Going through a difficult time

[Sheila]

Thank you to all of you have kept me in your thoughts and prayers this past month…it has been a difficult road for me.

It started with a treatment change due to serious shortness of breath, progression of disease in the chest nodes and axillary nodes, and a drop in my Muga…to 46%…last one was 63%. Now I am under the care of a cardiologist, taking Coreg to strengthen the heart, & double the B/P med Lisinopril as Avastin has been added again to the Herceptin. I truly questioned the Herceptin with my muga drop, but both the oncologist and the cardiologist feel it was the combo of herceptin and Tykerb, since I have never had a problem on Herceptin in over 7 years.

To add to the difficulties, my Father suffered a heart attack at the beginning of February, and was life flighted to a major heart center in the State Capitol for immediate angioplasty. He is soon to be 86, but has always been so healthy & youthful…truly just gave up his motorcycle riding days this past year. Saying goodbye to him when they were preparing to load him in the helicopter was overwhelming on my Mom, myself and my whole family….we were blessed that by the time we traveled via car to the hospital 3 hours away, he was in ICU and truly a new man.

As if this wasn’t enough, 1 week later, my Mother collapsed at the grocery store…vomiting blood, taken by ambulance to the local hospital. After 5 days in ICU, she was transported via ambulance to Loyola in Chicago where she was diagnosed with Stage IV Liver Cancer with mets to the lungs….at her age and health status, traditional chemo is not an option. She will start on Sorafenib this Friday. We were hoping that it was possibly breast cancer mets to the liver, as she is a 22 year survivor, but learned it was a new primary in the liver. The prognosis is 3-4 months, with the chemo, but then we all know that prognosis is not an exact science. It was so heartbreaking so see her and my Dad receive this news…I have always said they have been married almost 64 years, they are truly a team….when one starts a sentence, the other finishes. My prayers are that she does not suffer, she has been my role model for so many years on my breast cancer journey. Regardless of age, we are never prepared to lose a parent.

The rest of the month was filled with my little granddaughter Jasmine, going in for her every 6 month back surgery, and ending up in ICU with respiratory problems and she is now back on oxygen and a pulse ox alarm at night to keep her O2 level up. She had been totally off the oxygen for 4 years, so this came as a big setback. She continues to be a fighter, and has taught me so much about acceptance and unconditional love. She is truly a miracle child.

My eighth year on this journey occurred mid February, and I am living proof that there is hope for those who are battling metastatic disease….I am now a 7 year Stage IV survivor….still in treatment, probably always in treatment , but a survivor no less.
This past month has taught me to be thankful for each day, as none of us knows what tomorrow will bring. They say God doesn’t give us more than we can handle, but at times lately I have felt he is pushing the limit.
Until my life resumes some sort of normalcy, I wont be posting much, but know that you are all in my heart and in my prayers, and you are so much a part of my journey and my survivorship. I appreciate all the prayers and thoughts! Thank you ALL!

[whatz]

Dear Sheila,
My heart goes out to you. Yes, I so very much understand what you are talking about. You continue to be in my prayers!

[lexigirl]

Dear Sheila,

Please know that you and your wonderful mom and dad are in my prayers right now.

Gentle Hugs,
Lexi

[Paty]

Dear Sheila,

Thanks for taking time in the middle of this roller coster to let us know how you are doing. I am so sorry to hear that you are going through so much. I would have collapsed by now with so many bad news, but the force of love for the rest of our family keeps us standing up and fighting. I cannot say much, but I wanted to let you know that I often think of you and that I was also surprised that I had not seen yours posts neither here not in fb. May God keep you out of su much pain very soon. I send a big hug to you and your family. Sending you love.

[Mary Anne in TX]

Oh Sheila, your basket is so full! Seems like an earthquake occurred in your family disrupting all peace and serenity. I know your mom must be amazing because you are. I send my love and prayers for each one of you. I find myself coveting the hours of each day myself now. Thank you for continuing to share so much with us and giving us hope in so many ways. ma

[Becky]

You know that I am always thinking about you!

[Barbara H.]

Wow, Sheila, you have really been given too much to deal with. Please take care of yourself as much as you are able. I hope that you have some friends close by who can help. I was so grateful when you were willing to help me sort out my issues for being approved for Tykerb with Herceptin. Please know that you have been and are in my thoughts everyday.

I do appreciate the time and effort that you gave to shield some light on what you have been dealing with because so many of us here care about you. Again, try to take care of yourself as much as you are able. We understand why you won't be writing much, but you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.

Kind regards,
Barbara H.

[Mary Jo]

I'm sorry Sheila. Definitely a full plate.

Prayers and love...

Mary Jo

[karen z]

Sheila,
Thinking of you each and every day.
Love,
karen

[lkc Gumby]

Sheila. My prayers are with you and you family.
You have so much on your shoulders. I pray to give you strength through thes difficult times.

[Gerri]

Dear Shelia,

You have always amazed me with your strength and I continue to be in awe of you. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending positive thoughts your way.

Take care,

[vlcarr]

Dear Shelia,

You are such an inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

[dchips1]

Prayers and love to you, as your life takes on so many different journeys at once.Wishing you Peace and good times of reminiscing with your mom, and enjoying the days one at a time.

Take care
Darita

[alicem]

Sheila,

It is so good to hear from you but I just HATE all that is going on in your life. You are so strong, I know you will get through all that you are facing, but it is still . . . as Brenda would say . . . "crap on a crapstick".

Once again I find myself thanking Joe and Christine for the creation and maintenance of this terrific website. If it weren't for them, I never would have had the chance of meeting you, getting to know you & being inspired by you. I'm so grateful that we are in this journey together. I will continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

~Alice

[ElaineM]

This is just too much Sheila. Hugs to you and your entire family. You will be in my prayers tonight. I hope everyone in your family will be in better condition soon.
By the way, have you considered Co Q 10 for your heart function? Maybe your cardiologist would know about it.
I take it everyday. I think some of the other members might be taking it too.
Take good care of yourself during this difficult time.

[caya]

Sheila,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your dear family at this time.

all the best
caya

[Soccermom]

Dearest Sheila,
just want to add my prayers to the others. You are an amazing warrior,daughter/mother/grandmother & friend!
Gentle hugs,
Marcia

[Barbara2]

Hi, Sheila,
Praying for you and your family who have been through so much; one thing right after another. It is heartbreaking, as you said, to see your mom and dad so ill; knowing how much they love one another and are hurting for each other's suffering. They are so blessed for having had such love. Someday they will be together forever and their love will go on and on.

Hope the little one is getting stronger. It is so painful when children are ill. We pray she will soon be stronger again.

Bless you, Sheila. Praying for healing and strength for you and your loved ones.

[Faith in Him]

Shelia, I am so sorry you are having to deal with so much. I am adding my prayers that you are given strength to walk through this difficult time in your life.

I feel as if you are getting hit at every angle with your own health issues and now those of your parents and a grandchild. God will get you through it one day at a time.

Hugs,
Tonya

[Chelee]

Shelia, When you say it's been a difficult road, that is an understatement. I just don't know what to say...I just feel so bad for you. You have to be on major over load at this point...this is all too much for any one person. It won't be easy but please try to take care of yourself thur all this. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Big hug!

Chelee

[Shobha]

Dear Sheila,

My sincere prayers for you and your family. You strength and ability to remain positive inspires me every day.

hugs,
shobha

[Jean]

Dear Sheila,
It is so difficult when our parents age and become ill.
So painful, my heart goes out to you. Please know you always remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Warmly,
Jean

[Ellie F]

Sheila
I am thinking of you carrying such a heavy load. You have been an inspiration to so many including myself. I will pray for strength and healing for you all
Love Ellie

[Pam P]

Sheila, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

[dawn]

Oh, Sheila,

You're in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping everything turns out right and you have some comfort and peace during this time. We'll be thinking about you and remember to take care of yourself also.

Hugs

Dawn

[Yorkiegirl]

Sheila many, many prayers going out to and your family during this difficult time.

[schoolteacher]

Shelia,

Your family will be in my prayers. Even with the load you have had to carry this last month, you still have the people on this board in your thoughts and prayers. You are truly an amazing woman.

God Bless You.

Amelia

[Hopeful]

Sheila,

I feel overwhelmed just reading your post. I, too, have missed you here. You and your family are in my thoughts.

Hopeful

[chrisy]

Sheila, you know I've been thinking of you constantly and sending long distance prayers and hugs.

Remember what I said, don't forget to take care of yourself, and remember to breathe.

Much much love
chris

[RhondaH]

Sheila, I have NO words only lots of prayers and love...Take care sweetie...

[flynny]

You are amazing and I can't help but cry right now. Your parents sound like they are an incredible duo and truly have a very blessed life. I can't believe what you have on your plate, but know that we are here for you and pray that you will get through this.

My heart goes out to you and your entire family!

[Rich66]

Man...crap on a crapstick, wrapped in a crap coated wrapper.
I will make my pitch for supplements, metformin and metronomic chemo..then slink away...watching where I step.

[hutchibk]

Words cannot express how my heart is heavy for you and your challenges, Sheila. Wow, that is more than any family needs on their plate. Prayers and love and comfort from Texas.

[hutchibk]

(Love the crap on a crapstick, Rich... thanks for giving my favorite phrase the proper light of day! It's perfectly appropriate here)

[janieR]

Sheila,

Just do not what to say, but you and your mum and dad are all in my thoughts big time.

Take care.

janie

[Jackie07]

Sheila,

I'm sending prayers from Central Texas.

Please take it easy - 'May God hold you in the palms of His hands. May the Lord bless you and keep you..."

[ammebarb]

I'm so sorry, Sheila. I think of you often and also pray for you and your family.

Barb A.

[DanaRT]

Sheila,

Many prayers and warm thoughts.
You have certainly had enough to deal with these last few weeks. Thank you for taking the time to report in. I have been worried. Take care.

Sending hugs and love,
Dana

[chicagoetc]

Sheila,

Glad to see you back on the board...!

Melanie

[mmoons]

Sweet Sheila-

My heart hurt to read about all that you are dealing with. Please feel all the love, prayers and support coming your way from everyone here.


Maureen

[Laurel]

Oh, Sheila, I am so very sorry for all you have had to bear this past month and these long 8 years. I am thankful your father seems to be coming around and so sorry for the severity of your mother's cancer. Your little Jasmine seems like a chip off the old block. Definitely her Grandmother's granddaughter, a fighter.

I wish you healing and strength through this difficult time. My prayers are with you.

Laurel

[Lien]

Dear Sheila,

I hope your burden will be lightened by all the love and support being sent your way. This is tough, more than tough. You will need all your strength during these coming months. I hope your Mom and Dad, who are an inspiration to all of us, through your posts, will find the strength to carry the load of these difficult times. May your mother be painfree and may she be comforted by the knowledge that she is loved and cherished.

Love

Jacqueline

[bejuce]

Dear Sheila,

I am sorry you're going through this. Words escape me at the moment, but please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

To better days ahead,

Marcia

[Karen Wheel]

Sheila -
I am so sorry to hear this news. What a hard time overall for your family!

I know I always preach the diet and nutrition, but it really can save your life (and your moms) many people have beat cancer -without chemo - even when they are too weak to battle anymore - and have been sent home to get their affairs in order - just with juicing, detoxing the body - and nutrition --- it is really that simple. (not easy - as eating the right foods is hard to do - if you don't know where to start!)

Please buy you and your mom a copy of these two books - if she doesn't feel up to reading - you can listen to the CD that comes with Beating Cancer with Nutrition.

Beating Cancer with Nutrition
Cancer Battleplan Sourcebook
(see the book section below in my "favorites" to see the authors. You can order them on amazon.com)

Personally, if I ever see mets or disease return in my body - I would do a combination of a serious cleanse (like they reference in the Cancer Battleplan Sourcebook) and implement the Gerson diet --- it is really strict - juicing every hour of the day - but it is really powerful!
It is never too late - don't give up!
Live long - live strong - Karen

Favorite Books:


The Cancer Battle Plan Sourcebook (this is the updated version) - by David Frahm
Beating Cancer with Nutrition – by Patrick Quillin PhD, RD, CNS
Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor – by Kris Carr
Eat to Live – by Joel Fuhrman, MD
The Gerson Therapy – The amazing nutritional program for cancer and other illnesses – by Charlotte Gerson and Morton Walker, DPM
A Cancer Therapy – Results of Fifty Cases – by Max Gerson, MD
Few of my favorite sites with loads of information:

http://www.i-amperfectlyhealthy.com/index.html
http://www.cancerfightingstrategies.com/index.html
http://www.carcinomacancer.org/cancer-and-your-ph-factor.html
www.drday.com (http://www.drday.com/)
http://www.cancerrd.com/
www.livingfoodsinstitute.com (http://www.livingfoodsinstitute.com/)
http://cancermonitor.blogspot.com/2009/06/holistic-treatments.html
http://www.creativehealthinstitute.com/wheat_grass.htm
http://www.healthquarters.org/
www.gerson.org (http://www.gerson.org/)

[WolverineFan]

Shelia,

I am so glad that you posted to give us an update, but heart broke for you and your family as I read this post. There are no words to say except that your her2 family is here for you, and will be here always for you. I am so sorry to hear of all that February has brought you and your family, and pray that there are better days ahead. Until you post again, please know that you will continue to be in the thoughts, hearts and prayers of many on this board.

God bless,

Hayley

[micheleu]

Sheila, I had no idea this was all going on! I've been so busy at work i haven't been on for awhile. I will say an extra prayer for you tonite! Hang tough...

[Catherine]

Dear Sheila,

Prayers to you and your family. What a heavy load. So sorry that your parents and granddaughter got drawn into the mix too. We are going to have to mix up a special brew to help make things get better for all of you. Sending love and support your way.

Catherine

[jml]

Oh Sheila~
Praying for great strength & comfort and endurance to come your way, as you deal with far more than your share of burdens.
Post if and when you can.
In the meantime, your family of friends are here, doing what we can to lighten the load for you and each other~

Keep the Faith~

Jessica

[Bill]

Sending prayers and thoughts your way. I hope you and yours are having the best day possible.

[Kavy]

Sheila,
I am so sorry to hear your news. You and your family are in my prayers.
Hugs,
KarlaV.

[Lien]

Sheila, how are things today? Just wondering & sending healing vibes.

Love

Jacqueline

[Skip]

Dear Sheila,
Our thoughts and payers are with you.

[katsc49]

Hi, sheila,,
I fully understand about your difficult time right now and know you need some down time. God will never give you more than you can handle and if he takes you to it, he will take you through it.
I just recently had a blood clot to the brain and everyone thought it was strep throat. , but my onco got me on blood thinners in time and thankfully it wasn't a brain tumor.
hugs to your whole family,
kathy

[Patb]

So sorry Sheila. You are dealing with so much. My
thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care of
yourself.
patb

[harrie]

Sheila, my heart and prayers go out to you and your family....
Maryanne

[Lori R]

Sheila,
I am sorry these words of compassion are so delayed!! (dang that work thing)

I can not imagine a more difficult time. Please know that as the earlier posts have indicated, you are a woman of AMAZING strength. Your story inspires everyone on the board to meet your standards.

Praying that you continue to receive strength and peace to sustain you during the challenges ahead.

More thoughts and hugs coming your way.

[freyja]

Sending you thoughts of strength and love. Hope you can feel it.

[Carolyns]

Hi Sheila, Thank you for sharing. I am sorry that you are going through such a rough time. It seems like we should get a pass on some of this stuff with all we must handle ... but it doesn't work that way. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Carolyn

[tricia keegan]

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Sheila. ((((hugs))) xx

[Joan M]

Sheila,

My prayers go out to you in dealing with all these issues. It's heart-breaking to see our family go through trauma and to also see to our own medical problems.

Jasmine is a real fighter. Last year your avatar was a photo of you and your grandchildren, and I remember seeing Jasmine with her long hair.

Sending you a lot of hugs,

Joan

[rinaina]

Shiela you are one of the most remarkable woman I know. I draw strength from you and all you have had to deal with over the past 7 years. I can so relate to many of your experiences with your parents. For the last 5 months I have been the primary care giver to my Dad. This is no easy task for a person with my health problems. The cancer has always been my easiest problem to deal with. It's all the other health issues that day to day play havock with my body. I look at people like you and it reminds me how fortunate I am to wake up every day and be able to lead a pretty active normal life. You are a true inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Hang in there.