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A String to a Balloon

Sherryl has been resting as much as possible the past several days.  Her appetite is returning slowly, but she is experiencing some pain in her right hip.  She has difficulty walking, still uses her walker, and wants to do more walking each day -- even if it's only around the house.  She has an appointment with her oncologist this week and she's hoping the doctor will prescribe a mild medication for pain. 

Sherryl contacted Hospice by phone and spoke with a nurse case manager who told her she did not yet need Hospice's care, but now is a good time to understand all the program has to offer.  Sherryl scheduled an appointment at the Hospice Center the following week to meet with the case manager and to learn about all of Hospice's services and benefits. 

The case manager was as kind in person as she was on the phone.  Patient and gentle, she explained the scope of the program and stated that Hospice "supports life."  She explained that Hospice assumes care when a doctor and patient agree to stop aggressive treatment, i.e., chemotherapy.  The woman told Sherryl that she (Sherryl) would be able to select her own case manager when the time comes.  Sherryl recalled the telephone conversation she'd had with the same woman with whom she was meeting, and she recalled this woman saying to her that she did not yet need their services.  Sherryl's response was, "If you're available, I'd like for it to be you.  You gave me a string to a balloon."

Hold on to that string, RaRa.  It's helium-powered hope.  That balloon will keep you and your spirits buoyed.  And we're all here to help you, too.

~xoxo~ 

Hallelujah

Sherryl said she knew it was going to be a bad day when she stepped on the scale at her doctor's office and her weight had dropped to a number she hadn't seen since she was in her early teens.  Then her oncologist told her the current chemotherapy is not working and that her tumor marker is over 900.  He gently told her there are no more chemotherapies for her, and then he reminded her of a conversation they'd had a while back, one about a day when they would know there would be no more treatment. 

Sherryl's oncologist told her it's now time to focus on the quality of her life.  And he told her it's now time to contact Hospice.  Sherryl has contacted them and has an appointment next week; she learned that she does not need their services yet.  That news, coupled with the physical absence of medications, has given her spirits a boost.  The precious-sounding lilt in her voice is audible, and she's talking about a craft project she wants to begin at home as soon as she feels a little bit better.  

Sherryl has always wanted to "be at peace with cancer."  She has never intended to give up and still does not feel completely defeated by the disease.  But she understands the reality of her situation and will continue on this journey exhibiting a level of grace and dignity that is a lesson to us all.   

Interpreted as a prayer for mercy during devastating times, Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris sang it live last month on TV during the Hope for Haiti Now concert.  And k.d. lang sang it this past Friday night in Vancouver during opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.  Sherryl didn't see either of those performances, but she did see the song performed by the Canadian Tenors on the Oprah Winfrey Show last week.  She raved about this beautiful song and how moved the four tenors were when, as a surprise to them, Celine Dion joined them on stage mid-way through their performance.  Sherryl loved that a huge surprise was planned and carried out, and she loved the beauty of Celine's voice soaring with the voices of the Canadian Tenors.  But most of all, she loved the emotional reactions from each of the unsuspecting tenors as they discovered Celine had joined them on stage.  Even during difficult times, Sherryl is focused on making people happy, delighting them. 

This is a devastating time for our family, and we are being as brave as possible.  We are trying to emulate Sherryl's resilience -- for her, and for the younger members of our family.  But silently, we are each singing this prayer for mercy, too.  Hallelujah.   

~xoxo~

Determined

The scan that was performed earlier this month revealed a small tumor in the hip joint, so daily radiation treatment to that area began last week and will end in two days.  In the meantime, chemotherapy has continued. 

Sherryl has been very tired the past few weeks and has spent much of the time in bed sleeping.  She continues to use a walker and, overall, she's feeling very weak.  Her radiation oncologist validated today that her body is exhausted, probably due to cumulative chemotherapy treatments.  Sherryl's oncologist is on vacation, so she'll see another oncologist this week.  It is not yet determined if she will be administered chemotherapy this week. 

Sherryl has sorely missed being at day care and has missed spending the holiday season with the children.  But the perkiness in Sherryl's voice is beginning to return, and she's determined to regain her strength.  Determined.  Resilience.

To join the little elf above in cheering her on, here is one of RaRa's favorite Christmas songs.   

~xoxo~ 

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

Sherryl's favorite holiday has arrived once again and she is happily spending the day with the entire family.  Sherryl has hosted our annual feast every year since Mom passed away and now, it is with great love and pleasure, that she is passing the proverbial baton to Jonathan and Rachael to carry on the tradition of Thanksgiving dinner.  Fun will certainly be had by all! 

Sherryl has been feeling pretty well the past couple of weeks and, in fact, her tumor marker has dropped a bit to 470.  Following a conversation with her oncologist, she believes that the dip in her spirits was due to the current chemotherapy as it is known to play havoc with emotions.  The doctor also prescribed Sherryl a medication to reduce water retention.  She says she doesn't mind pushing through fatigue, but there's nothing she can do in this case for a side effect that involves swelling. 

Sherryl also learned that the results of the brain scan were back.  Her doctor reported the brain and skull are fine.  Sherryl has identified a small spot on her chin that is numb, so the doctor took note and explained that, if there is metastasis in the jaw, that may be the cause.  He plans to watch it carefully. 

On this Thanksgiving weekend, we are so thankful for the people in Sherryl's life who love her so very much.  From longtime friends to nurses to daycare kids and parents to our aunts, uncles and cousins -- you all make such a difference to Sherryl's spirits.  We hope you are spending part of this holiday weekend with those you love, too.  From our family to yours, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

~xoxo~

Not All Days Are Good

Sherryl had her second round of Chemo #6 last week and has subsequently experienced related side effects.  Leg pain, stiff knees, water retention, and fatigue are not a fun combination even by RaRa Resilience standards.  So, in addition to tears and lots of sleep, the walker was needed on Saturday and a cane on Sunday.  Sherryl did feel better Sunday evening, which she attributes to an 15-hour night's sleep.

Backing up to last week, Sherryl decided to be pro-active and ask for a particular test.  She has reasoned that nearly every part of her anatomy has been scanned; the only area not yet scanned is the brain.  So, although she is functioning physically and mentally well, Sherryl presented her rationale to her oncologist with a request for that particular test.  He agreed and the scan was scheduled for this past Thursday.  The availability of test results is pending.  Sherryl expects to get an update from her doctor during her chemo appointment this week.

Sherryl continues to push herself, even through bad days.  Sunday evening, she was baking a birthday cake for one of the children at day care and talking about Christmas gifts she has in the works. 

Resilience.  Here's wishing RaRa wakes up tomorrow morning to a good day.

~xoxo~

Chemotherapy #6: Docetaxel

Sherryl saw her oncologist on Monday and began a new chemotherapy today.  Docetaxel will be administered intravenously once a week for three weeks, then there will be no chemo on the fourth week.  The other news Sherryl received is that her tumor marker is 553.  This high number does not come as a surprise because chemotherapy is suspended during radiation treatment, so Sherryl has had no chemotherapy since before she was in the hospital.  Once radiation was completed, Sherryl's oncologist needed to determine if Gemzar should be resumed or not; the decision was to try another therapy. 

Sherryl's oncologist explained that, although there is "a lot of disease in the bone," it is not overtaking her the body and it has not spread to any organs.  He explained some of the side effects of the new drug, many of which are similar to side effects Sherryl experienced on the first chemotherapy.

After her first dose today, Sherryl says she feels tired, but it's a good tired.  She has returned to day care and continues to slowly but surely push herself in order to optimize her strength.

Special thanks to those who continue to send to RaRa prayers, good thoughts, and hopes for good health.  We so appreciate every thought and every gesture you express for our sister.

~xoxo~

Home Sweet Home

Sherryl arrived home from the hospital Monday evening and is enjoying the comfort of her own bed.  She is cautiously moving about without her walker, and Richard took her out today for radiation treatment as planned.  She also spoke briefly with her radiology oncologist; radiation will continue daily for a couple of weeks.

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being low and 10 being high, Sherryl describes her level of pain today at a 2, which is a tremendous relief from the intensity of pain she felt just a couple of days ago. 

She's already making plans for how she'll spend her time at home until she can return to work.  There won't be any painting projects, but there will be much thinking and planning. 

Thank you all for your prayers and good wishes for RaRa.  We may use the same words to say it each time, but we can never thank you enough for your love and support of our sister.

~xoxo~   

Scheduled to Come Home Monday

Sherryl is feeling better today, much better.  In order to restore a low cell count, a blood transfusion was ordered by Sherryl's doctor.  The transfusion of 2 units of blood occurred over a span of 4 hours today.  Radiation to the ilium is scheduled for later Monday afternoon and then she's expected to be discharged to home.  Radiation will continue 5 days per week for 2 to 3 weeks.  The type(s) of and schedule for chemotherapy is pending at this time.   

As always, Sherryl's fight against cancer is strong and quiet.  When she's not sleeping, she's chatting and her conversations are about people who mean the world to her.  If you know her, you are one of those people.

~xoxo~   

Hospitalization Continues, Radiation Begins

Sherryl is still in the hospital and is still experiencing pain in her left hip and leg.  The MRI taken this week of the pelvic area is currently being compared by Sherryl's radiology oncologist to the previous MRI of the same area.  As of today, radiation to the ilium is scheduled for Monday.

As a result of the pain, Sherryl is having some difficulty moving but did  move around her room a bit today.  On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being low and 10 being high, Sherryl described to her nurse today the level of her pain as a 6.  She has been given some pain medication and hopes to have a good night's sleep.  She also hopes to feel better tomorrow. 

We are not yet certain when Sherryl will be discharged from the hospital.  When she's not sleeping and not in too much pain, she is chatting.  And her chatting is always, always about the people in her life who mean the world to her. 

~xoxo~

Still Hospitalized and Another MRI

Sherryl is still in the hospital.  Thanks to the medications her doctors prescribed, intense pain has subsided.  She experiences a bit of discomfort and therefore moves slowly. 

Sherryl's oncologist and radiology oncologist visited her together in the hospital this morning  They explained that the views on the CT and MRI images were higher than they believe the pain to be, so another MRI was performed this morning to obtain views of the pelvis.  Both doctors believe the cause of the pain is coming from this area.  They plan to compare today's images with the results of the same tests taken last year.

In the meantime, Sherryl's numbers are low so there was no chemotherapy administered today.  Sherryl's oncologist did mention that the next treatment plan may involve two different types of chemotherapy.  Sherryl slept well last night and her appetite has been fair.  She is still sleepy, but when she's awake, she is very chatty.  We like it when RaRa is chatty. 

~xoxo~