Update on our sister Sheila

[DonnaD]

I visited Sheila today in the hospital and have her permission to post this message. Notes from her are in my hand. Please remember she is the nurse not me! Sheila went in for treatment (Avastin and Herceptin) on Tuesday, 5/18. She told the onc. she was feeling the worst she had felt since diagnosed with no energy, shortness of breath and pain. The Onc. decided to move forward quickly. She was admitted to the hospital that afternoon. On Wednesday, 5/19; she had an Arterd Pulmonary window done with a chest tube inserted to relieve the fluid. They drained 1000 cc of fluid from around her heart. She is hoping the chest tube will be removed tomorrow, Sunday 5/23, and will be allowed to go home.

She is off Avastin, and will be doing Cytoxin and Methodroxsate along with Herceptin once she recovers from the surgery.

Sheila is an inspiration to us all. In spite of all her issues she is positive, calm and courageous with a sense of humor that won't quit. We have all gained from her knowledge and positive attitude. She is loved and I am honored to call her my girl friend.

Your thoughts and prayers would be appreciated at this time. As she improves she will be checking the site. Let's surround her with well wishes. She would love to hear from all her Her2 sisters.

This disease sucks, really sucks, but it has brought us all together. I will be forever grateful to Christine and Joe for having the foresight and knowledge to establish this unique family. We rejoice and sympathize with each other on our journeys and have hope that a cure will happen. May it happen soon.

Blessings to all,
Donna