Merry Christmas!

We are all getting very anxious for Christmas here. Tay, Susie and boys will fly in Monday evening. Kristen will brave the drive alone with her girls on Monday (Chris will fly in the 24th), and Brandon, Dawn and girls will drive up on the 23rd!!!!! We'll have a house FULL and I can hardly wait.
The Radiation Oncologist decided to postpone radiation for the month of December so I can recover from the effects of chemo, and it has made a huge difference. I'm continuing the Herceptin treatments and have no side effects at all. The Neurologist saw me two weeks ago and she couldn't believe how much I've improved and even gave me the go ahead to DRIVE!!!! I'm still on medication for tremors (due to the chemo attacking my nervous system) but the debilitating effects have subsided and I am ever so grateful. The infection (in the mastectomy site) did not clear up so I had outpatient surgery yesterday. The plastic surgeon removed the tissue expander and cleaned out the area. I'm feeling fine and will be doing great by the time everyone arrives.
I was able to go to our ward's "lunch bunch" on Wednesday afternoon and it was wonderful to be with everyone. Thursday evening was my book club Christmas party. I haven't attended for 25 years!!! It was fabulous. I am so grateful for the blessings I receive daily; especially my wonderful family and friends, and wish you all a very merry Christmas.

A Thankful Week

Monday my Oncologist gave the go ahead to continue with the Herceptin treatments so I went directly to the Infusion center after my appointment with him. GRATEFULLY I have not had any side effects and had a fabulous THANKSGIVING weekend.
Scott and Cyndee (Mike's brother and his wife) invited us to their home for THANKSGIVING dinner, and it was awesome. We loved being with them, their kids and grandkids while relishing a fantastic meal! THANK YOU Scott and Cyndee - we are very GRATEFUL to you. Chris brought his family to town for the weekend so we were BLESSED to spend Friday with them. We celebrated Olivia's 12th birthday lunching at Paradise Bakery, shopping at the District, and going to see "Twilight". Mike hauled us everywhere and Emrey and Haley were invited for her "special" day. THANK YOU Livy for a great day. I'm so GRATEFUL we had the opportunity to be with you!!!! After the movie everyone gathered at my home for dinner and birthday cake. It was a great BLESSING for me to be with my family. Sunday I was able to attend my meetings, and visit with ward friends. I'm GRATEFUL for this time of year when we take stock of our BLESSINGS, and count myself ever so lucky to be here.

Pink Believers

Check out Dawn and Brandon's blog "Pink Believers". I'm sorry to inform you all that no one has a family quite as wonderful as mine!!!!! (No offense intended).

A Grateful Day!

It's good to be among the living. Round five of chemo proved to be disastrous and Dr. Litton feels the risk of one more dose of taxotere or carboplatin is not worth permanent neurological damage or worse. I agree.
Two weeks ago I developed an infection that required a trip to the emergency room. After returning home I had a reaction to the medication and had to go back to the hospital via ambulance where they administered phenergan and I had a violent reaction to that. Three days later I was able to return home with the aid of Home Health Care. Mike and Shannon were trained in administering antibiotics through my pic line and they have proven to be extremely good "nurses" as they have cared for me literally 24/7 for the last few weeks. I'm still fighting the infection, but able to take antibiotics orally. The greater issue is neurological damage from the T and C chemo. Gratefully I am under the care of a fabulous Neurologist, Dr. Nancy Futrell, and making excellent progress. The fact that I can type (however slow) is a miracle to me and also gives me assurance that the damage is not permanent. It has only been a few days that I've been able to walk unassisted for many weeks, and I'm feeling stronger every day. The plan now is to continue with the Herceptin once every 21 days for the next 8 1/2 months. This is the most important drug for me and has mild if any side effects. Dr. Litton feels the nurses at the infusion center will be succesful in administering the Herceptin IV and so I was able to have the pic line removed. Our goal for my next treatment is the 24th if the infection is cleared. I'll meet with the Radiologist in December to determine when radiation will begin.
It is impossible to express the gratitude I feel for each one of you. Your love and concern has meant more to me than you'll ever know. Each phone call, note, response on the blog, visit, prayer and fast has strengthened and bouyed me up. Thanks to you I'm on the road to recovery and look forward to seeing you or talking with you soon.
My deepest love and gratitude,
Shirlene

New Kicks

Grandma thank you sooooo much for my new shoes, I love them!

East Coast Halloween '08

Robot and his scientist.

Arizona Fun

Round Five

"Fighting" cancer brought new meaning to the word after round four, and I'll admit there were a few days I wondered if I could really come out on top, but with the team I have behind me there was no doubt and I was able to catch a plane to sunny Arizona and spend a fabulous weekend with the family there. Shannon, Poppy, and the UT girls traveled by car to join the fun. Thanks to Chris and Kristen for the airline ticket, and Brandon for flying home with me. We had a wonderful time going to lunch, shopping at Designer Blvd., going to Streamers, bowling, and just hanging out. It was so good to see my AZ girls, and I think it helped them a lot to see me, too. Sunday was a treat to hear Chris and Kristen speak in church, and as always, I felt the talks were direct from the Lord to me. Their topic was from President Monson's last conference speech "Enjoy the Journey". I learned a lot, and hope to better in the coming days. (My first goal is not to moan at Shannon every time she brings me pills). I continue to be humbled, grateful, and amazed at the love and care I receive on a daily basis. I'm geared up and ready to take on round five for the next little while. Thank you once again my dear friends for all you do for me. I love hearing from you, reading your comments, and express special thanks for the meals, gifts, cards, garden produce, and especially your prayers. I feel the tender mercies of Lord daily because of your efforts. With love 'till next time.
Shirlene

Five down, one to go!

Love you!

Check It Out...

...Shirlene has a new post that is after "NYC Girls Trip". Scroll down and take a gander.

NYC gIRls Trip 2007

Last fall we had the opportunity to visit Taylor and Susie in the Big Apple for a girls dream weekend extravaganza. Shirlene, Shannon, Kristen and I all flew over and spent our days enjoying each other's company in the midst of many Broadway plays, shopping on canal street, riding the Subway and Ferry, watching our backs at midnight in the Subway, eating in Little Italy, and much much more! I just thought I'd post a few pictures to share. We look forward to doing another girls trip next year once Shirlene has finished her treatments!! We love you Shirlene and feel so blessed to have such an amazing Mother-in Law.

Autumn in Utah

This month has been alot of fun as we've welcomed fall. Having two chemo treatments in one month has made it the longest, and shortest month yet. On my good days friends and family have made it great! Here are a few pictures of some fun days I've had with my "Gilbert transplants" lunching at the Citrus Grill, a special day with Emrey, Haley, Abbey and Sofey at Gardner Village, and beautiful Fall in Brighton on our drive up to the Johnson Cabin. The family has enjoyed lots of yummy treats and fresh garden vegetables from neighbors and ward members. The ward has been incredible and we are all so appreciative of their many efforts. I feel so blessed to have such great friends, neighbors, and family members who love and care for me. Thanks to all for your visits, phone calls, and comments. I love you!!!

We love and miss you so very much. Hugs and kisses from all of us!

We miss you!

Shirlene,

I just thought I'd post a picture of the girls doing their photo shoot for me. We think about you constantly and the girls are always asking about you. It's great to hear how well you're doing through all this. We miss you so much and can't wait to be with you again soon. We love you! Talk to you soon.

love, Brandon, Dawn, Zoe and Tatym

The Huntsman Center

Yesterday was my third chemo treatment which means I am half way through (yeah!!!!) I didn't think I would live through the second one to have to go to my third treatment, but sure enough week three came along and I started feeling better with every day. Mike took me to Deer Valley (thanks to Chuck and Kathie Horman) on Friday afternoon and we stayed in their condo and enjoyed the beautiful scenery and weather, shopped and ate along Main Street in Park City, and had the most fabulous brunch in the world at the Stein Erikson Lodge in Deer Valley. We went to Fast and Testimony meeting at a ward in Park City where the Bishop was conducting and bore his testimony. He and his wife burried their 30 something son just two weeks ago from melanoma. The son left a wife with two small children along with grieving parents and siblings. It wasn't hard for me to put a smile on my face as Shannon drove me to the Huntsman Center for my chemotherapy knowing that there is light at the end of the tunnel. The Huntsman Center is absolutely fabulous. I can't think there is a better facility anywhere. The doctors, nurses, and staff are the most caring group I've ever seen. Dr. Litton has a great sense of humor and we laugh our heads off about all the things that are happening to me. I've been on alot of steroids this past month and wow, the changes are incredible. Luckily I don't have to stay on them and hopefully some of the side effects will subside soon. Chris wanted to know why he hasn't seen pictures of me on this blog, but I'm not so sure I want my fat red face plastered on here for the whole world to see, except it might give everyone a good laugh. It's bad enough to be bald, and flat, now add the pounds and red face - trust me I'm no beauty in the pageant!
Back to the Huntsman Center. The Infusion room is really interesting. The whole thing is open with a beautiful salt water fish tank, a kitchen stocked with all kinds of snacks and drinks and games and puzzels, and the chairs are lined up about 4to a section and it's great meeting new friends each time I go. Yesterday I met a man who is retiring from Dentistry. He and his lovely wife had lots of plans until last week when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He's taking chemo in hopes of buying a few month or hopefully more. Carol was in the chair next to me. She's about 10 years older than me and was diagnosed with lung cancer in July. She's not sure what her prognosis will be until they can shrink the tumor to do surgery. In the beginning, I wasn't sure I wanted to sit in this big open room with tons of other people all hooked up, but Jon Huntsman has been through cancer twice, and he knew what he was doing here. I've loved meeting these wonderful, positive people who help me realize how blessed I am. Thanks to everyone for your phone calls, notes, food, gifts and especially for your prayers. Mike took me to the Temple Friday morning and it was a humbling experience for me being there and knowing that my name is added to the prayer roll. Thank you, all. I love and miss those of you who are away. Thanks for being in touch.
All my love, Shirlene

Something To Look Forward To

So I've decided that for the next 4 chemo treatments you

have left, I will be posting a new video of the boys. I thought

it would be nice to have that to look forward to. We love

you so much and hope this helps today go easier.

Hope you enjoy it! XOXOX

A Bad Hair Day.......

Day 16 from my first chemo was the dreaded hair day. Dr. Litton prepared me to be ready for for the "fallout" which would hit day sixteen - give or take two days either way. My darling hairdresser brought over a pair of chic pink buzzers for the event and so we waited. Day sixteen (Thurs 8/14) it was coming out by the handfulls, but over the years everyone has told me I have enough hair for two people, and for the first time I knew what they were talking about. I was lucky enough to have enough of my own hair left to go to a wedding shower on Friday night, and lunch on Saturday (looking thin, but still got the thumbs up from Shan). However, Saturday evening Mike and I were working out in the front yard when a neighbor drove up in his car to say hello. We walked to the curb to chat for a minute when a gust of wind hit and yes, you can imagine seeing a huge lock of my hair fly down the street. I casually held my hand over my eyes to block the "sun" and when he left I looked at Mike and his only comment was, "you definitely need to wear your wig to dinner tonight". The girls had been waiting for the big day of the shaving party, so Saturday evening we gathered in my bathroom and everyone had a go at it (except Emrey). She watched from the doorway, but just couldn't do it. Haley, Abbey and Sofey had a ball taking turns with the sissors and shavers and Shannon and Mike finished the job. We all laughed our heads off and found out that no one needs hair quite as bad as grandma does, and we're all grateful that it will grow back. For now I'm sporting my wig and hats and my workout/sleeping wig (modeled by the girls) which I refer to as my "HAIRSPAY" wig. Luckily the bangs are detachable so they have become Sofey's new hairpiece which she velcros to her own bangs. Actually I think I look like John Travolta when I wear it, but only those of you who will be sleeping over get to see that little transformation. Brandon was here last night and had a good laugh. Maybe down the road I'll be brave enough to leave the house in hats and scarves, but for now I depend pretty much on my one good wig. I have to say one thing about cancer, it is impossible to prepare yourself for all the new and "exciting" things you get to experience on a daily basis. Those of you who have gone through this either for yourself, or a loved one can relate. I am however very grateful that I don't have to experience everything all at once, and never alone. The Lord in his mercy carries us through each phase tenderly, lovingly, and if we lean on Him we gain strength to carry on. Having Shannon and her family here has been a tremendous blessing. Now that most of the really tough stuff is behind me it will be easier to let the girls go back to school which starts Monday, and I can be excited about the progress they're making on their new home. Mike has been an absolute trooper, and continues to strengthen me and bouy me up. He even lies about how beautiful I am. Well, you know what they say: "Love is blind" and I'm sure grateful for that! Once again, thank you, thank you, thank you for your love and constant prayers. I fall short in so many ways, but your prayers are heard on my behalf, and I love and thank you for it. I've loved visits from you and hope to see you if you're ever in South Jordan. My love and gratitude to all.
Shirlene

The Men In My Life

My daughters and granddaughters mean the world to me, as you know. They have all taken exceptional care of me (I think Shannon had to bathe, dress, and do my hair 21 times) and it is imposssible for me to express my gratitude adequately. However, I know I would not make it through this without the wonderful men in my life as well.
My plastic surgeon is a wonderful man (his wife is a breast cancer survivor)and he reminded me today that many husbands can't take the pressure of taking care of a wife with breast cancer, and many end up getting divorced. It made me think again of how blessed and grateful I am for my exceptional husband. He is my best friend and support. I'm especially grateful for the miracles I've received from his priesthood blessings. I'm also extremely grateful for my wonderful sons. Jaren has to put up living with his mother-in-law (can you imagine!?) and is so sweet and helpful. He's also Mike's favorite riding pal and I'm thankful for that, too. Chris, Brandon, and Taylor have been faithful in calling me and I've enjoyed long happy conversations on a regular basis. Their love and devotion gives me the courage to carry on. I'm so proud of the fabulous husbands, fathers, and priesthood holders they are. They are an inspiration to me.
Now if you've seen my the rest of my blog, you'll notice the other two men in my life. They're the ones holding the We love grandma sign. Ian and Colton. They call me regularly from NY and Ian always sings a primary song to me (all verses!). I can't even tell you how much I miss them and cannot wait until I get to see them again. Thanks guys for your love and support. I couldn't do this without you!!!

New York Love

We love you sooooo very much. Sending you lots of HUGS and KISSES. Can't wait to see you.

no wasting time

Today was day two since Shirlene had her first chemotherapy treatment. She is doing great. She seems to have two paces. Either extremely energetic and anxious or passed out exhausted. She has been waiting patiently to get up to Midway to find some home decor for her house and decided today was the day. We were completely shocked that she would have the energy to go but she had her mind made up and said she definately felt up to it. I also think she is growing slightly tired of her house since she's spent so much time in it this past month. I know she also did it for me knowing I wanted to get there before I had to head back home tomorrow. So for those reasons and with Shirlene feeling up to it we made it there this afternoon and all found fun, unique decor for our homes. We ended up having a late lunch and enjoyed the car ride home sleeping, except for Shannon who had to drive of course.

My girls and I have had a great time being here with Shirlene and Mike and Shannon's family. We are going to miss being so close but know we'll be back up soon. Shirlene, you're amazing! Thank you for the great example you've always been and continue to be to us. We love you.

For Olivia

This is a special post for Olivia, Grandma loves you and she is in no pain and is doing great. This picture was taken after her 1st chemo treatment today.

Chemo begins

Noon tomorrow will be my first chemotherapy. For those of you in the know the drugs I'll be given are Taxotere, Carboplatin and Herceptin. I looked them up on the internet to see all the fun I'm in for and if you're interested you'll find them on www.chemocare.com/bio Mike, Shannon and I went to a chemo class last week and I chose Mondays as my treatment day so that I'll be feeling good by the weekend. Treatments will be every 21 days with December 7th being the last one. Each treatment will last about 4 hours. We were told in class that the first few days can be rough, but by day 4 or 5 I should be feeling pretty good, and if I don't have too many side effects I could even do a little traveling on the second or third week (NYC here I come!) Dr. Litton said he has a patient who goes skiing after therapy, and other patients who are positive he is trying to kill them. He said, "I'm not saying this isn't real......for them", but he suspects I'll be somewhere in between although I'd like to think I'll be up for skiing! Dr. Allred was able to remove my drains on Monday and Dr. Anderson gave me thumbs up to start using my arms on Wednesday so I've been in heaven these last few days as I can finally shower, dress, and do my own hair. It was also great to be able to go to church for the first time in weeks today. The priests in my ward have been bringing the sacarament to my home and while I have considered this a wonderful blessing there is nothing like fellowshipping with the saints, and feeling the spirit there. The Lord has blessed me abundantly with loving, caring family, friends, neighbors, and ward members whom I love dearly. I can't say I'm grateful to have breast cancer, but I am grateful to have my eyes opened to the tender mercies of the the Lord because of it. Once again, thanks for your love and support. It's been great to see so many of you, and I look forward to more visits.

Thanks to Dawn and Kristen for posting pictures (I have no idea how to do it). The girls had such a fun time while they were all in Utah. I had to pass on the activities until Wednesday when Dawn and I took Zoe and Tatym to Liberty Park.

Wigging Out!

I think I'm a really good sport to let the girls post these pictures!!! We did have a blast shopping for my wig after a fun birthday lunch at Zin's for Kristen. The girls talked me into going for the one with highlights so when I'm not sporting the shinny cranium this will be my new look. I went for an EKG and more blood tests today, then visited with the surgeon's nurse to see if I could have the last two drains removed (I promise that is NOT my stomach) but unfortunately they will continue to be my very close friends for a few more days. It has been absolutely fabulous having family here. Chris and his family are on their way home, but Brandon and Dawn joined us last weekend and they'll be here for awhile. I've loved watching all the granddaughters laugh and play and dance and have good times together. Kristen and Dawn have been so sweet and helpful. I don't know many daughters-in-law who would help their fat, old mother-in-law the way they have, but it's been good for Shan to have a break. It has really lifted my spirits to have so much family around and I know it is a sweet tender mercy from the Lord. I've had a couple of surprise visits from Arizona friends as well - what a treat! I love having visitors. Thank you all for your continued love and prayers. I could not do this without your help.