Update on Shirlene and Dawn

Shirlene has been going through her radiation treatment for the passed several weeks and is doing fantastic. It was so great to see her, and just how much she improves all the time. She was given the "OK" from ALL her Dr.'s to be here this week. They put off her radiation and herceptin until next week. She hasn't suffered any of the side affects from the radiation except a little fatigue, and hopefully she won't down the road. It was wonderful having her in town watching her enjoy all her granddaughters (all 10 of them were here). We sure missed Ian and Colton! Shirlene looks AMAZING and is doing so well, I think she'll definitely be up for our girls trip to New York this fall :) I know she has been anxious to post herself, but has been extremely busy!! After this weekend look forward to some of her Christmas pictures and more about her radiation treatment. I just wanted everyone to know she is doing so well.

Dawn has suffered a SEVERE head injury and was released from ICU late Monday night, and is now in a regular room to recover. She has had her moments, but is on the road to recovery. We have been told by neurologists that it's a miracle that she is doing as well as she is, but that it will be a long road ahead. She has a skull fracture and a subdural hematoma on her right side and a concussion on her left side. She has a few scrapes on her arm, leg, and back, but no other broken bones. She will be taken off the anti seizure medication soon and hopefully that will help with her nausea and fatigue. The baby is fine and I know that is a HUGE relief to both Dawn and Brandon and all of us as well. She still has her sense of humor and has been very talkative. She has been responsive from the very beginning and even remembers almost everything about that night.

We are so grateful for her progress, but know that it will take some time for her to feel 100%. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. We will continue updating everyone on her progress.

I wanted to take a picture of Shirlene and Dawn today while we were at the hospital, but it was a rough morning. We'll put pictures up soon. Just know that Dawn looks beautiful. She doesn't even have a bump or a bruise (where you can see anyway). When we got to the hospital on Sat. she still had her make up on. She is such a beautiful girl inside and out. We love her so much and are praying her a fast recovery.

Prayers Needed

We've had such great results with all of our dear family and friends and their prayers on behalf of Shirlene's recovery, that we would like everybody's prayers on behalf of Dawn. Friday night she had an accident and had some head trauma. She has been in ICU since. She is stable and doing well. Mike and Shirlene, and Shannon and her family are in Arizona. We would ask that you keep Dawn, Brandon and her family in your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate you all, and your constant love and support to our family.

Mike's 60th birthday

Mike turned 60 years old yesterday, January 7th!!! He's not too happy about it, but we're going to celebrate anyway. I'm hosting a little open house for him Saturday evening from 7 to 9 so if you're in the area please feel free to stop by. We had a fabulous time with our family over the holidays and hope you did, too. I'm feeling much better and getting geared up for radiation which will start this coming Tuesday. I will go 5 days a week for the next five weeks. Everyone tells me radiation is a "walk in the park" compared to chemo so I'm counting on it! I feel so blessed to have such great friends and family helping me along this journey. My testimony continues to grow as I feel the love of the Lord daily through your love and prayers and support. Thanks for your calls, visits, responses on the blog and e-mails. It really helps!!
Love to all,
Shirlene

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