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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~

Tired, and Waiting for Results

Sherryl is still in the hospital.  In addition to the CT scan, an MRI was done yesterday.  Sherryl's radiology oncologist will arrive in Sherryl's hospital room some time this evening to give her the results.

She has not slept very well over the past two days, so medication is being adjusted accordingly.  As of early this afternoon, she'd had a little lunch, was chatty with immediate family and the nurses, and may sleep a bit before the visit from her doctor.

Thank you for all your prayers and good wishes.  They mean the world to Sherryl and to us.

~xoxo~ 

MRI Results ~ All Clear!

Good news!  Sherryl learned today that the results of the MRI conducted last week are good.  Nancy told Sherryl that nothing appeared on the MRI.  Sherryl's left hand and arm are still swollen due to edema, so Sherryl will begin physical therapy on Tuesday as planned.  Frequency of physical therapy visits is not yet determined.  Sherryl's next appointment with Nancy is October 3; she'll learn the latest tumor marker then. 

RaRa is in rare form these days.  When asked what else Nancy had to say, RaRa replied, "She said, 'Bye, take care!' " 

It's really amazing how far Sherryl has come in a year.  This time last year, she was so weak she could hardly walk down the hallway of her home.  But she continued to push herself and rebuild her strength with each step she took.  Much credit is due to Sherryl for her perseverance and for her resilient attitude. 

As those who frequent Day Care know, artist Mary Engelbreit is a favorite of Sherryl's.  Here is a great quote from Ms. Engelbreit that is very representative of Sherryl's attitude.

"If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it."  ~Mary Engelbreit

Happy Autumn, everyone!

MRI Today

As scheduled, Sherryl is undergoing an MRI today to determine the cause of the edema currently present in her left arm.  She will hear the results from Nancy as soon as they become available, and then we'll share the outcome as soon as possible here.

In the meantime, a question was recently raised about whether or not it's OK for Sherryl to get phone calls at home.  Absolutely!!!  As long as she is feeling great, she loves to catch up with family and friends.   

We're sending a special hello to our cousin Marie who hasn't been feeling well lately.  And hello to Auntie Pattie, too, who is helping Marie out these days and who we know loves us all very, very much.  We love you both!

"Disappointed, Not Devastated"

Those are the words Sherryl used to described how she felt following her appointment today with her Oncology Nurse Practitioner, Nancy.  Here is what she learned today:

• The tumor marker has increased to 292.
• The PET scan shows cancer spots are present in all four sections of the spine: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacrum. 
• Small cancer spots are present on 2 ribs and on both lungs.
• No cancer is present in the liver or kidneys.
• Nancy stated this form of cancer is a chronic condition and, with the right treatment plan, can be controlled.

Sherryl will have two MRIs today and another on Friday.  Her next appointment with her oncology team is next Tuesday when she will receive further results and then learn how her caregivers plan to proceed with treatment.

In preparing for this morning's appointment, Sherryl has readied herself over the past month to hear anything -- good news, bad news, and everything in between.  Now that the results of the PET scan are known, she told us she's disappointed, but not devastated. 

She also said she was very much looking forward to enjoying a mocha this afternoon but can't have one because of the two MRIs scheduled for later today.  In typical RaRa fashion, she told us, "I'm fine, and I want everyone else to be fine, too."

A Perfect Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was very special this year to us all.  Following a full day of love, laughter, and a lavish feast that began with tearful individual gratitudes and ended with amusing group songs, there was a slumber party at Sherryl's house.  The younger generations stayed and conversations, including those with RaRa, continued well into the wee hours of the morning.  Once everyone was asleep, Sherryl tells us she woke up once in the middle of her slumber and realized she was smiling.  She said she thought to herself, "Perfect.  What a perfect Thanksgiving."  And it was.

The rest of Sherryl's weekend was busy.  She is taking full advantage of welcoming energy back to her side, and was out and about on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Some have told her she sounds great.  To others, she sounds just like she always has -- exuding happiness, connecting with every single person she meets, and loving life itself.

As scheduled, Sherryl had an MRI today; tomorrow brings a CT scan and physical therapy.  An appointment to learn test results is scheduled for Wednesday.  Given Sherryl's great response to all treatment to date, there is much optimism as we await the outcome.  In the meantime, she is determined to rebuild her strength and has vowed to walk as much as possible. 

You may have noticed the color scheme for this update page has changed.  And, in keeping with RaRa's resolution to do a lot of walking, the little icon located in the upper left corner of this page, which was once a photograph of California poppies, is now a photograph of shoes.  There's a reason for the color change, and the shoes are not just any old shoes.  'Tis the season, you know. 

Results of MRI #2

The MRI showed the metastasis in Sherryl's back is a bit "extended," which means it is a little larger than it appeared on the first MRI.  There is a chance it may have grown between the time the first MRI was performed and the start of medication.  However, the MRI also shows the area where the spine was treated looks better as a result of the radiation therapy.  The radiology oncologist will keep a close watch on the spine area. 

Sherryl's lower left leg has improved since she raised the related concern with her doctor.  At this time, her back aches a bit. 

Sherryl is scheduled to see her oncologist on Thursday and surgery (a lumpectomy) is scheduled for early Friday morning, May 25.  The anticipated length of stay in the hospital is one or two nights, then Sherryl will be discharged to home to recover.

As of today, Sherryl's website has surpassed 3000 hits -- more evidence of the love and support she is receiving from all her family and friends.  As we know, she intends to "beat this thing," and we cannot express the gratitude we feel for your following so closely with us the updates on Sherryl's health and well-being. 

Especially as Sherryl heads into surgery later this week, thank you so much once again for all your prayers and good wishes!