5th Treatment and GREAT NEWS!!!!

Hi everyone!

Shari has some WONDERFUL NEWS to share with everyone. She had a CT scan last week and reviewed the results of that scan today with her oncologist while at the hospital for her regularly scheduled treatment. Here is what Shari has to report!

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I had my appointment today with Dr. Schuchter at 9am, Tuesday, January 27th. She reviewed my CT Scan from last Wednesday, and everything that they (the CT Scan radiologists) have been following has shrunk. The disease is stable, which is AMAZING in and of itself, but even better than that .... Dr. Schuchter said that "We have altered the course of the disease!" This is huge information. The treatment is working. The disease is shrinking and it is moving in the direction of being gone. I AM A MIRACLE!!!!! Celebrate with me, celebrate in the good news.

Thank you for all your good wishes, loving support and ongoing friendships. I know that this is my battle to win but I could not be on this path with out the love and support of all of the communities that love and support me and my family and for that I am so grateful.

Loving,
Shari
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Isn't that fantastic.... there just aren't words for how exciting this is. Shari knows that there is still a road ahead of her, but some validation along the way that this is the right treatment for her and that it is working is just what the doctor ordered! At this point, the plan is to do one more treatment (in about 3 weeks) and then do another CT scan to decide on the future course of treatment.

Shari did complete her 5th treatment today, and as of tonight was still feeling her usual, "high" self as she normally does on Day 1. As always, please keep Shari in your prayers as she gets through this tough first week after treatment and that the Atavan works as well for her this time as it did last time.

Shari's friend Max will be arriving tomorrow and will stay with them until Monday to support the family during Shari's treatment recovery. Thanks again, Aunt Max!

Feel free to keep the blog comments and emails flowing. Shari really loves reading all of your messages to her! You can also feel free to call her, but keep in mind that it will be very difficult for Shari to return calls during this first week.

Everyone lift a glass for our dear friend, Shari. This is a moment to celebrate!

Peace,
Shannon

Treatment #4 Update

Shari's last treatment occurred on Friday, January 2nd. The day before this treatment, Shari's "Rose Angel" struck again! Shari received her pre-treatment anonymous rose and 7 inspirational quotes, and she loved it! Thank you, "Rose Angel"!

During her treatment, Shari met with her oncologist, Dr. Schuchter. During their meeting, Dr. Schuchter did an exam on Shari. And, she felt no lumps or bumps anywhere in her groin and upper thigh area!!! Dr. Schuchter was VERY EXCITED by this and feels that this treatment is really working!

Shari and Dr. Schuchter on treatment day!

Shari was able to have a conversation with Dr. Schuchter about the next steps in her treatment plan during their meeting. Shari will be getting a cat scan and WHEN it comes back clear and the mass in her lung is gone, then they have decided that there will be 2 more rounds of the current treatment plan. This will then be followed by an undetermined period of continuing the oral targeted therapy drugs and the possibility of some type of maintenance chemotherapy program. Please keep Shari in your thoughts and prayers, and keep seeing her as "The Miracle" who has eradicated all of the cancer in her body!

Shari tried a new pain management drug during her recovery week this treatment. She had taken Percocet for pain management during the first and second treatments, however, after the second treatment, the Percocet made her quite ill and she experienced extreme nausea and constipation. Because of this, Shari chose to take no pain management drugs after the third treatment, and wound up in a great deal of pain, for an extra day longer than usual. This fourth treatment, they recommended that Shari try Atavan. The Atavan worked really well for Shari. She was in less pain during her recovery week, and didn't suffer from any of the unpleasant Percocet side effects.

For previous treatments, Shari's friend Max has come to stay with them during Shari's recovery week. Aunt Max had a retreat scheduled over the recovery week this time and wasn't able to come. Aunt Max was dearly missed as she is a enormous source of support for the whole family. However, Aunt Max will be back for next treatment cycle. Thank you so much, Max!

Shari also wanted to mention the amazing support she is getting from her neighborhood! Her neighbors in her development are sending them meals regularly. This has been such a gift for Shari and Tom and it makes their lives so much easier. So, a big huge thank you to the wonderful neighbors in Windsor Ridge!

Shari's next treatment is scheduled for January 27th. We'll have more updates for you soon!

Best, Shannon