A Long Day

 Monday, July 16, 2012

The first day is over. I am very tired.

We were at the Platte Valley Medical Group Clinic at 8:00 this morning. We went right back into the infusion room to start the IV through the port. The nurses called it a "naughty port day" because the first three ports they started, failed and had to be redone, one of them was mine The nice thing about the port is they can take blood samples through there without having to stick me more times. Another nice things, is that the needle stays in the port for my three days of chemo, so I don't have to be poked again. Before I start the Cisplatin, I have to have two hours of saline. About half-way through that, they decided to start the VP-16 and run it at the same time as the saline, that lasts an hour and a half. After that, they began the Cisplatin, which lasted another hour and a half. Then it was flushed through with more saline for another three hours. By this time it was 5:30 and still had to walk over to the Cancer Center for radiation They had to open the back door to let us in because normal clinic hours were over. Jim went to get the car which they put me on the table, snapped the mask on, and radiated me. Twenty minutes later I was all done. Now I am home on our nice, not-quite-so-new-anymore couch and having a hard time getting the energy to go to bed. 

Lynette is making me an ice cream sundae with bing cherries so I guess I'll stay up for that. 

Oh, by the way, the IV bag with the paper bag over it is the Cisplatin, it is sensitive to light. 

I also had what we think was an anxiety attach when they put my anti-nausea meds in with the first saline I was looking up at the bag, and all of a sudden I felt sick to my stomach and got really not, so that created a bit of excitement, but my vitals were all good and I soon cooled off and I didn't look at them hanging up the bags anymore. 

5 comments:

Luanne said...

Day one down my friend. You are a trooper! Good night.

July 16, 2012 at 9:59 PM

Renee said...

Well look at your cheery smile! You are stepping down this road of cancer therapy...Thought of you all day and it is lovely to check on you and get an update now before bedtime. Good nights. 

July 16, 2012 at 10:47 PM

Dorothy said...

Well not. That was day #1. And according to my calculations you are 1/4 done with days like day #1. Actually, there will only be one more day just like day #1, if I have it right. So, technically, you're half done with days like day #1!

But, Renee is right...look at the cheery smile (covering a boat load of apprehension, I'm sure.) I've been thinking about a lot of people these days, particularly around York NE, whose smiles cover a multitude of feelings There's a song that goes something like this. To smile when you hear is breaking takes courage of unknown worth To plod on when all seems darkness takes something that's ot f this earth. And so on but I don't remember the rest 

This is another big big big days for you with a trip to Omaha is looks like, in addition to chemo and rad. Better now that later. We're pulling for you!

Love, Dodie

July 7, 2012 at 7:55 AM

gkey said...

Dear On the Treatment Road, 

I thought of you all day yesterday. Wishing I could be there to keep you company a little.

Love, 

Wishing you Well

in 

NE

July 17, 2012 at 9:49 AM

Darcie said...

WOW...what a journey you are on! Like others have said...Day 1...DONE! Keep that beautiful smile on your face...says so much about you, without uttering a word.

July 17, 2012 at 7:28 PM

The Waiting is Over...

 Friday, July 13, 2012

for the first step anyway.

Chemo and radiation start Monday. 

These are really gorgeous flowers, by the way and sent to us from some very nice friends who do so much for us already. I am really enjoying them.

Anyway, I am off to a good start this morning. The first thing I did (after going back to bed after seeing Lynette off at 5), was put a load of wash in. It wasn't until it was half done and I was doing the 'get read for the day' part of my morning, when I remembered I hadn't put any soap in. I've got chemo bran and I haven't even started yet. 

I'm feeling better today. Jim is coming home this evening after being gone since Tues. My scans are done for awhile, and someone is coming to visit later and that always cheers me up. 

I had that PET scan yesterday and that was another different thing. It was a radioactive scan, too, done at the Kearney Imaging Center. The same man injected me as for the bone scan, but he was better today, just did his job and answered my questions. Sort of makes me wonder if he realizes what I have is serious and he's better not joke around. That is part of what made me a little big off yesterday. Either that, or he was off. Or I have too much imagination.

Which is entirely possible, err...  probable, err...downright true.

Since it is radioactive and all sorts of precautions have to be taken, I go to the little room with a recliner in it marked "RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL", (I mean the door of the room, not the recliner), and have a needle with a line put in inside my elbow, like a short IV, into which he put saline, then the injection, then more saline. The injection was in a large heavy looking metal syringe that was probably lead lined for everybody's protection but mine. Then he left me in a semi-darkened room for an hour with instructions to do nothing, no reading, no cell phones, no texting. Lucky for me, I forgot my cell at home. 

So, I thought, (too much imagining here). I told myself stories, I wondered what time is was, I counted seconds, and then a nurse came in to ask how I was doing, and "it won't be long now, " so I counted some more. I was going to count 10 minutes, but I got sidetracked and pretty soon she came back in and took to to the scanning room to pout me in the usual scan position: feet up to the end of the table, a pillow for my head, one under my knees, straps to hold up my arms and a nice warm blanket. 

I was hoping I'd have a nap during one of these times, but it didn't work out. I spent the 20 minutes going in and out of the doughnut looking scanner thingys wondering how they worked.

Then I left to find my ride waiting and had a nice lunch out!

Thank you very much!

I was starving. I spent the 24 hours before the scan eating a high protein/low carb diet, and the morning, eating nothing. And I came home and tried to have a nap while Lynette was having one, which I eventually did and lucky she woke up at 6 or we would have missed our evening activities. 

I haven't mentioned so far that the reason Jim was gone this week and in the weeks to follow is that he had the biggest job we've ever had, putting in 15 miles of 2", 3" and 4" pipe for gas powered irrigation wells 140 miles away. It wasn't a good time for him to have that job, since it meant being away from home more than he wanted to.  We had to depend more on other people's help and we really appreciated that. 

And, it's true, I am starting chemo on Monday. I called the chemo Dr. last week for something, reassurance probably and the nurse says, "well, we're seeing you on Monday anyway." Oh, really?? Well, I hope they were going to call me. So, the first day, Monday, I will go to Platte Valley Medical Group for a check up, then the long day of chemo with Cisplatin, which the really scary one, and VP-16 which is the one which will cause me to loos my hair, I think, I can't imagine it, until it happens They are doing the chemo there under the watchful eye of the doctor in case of any reactions. Then I trot over to the Cancer Center for the radiation. The next two days, I will do the VP-16 at the Cancer Center followed by the radiation, and that will just take the morning. Three weeks later, we repeat, but I don't know if I will have the long first da at the Cancer Center or Platte Valley. All this time, though, I will be going to radiation, every day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks. I don't know what will happen, but I've been listening to other people and reading, but I won't really know, until it happens. 

I was reading my cousin, Michelle's blog yesterday. She blogged through here second time around with cancer and I wondered what she felt like in chemo. The best case scenario, is a few days of doing nothing and that helped her more than trying to get anything done. I find myself imagining all sort of horrors to have to deal with, that's what happens when you read the find print, and the doctors have to tell you every know side effect even if it hasn't happed to anyone yet. 

(Well, I suppose it's happened to somebody or they wouldn't know about it.)

Anyway, expect the worst and hope for the gest, as they say. 

Maybe it won't be as bad as you thing, etc. etc.

Well, it will be what it will be, and I'll deal with it. I've found that realities don't scare me nearly as much as my imagination.

And for those of my followers who are Anne fans, I remembered this today:

From Rilla of Ingleside about Walter,

"Realities never scared him--only his imagination could do that."

9 comments:

Anonymous said..

Our Dear Friends, It was wonderful to see you on Saturday...We check you blog often, and want to add our names to those who are "going with you" through each part of this journey! We DO hope the reality won't be as traumatic as the gear of it can be, but neither do we expect it to just be a walk in the par! SOOO...we, are in the "blog waiting room", will be sta,ding by your side...wherever each procedure takes you! 

Our love and best wishes, 

Don and Jeanie

July 13. 2012 at 11:59 AM

Luanne said...

Thanks for the nice time today. Did I tell you how good you looked? I can't change what you have to go through but it feels good to do something!

July, 13. 2012 at 6:18 PM

Dan & Cyndie said...

Sitting here thinking that if anyone can make "lemonade" out of a lemon situation like this it would be you, dear friend. So value your spirit & your willingness to share! Love you

July 13, 2012 at 7:53 PM

The J's said...

Shall I be honest here? :P Pretty much I'd like to bury my head in teh sand & pretend this isn't happening to you my friend!! Ugg. Such a friend I am, eh? Well, honestly I dislike the sounds of all that scientific cancer jargon, but that's not going to change anything. SO--even tho I'm not there much, I'm here cheering you on, hugging you in my mind, sitting beside you in thought. 

Today I'm trying to remember what we heard several years ago at Antioch about "experiences"...I'm sure it will come to mind but I'm glad to be assured that God is in control and he is with you in every step of this journey. Ramble...ramble...

Virtual hugs & love, my friend.

July 13, 2012 at 10:40 PM

gkey said...

Dear Shelleykins,

My thoughts go your way so often, and especially now as you are gearing up for this part of the battle with your 'goliath'. I am glad you are able to research & learn as you go along. It would help to understand what you are dealing with & the procedures used. 

This afternoon I am remembering what we hard at Elizabeth about David's battle there in the valley with Goliath His victory encouraged other later who fought battles in that same valley. David went forth with confidence that the Lord would be with him In life's battles we too can look behind, beside, all around us & see that Lord/our Saviour fighting with us!

love, 

Your friend

in 

NE

July 14, 2012 at 2:58 PM

Anonymous said...

Shelley, 

You are very much in my thoughts and will be especially on Monday as you begin your treatments. Thanks for writing with such honesty. I admire your courage. 

Sending love from Wisner, NE...

July 14, 2012 at 9:53 PM

Anonymous said...

Thinking about your household today, conscious that you new noraml is going to be replaced with a newer normal, starting tomorrow! Enjoy THIS day!! Your whole family and lifestyle will revolve around chemo and radiation for awhile, and I suspect it is as our wise elder sister says" a person can't say it will go fast or easy, but it WILL go!

Love you all, 

Dodie

July 15, 2012 at 11:51 AM

Darcie said...

Had to stop by here tonight and tell you that I am with you in thought tomorrow. So many experiences life hands us, but were so thankful to know whose hand we are in. We will be here for you when you return to blog land, and until then...thoughts and prayers you way. 

July 15, 2012 at 9:05 PM

Renee said...

My thoughts are in Kearney, beside you!! Holding you close to heart!!!!

July 16, 2012 at 11:19 AM

One More Step

 Wednesday, July 11, 2012

This is a rather gorgeous morning this morning as I sit and look at it over my laptop There is a spray plane noisily spraying the field north of us. When I poked my nose out at 5 am as Lynette left to de-tassel, I didn't sat anything to her about the weather What is cool and lovely to me, will be wet and cold in the middle of the cornfield until about 11 when it will be stifling ... and still wet.

I am learning so much about how my body works and a lot of other things in this ordeal. I am finally feeling well enough to type (with tylenol). Even typing hurt my chest muscles yesterday. I really should be doing office work. 

Friday, I had the bone scan. I rather dropped the ball on that one, and didn't ask enough questions. I was injected with radioactive stuff and told to come back in three hours and then had a full body scan. I want to call today and get the results. I didn't know it was going to be a radioactive injection. There is a little room down in radiology marked with signs, and one man the handles the radioactive material. He was the first one who I haven't been really impressed with his bedside manner. He was joking around and I didn't think joking about radioactive stuff, nor anything else was necessary or appropriate. I think he is the one who will administer the radioactive sugar injection for the PET scan. It sounded liek he was the only one who handles the radioactive material. 

I got the injection in my vein with a heavy walled square syringe, anything he used looked well...like heavily protected stuff would be in it and he filled the syringe behind a clear shield. 

Then, the scan was just a scan. Lying down on a table with some sort of thing (it was flat), that slowly moved the length of my body. It's closest to the face, about an inch, but soon moved past that. 

Monday then we were at the hospital at 6 am to be admitted to out-patient surgery. There is the neatest liettle set up for surgery. There is a littel waiting room and dressing/bathroom connected to the prep/recovery room. I had the heart monitor pads and the IV put in before Jim could see me, then we had to wait an hour for my 7:30 surgery time. 

I've discovered that my veins really aren't that easy to find for IV's. I mentioned to the nurse who put mine in, that while I was in the hospital they warmed by arm, and it went in easy. So, she wrapped my arm in a warm blanket and put the IV in my wrist. Slick, and the first time, too!

I was just sedated for this surgery and since I hadn't slept well the night before, I was tired and ready to be out. The procedure really is a quick one, which two incisions being made. One to thread a long silicone tube into a big vein in my chest, rather like a heart catheter and another slightly larger one to put the port in. It is completely inside my skin, there is nothing to show on the outside except a slightly raised spot. (I least, I guess so, I'm still bandaged and I'm not touching anything right now.

The port is a little larger than a quarter with a self-healing rubber top that can be pierced with a needle. So, I will still be poked through the skin, through the rubber and the medicine, fluid and chemo will be put in that way. 

The port will be removed when I don't need it anymore. 

I really think if will be easier on me this way. They  are putting some pretty powerful suff in me and even though chemo is every three week, it is three days that week, and it may be that I will need extrea fluid or blood in-between times. I just seem to be going on with out thinking too much of some of these procedures. It is still very hard for me to imagine what my body is going to have to go through. What I'm putting it through, but right now, there isn't any other way. I believe I am doing the right things, in spite of the doubts and fears 

So even thought I'm recovering, (again!) I can get some office work done, and feed myself, no strenuous work for the  rest  of the week!

It does get boring at times.

6 comments:

Brenda said...

Thinking of you today!!:)

July 11, 2012 at 10:21 AM

The J's said...

And you have to believe you are doing the right thing for yourself, no mater what itj is! Educate, educate, educate!

July 11, 2012 at 2:09 PM

NanaK said...

thinking of you again to day, Shelley! Always appreciate your fine spirit -- encouraging  -- and I hope all of our thoughts/prayers encourage you as well. You don't know me, but Bonita was in our field for several years, so we feel like we know you! At any rate, it brings you close to our hears. 

July 11, 2012 at 4:00 PM

Dan & Cyndie said...

just keep asking your question, dear friend, I think that at this stage there are no "unaskable" questions...especially when its pertaining to YOUR body!!! love you dearly:)

July 11, 2012 at 4:42 PM

Luanne said...

Remember I am just up the road!

hugs to you

July 11, 2012 at 9:40 PM

skey said...

dear Stepping lightly,

I have been away, and feel a bit disconnected on many levels. But, even thought I have not been in to see you, or even check in here to "hear" you, I have thought of you every day!

Keep going one step at a time

in 

NE

July 12, 2012 at 4:31 PM

Brief and to the Port

 Friday, July 9, 2012

I have lots I'd like to say, since I've learned a bunch of new things in the last couple of days, but I have a sore right chest from teh port that was put in today. I think I'm going to be glad in the long run that it is in there. But, right now I'm feeling sore enough that I'm glad to do nothings, so I am taking the opportunity of heavy duty pain killer to type a little here before I fall asleep. 

The port was put in as out-patient surgery. Surgery is still surgery, with the IV the sedation, monitors, recovery, etc. I was admitted at 6 am and home at 10 am.

The type of port I had put in is completely under the skin and a special needle set up is put through the skin, into the port and medicine (primarily chemo) put in that way.

Anyway, I'm not quite up to a bright, shining post this evening, but I'm sure I'll feel better tomorrow.

7 comments:

 

Dan & Cyndie said...

It sure is a many "step" journey you have begun dear friend! Today is another step behind you...

Take good care & hope you can sleep well tonite.

(((Hugs)))

July 9, 2012 at 7:29 PM

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you up here in teh north east section of Nebraska. Glad for your blogs so we can keep track of how you are doing. You make it all so very interesting with you telling of it, but I am sure you are hurting mucy more than you let on. Take care. And just know that you have many people who are thinking of you. Wayne and Darlene Jensen

July 9, 2012 at 8:05 PM

The J's said...

Thanking of you! Thanks for keeping us updated!!

July 9, 2012 at 8:05 PM

Elaine T. said...

I'm glad that part is done and hope it serves you well. Just remember it's your body and you can listen to it. I chose to quit the chemo 6 mo. before my oncologist was ready for me to "according to the book". Anyway, that was 17 years ago and I don't think my body ever missed the final 6 mos. of chemo! 

Take care. 

July 9, 2012 at 9:17 PM

Raimie said...

Dar Auntie, 

So sorry you are tired and sore...bet you never knew you'd said your ship to this 'port', huh? Well, good thing the Master in at the helm and He knows where He's going. \

Love,

Trusting in NE

July 9, 2012 at 9:45 PM

Anonymous said...

Shelley, So sorry you are feeling sore and tired. Tomorrow is a new day. As Cyndie said, just another step now behind you. One day closer to this all being over for you. 

Thank you for your faith, dear friend! Love, Holly

July 10, 2012 at 7:08 PM

gkey said...

Dear More Accessible, 

This is such new territory for me to learn about. It does seem that a more direct route for the meds will be helpful.

love, 

Whatever it takes to get well

in 

NE 

July 14, 2012 at 2:35 PM

The Show Goes On

 Thursday, July 5, 2012

Slowly, slowly, the stage is being set. I have just a few more moves to make before the show goes on. Today, Jim and I went to Omaha to see the dental oncologist. It was one of those appointments that we all wish could ahve been made in conjunction with some other Omaha appointments, but even dental oncologists like to take vacations once in a while. This appointment only took an hour for him t look over all my teeth and gums and pronounce them healthy. He explained very thoroughly what was going ot happen in my mouth during radiation and gave me a hug when we left. I think I'm beginning to look a little shell-shocked.

Radiation is at the same time both a very dangerous and very wonderful thing. Where it goes it can leave it's mark forever. They say it is like having a sunburn all the way through. The good things, is that it kills cancer cell. The bad things is that it also destroys salivary glands, which leads to dry mouth and lessed protection for the teeth. I had heard that one before. Another bad things is that radiation also hardens the capillaries it touches which hinders would healing. That is why dental work has to be done BEFORE radiation, any teeth pulling, any things that requires healing, because afterwards, the healing is compromised severely due to damage to the capillaries. 

This really was rather interesting because it explains so much what I've heard about other people having dental problems during and after had and neck radiation. 

Now, how much damage will actually be done inside my mouth depends some on the PET scan that will be done next wee. It is supposed to show if there might be cancer in the lymph nodes of my neck (or anywhere else, for that matter), and that determines just how much of my neck will be radiated. It don't now that they expect to find any there. I don't think that they do. It's just that they like to know where clear margins are before they begin. If there is none there, there is a good possibility that my bottoms teeth will escape treatment, which will lesson some of the above mentioned problems. as for my situation, having healthy teeth and gums to begin with means I can be proactive and not expect trouble down the road, just a few speed bumps in the care and cleaning of my teeth. 

Right now, it seems like every time I turn a corner in this journey , there's a bigger hurdle to overcome. I think the reaosn for this is that I'm geared up to fight a batter, but it isn't here yet. I'm still just getting ready. The waiting is the hard art and it is starting to get on my nerves. 

The end is in sight, however.

I mean the beginning is in sight. 

Tomorrow is the bone scan. 

Monday, the port goes in.

Thursday, I have the PET scan,

and Friday, I have a dental cleaning and fluoride tray made, 

all here in Kearney.

Yay! No more travelling ot Omaha for two weeks and I am totally exhausted from a seriously enjoyable family holiday, and Lynette starting de-tasseling today, so we had an interrupted night. so we are all going to bed NOW.

Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite. 

hee hee hee.

5 comments:

Bonita Sue said...

No kidding, the waiting IS the part on gets on the nerves. It seems like our mind is fairly resilient and can coe with almost any sort of reality, but when tyou have uncertainty in what reality is, it has nowhere to go it its quest for stability. I think the thing that eases it, is to cling to the stability there is in prayer and spiritual life. 

July, 6, 2012 at 9:25 AM

Dan & Cyndie said...

thanks so much dear friend, for your willingness to share all the ins & outs & ups & downs of this journey with us, so another chapter is about o begin and your journey continues.

we love you:)

July 6, 2012 at 11:45 AM

The J's said...

Oh, I am totally understanding of the waiting thing....:P

You are sure learning a lot wit all this! So many things I didn't realize went along with it all

Knowledge & Preparation, wounds like a good combination, and keeping a good sense of humor too of course! :D

July 7, 2012 at 6:27 PM

Raimie said...

Dear Auntie, 

So glad your armor is coming from teh right place. There are so many thins a person could grab onto to try to help them trough a time like this...but when you have proved the protection of our God, those things see so insufficient. 

I love your spirit of curiosity and interest in the science side of your treatment...must be the reader in your. 

Love,

Raimie Lu

July 7, 2012 at 7:45 PM

gkey said...

Dear Going On, 

Every time I open your blog, I see that quote from Ma Ingalls. You are facing this "what must be done..." with a cheerful spirit, even when there are had days. That is so commendable, and an inspiration to us who are not currently facing this type of thing, but needing to  keep the right attitude to whatever life brings our way.

One of our hymns comes to mind ofent when I think of you: (#375)

In ev'ry part the battle rages on,

All through the night until the break of dawn.

Be of good courage: Christ the Lord shall come; Till then, be strong, be strong!

In ev'ry life, a conflict fierce and keen; 

At ev'ry gate, an ambushed foe unseen;

Each Canaan has its Jordan yet between~ Until the Master comes.

Be not afraid~ the Overcomer stands

With help and courage in His out-stretched hands.

He who has led, forever understands; For His dear sake, be strong!

Fight on~ but once the battle rests with thee, 

Then thou shalt rest for all eternity. 

To hang thy shield of faith in victory, O soldier brave, fight on!

love, 

How He helps us

in 

NE

July 14, 2012 at 1:58 PM

Scared to Death

 Wednesday, July 4, 2012

I would really like to think of a cute title for my blog, but what comes to mind, is "I'm "scared to death" about what happens next.

Today I saw Dr. Bascom for the plane for the chemo. When treatment starts and even if I don't know the exact day yet, that day is coming progressively closer.

In fact, this post is going to be very hard for me, because I'm not liking the face of the reality I'm looking at. So, when treatment starts I will have a long day with blood work at the doctor's office, over to the Cancer Center for IV chemo, with the antihistamines, the anti-nausea, the extra fluid, the cisplatin and VP-16 and then more fluid. Then there will be the radiation after that. It will be an all day thing.

The next two days will be IV with the VP-16, plus radiation. The radiation will continue 5 days a week, for 6 weeks at least. The chemo continues, once every three weeks for 4 cycles. (That continues after the radiation stops.)

We listened again to the side effects: hair loss, soreness in the radiation sites, magnesium and potassium depletion, lowered blood counts, and then there is that extra fluid requirement to make sure the chemo is out of my system to protect my kidneys. 

It sounds scary, really scary. I can't remember everything just now that we were told, but the impression I cam away with, is that I'm not ready for this, I don't want to do this, I'm scared to death about what is going to happen to my body with all this stuff they are putting in it.

So, enough fo that. I'm starting on the programs of spending the rest of my time in doctor's offices. Thursday, the 5th, I go to Omaha to the dental oncologist, Friday, I have a bone scan. They are talking of scheduling a PET scan. Monday, I go in at 6 am to have a port put in. (That's outpatient surgery.)

And what's next? Tune in for the next installment of...

Life in the Cancer Zone

10 comments:

Brenda said...

If I could just hold your hand...if I could just give you a hug,,,

July 4, 2012 at 10:51 AM

Bonita Sue said...

I can't comfort you and tell you it will be not so hard, or not as bad as you think, or it will soon be over. But, someday it WILL be over. I remember the feeling that I was betraying the body that had served me so faithfully all these years by allowing it to be poisoned within an inch of its life. 

Thankfully, that same body stepped up to the plate one more time and came through, and now I'm happy to have reentered the realm of normal life. Love you, sis in law

July 4, 2012 at 9:50 PM

The Chairman's Wife said...

I wish you didn't have to go through this awful journey, but just always remember many hands are holding up yours. As Bonita said, some day this can be but a memory. Thinking of you lots. 

July, 4, 2012 at 10:24 PM

MEJ said...

Oh--I am wishing you didn't have to face this either! Plain & simple, yes if sounds scary! But, as you well know we don't always get our "druthers" and I'm pretty sure that you will come thru this with the same endurance you've shown in other situations, Hang in there, we'll be right here for you!

July 5, 2012 at 2:25 AM

Lanae said...

I too am sorry you have to endure this. I think the feeling of being scared, not being scared, not being ready or wanting to do this, is only normal/natural in a situation like this. It sure sound scary to me...I can hardly fathom facing something like that. Going out and running really hard, running my races is like a torture to me/my body, but one I willing put myself through (because I'm weird like that) However its only a light affliction and soon over, especially compared to what you/your body are going go to through - but like others, I believe you DO have the endurance/strength/courage to make itj through, day by day, moment by moment, prayer by prayer, and that kit WILL be over and perhaps even seem like a light affliction in the light of eternity someday.

I think of you often...

July 5, 2012 at 8:18 AM

Darcie said...

What encouraging comments you have been left already! What a beautiful family we are a part of. I remember once what a lady that had cancer had shared...that as a human-being she was scared to death, but as a child of God she was at peace. God gave us our emotions and it's okay to feel those emotions, just know we are here for you, and God is already in tomorrow, to help ease the fear of what may come.

((hugs))

July, 5, 2012 at 8:49 PM

Janelle said...

I'm sorry that you have to go through all of this. I worked in chemotherapy at Mayo in Rochester before I had kids (6 years ago now), if there is anything I can do to hep you along this journey let me now. Just take it one day at a time, you'll get through it :)

Janelle

(Sheryl Stouffer's daughter)

July 8, 2012 at 3:06 PM

Anonymous said...

Shelley, I wish you didn't have to go through this either. I can only imagine the fear of the unknow that you must be felling. I also know that you are a very strong woman. You have a faith that I've always admired. Your family, friends, faith, prayer, love...all of this will help you through this ordeal I think you will go through all of the stages of grief for the loss you are experiencing, like the way it was, Just now that so many of us are giving you hugs and sending our love your way. Holly

July 9, 2012 at 3:56 PM

gkey said...

Dear in the C-Zone, 

Yes, a scary place to be. I am just feeling so thankful you do not have to be there alone..so many surrounding you with love and care and concern.

As you embark on this next phase of the journey, may you keep encouraged in our Father's love and be very aware that HE hold you n His hands though every minute of every day and night. One day down the road a ways...it will all be a memory. Curves in the road, ones you won't ever forget, but glad for what you gained of eternal value in them

love, 

sending hugs today

in 

NE

July, 14, 2012 at 1:41 PM

Anita said...

I'm slow to get caught up on blog reading again after our busy summer days, but you've been on my mind all along. You're well into it now and I'm do feel for you.

I'm sure the whole thing is so unreal. Wouldn't it be nice to just fast-forward to a year or 2 from now? 

All the best! xo

August 1. 2012 at 2:45 PM

Thank You Very Much

 Sunday, July 1, 2012

One of the things I never expected when putting my cancer story on this blog is just how much interest it would generate. I had surgery on May 30tand I meant to write this on on June 30th and look at the stats, but I forgot, I think I was rseting, fending off a headache. 

This month people looked at m blog just over 5000 times. I now have over 20,000 pages views. Wow! I really appreciate all the interest. It has helped keep me entertained. Thanks to all your you who come to see what is going on. There will be more information later this week. It is a holiday week, but I have two doctor visits in Kearney and one in Omaha. I also have family coining, so blogging will not be first priority, but I imagine there are plenty of other folks out there planning to celebrate this week, too, and not read blog posts.

I really am feeling better, My area of pain is concentrated on the bridge of my nose, and I do threat teh incision area carefully, since that is tender in spots. But, I am up and down and doing homey things. Not everything, since just making m bed still makes me puff, but I'm getting bored if I don' do things. I'm still not funning my house like I usually do especially in the food department. I don't care much about food these days, so we eat a lot of leftovers from somebody else. They are quick and need eaten anyway. So, thanks, folks, for enjoying my blog so I can enjoy it, too.

One last thing:

I've had several people wondering about leaving comments. If you want to make a comment, there is a box at the bottom of the comments list, and you can type a message in the box. The easiest way then to leave that comment is to click on the circle next to "anonymous". Just be sure to sign your name.

8 comments:

Renee said...

Hi, Shell! How fun to know you have a larger following than you thought!!! ENJOY family and fun and fireworks...and I with Food could be included in that but what good is it if it doesn't taste? Aww bummer!

July 2, 2012 at 9:48 AM

Unknown said...

Dear Shelley, just sitting here enjoying getting caught up on your posts and thinking that I should update mine. Our little second child is a cam joy, unlike his big sister who is our large dose of wild joy. He is learning how to crawl also and will sit for hours playing on the floor by himself or getting into sissy's stuff if she is close enough. A lady here in town said she marinated everything in Lawry's seasoning when her husband lost his taste due to cancer Don't know if that would work for you but it did for him. All for now. Love, Jeanne Ogden

July 2, 2012 at 3:68 PM

Dan & Cyndie said...

Enjoy!!!! your family, your fun times, your memories in the making!!! Then you can tell us all about it right here:) I just love popping in to see what's new...actually I just love you :) Cyndie

July 2, 2012 at 8:17 PM

Anonymous said...

Count me among your faithful readers, at least since May 30. Thank you for every time you have written. Yes, we read because we are interested and because we care so very much. Enjoy your family time and all of the good food your mom has been cooking. And remember to rest a lot even though you have company!

Sending love from Wisner, NE

July 2, at 9:38 PM

Anonymous said...

Hi Shelley! I just want you to know that I do read your blog, often, just since I found out about your cancer etc. We're very interested in how you're getting along, and wish you a complete recovery----a fast one would be great, too! (it's not that I don't like reading blogs, but I don't think of them very often----getting old 'ya know!)

Barb Kracht

July 2, 2012 at 10:28 PM

The J's said...

It IS fun to have readers! Hope you have a good time with your family--happy days! oh, I meant to comments on the other post about the boys--Wyatt is walking now, just! Thankfully he is much happier now he can explore more. I'm heading out to bring 4 grandkids back on Thursday and on Friday will have those 4 here too, That will be crazy, I'm sure. 

July 3, 2021 at 9:20 PM

Darcie said...

Yes, readers to make blogging more fun, and encourage us along as well, Been thinking of you again today, and hopped over. Hope you enjoy your day today. My honey has to work until 12, and then we are going to enjoy the afternoon and then our fellowship tonight. I will keep following as long as you keep on a blogging. :-)

July, 4, 2012 at 11:21 AM

gkey said...

dear Blogging friend,

Right now, I am not able to follow all the blogs that I used to....due to this VERY slow computer. However there are a couple I manage. Yours is right on top of the 'can't miss' list. 

It does hope, too, that we are not really in the same immediate 'neighborhood' lie we used to be. I mess those days, but life goes on...and so we can be thankful for various ways of keeping in touch anyway. 

love, 

bridging the distance,

in 

NE

July 14, 2012 at 1:59 PM