Thursday, December 18, 2008

On Second Thought, No Chemo

Just a quick FYI that Shawndra decided this morning not to take the chemotherapy treatment today. She hasn't been feeling very well the last few days. We whole-heartedly support her decision.

The infectious disease doctor visited this morning. He suggested that one more round of antibiotics be given, tomorrow (Friday), before heading home.

Ella's daycare/school is throwing a Christmas party late this afternoon. The kids have been learning songs for quite some time now. Ella sang Jingle Bells on the way to school this morning. She's quite the performer, I must say! I plan to shoot video and throw it up on YouTube so we can embed it in the BLOG. (Sorry, I may have just geeked out a bit there...)

- Doug

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bless your heart Shawndra. You have been through quite a time but you know your body and you know when it is too much so if a break from chemo is needed right now you do it. Get to feeling better soon so you can get home. I keep praying that you get to be home for the holidays and of course always for your miracle.

Looking forward to seeing that sweet Ella singing Christmas carols. It will be so precious!

Kristen

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see the youtube video! Those programs are so cute.

I too support Shawndra and her decision for now. I hope that the meds tomorrow do the trick and she is feeling better FAST. That way she can be on her way home for the holidays. That would be the best gift ever, as well as GOOD "medicine". You are all in our prayers for a peaceful, loving and spiritual holiday.

Anonymous said...

I am Brazilian and I found this blog when I was searching about the colonoscopy procedure. I have one schedule for next Tuesday(12/23). I am 32 years old and I am pretty scared of the procedure and results, but learning from Shawndras's ordeal, I must say that I have to learn with her on how to be a fighter. She is quite special and even though I do not know her, I am pretty proud of her. Doug, you must be too. She WILL BE at home for the holidays! I am sure! Danielle - Sorry for the grammar errors, english is not my first language.

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful performance Miss Ella! You have a huge audience waiting to see your debut online. :)

Shawndra, many well wishes coming your way!

Doug, thank you for the blog updates on you & your family.

~Pepper

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,
Our love and support are always with you. Hang in there!

Doug,
YOU ARE SUCH A TECHNO COMPUTER DORK!!! :)

Love to you both!
Brandi

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see the video of Ella. She just might have a future in performance! I'm so glad Shawndra is close to being out of the hospital and hope she will feeling better.
Bev (St. Louis)

Anonymous said...

CONTINUING TO PRAY FOR U DEAR SHAWNDRA,,,MAY THE GOOD LORD BRING U STRENGTH AND COMFORT SO U CAN GET HOME AND SHARE THOSE SPECIAL TIMES WITH YOUR FAM....GO GET EM ELLA....HOPE THE PROGRAM GOES WELL WITH YOUR JINGLE BELLS....I LOOK FORWARD TO VIEWING THE VIDEO...AND GOD BLESS U TOO DOUG...U AND SHAWDRA ARE A TRUE TESTIMONY TO LOVE IN THIS LIFE....GEEK AND ALL :) WITH CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP, YOUR ANGEL OF PRAYER IN KC, MO....JEN MILLER

Anonymous said...

I'm sure I'm not the only one who is looking forward to enjoying the results of your 'geekery', Doug :) Little Ella has her own fan club amongst your blog readers!

Shawndra has been through more than most of us could imagine or withstand; we are here to offer support and love and strength to you all. Our prayers for Shawndra and the family continue and are no less urgent or hopeful than they were when I first started reading this blog.

xxxxxxx,

jg in ca

Anonymous said...

Oh Shawndra...I hope you get to feeling better soon. :) Maybe this next round of antibiotics will do the trick.
Youtube for the Christmas program is an awesome idea, thanks for sharing your sweet angel with us and Shawndra will love it too!! And just think you can watch it over and over, much better than the origianl program sometimes because you can catch all the little things you miss the first time around! :)
Happy Holidays, so glad Shawndra will be home with her family for Christmas!!
Many Prayers~
Deb

Anonymous said...

Shawndra-
You are in my prayers, as well as the whole family! I cannot believe how big Ella is :) I as still cracking up over the "locked out of the house" at Gmas! How precious! One verse I have found comforting lately is John 16:24....of course all things in HIS time:) Jennifer Mayers (Blaise from UMKC).

Anonymous said...

Shawndra - I have been following your blog for some time now. I haven't ever commented, but I just wanted to wish you, Doug and beautiful Ella a Happy Christmas! I hope that you feel much better after your antibiotic treatment tomorrow and finally get to "home sweet home". I am sure that you are more than ready. Thank you for sharing your life, I always enjoy seeing whats up with you and your family. You are a very strong and caring person.I admire you! Go Ella-can't wait to see the video. Tami (independence, mo)

Anonymous said...

We can't wait to have you back home. We miss you! We completely support whatever decisions you make. You are such a fighter and you have been through so much. We pray that you feel better with each passing day and that you will experience love, peace and comfort as you enjoy Christmas surrounded by family and friends at home.

We send our love and prayers, Kelly and family

Anonymous said...

Sorry that you are still feeling so bad. Hope the antibiotics tomorrow do a whole world of good for you and then they send you home. I think being at home will do a whole lot for you as well. I am excited to see the video of Ella and her class.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you - The McRaes

Anonymous said...

shawndra and family, you know what is best and we are all here to support you. I hope you get to feeling better for christmas. You have endured so much, i can't even imagine...you are so courageous. peace to you all, amy graver beers

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,

Many prayers will be said tonight that you will get discharged from the hospital tomorrow and that you will be enjoying a restful weekend at home with Doug and Miss Ella. It sounds like you will be getting to enjoy some Christmas music and performances from you daughter. Rest well tonight and please call if you need anything.

Jennifer Teegarden

Anonymous said...

She knows what she can take and what she can't.

That's great.

She goes on taking decisions.
She goes on fighting.

God bless you all.

I pray you have a great Christmas all together at home.

Roswita-- Reading all those messages, I found that you received one from a 32 year old BRAZILIAN named Danielle.

Nothing is a coincidence.
IF SHE READS this blog again, SHE'll see that Roswita- is a BRAZILIAN, TOO.
I live in Florida and I know Shwandra.
A life fighter. My native friend, God only gives us what we can handle. Shawndra in Kansas is an example to all of us.

Anonymous said...

I've been following Shawndra's blog for a long time, and cheering her on all along. I'm sending a huge HUG to the whole family, and warm hopes that you'll all enjoy a beautiful Christmas at home together.
Jeanne

Anonymous said...

Shawndra,
I have been following your blog for a while, but never left any comments.
I just could not resist sharing the fact that I am Brazilian, too!
I hope you feel better soon so you and your family can celebrate a very special Christmas together.
Wishing you all the best,
Debora.

Anonymous said...

Doug,

You aren't a geek, you are just one smart cookie! ;)

Shawndra,

Of course I share everyone's sentiments...I hope tomorrow night finds you comfortable in your own bed and surrounded by ones you love.

You were in my thoughts all week and I have a few stories to share with you the next time I see you...remind me about the girl in the GI's office...

It is ironic that a random Brazilian (you know I love them!) should find your blog and comment about an upcoming colonoscopy. Having just completed my 3rd, I can honestly say that you made it 100x easier this time. Ok, I should give a little credit to a newer, and lower volume prep - MoviPrep - but the overall experience was good. I know you have been to hell and back, but through your blogs you have given many people strength to get through all of life's trials and tribulations.

I only hope we have given and will continue to give back to you all of the encouragement, strength and love that you need and deserve.

Love you always, d

Astraea said...

Praying for strength and healing.

Can't wait to see the video!!

Robyn said...

Shawndra,

I will pray for your strength to make it through this rough time. Keep up the good fight. Enjoy that sweet girl-sounds like a real firecracker!

Anonymous said...

Dear Shawndra, you are one smart cookie, making sure infection is gone before beginning the chemo, allowing your immune system to " revamp " is prob. a good idea.
YEAH, home for the holidays!! Hope you feel well & comforted with your family this Christmas season. Hope to hear from you when you get home.
THANK YOU for the update. Can't wait to watch miss Ellas performance!! God Bless, Vickie in J.C., Mo.

Anonymous said...

Shawndra-

We Love and Support you! Our thoughts and prayers are with you always! Keep Believing!!! Look forward to seeing Ella singing!

The Mudge Family

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see that video... know that you both are so proud of that beautiful little girl. Hang in there, Doug and thanks so much for your postings. The Ferraro's.

Unknown said...

My thoughts and prayers are with Shawndra daily. I hope she's feeling better and my prayers will be for her to come home very soon so she can be comfortable in her familiar surroundings with her loving family for the holiday's. You have my warmest wishes. God bless you and your entire family Shawndra. Leisa

Anonymous said...

Hope this note finds you snug at home with your family :)
I am so glad you decided to forgo the chemo and give yourself a deserved break and time to recoup. Enjoy your huby and baby girl. I will be thinking and praying for you as always!
Take care~
Deb - your warrior in LSMO :)
Happy Holidays