The Multi-Million Dollar Machine

 Tuesday, August 28, 2012

All these ghost, guest, designated authors and other such titles given to contributors on this blog, we have one more really ghosty-writer in the background that has yet to be mentioned. 

He is the one that is going to tell me what is happening while I am strapped here in the radiation room during radiation.

Jim, of course, who is the one who plays a very important part in my whole treatment and recovery program and really doesn't get the recognition he deserves. He is so interested in the how and why-fors of all this stuff, and how it works. and some of it I would rather not know. But, that isn't the reason he is so great. He's kept track of all my feeding and medicine and just plain ME for so long. He comes as often as he can to radiation. He has decided to be my first line support team, and I couldn't manage without him. He has been just the greatest support ever.

When I walk into the radiation room, I see this. It isn't a very big room, but this machine fills it. 

Here is a better picture of the whole set-up which the radiation table on it's base, with my mask on the floor. The blue form on the table is where I put my head and then I usually get a nice warm blankie; it's freezing in there. 

After the mask is snapped to the table, green lasers are used to line up the tale under the machine. The table I am on moved back and forth on the base and around the whole circle underneath the machine. You can see the green light over the top of my nose in the photo below and another one would cross in a 90 degree angle, which isn't showing in the picture

On either side of my head, here, are flat plates that move to form a box sort of thing around my head that takes the CT scan every day, before that day's treatment. After the table is put into position under the machine(you can see my head closer to the screen here) and the entire body of the machine is toatoed around my head. (Looking at the first photo, it is all the light gray part of the machine.)

In the Control Room just outside the door, the operator watches the CT scan, (far right lower computer) makes the slight positioning adjustments of the rays, for that day's treatment and then watches me during the radiation procedure. I am in there by myself, but they are watching closely in case I need something. 

The radiation room has 5ft. thick concrete walls. 

Mondays are always the worst days of radiation treatment for me. After having a couple days off, it is rather depressing to go in and start another round. And this Monday after having a whole week off, it was worse yet. I didn't feel like I was in control of the mucus in my throat, (I take the crazy suction machine with me, because it is a little cleaner than other methods of getting loads of mucus frmo the trhoat and mouth area), I had seen the doctor instead of the PA and he made me more nervous yet. So, it took longer this time to calm my nerves to get on the table and breathe normally. I really hate to admit this. On the outside chance that anyone I know will have to undergo mouth or neck cancer, I wasn't to be able to breeze through ti. To let people know, that even if it is really hard and really no fun, it CAN be done. But, perhaps for those people out there, it would be comforting to know, that they do have sedating and calming things for people who really are claustrophobic. I have a mini-breakdown, and the radiation people were so kind to help me feel comfortable and ready. I would like to know how others respond in this situation. We saw a man yesterday and as he was leaving yesterday his said, "she brought her machine." Something was also mentioned which indicated her was nearly done, and they were gone and it was my turn. So as I was getting myself ready and feeling badly to be giving them so much trouble and said something to that effect, and she mentioned it happens near the end, almost like it was that man who had trouble, too. Who knows. I looked for his this morning, and he had his suction machine along and no one else, so perhaps he was feeling better, too. Jim talked to him a big, he can talk now, but I can't very well. It just hurts too much after awhile. So, the PA today talked about other things like sedation and relaxants, which are fine for people who need. them. She just didn't think that I really qualify, since I've done so well so far. There are other tricks to try, so after I'd suctioned well, I had them turn up the music to I could listen, asked them how many minutes I had for treatment and counted songs, while I waited. It helped the time go a lot faster and I was done. I'm never quite as anxious the other days of the week and I should only have one more "first day of the week left", after labor day. 

Today was the first day for the Boost, we are starting to count down to the end of the radiation days. I'm not sure yet when the end will be, but it is getting closer. 

 15 comments:

Oleva said...

You ARE brave, even if you don't think you are!!! And you are brave to even tell others about it--for sure. Glad for every treatment that becauses past tense. We have no doubt as to Jim being all you said and more. Tho we haven't seen him a lot we have seen that in him. It takes a "weak" man to be strong--in other words 'weak in himself.' A big thanks to him. 

Hang in there, all of you,

Love and care, 

C. and O.

August 28, 2012 at 9:39 PM

Renee said...

Wow, Shell...this post completely wigged me out! I would definitely need some sort of sedating and calming help I do believe. That machine is ginormous and spooky. You,...are ginormously amazing!! and of course, part of that is because you have an amazing life partner than is standing by you1 He definitely deserves out kudos!! YaY that there is only one more First-Day to go!!!!xoxo

August 28, 2012 at 9:39 PM

John and Sandy Linder said...

You are showing everyone how to breeze through this type of experience whether you agree or now. You must be a strong person even in weakness and have wonderful family to hold you up when you can't hold yourself up!

Yeah for being on the countdown!

August 28, 2012 at 10:01 PM

Elaine T. said...

Wow! That is Quite the procedure, and quite the equipment. Your post was Very interesting and you Are doing Awesome! It's quite alright to have a mini breakdown, I would think you were "normal" if you didn't! You are one fortunate lady to have a stand-by like Jim, as well as teh rest of your family and friends, to see you thru this ordeal. Wishing you the Best.

August 28, 2012 at 10:25 PM

Dan & Cyndie said...

Like Renee...I am not so certain I wouldn't have to have daily sedation just to face that macine!

WOW!! you are amazing & you are doing awesome!!! and, yes, we are all so grateful for the one you is your first-line support tea, take care dear friend :)

August 29, 2012 at 8:17 AM

Raimie said...

Dear Auntie Shelley, 

We are thinking of you so much these days and praying things go just as they are meant to. I'm convinced that God is the most important "ghost-writer" in this picture. We see him indirectly but so clearly at work in all of this and pray His peace and rest will cover you during this rough time. 

I cannot imagine dealing with the claustrophobia So glad you are n such careful and knowledgeable hands tho.

Thank you again for you honesty, 

Love you,

Raimie Lu

P.S. As you are counting the songs and the days until this chapter is over, listen carefully. You will hear the faint echo of countless friends, near and far, raising our voices to count with you. We are all praying for you strength and for the day you can raise your voice above and whisper and sing along1 hugs, hugs, hugs!

August 29, 2012 at 2:28 PM

Ruth said...

Yea for counting down! So glad for your awesome support team and I so admire your courage and spirit. Hang in there special lady!

August 29, 2012 at 2:44 PM

Mimi/Susan said...

I've been 'watching' from afar, and remembering you in prayer. Today I must comment. You are one strong lady to go thru these treatments without sedation. I almost needed some while looking at the pictures. I used to administer sedation to pts undergoing medical procedures not many people could face this particular one without it. You are amazing!

August 29, 2012 at 6:45 PM

Anonymous said...

Shelley, once again I am just amazed, inspired and so very proud of you!! You are just so brave and I love you openness and ow you just face things head on! And yay for Jim for being right there beside you thru it all!!! Love and hugs to you all!! Janet

August 29, 2012 at 8:17 PM

Luanne said...

Dear Shelley, 

Remember the story, The Little Engine that Could? "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can." :)

I read it to Jayden when she was here...anyway you're getting closer to the "I THOUGHT I COULD" part. The OTHER side of the mountain. Way to go!

p.s. I had a flash back tonight looking at your beautiful teenager, remembering you with a beautiful little girl on your lap in Bible study! Just a blink in time. 

August 29, 2012 at 9:47 PM

The J's said...

Seems like all I can add is Wow! and Amen to what others have said!! I know we wil ALL be glad & rejoice for you/with you when this is done!

August 30, 2012 at 1:57 PM

Anonymous said...

Thank you for keeping us posted on all you are having to go thru. I think in a way, it helps us to be stronger also. You have many, many thoughts and prayers going your way as you know. It will be wonderful when you are done with it all. Glad for your family and all of our family as they keep us going onward when sometimes we just want to sit down and do nothing. Take care and keep up being strong. 

Wayne and Darlene Jenson

August 31, 2012 at 9:14 PM

Anita said...

I've never been able to follow along in such detail with some of this--thanks for sharing that. 

Do hope you're soon done with the radiation. Lots of love and care!

September 1, 2012 at 10:07 AM

Unknown said...

Dear Shelley, I got to meet one those machines on my nursing round. Not something I think one could face without sedation or a lot of strength backing you up. Even if you have your hard times it takes a lot to deal with that treatment I would think. We got to lay on that table and have a mask put over our heads to see what people deal with and I can't even imagine what it would take to do that for real let along write about what it is like. You are one strong lady. I so admire Jim for being there and keeping everything in order and learning all he can and just being there for you, that takes a lot also. As said about, I hope you can hear all the voices in the background there with you and your famiily as you go through all this. Love, \

Jeanne

September 3, 2012 at 8:27 PM

Darcie said...

Thank you again for sharing our heart, and the whole story, emotions and all, in this stretch of road you are going through right now. I think honesty is so enriching, especially when and if others have to face the same thing. Your bravery and spirit have touched so many during this time!

September 6, 2012 at 8:47 PM

And...a Good Night to You All

 Saturday, August 25, 2012

It is good to be out of the hospital at last!! They dismissed me about 2 pm, and we had so much gathering up to do that waiting didn't seem long at all. Really, now on earth so many possessions can spread all over such a tiny room in a week's stay, I have no idea!

Of course, so much of that week's stay consists of keeping track of a ridiculous number of medications salves, rinses and machines meant to keep me comfortable and well.

One of the things that I have found out in my lie even if I am in the hospital for a week, I'm not going to be having any time to be reading or knitting. And it was true again, as well. I don't feel well with a fever and low blood counts. And I really don't like what morphine does to me. Even when I have "normal" amounts. I can't stay awake to even thing. They wanted to send me home with it, but I bargained hard for going home without and I won, so I am back to the pain med. I have before I was in the hospital at all, and feeling human again

What a blur that week was. I just lost one, clear out of my life, and we pick up and start again, just last week, only the numbers on the calendar have changed. 

Thanks, thanks, to all the visitors, and commenters, and just-standing-byers. It meant a lot more to my family at the time than to "way out of it" me, but I am enjoying them now. 

10 comments:

The J's said...

Oh Good!! I've been wondering if you got to go home or not. Just had to come check before bed! I imagine morphine has it's place...but it seems to be crazy stuff to deal with! I remember when G'ma Ruth had it. Ick

Hope you have a good night! I know you will be glad to be in your own place.

August 25, 2012 at 10:47 PM

John and Sandy Linder said...

HOME SWEET HOME ~ Happy to hear you are home!

August 25, 2012 at 11:52 PM

Lanae said...

Oh, I am glad you're home again! Just checked in before leaving for meeting to see if you were. Hope the night was good. Admire the spirit you have in getting that bargain made for your benefit. :) I don't like meds that make me feel weird, unable to think or not so human either!

Thinking of you lots...more than I comment, certainly.:)

August 26, 2012 at 9:12 AM

Juli said...

So so glad to hear you're home! And glad you're off the morphine, too. It is so comforting to be able to read your own posts again! Not that I haven't appreciated your ghost writers...I really have, but it's sure nice having you back!

August 26, 2012 at 1:17 PM

Luanne said...

Hi Shelley, thinking of you today. Missed you this morning, but so glad for the smiles and good reports from you family! Hugs to you. Luanne.

August 26, 2012 at 1:48 PM

Anonymous said...

Hi Shelley, 

Every time I read a post that YOU wrote, I am amazed! I read your blog, but don't always comments. I, too, am thankful for the others who are posting for you, but like someone else said, "it's great to hear straight from you"! That shows that you're doing better again! What you're going through sound so terrible, and yet you make it sound like it's "not so bad"---wow, what a wonderful attitude!

Barb K.

August 26, 2012 at 4:58 PM

Dan & Cyndie said...

Yay!! for being HOME!!! So thankful that your hospital stay has ended & you are home WITHOUT the morphine! So thankful, too, hearing your voice here again after so many days absent. Like others have said, though, sure am grateful to you ghost writers #1, 2, & 3 :)

August 26, 2012 at 5:39 PM

Griffee Family said...

Just wanted you to know we're thinking of you and cheering for you! Hope you're feeling MUCH better soon!!

Love and care from Marysville!

August 26, 2012 at 10:41 PM

Anita said...

PS - do you all need some special WI bacon?;)

So many of these posts and the comments have made me teary-eyed. I'm so glad to be reading better news again and hope the next rough spot isn't so rough or long as this one was. Thinking of you all lots and hope things have kept on heading upwards xo

August 27, 2012 at 12:46 PM

Darcie said...

Hope you are resting quietly and comfortably at home sweet home. Thought of you all week and was anxious to get over here and see how you were doing!

August 27, 2012 at 7:22 PM

The Third Ghost Appears

 

Friday, August 24, 2012

Here's another ghost-writer making her appearance. Hee hee. I'm actually not a ghost, if you happened to believe me, but the daughter of the wonderful woman who is presently sleeping in a hospital bed. Mom had a better day today, buy she is getting increasingly more tired as the days go on. I thought that mom would get bored being in the hospital for a week, but I guess it's not exactly boring, alternating between sleeping, choking on gunk, taking medicine, getting fed and nursing her mouth sores. It's all quite awful to tell you the truth, so it probably would be better if it was boring. 

Anyway, they quit her IV antibiotics this morning and are waiting to see if she develops a fever overnight. So far so good. If she doesn't get a fever by tomorrow, she will get to come home!!!!!!! They still don't know the source of the infection so they think if may be a reaction to the necrotic tissue that is sloughing off. Mom still can't talk or swallow, but she is getting quite good at communicating in more creative ways such as notes, sign language, and gestures. She hardly ever gets discouraged and if she can't get what she wants across in one way, she tries another. Basically, she's being the perfect example of how to endure gracefully in a horrible situation. I hope that next time you hear form this blog there will be a fever-free mommy sleeping in her own bed!

-Lynette Lea

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for writing, Lynette! You are a loving, loyal, and brave daughter! Yes, you mom is a picture of gracefully enduring as she goes through this ordeal. Sure hope that she will be home where she belongs tomorrow. Love and caring thoughts to your whole family...sent from Wisner NE.

August 24, 2012 at 9:39 PM

Renee said...

Well, Hi there little Miss Ghost writer the seconds, more commonly called, Lynette! How lucky your Mom is to have her daughters to encourage her along through all this awfulness. I am sure you are a great help to her!! Sure hoping for the green light to go home tomorrow!!

Thanks for posting!!!

August 24, 2012 at 9:56 PM

gkey said...

Dear #3, and family,

On our way to workday, In the pouring rain and thinking of you1 Thanks for being there for that dear dear one who is loved by so many! This ordeal will all be behind you one day, and you will all treasure each other all the more because of there hard days.

We are hoping you have a better day today. 

Love and heartfelt care

August 25, 2012 at 9:06 AM

The J's said...

Thank you, Lynette, as mentioned once before your mama is a good example of the "creed" on the sidebar of her blog!!

Hoping for a GOOD day for all of you. 

August 25, 2012 at 10:12 AM

Dan & Cyndie said...

It's good to hear from YOU, Lynette!!

and yes you are so right, your mama is an example of gracious endurance. So thankful to be a witness to that spirit :) It's nearing noon on Saturday & I hope a fever-free mommie is as home in her own bed!

with much love & care from us two!

August 25, 2012 at 11:39 AM

Oleva said...

Need to be doing something else, but wanted to see how it is going there, and sooooo glad to see your post, Lynette. We hope the brighter side of this journey appears soon and STAYS!!! Saw your Aunt B. at corn day yesterday and she must have been very happy to see it it the freezer!! She had a BIG batch to see about! (but she is always pleasant self regardless) Wish you could come eat some of it with us. We'll look for that another time! Special greetings to all the family and best wishes for a good day tomorrow.

Love and care, 

Carl and Oleva

August 25, 2012 at 9:44 PM

She's back with us!

 Thursday, August 23, 2012

We're sorry to be a little slow in writing a new post. Maybe we were unconsciously waiting for the rest author to be back with us! And now...

Here she is!

I'm finally feeling back in the real world

after struggling with morphine issues.

I mean, the stuff works great for pain, but interferes with real life.

So, I feel like I've hardly been around the last few days

to take in what is going on around me. 

I'm hoing now to be going home Saturday morning 

after finishing IV antibiotics.

Finally!

What an ordeal this has been,

and I hope to catch up on missing details later. 

Dodie has all the particulars under her care, and can can give you those.

So, we've got a joint effort going on tonight. 

Shelley

So now, folks, isn't that just the greatest? Not a whole lot to say about the last few days since they were basically just a morphine blur. It became pretty evident by afternoon yesterday that there was waay too much morphine in this little lady's system, so the decision was made to reduce it by a third, which the thought more could be added if she couldn't tolerate. That decision was made without her knowledge so there wouldn't be an anxiety about have less factored in. She tolerated it really well, and...need we say any more? Tonight she is perky enough to feel like writing that bit, her pain is well managed, and she is continuing to deal with the side effects of chemo and radiation, non of which are pleasant. They've all been described to you before, so we'll skip it...expect to say that the ghostwriter's term Demon Mucous is 100% accurate.

Thanks sincerely to the entire cheerleading section!

The Sister-in-law Who Counts it a Huge Privilege to be Shelley's "Nurse" This Week!

5 comments:

Renee said...

Yippee  YaY, Shelley is back!! What a happy note to go to bed on!! 

YaY for Shelley's sister-in-laws...from nursing to blogging to sowing the seed...they have it down!!

August 23, 2012 at 10:26 PM

gkey said...

Dearest Shelley, 

It is good to have your "blogging-voice" back...even for a little note here. We are thinking of you often every day!

Thank you D for being Shelley's nurse and so much more. 

Love, 

The Keough family

August 23, 2012 at 10:27 PM

Oleva said...

Just got on here quickly to see about you, Shelley. So glad I did, now I can go to sleep happier!! So glad for any plus in your 'world' and think of you daily and often during the day. Glad for you caring sister in law giving you and all a helpful hand. Looking forward to seeing Bonita tomorrow. She will be busy!!!!

with care,

C. and Oleva

August 23, 2012 at 10:32 PM

John and Sandy Linder said...

So glad you have a such a good personal nurse! And happy to hear from you for a bit. 

Keep on keeping on Shelley girls!

August 23, 2012 at 11:03 PM

The J's said...

Good to see you for a bit this morning! So glad you've managed to surface again! Yay for pushing on, yay for a great nurse/SIL!

August 24, 2012 at 8:13 PM

Up and down, and all around...

 Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The chemo/radiation gig is definitely a land of hills and valleys. When you leave the valleys, you just have the feeling that you'll never see them again, and it's true, you won't see that particular valley again, but there is sure to be a new one around the corner! Yesterday wasn't all that good a day, though nothing specific, but last evening they found Shelley had a fever of over 102 again. So, that got them going on IV antibiotics being resumed, and a round of tests to determine the source of infection. Eventually, they got her fever down, and things calmed down again, and she had a "fair" night. Anyway that certainly dashed any hopes of going home today, which had been the plan for awhile.

Now, the news for this morning is that Shelley's white count it up to 2.5, a nice increase, and her ANC is 1400, which is nearly a normal level. Dr. Oncologist was in this morning--he's a unique "nerdy" bookish fellow, who actually carries a little black doctor's bag! The source of the infection remains a mystery, since all the test to try to determine that, have come back negative, buy guess the treatment is the same anyway--more IV antibiotics, at least through Saturday. Guess Shelley will know what her address will be for the next few days! They took the "neutropenic cautions" off yesterday, which means Shelley isn't quite as much at risk for picking up new infections. 

A lot of the "plan" has been suspended while Shelley recovers a bit, but it was interesting to her that Dr. Oncologist doesn't plan, and has never planned, ot give more than two chemo treatments during radiation. So, that last two chemos will we done sometime after the radiation is in the past. What a relief to hear that! After Shelley's ANC is back above 1500, they will resume radiation. She just has one more treatment of regular radiation yet. Then they will do the "boost" which is concentrated in the area where the tumor was removed. That should give her poor beat up neck area a chance to start healing. 

Right now, Shelley spends a lot of time sleeping, which is quite merciful--a wonderful way for time to pass. Her mouth, throat, tongue, nose and probably sinuses are full of sores. Her body makes lots of mucus to copy as the sores slough off the old cells and start healing. The mucus causes, coughing, gagging, choking, coughing, coughing and more coughing. Hopefully, any remaining tumor cells are finding their way down the drain these days, also. 

Thanks again for checking in!

5 comments:

The J's said...

Obviously, very much one day at a time. But it's good that's really all we ahve to deal with anyway. Hoping for a continued recovery on this segment!

August 22, 2012 at 2:42 PM

Renee said...

So glad for the update!! Hang in there, Shelley.  Your cheerleading section is cheering earnestly for you!! xo xo

August 22, 2012 at 2:46 PM

Gramma Lorna and Grampa Garland said...

So glad for the post so we are "up-to-date" again! Our thoughts are up there with you, Shelley, and know you are getting very special care with Dorothy and your family with you!! Keep your patient 'lil smile on and we'll try to stop by again soon! Love you!

August 22, 2012 at 4:18 PM

Unknown said...

Dear Shelley and family, Thinking of you all, sorry it took so long to get updated and have been thinking of you through this last week. I think for a minute that Parkinson's and all that goes with it are hard to deal with sometimes and then know that there are families out there going through so much worse. So, I am hoping that the mucus issue is soon behind you as that is bad enough on its own, but combined with everything else, well, that is just more than I can imagine. Glad you are close to home even if you can't be home and that family can be with you. Love, Jeanne

August 22, 2012 at 10:41 PM

Dan & Cyndie said...

We are cheering & keeping positive thoughts winging their way to you side. It's good news about the chemo & radiation separation :) and hopefully you can continue to get some rest. love you much & plan to pop in on you tomorrow :)

August 23, 2012 at 11:26 AM

Smiling again in Kearney

Monday, August 20, 2012

It's so exciting to be able to shard good news tonight! Shelley is feeling a lot better today--her pain in under control, she's sleeping at times, the demon mucus is not quite so bad. It seems like she has rounded the bend again! Her white count is up from .7 to1.1 (normal is something like 4-7.) Her fever is way down although she still has a slight fever. The criteria for going home is to be fever free for 2 hours. She didn't have radiation today, and it will depend on what her white count is tomorrow morning whether she'll have radiation tomorrow or not.

Now that Shelley is feeling better, everyone else is felling better, too. I'm sure you've heard the saying, 
If momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy." Well, this is just a little variation of that! The mom really IS the heart of the family. (She won't like that word 'ain't' soiling her blog--sorry, Shelley!)

Just a little picture of Shelley's spirit--the doctor's physician's assistant came in today and sat and talked with her at length, reassuringly. Shelley then wrote a note ofj the PA, "I'm going to be fine..." Jim, Lorene, Lynette and Dorothy have all had their turns being with Shelley today. Dorothy will be staying the night tonight--Jim is there right now.

11 comments:

John and Sandy Linder said...

Smiles over Kearney gives us smiles too! So glad for another bend in the road behind you1

August 20, 2012 at 9:12 PM

Renee said...

What a gal you are, Shelley! My heart feels lighter hearing this lovely news!! I do believe you are living up to you little quote over to the right..."What must be done, is best done cheerfully." Sleep tight, Shelley Anne!

August 20, 2012 at 9:19 PM

Oleva said...

So glad I checked this fore turning in for the night because it is a good "bedtime story." Glad another corner is turned and hope the next is mere curves until this treatment business is ALL over with. Hope to see Bonita this weekend--prep time is WI.:-)

with care 

C. and Oleva

August 20, 2012 at 10:20 PM

Anonymous said...

Shelley, Another tough stretch is now behind you. You continue to amaze me with your attitude. Keep itj up! Looking forward to when we will be able to see your smiling face on Sunday mornings! Each day gone is another day closer. Hugs, Holly

August 21, 2012 at 12:05 PM

Luanne said...

Keep on smiling...please! hugs to you today. Lu

August 21, 2012 at 12:22 PM

gkey said...

Dear smiling again,

I wish I would have opened this last night! Glad for the "up-again-update."

Thanks for letting your very dear Sis in laws take care of the blog when you can't.

Love, 

The Gkey friend

in NE

August 21, 2012 at 3:07

Dan & Cyndie said...

So glad for an UP-date :) When we stopped up to the hospital Sunday you were quite miserable & yet still gave us a smile or two!!

Loving your spirit, your attitude...just loving you

August 21, 2012 at 6:47 PM

Gramma Lorna and Grampa Garland said...

Checking your post this evening to see how your day went today, but that ghost rider, er... writer must be too busy to right, er... write! :-) Hope it was an even better day!! Love you!!

August 21, 2012 at 9:17 PM

The J's said...

A big "Thumbs UP" :)

August 21, 2012 at 9;17 PM

Dorothy K said...

To those following this blog. We're going to wait until the Dr. comes for the "authorized writer" to post a blog...the deal is she had a rather rotten day yest and a bump in the road last night, but now is tending right back up...just going to set back the earlier plan of her getting dismissed today. Authorized writer will tell ya all about it!

Dorothy

August 22, 2012 at 9:05 AM

Renee said...

We are here checking in, Dorothy, and thankful for the update. Didn't like it's contents, however. Glad to read she's marching upwards again now!! Thanks for posting!

August 22, 2012 10:29 PM

Just by a thread...

 Sunday, August 19, 2012

This will just be a quick update tonight for those of you who make up Shelley's support group and cheering section. First of all than you so much to everyone who is caring, praying, writing, cooking supporting, visiting, standing by, even "commenting." This is truly and "in the trenches" experience and you are helping make it more bearable.

If you peek into Shelley's room tonight at Good Samaritan Hospital, you will find her propped up in a sitting position trying to get some relief from mouth pain and the mucus situation. Pain control has been a big issue today and maybe they're getting that worked out now. Her white count hasn't improved today, in fact has slipped down in the wrong direction a little more. Hopefully, tomorrow will see the white cell count climbing. 

She still has a fever, although not as high as it was at first, hard to think that she'll be able for her radiation treatment tomorrow, but guess that really isn't decided at this point. Dorothy is spending the night with Shelley again tonight, and JIm is going to try to sleep at home.

Still hanging in there, but just by a thread...

Shelley and family/by guestwriter

9 comments:

Lynisha Weeda said...

Thinking of you all - still- hope you can find some relief from the pain, Shelley!

Your "journey" began as we were finishing up the school year, and now here we are starting a new one tomorrow. After updating myself on your blog this evening, suddenly any pity thoughts toward myself are gone and thankfulness its in its place. 

Know that you are in our thoughts and praters more often than I express!

August 19, 2012 at 10:44 PM

gkey said...

Dear Shelley, 

Hope you get better quick, but glad they do know how to do the best things for you right now to help get you there. 

Love, 

G

August 19, 2012 at 11:07 PM

Renee said...

No words... just lots of love.

August 19. 2012 at 11:50 PM

Anonymous said...

So wishing there was something we could do to help, but just know you are all wrapped tight in our love, thoughts and prayer! Hoping for a better day today!!

August, 20, 2012 at 7:39 PM

Lanae said...

Just thinking of you SO much, Shelley, and your family, too. So sorry for all that has do be endured, is being endured, and hope for brighter days when you can look back and rejoice in having made it through. My love and prayers to all...and thankful that Dorothy can be there to help, too.

August 20, 2012 at 8:54 AM

Anonymous said...

Shelley and family,

Just thinking of each one of you so much lately. Just know there are virtual hugs coming your way today. Hopefully, the doctors can get on top of the pain today and make it more bearable for you.

Love and hugs, Holly

August 20. 2012 at 11:53 AM

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you all there with lots of love and care.

Karla and Mike

August 20, 2012 at 2:52 PM

Ruth said...

Hugs and care to all of you...

August 20, 2012 at 7:45 PM

The J's said...

I was so glad to see you this afternoon--and looking/seeming must improved from yesterday! Keep pushing forward!❤️

August 20, 2012 at 8:05 PM