J's said...

What great news! YAY Shelley!!

May 31, 2012 at 3:34 PM

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear the good news. Hope it will only get better eacy day.

Wayne and Darlene Jenson

May, 31, 2012 at 3:49 PM

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you in Wisconsin--so glad the surgery went well--we will keep track of your progress thru this awesome blog. Bonita is in our field--thank you sharing her with us. Smiling with special memories from Menomonie convention in Sept. Gentle hugs, prayers and love from the Smith's--

John, Sally*, Addie and Landon

May 31, 2012 at 5:06 PM

Ruth said...

Loving every little big of positive news! Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone of this precious family, 

May 31, 2012 at 6:11 PM

Anonymous said...

WONDERFUL NEWS!!! Praying for a speedy and healthy healing! Hugs and prayers-

Layne and Amy Schnacker

May 31, 2012 at 6:27 PM

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the update. Love to you and all the Kleebs =*) Brandie

May 31, 2012 at 6:51 PM

Lanae said...

Glad for the update. Will continue to keep all in my heart and prayers.

Love, Lanae

May 31, 2012 at 7:19 PM

Raimie said...

Dear Aunt Shelley,

Ma (Caroline Ingalls) would be so proud of you...facing each new portion of your journey with willingness and courage...and as her quote on your sidebar says. "What must be done is best done cheerfully." And it sounds like you are doing just that!

Thank you, B, for the updates, they are precious and make all of us "waiters" on our vigil for Shelley, rest a little easier.

Love, Raimie Lu

May 31, 2021 at 9:14 PM

gkey said...

Dear, Dear Kleebs, 

Thankful to read every post...thinking of you all these days and know "time is standing still" in a way, as this battle continues.

Keep strong and of good courage.

Love, 

Keough family

June 1, 2021 at 11:99 PM

The Longest Day...

 I remember the preparations, the hospital gown, the warm blankets, the prep for anesthesia, until I was wheeled away down the corridors to the operating room, leaving Jim and Lynette, and Mom and Dad, and a couple of others to watch me go, all wondering, what next?

The surgery lasted almost 11 hours.

Wednesday -- May 30. 2012

The Longest Day...

Thanks to all of you have had Shelley, Jim and their family in their hears and minds and their family in hearts and minds and prayers all day today.  It has been a long day for many, even quite a few medical workers, no doubt.  Just want to report what the surgeon told Jim and the others waiting there--hopefully this is accurate.  It seems a little bit like a satellite system, beamed from Nebraska over to Wisconsin, and then to all points of the earth!

The good news is that as of right now, Shelley is out of surgery! She will go to recovery for at least an hour and they'll be able to see her eventually tonight.  She might not respond, being heavily sedated, but who knows? She'll be going to ICU for a day or so.

The doctor said the tumor had gone through the dura (the sac around the brain might be an easy way to describe that) but it had not infiltrated the brain and they were able to pull it away from the brain with no disturbance to the brain. They were able to use tissue from Shelley's forehead area to construct a new "dura," that separates the brain from the sinus area.  They felt that reconstruction was very successful--good tissue, and they felt secure about eh way they were able to connect it. Also, the tumor had infiltrated the orbit of the eye (right one, I think) and was up against the eye, but not into the eye, and also was able to be pulled away Likewise they felt satisfied with the reconstruction of the orbit. 

The only thing they encountered that was more than they expected was that the tumor had invaded the cartilage around the bridge of Shelley's nose, so they needed to make incisions and remove the cartilage there. They inserted a lumbar drain and a feeding tube (through the nose), both of which she'll have just for a few days. She, of course, has a breathing tub and is on a ventilator, but hopefully that will be just for overnight. Because of the tumor being right up against the brain, she will need to undergo chemotherapy, as well as radiation.

Shelley went into surgery with a positive attitude, smiling and joking, and it seems like the day is ending on a positive note, also.  We won't add ore right now, so it can get out to all of you who a patiently waiting for word.  Thanks so much to everyone for their care and support today!

20 Comments:

Dan and Cyndie said...

Many thanks for getting something up yet this evening...we will all rest a bit better now.  Shelley is a dear remarkable woman. So grateful too for medical professionals who can perform such intricate surgeries, sending loving caring thoughts out into the night to Shelley and her family.

Dan and Cyndie

May 30, 2012 at 10:23 PM

The J's said...

Thank you so much for the update! It has been a very long day! So thankful & glad for a positive report!

Love from the J's.

May 30, 2012 at 10:45 PM

Renee said...
So happy to get the update. Thank you so much! Also thankful for a successful surgery! Thoughts have been in Omaha all day and will continue to be!

May 30, 2012 at 10:47 PM

Wrena said...

Thanks for the update! Note to Shelley: be strong, keep encouraged! This makes three of you close... My sister is 23.5 - battling a battle of sorts that you may be able to understand. Lymphoma.

Our young 13 year old friend that has battled bone cancer for 5 years...

I pray for your comfort and health the Lord willing! I'm overwhelmed.

May 30, 2012 at 11:09 PM

Unknown said...

Thanks for the update. Been thinking of you all this long day and will continue to hold you all close as the recovery process starts.

May 30, 2012 at 11:11 PM

Colleen Wendland said...

We've been thinking of Shelley so much today, really thankful for the update - We're pulling for her from western Nebraska.

May 31, 2012 at 12:04 AM

Anonymous said...

Jim, Lorene, Nathan & Lynette: I am praying for you, that you feel the Lord near your hearts and know His comfort. With great love, Brandie Y

May 31, 2012 at 12:47 PM

Heidi said..

Was thinking of Shelley & family after the big I had heard and was feeling very far away, but now being able to read this blog has brought me closer again. My thoughts were with her in teh middle of the night (like now) when it is daytime here in Germany.

Thankful for this positive report!

May 31, 2012 at 12:53 AM

Oleva said...

Our thanks too, for reporting. Know it takes time and isn't so easy. Each on of you are in our thoughts in a special way.

With continued loving care.

Carl and Oleva

May 31, 2012 at 3:15 AM

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update. We will continue to keep you all in our prayers. 

Mark and Margie

May 31, 2021 at 5:45 AM

Lanae said...

Thankful for the update and will certainly to have Shelley and family in my heart and prayers.

May 31, 2012 at 7:29 AM

Anonymous said...

You're in our thoughts today. Thanks for the post

Hugs to you all, Luanne and Rod

May 31, 2012 at 7:36 AM

Anonymous said...

So glad things have gone as good as can be expected! Tough time for all, but thankful for the comfort of those than care, and most f the Father above. Thinking of you all. Thanks for keeping up posted. Hugs, Trent and Sandra Nelson

May 31, 2012 at 8:06 AM

Mamason said...

Thanks for the update. Glad sugery is over and healing and recovery can begin.

Thought, prayers and hugs to all. Irvin and Sheryl

May 31. 2012 at 8:44 AM

Darcie said...

Like others...thanks so much for the update! Thinking of Shelley and all those standing by her!

May 31, 2012 at 9:21 AM

Anonymous said...

Bless your hearts. What a tough day. I just heard to about the surgery and got a recent update from Cyndie. Sounds like dear Shelley is a trouper, and with all the love and prayers of family and friends, the amazing handiwork of the professionals and the tender loving care of God, you will all get through this Thanking of you....Larry and Glenda Lerwick

May 31, 2012 at 12:21 PM

Anita said...

Thanks for the update! lots of love and hugs!

May 31, 2012 at 12:39 PM

Raimie said...

Dear Aunt Shelley, 

The time seems to be measured in minutes and hours at this point of you healing...we will be looking forward to when it can be measured in days, weeks, months and years!

Love, 

So Glad To Hear in NE

May 31, 2012 at 9:08 PM

 

gkey said...

Dear In Recovery,

We wait anxiously for every update. Every little positive is cause for celebration at this point!

Hope you feel all the love & prayers surrounding you from so many corners and especially from above.

love, 

Close in heart

in 

NE

June 1, 2012 at 11:09 PM

Anonymous said...

Dear Jim, Shelley & Family.

This news has just reached us in Australia...We want you to know that you are in our prayers and have all our fingers and toes crossed that Shelley can make a full recovery.

We have lovely memories of your & your family when we visited in 1995 & then again in 2007.

Lots of love to you all,

Jonny, Rosalie, Nathan & Jacinta xxxx

June 3, 2012 at 2:15 AM

Starting My Journey

  Tuesday -- May 29, 2012

   Tonight is the last night for me to be who I was before. 

Before surgery.

The me who has been healthy as a goat for so many years. I've taken it for granted.  I'm having a very hard time wrapping my head around the word cancer.  That this is ME we're talking about not somebody else, somebody else's life.  

I'm trying very hard not to think about the what ifs.  And I want to continue to do so, one step at a time.  I'm also not terribly comfortable with writing about myself in this way, but I wanted to put up one more post and then let my very obliging sister-in-law guest-post on updates.  I'm finding it exhausting to tell the same things over again to all the lovely people who "want to know" and even then, not everybody gets the same thing.  After all, it was Jim and I listening to the surgeons this morning.  

We came to Omaha this morning to have the consultation with the two surgeons who will be doing the surgery tomorrow around noon.  The nasal surgeon is kind, efficient, patient and answered all our questions before we asked them.  We wouldn't have needed to bring our list.  

For the nuts and bolts of what is happening here, I have been diagnosed with one of two types of malignant nasal tumor.  One is a tumor of the olfactory nerve.  The other is not so easily explained.  The tumor in the lower sinuses will be removed by going up through the nose.  The upper sinuses will be accessed with an ear to ear incision, going through a hole made through the skull in my forehead.

 (They don't shave heads anymore.)

The main things in any cancer surgery is to get all the cancer plus a certain amount of unharmed tissue to ensure a complete removal.  There is a limited about of tissue to get in such a confined area, so the dura, between sinus and brain will be removed and be replaced with some of my own from another place.  The bone that separated and seals the brain area and the sinus cavity has been destroyed by the tumor and will be replaced with mesh.  The tumor is also right up against one eye and has destroyed some of the bone protecting the right eye in the area of the bridge of my nose, and if the hole in the bone is big enough it will also be strengthened with mesh. The main thing is to take enough out of me to get all the bad stuff and then reconstruct what needs to be done. 

One things I didn't know is that the sinus cavity is not several open holes as I always imagines. There are little pockets in those sinus cavities.  After this, however, I will have one big open area, which while it won't affect my quality of life, will affect how I take care of it.

Except I won't be able to smell anymore.  That is over.  I don't think I'll get fat now, eating isn't nearly as much fun. 

So this is really a pretty big deal, more than I ever imagined.  I will have a six hour surgery, following by 24 hours in ICU (this is normal), and then a hospital stay of 5 or so days. Then I will go home to recover. After an expected six weeks of surgical recovery time, I will have six weeks of radiation. Just to make sure, you know.

Of course, what knowledge we have now, is subject to anything new that might be found during the surgery.  The nasal surgeon takes care of the lower, the neurosurgeon the upper, at the same tine.  There is some good news.  The tumor does not appear to have penetrated the brain or the eyes themselves. There is every expectation of a cure.

Despite all the risks involved in major surgery, and some fear as well, I will be glad to get this out of my head and start making progress to a new me.  

After surgery: The tumor is called a neuroendocrine tumor. Surgery was 9 1/2 hours long.

January 7, 2021: They never did use any mesh.  It wasn't needed in the eye area, and they used something from my head to replace the dura that separates brain from sinus.

32 Comments

Anonymous said...                                                                                                                                        Sounds like you are in good hands. We will be thinking of you. We appreciate your faith and postive outlook, grateful for a God that offers strength. Rod and Jenelle                                                                  May 29, 2012 at 7:00 PM

Dan & Cyndie said...                                                                                                           

My dear friend...I so very much appreciate your trusting, brave spirit in going into this. You are truly an inspiration to me. I have been thinking of you and your family all day and waiting to hear what the Drs. were going to have to say.  We'd be there if we could, physically, but we can't so we will be there in our hearts...loving you and your family.

In love and friendship, Cyndie                                                                                                                       May 29, 2012 at 7:22 PM

Brenda said..                                                                                                                                                  I will be thinking of you tomorrow.                                                                                                            May 29, 2012 at 7:48 PM       

Anonymous said..                                                                                                                                          Shelley, I am proud to be connected with your. And Jim. And your kids. And thankful that you are able to put into words some of your feelings.  I hope you feel a boatload of love surrounding you all, because there is.  And the greatest plus in the picture, come what may, is that you have a connection with Heaven, and that carries you where your determination and all our care cannot.                                 Love Dodie                                                                                                                                                   May 29, 2012 at 7:54 PM

Anonymous said...                                                                                                                                         Jim, Shelley and family...just a note to let you know that we will all be pulling for you here in Iowa! Will be thinking of you all.                                                                                                                             Dan, Kim, Kendra and Nicole                                                                                                                       May 29, 2012 at 8:09 PM

Darcie said...                                                                                                                                                So sorry I haven't been on here more and sooner! Thinking of you during this time, and hope all goes as planned, and like you said, "On the road to a new you."                                                                               Hugs from you blogging friend!!!                                                                                                                 May 29, 2021 8:26 PM

Julie and Sheila said...                                                                                                                                  We will surely be thinking of you and following how it all goes. Glad LeRoy and Owen can be there thought. WY seems very far from Omaha! We love you.                                                                             May 29, 2012 at 9:10 PM

Renee said...                                                                                                                                                   Dearest Shelley-kins...Words don't express the love in my heart, nor the admiration in my heart for you bravery and faith and your straight forward sharing of this journey you find yourself on. Love does take wing your way though, and thank you for this means of updating us. Much thanks to your guest blogger as well. xo xo                                                                                                                                                 May 29, 2012 at 9:34 PM

Juli said...     

Dear Shelley,                                                                                                                                                 I never seem to have the words I want...when I'm on the phone or when I'm writing, but after all our years of friendship surely we understand each other's hearts, and you know mine will be going with you tomorrow!                                                                                                                                                      May 29, 2012 at 10:45 PM

Elaine T. said...     

So sorry for this experience you have to go thru. I admire your attitude...keep positive, it will help your recovery. Cancer is not what we would ever choose, and it is a Family disease...affecting each one in a different way. But we know you're in God's hands, he sees the whole picture. Many praters have already gone up on your behalf and we wish you the Best outcome after you get thru tomorrow. Love you.        

  May 29, 2012 at 10:57 PM

Gina said...    
 Dear Shelley, Jim and all, The miles seem endless!! Wish we could be closer, but you will be in our thoughts tomorrow!! Thanks for sharing your journey. Love you muchly!!! Gina and crew

Anonymous said...   
Our thoughts with you...our care...Rod and Jenelle and boys                                                                      May 29, 2012 at 11:12 PM

Grumpy and Dayka said...   
 Oh! My!! Word!!! Shelley! AND Jim! Sending POSITIVE thoughts to you and yours tomorrow and in the days that lie ahead!!Hang in there! Laurel and Loren                                                                            May 29, 2012 at 11:16 PM

Anonymous said...     
 Mrs. Kleeb,                                                                                                                                              You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope for a speedy recovery and for you to come out of all of the "c-word" free. My parents Bible study held a group prayer for you tonight. I know that the Lord will give you strength to get through this. "God won't every give you anything he doesn't think you can't handle. <3                                                                                                                                      Stay strong!                                                                                                                                                    Alex Van Pool                                                                                                                                         May 29, 2012 at 11:25 PM

Anonymous said...                                                                                                                                        Aw, my dear Shelley.....My heart is said thinking of you're facing but love and admire your attitude and straight forwardness. You are an amazing person and someone I consider one of my dearest friends!! You have a world of people pulling for you and your wonderful little family!! Love and hugs to you all!! Janet                                                                                                                                                      May 30, 2012 at 4:34 AM

The Chairman's Wife said....                                                                                                                      Thank you for bravely telling usj what is happening. Thinking of you all keenly. Hope this can eventually just be a blip on the journey of life. Hugs from Wisconsin.                                                  May 30, 2012 at 8:20 AM  

The J's said...                                                                                                                                                   Dear friend --Thinking of you today especially! Thanks for your post, thanks do Dorothy also. Looking forward to the days when this is all safely behind you, but in the meantime we're all pulling for you! Love, MJ                                                                                                                                                    May 30, 2012 at 10:12 AM

gkey said...                                                                                                                                                    My dear Shelleykins,                                                                                                                                    Please know there are so many loving hugging praying hearts with you as you face this experience.  love to all of you,                                                                                                                                    May 30, 2012 at 10:32 AM

Dalayna said...                                                                                                                                              Shelley -                                                                                                                                                        If you know it or not, you've always held a special place in my heart. Now you'll hold a special place in my prayers.

Many thoughts and hugs going out to you and your family

May 30, 2012 at 10:56 AM

Anonymous said...

Several have already mentioned this word and it is the one that comes to me as I read your post...brave. I don't know you but you've left a comment on my blog one time and I've enjoyed yours from time to time and you are a friend of friends. We all would question how we would cope with a diagnosis like yours...you are in it...and you are brave. Thinking of you today...praying for the very best for you and for your family.

May 30 2012, at 12:19 PM

Anita said...

Lots of thoughts and care going your way, Shelley... and best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery xo

May 30, 2012 at 12:19 PM

Lynisha Weeda said...

You & yours are in our thoughts & prayers in a very special way today and in the days to come. <3

May 30, 2012 at 1:19 PM

Grace said...

So sorry to just hear all this! Have been thinking of you all day since. Hoping for the best & "hugs" to you all. Everett & Grace Kracht

May 30, 2012 at 1:30 PM

gkey said...

Dearest Aunt Shelley, 

My heart is hanging out in the wings of your hospital-gowned, surgeon-dominated, medical-languaged little world today...even as I work on other projects m heart is there with you, sending all the hope, countless prayers and love I can muster!

Here is a post I wrote for you, my friend and honorary "auntie'.

 http://theprairiehen.blogspot.com/2012/05/spirit-of-adoption.html

Much love, 

Raimie Lu

May 30, 2012 at 1:38 PM

Lanae said...

Shelley, You have been on my heart and mind today. I hope all goes well today and in the days ahead. I admire your spirit, too. 

Love, Lanae

May 30, 2012 at 3:32 PM

Anonymous said...

Keeping you in our thoughts and hearts today and in future days. Brent and Janet Townsend and family

May 30 2012 at 3:42 PM

Anonymous said...

Watching the clock, thinking of you praying. Sending you hugs. Someday soon we will sit and knit together again. For now, know how much we care. Luanne

May 30, 2012 at 4:47 PM

Anonymous said...

I have been prating for you and am doing so this very minute. May you KNOW and FEEL the Lord's nearness and love right now and in the days ahead. You are so precious to Him - and to us. Brandie

May 30, 2012 at 6:43 PM

Oleva said...

Dear Shelley, Jim and children

We are thinking of you all in this experience. Times like this brings "unspeakable" feeling for all of you along with "anxious fears"!! Glad for modern medicine and the hope for the cure. Will continue to think of you all in the "process" that is takes to get to better days.

Loving care to all. Carl and Oleva Oman

May 30, 2012, at 7:18 PM

Holly said...

Shelley, Jim and kids,

Thinking of each of you today as you continuer this journey that has been given to you. Thankful for your faith, spirit and friendship. I never can seem to find the right words, but just know you are in my heart and thoughts and thousand times a day! Love, the Thyne's

May 212, at 9:37 PM

parose said...

Shelley - Posts from Maxine and FB regarding your situation caused me to go to your blog. I have been very slow to keep up with my blogging or reading others, so I am just now trying t catch up. Andy and I are so sorry to read of your tumor and surgery. Please know that you are in our thoughts and praters as well as your dear husband and all your family. We will be anxiously waiting to hear the outcome from you sister-in-law. Be strong and very courageous. You certainly are not low on courage! We look forward to posts from the new you,  Sending hugs form Houston - Your friends, Patty and Andy Rosehill

May 30, 2012 at 9:58 PM

Anonymous said...

Dear Jim, Shelley and family, 

All of you have been in our thoughts and praters so much and will continue to be in the days ahead. 

Hugs from Arizona, Varrel and Sandi Herndon

May 31. 2012 at 6:01 PM

The Changing Times

 Monday -- May 28, 2012

 Did you notice one of the new trends in blogging is to have a guest writer occasionally—husbands, dogs, whoever?  Well, in keeping with the current trend, this blog is getting a guest writer for this post—it’s a new twist, the sister-in-law guest/ghostwriter.

You may have noticed that there haven’t been any posts on this blog for a while, and you may have missed them.  The reality is that my smart, practical, modest, capable, Godly, thrifty sister-in-law Shelley is gearing up for what could be the fight of her life.  She has been having sinus problems for a couple of months, but then, who doesn’t? Several rounds of antibiotics later she was still having problems, and it was also accompanied by the strange symptom of not being able to smell.  This led to an appointment with a local ENT doctor, which led to a CT scan, which led to an MRI, which led to a consultation with a specialist in Omaha. By that time it was apparent that Shelley’s sinuses, and even nose, was full of something that you don’t blow out.  Immediately, on the spot, the high powered Omaha doctor took a biopsy—that was this past Wednesday, the 23rd.  By Friday she was scheduled for surgery, which will take place in Omaha on this Wednesday, the 30th.  There are many unknowns at this point, like the exact pathology of the tumor, the approach and method of surgery, and what can be expected for recovery.  It is known that it is expected to be about a six hour surgery, and the hospital stay is expected to be about a week.

The last few days have been busy with getting the proverbial ducks in a row, preparing for the days when the chief domestic engineer and the head secretarial/accounting worker will be out of the office for an extended, undetermined amount of time. Tomorrow will be filled with consultations with the ENT surgeon and the neurosurgeon who will be performing the surgery. Wednesday is the big day, with surgery likely beginning about noon.  Tonight things have reached the stage where time is no longer dragging, but speeding by.

Embarking on a journey like this is a bit like stepping off a cliff, not knowing if it will be a long time or never, that things will be like they were before.  Faith is more priceless than ever before…..  On behalf of Shelley, Jim and their family, we thank you in advance for your care.

5 Comments:

 

The Chairman's Wife said...

Thinking of you all.  Hope all goes as it should Your Friend from WI...

May 28, 2012 at 9:25 PM

Dan & Cyndie said...

Many thanks to Shelley's sweet sister-in-law, who will keep us all up to date.  Many thanks for your guest post. With much care & love, Dan & Cyndie

May 28, 2012 at 9:47 PM

The J's said...

Thank you for posting!! We'll be waiting anxiously for updates!

May 30, 2012 at 9:55 PM

Anita said...

Thanks for doing this...we'll be waiting to hear! xo

May 30, 2012 at 12:27 PM

gkey said...

dear guest writer(s)

Thank you so much for your thoughtful care in helping this way.  Really appreciate all of you so much.

Privileged to be connected

in NE.

June 1, 2012 at 10:44 PM

Middle of May -- Reflecting On 10 Years Ago

 I can't seem to reckon the time line of what happened in April and May until the 30th of May when I had surgery to remove the tumor from my sinuses. As already mentioned, during that time I had three weeks of antibiotics. Two weeks with no improvement, another round prescribed, and during that next week of the second round, is when Jim decided enough was enough and going back to the ENT demanded the doctor look for something else, since no progress was being made. 

That's when the CT scan happened. Whether it happened right then, or soon after, I don't remember.  I could find out by looking in the several inches of paper information I collected over the months, but I don't want to.  The exact days aren't important. 

Then I had an MRI. It took about 2 1/2 hours.  I slept through most of it and didn't realize how long it took.  That gave me a twinge of the seriousness of the situation. I asked if they could tell me anything.  Of course, they couldn't, but I could tell from the vibes in the room, that something very serious 

was going on.

The crux of the matter is there was a mass in my sinus area and I was soon in Omaha with an appointment with a head and neck oncologist. 

I don't remember very much about those days in between. I think I was wandering around in a fog, not wanting to think about what this mass in my head meant.  

I was in denial.  

I remember walking up to the hospital that sunny May day, reading the sign, Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center and it hit me, "They think this is CANCER!" 

Me, with cancer, I couldn't take it in.  I couldn't process it.  

They took the biopsy that day.  

Lynette was with us and she and Jim could see the tumor that was making it's way down 

my nasal cavities. 

Between this time and the time of the surgery, we received the pathology report and I had a PET scan. That PET scan was no fun.  I was given a specific diet before.  Essentially, no carbs at all. I was told that the shot I was getting was slightly radioactive and would detect any concentrations of sugar in my body.  At the radiology department in the hospital I was directed to the radiation room by a very dismissive and arrogant man. He was also joking around. It depressed and frightened me because everyone else I was surrounded by was sympathetic and helpful. Then they put me in a dark room with instructions to not move for one hour. It was extremely boring with too much time alone to worry.  They checked on me half way through and at 50 minutes.  I had the PET scan which is done in a machine that looks like you're going through a big doughnut. It's not enclosed like the MRI machine. 

Then it was time to wait for the surgery date which took place just over a week from the biopsy.

Results of the pathology report:

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, Stage IV B

The stage 4B has more to do with the speed of the growth than anything else