Another Twist in the cancer

[Joan M]

Sheila,

When I was in Chicago I heard the report on the news about the Tornado that destroyed a lot of homes and I'm sorry to hear that your son's home was devastated. Yes, we never know what's going to happen one day until the next.

I too have an elevated hemidiaphragm, which occurred after my second lung surgery. I'm not sure whether it's from gravity or a damaged nerve, or both. I've had two lung resections, so there's space for the diaphragm to move up since some of my lung is missing. But the condition can also be caused by cutting certain thoracic nerves, like the phrenic nerve (I think), and I have a 10-inch scar down my back on the left side starting at my shoulder blade, from the thoracic surgery. I also had a collapsed lung. They usually bounce back, and I hope yours does soon.

Sending good vibes that you'll be feeling better soon.

xoxo

Joan

[lexigirl]

Dear Sheila,

I do hope that your breathing will return to normal very soon. You have gone through so much. It's time for a nice long break!

I am sorry that your son's home was destroyed in the tornado. That is terrible. So happy that he and his family are physically okay though. I hope they can rebuild and make it a happy home again very soon.

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi

[Adriana Mangus]

Dear Sheila,

So sad to hear these horrible news... so sorry.

Love,

Adriana

[rinaina]

sheila, you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. havent been here for awhile. recovering fro a total shoulder replacement and typing is limited to my left non dominant hand. very long recovery ahead for me...6-12 months.

[caya]

Dear Sheila,

I just saw this post - so sorry about the house, and about your breathing troubles. I hope you feel better soon.

And Rina, hope your recovery goes well too.

all the best
caya

[ElaineM]

I hope things are better for you and your family Sheila.
Take care.

[Chelee]

Shelia, Not a day goes by I don't think of you. I sure hope your feeling better. Your one tough cookie that's for sure. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Chelee

[ammebarb]

Sheila, I'm also thinking about you and hope that you are breathing easier. Also thinking about your family.

Barb A.

[Sheila]

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers...this has taken a toll but I am still trying to increase my lung capacity and inflate the lower lobe...I am back to walking, at a slower pace, but up to 1 mile a day...a long way from a month or 2 ago! The heat makes it difficult, so its all about timing. I completed my first cycle of metronomic chemo, Cytoxan and Methotrexateand do notice some shrinkage of the axillary nodes and neck nodes....I am always a quick responder at the beginning. I am hoping the scans will show the mediastinal nodes and the ones around the pulmonary artery have shrunk! All in hoping that this will keep disease progression at bay until i can get TDM-1....
This has truly been a trying year with my parents, myself and my son....his house was demolished last week, so his wife and him are designing their "new" house. He is off work so he has plenty of time to worry about the what ifs....I have tried to tell him many times, its not easy, but you deal with the hand you are dealt, try to make the best of it, and remain positive.....hard to do, but we have all been there, some of us more than once.
Hoping the next half of the year is more peaceful....you are all in my thoughts and prayers!

[tricia keegan]

Things have been so rough for you and your family of late Sheila and I'm so sorry about that.

You deserve a break and I hope it comes very soon in the form of good news re your health and recovery. Thanks for updating us as I was wondering how you were. (((hugs)))

[naturaleigh]

OH Sheila,

I hope you are feeling a lot better these days. You are up to a mile a day!!! That is better than most, no small feat if you ask me!!

I know your son is devastated about their beautiful home, how hard that must be to watch your life being demolished before your very eyes. But how proud they will feel once they get into their new home and know that they designed it!! Not many people get the opportunity to design your own home!! A home made just for them!!

I hope things have started turning around for the better for you and your family.

[Jeanette]

Well Shiela , I can certainly relate to getting kicked in the a** a few times. Between my cancer, hubbies bypass surgeries and now waiting for my son to get a kidney and pancreas transplant it seems like it never ends. But as my hubbie say's you kick ass and take names later. Having been thru so much , you learn to tough it out with the grace of God at youre side, Jeanette

[chrisy]

Sheila, I too think about you daily - actually multiple times daily. For sure this has been a heck of a year, and I am humbled by your strength.

Hang in there my friend.

[Ellie F]

Hi Sheila
I to feel humbled when I read all you and your family have been through.
Your courage is astounding and your compassion for others so very special.
Ellie

[Pam P]

Sheila - You are also in my thoughts daily, praying that your breathing continues to improve and you'll feel better. My heart goes out to all of you and all the hard things happening in your family. Your strength and stamina are amazing. Pam

[rinaina]

thanks caya. i am keeeping up the pma during the long road of recovery. chemo and radiation were easy compared to this.