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