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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~ 

Feeling A Bit Better

Sherryl is feeling a bit better today.  She talked on the phone briefly to each of us, and she  had more waking hours today than she has any day since Thursday.  So, just as she's done before, she's coming out of the "chemo tired" phase and will be back on her feet again soon.  In the meantime, a scan is scheduled for Monday.

Thank you one and all for your ongoing love, prayers, and support of our sister.  Every thought you send makes a world of difference to her.  So, please keep them coming! 

~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~

Chemotherapy #5: Gemzar

Following the "we're running out of options" appointment Sherryl had with her doctor and the subsequent case review by the tumor board, Sherryl placed a call to her doctor and he called her back on Saturday morning.  Here is a summary of what he told her:

Overall, the disease is looking better.  There is a "slight" spot on the humerus of both arms and a very small spot on the clavicle.  The new chemotherapy that will be administered is Gemcitabine, also known as Gemzar.  Sherryl will receive 1 infusion per week for 3 weeks and then will have 1 week of no chemotherapy.  There was discussion, too, of the original fracture to Sherryl's back and a procedure that will strengthen that area in her back is being considered.  The cancer is "not worrisome," and all areas where the disease is present will continue to be watched closely.  A new tumor marker will be ascertained within the next week or two.

Sherryl told her doctor her energy is good now, that she was planning to take a week of vacation, and that she'd like to feel good while on vacation.  Her doctor agreed that the new chemotherapy treatment can begin after her vacation. 

So, Sherryl is currently enjoying a week of good energy and free time.  She's spending most of her time at home since nesting is one of her favorite things to do.  She has not forgotten the phrase "we're running out of options" and intends to have a very direct conversation with her doctor the next time she sees him.  Two words: Go RaRa!!!

Special thanks to all of you for your continued support and concern for Sherryl's health and well-being.  Her spirits are buoyed by your thoughts, prayers, intentions, and actions.  Whether you see her often or hardly at all, please do not underestimate the power of your love for Sherryl. 

And we hope you're enjoying your summer!  

A Very Happy Fourth of July

Sherryl has been feeling better the past few days and her energy has been pretty good -- just in time to celebrate another Fourth of July get-together at her house.  The entire family was there.  After a yummy barbecue, we gathered on the front deck where we again watched in silence close to a dozen fireworks displays occurring simultaneously from Vallejo to San Francisco.  It's always a beautiful sight.  And the party continued into Sunday as several family members stayed overnight at Sherryl's house.  We love tradition, and sometimes the simpler it is, the more treasured it becomes.  Here's a musical reminder that it is the simple things in life that make it so precious.

~xoxo~

Tumor Marker is Up

Disappointing news, Sherryl's tumor marker increased from 107 on May 14 to 160 as of this past week.  Another PET scan, which is due about now anyway, will be scheduled for this week.  Sherryl will receive Nupogen shots next week and the next appointment with her oncologist is the first week in July. 

Although Sherryl has been tolerating CMF chemotherapy treatment relatively well, she has felt much fatigue the past several days.  As usual, she is paying close attention to her energy level and resting whenever necessary.

When Sherryl does have some energy during her free time, she spends a bit of time on the computer reading email or playing one of her favorite word games.  We know she loves Scrabble, and she also loves an AOL game called Word Zen. 

And when her energy is higher than expected, as it has been today, she talks a mile a minute, sounds as perky as ever, and takes on projects the likes of which would exhaust most of us.  Today, since her laundry room painting project is finished, she is cleaning out the very huge craft closet at home.

A very Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers who are RaRa fans!

~xoxo~   

Loving the Simple Life

Sherryl saw her doctor last week and learned she is still anemic.  She was told there is nothing for her to do to increase her red blood cell count and that chemotherapy medications will be adjusted for this reason.  Overall, she feels great.

Sherryl has commented lately how much she is enjoying "living a very simple life."  Family and friends, work and play.  There is uncomplicated routine and she loves it.

She had another fun weekend doing the things she loves most: spending time with family and friends of all ages.  She rested on Friday, and on Saturday she had a massage, took Haley to her gymnastics class, had lunch with Austin, Haley, and Arleen, then made lollipop trees with Austin and Haley. 

Always crafting frugally, Sherryl took the children to buy lollipops and Styrofoam cones.  Simple, fast, inexpensive, and fun, creating those trees was the activity for Saturday afternoon.  Another slumber party at RaRa's house for Austin, Haley, and Annie, and then home they went on Sunday with their parents. 

The finished lollipop trees are absolutely adorable.  As for the time RaRa, Austin, and Haley had together, a picture paints a thousand words.  But a thousand words may be too many when you're loving the simple life.  These pictures seem to say it all.   

~xoxo~ 

 

Austin, RaRa, and Haley ~ June 6, 2006