Sunday, August 26, 2007

Exhausted

Well, we are back from Houston. We met with the oncologist on Wednesday and actually felt like he made the trip worthwhile. He had a plan of action, restarting chemo, with another regimen, similar to the one I have done before but with a couple different medications. We didn't get into side effects, I have looked into the side effects of these and they are fairly similar to the folfox that I had been on. This new regimen is called Folfiri. I made an appointment with my oncologist in KC to tell him the game plan. I plan to continue to follow up with the oncologist at MD Anderson, since we really like him and the way he didn't waver on what to do. I will get my treatment here but then go to Houston every few months to have him check and see how I am doing, get testing done to follow my progress on this drug.
We got back on Thursday, then Friday night, I had a group of girls over for a "Desperate Housewives" slumber party. I am kidding about the desperate housewives part though. Then Saturday the husbands and kids all came out to the lake. It was a really great time. I really love this group of women that I have gotten to know, they are incredible people and they just make me so happy. Thank you to you all, I think you know who you are.
I have noticed that some of my fingers and toes are starting to go numb a little, I believe this to be after effects from chemo. It is a very strange feeling and it makes it more difficult to get Ella's little buttons on her clothes, etc. Otherwise I am feeling pretty good with the same old pain. I have a really hard time getting up in the morning, my body is so stiff, it hurts to get up and it takes awhile to get myself going in the morning.
I feel like there is so much to say, but I am working on getting all my paperwork organized on my desk, nightstand, etc. I have stuff everywhere and never sit down to just go through everything so I can throw things away. I hate clutter!!
I hope you all have a great week!!
Oh, I forgot to tell you all. Ella started a tots gymnastics class. We went to a make up class friday since she missed her first day when we were in Houston. She absolutely loved it, especially the trampoline. I knew this would be a hit, she loves jumping on our couches, to chairs, etc. I hope this keeps her from doing that and keeping that energy in the gym, hehe. Thank you for your continued prayers. I will continue to need them as I am still fighting for my life and hoping to prove all these doctors wrong that there is little chance of long term survival. I need all your prayers to help me win this battle. I appreciate you all so much, I wish I could personally tell each and every one of you! Please pray for Christy and Michelle, two other woman who are fighting Cancer who I communicate with from time to time. We mothers need to stick together! Shawndra

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

You have my continued prayers and support. Does Christine or Michelle have blogs? If they do maybe you could post it and tons of your friends and family could follow their blogs with lots of love and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Shawndra--we're praying for you!

Paulette said...

Shawndra, I come by everyday and say a prayer for you and hubby and Ella. I am so thankful that you had a good visit at M.D. Anderson. I know first hand about that hospital, as my dear friend Linda was a permanent fixture there in her cancer battle. They have some wonderful people there.
Keep fighting and I will definately pray as diligently for you as I can.
Blessings

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you and the outcome in Houston. I have a friend that has been being seen there as well for cancer and has been very happy with the treatments and care he has recieved. Keep following the path that you feel is the best course for you! I am also happy to hear that you are finding the time to do for yourself. That is so important to mental health....good friends are such a great source of comfort and FUN!!! Have a great week.

Anonymous said...

Keep staying strong. You have a wonderful support group. I visit your site often. You are doing great!
A friend of the Velander's.

Anonymous said...

I am so happy to hear that the trip to MD Anderson went so well! Sounds like the doc there has you on a plan for beating this! I am sure you are so happy with the fast acting and determined mindset and actions of this doctor. I know this is the right path for you and that God is using you as a miracle for us all!!!! Keep fighting hard and stay strong in your faith! Always praying for you and all the others fighting this horrible disease.

Anonymous said...

Hey ShawnD - keep up the good work...baby steps. Sounds like you have a good game plan with the new chemo. Maybe a change is all you need to kick its butt! I'm in my 4th week working at St. Jude here in Memphis and wow - these kids put up a fight! It's just so inspiring...kids beat cancer every day and so do older kids (you)...keep your chin up. Miss you...

Anonymous said...

Shawndra, I pray for you and your family daily. We just lost my mother-in-law to liver cancer, and I hope that you and your family never have to feel that loss!! Your little girl is adorable and you deserve to watch her grow up!! Have a great day!!

Anonymous said...

OK...I really must be losing it. I was reading through the posts and noticed that I entered mine with my grandaughters name! Where was my brain? Hope all is going well this week, it looks like it will be a beautiful weekend, ENJOY!