Hi everyone,
I tried so many times to write over the past few months but just couldn't do it.
I feel it's time to give an update on what's going on with Scott and I.
Scott starting in November loosing the use of his legs. It came on rather sudden and took us by surprise. Numerous doctor appointments and test later, it was just a progression of his disease. He has been bedridden since late November. My sister Teresa and I have taken care of him 24/7 since that time. About a month ago Teresa had to go home for some health issues of her own and Scott's mom has been here. Teresa is my Angel here on earth and the sacrifices she has made for me in the past 4 months can never be repaid. Scott is now under Hospice Care and in a hospital bed.
It's day to day I just don't want him to suffer anymore.
In December when I had my CT I had a couple of new areas and knew I was going to need additional treatments. After discussing with my Oncologist my situation with Scott and everything I was dealing with and LOTS of prayer, I choose not to tell anyone but Teresa and postpone my treatments. I really did not want to tell Scott. In the meantime I hurt my back working with Scott and had to have cortisone shots, I also got sick and it took me a while to recover and I got weak. Not much good for Scott or anyone else.
I started my treatments April 1 and so far am handling them pretty well with minimal side effects.
I have an awesome support group in family and friends. My cousin Debbie who is a nurse has come down twice from North Carolina to help out for a few days at a time to give my help some relief. Of course anyone who is here is so much moral support for me. The nights can be tough sometimes. I have definitely had some of those moments where I've just had to get in the car and go sit somewhere just to get away.
Thank you so much to all of you for your continued love, support, and most of all prayers! So many of you want to help but there just isn't a lot others can do. There will be so many things I will need help with later and I promise I will ask for help.
Scott doesn't eat but a few bits of food and I have to be so careful with my diet that bringing a lot of food in would be a waste.
We are hanging in and doing the best we can. I don't know why GOD has put me on this journey but I am trying to handle everything with as much grace, dignity and FAITH as I can.
Love and prayers to all, Sheryl
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Monday, September 1, 2014
It's Almost Fall again...
I can't believe it's been almost a year since I posted. The saying "time flies" has a true meaning in our house. I've started to post a couple of times but my heart just wasn't in it.
It's a beautiful Monday morning and "I want to make it with you" is playing on the Jazz station in the background. So appropriate, so hear goes.....
First an update on Scott since he doesn't post on his blog. He has done well, held his own with the tumors and continues to do as much as he can in all aspects. He works Atlanta Structural as much as he feels like it and wants, manages the rentals, and plays poker as often as he can. He went to Vegas with his friend Nick for a few days in July and it was so good for him to get away. He had some high dose radiation treatments done back in May and his follow up MRI was stable with a little decrease. It's time to schedule another MRI and we will see how things are. He says things feel tighter. Let me explain: Scott doesn't complain about pain.... he says he is sore and his hip and lower back area always feel tight. He is on no pain medication. I am praying it is just inflammation from the radiation which is possible, but I can't even get him to take Tylenol or Advil for a few days to see if it will help. Can you say stubborn husband?
Now for me: I did not have the colon resection done at the end of last year. The timing wasn't right after the oral treatments I did last year. Chemo does lots of things to you and one of them is it lowers your immune system which among other things will keep you from healing. I was all set to have the surgery after the first of the year, went in for pre-op, had a follow up MRI, (the first two after the tumor was removed were great) but the third one showed two new spots..... so here we go again. This time I had to do IV chemo. I started treatments back in March. I had 9 treatments, every other Thursday for 18 weeks. I made so many bracelets and gave them out each time I had a treatment. The nurses loved them and patients, IV pole in hand, would walk to my treatment area and pick one or two out. If each time they wear them it brings a smile to their face, that's another job I've done right! First MRI after 4 treatments showed excellent response and over half shrinkage. Second MRI after 9th treatment showed "Excellent Treatment Response". I'll say,.... they couldn't see any disease anywhere! I am scheduled for the colon resection September 9th and am planning for everything to go well so I can be over this part of my journey.
Things aren't easy but GOD didn't promise us they would be.
I try hard not to complain and to "let go and let GOD" as my mama use to say. I love, care, and give to others as much as I can. GOD has BLESSED us in so many ways, I try to pay it forward as much as possible. I know there is a reason we are going through this journey and put my trust and faith in GOD to see us through.
There are so many things that go on with a cancer patient or anyone who is chronically ill I suppose. Symptoms you don't talk about, doctor appointments and treatments you try to forget about, side effects you work through and don't even let others know you are having.
I have continued to work a full time job, still have my real estate license and even had a closing last month. I have several buyers I am working now and a couple of potential listings coming up. When people ask how I do it all my response is: "Faith and a Prayer!" It's really Faith and a lot of Prayers!
Scott nor I will ever give up and I know GOD isn't done with us yet!
If this blog helps anyone to see things a little differently, be thankful for what you have, appreciate those in your life, give a little more, complain a little less, and to LOVE a little more than I've done something right.
Love and prayers to all. Keep in touch! Sheryl
It's a beautiful Monday morning and "I want to make it with you" is playing on the Jazz station in the background. So appropriate, so hear goes.....
First an update on Scott since he doesn't post on his blog. He has done well, held his own with the tumors and continues to do as much as he can in all aspects. He works Atlanta Structural as much as he feels like it and wants, manages the rentals, and plays poker as often as he can. He went to Vegas with his friend Nick for a few days in July and it was so good for him to get away. He had some high dose radiation treatments done back in May and his follow up MRI was stable with a little decrease. It's time to schedule another MRI and we will see how things are. He says things feel tighter. Let me explain: Scott doesn't complain about pain.... he says he is sore and his hip and lower back area always feel tight. He is on no pain medication. I am praying it is just inflammation from the radiation which is possible, but I can't even get him to take Tylenol or Advil for a few days to see if it will help. Can you say stubborn husband?
Now for me: I did not have the colon resection done at the end of last year. The timing wasn't right after the oral treatments I did last year. Chemo does lots of things to you and one of them is it lowers your immune system which among other things will keep you from healing. I was all set to have the surgery after the first of the year, went in for pre-op, had a follow up MRI, (the first two after the tumor was removed were great) but the third one showed two new spots..... so here we go again. This time I had to do IV chemo. I started treatments back in March. I had 9 treatments, every other Thursday for 18 weeks. I made so many bracelets and gave them out each time I had a treatment. The nurses loved them and patients, IV pole in hand, would walk to my treatment area and pick one or two out. If each time they wear them it brings a smile to their face, that's another job I've done right! First MRI after 4 treatments showed excellent response and over half shrinkage. Second MRI after 9th treatment showed "Excellent Treatment Response". I'll say,.... they couldn't see any disease anywhere! I am scheduled for the colon resection September 9th and am planning for everything to go well so I can be over this part of my journey.
Things aren't easy but GOD didn't promise us they would be.
I try hard not to complain and to "let go and let GOD" as my mama use to say. I love, care, and give to others as much as I can. GOD has BLESSED us in so many ways, I try to pay it forward as much as possible. I know there is a reason we are going through this journey and put my trust and faith in GOD to see us through.
There are so many things that go on with a cancer patient or anyone who is chronically ill I suppose. Symptoms you don't talk about, doctor appointments and treatments you try to forget about, side effects you work through and don't even let others know you are having.
I have continued to work a full time job, still have my real estate license and even had a closing last month. I have several buyers I am working now and a couple of potential listings coming up. When people ask how I do it all my response is: "Faith and a Prayer!" It's really Faith and a lot of Prayers!
Scott nor I will ever give up and I know GOD isn't done with us yet!
If this blog helps anyone to see things a little differently, be thankful for what you have, appreciate those in your life, give a little more, complain a little less, and to LOVE a little more than I've done something right.
Love and prayers to all. Keep in touch! Sheryl
Friday, October 18, 2013
One more thing.....
I forgot to let everyone know that my first MRI was great. No signs of re-occurrence!
It's FALL and I'm loving this weather!
Sorry it's been almost a month since my last post. Time just gets away from me.
Scott and I are both doing well. He had a doctor appointment yesterday and it was routine. He's scheduled for his next MRI November 16. He is doing work with Atlanta Structural and handling all of the rentals. He plays cards as often as he can and has enjoyed this beautiful weather and riding his Harley around locally.
I'm back to work in full swing. This is our busiest season and I am staying busy with that and even working some overtime when I feel like it.
We are thoroughly enjoying the hot tub, new deck and screen porch especially with the beautiful fall weather we are having.
I am handling my medication very well. I do have a few side effects but am working through them. I am under doctors orders to eat whatever I want (don't hate me) and I have gained about 12 lbs. since my surgery. It is so nice to be able to eat a meal without having an attack and sitting and enjoying time with Scott.
Once I have finished my cycles of medication at the end of November I hope to be able to have the re-section done by the end of the year and then I will really be on my road to recovery.
I am trying to relax on the weekends and have spent time working on some of my beaded bracelets. I think every nurse, tech, doctor, etc. at both Emory locations have one at this point. I just give them away. Please let me know if anyone wants one.
Hope everyone is doing well. Please stay in touch.
Love and prayers,
Sheryl
Scott and I are both doing well. He had a doctor appointment yesterday and it was routine. He's scheduled for his next MRI November 16. He is doing work with Atlanta Structural and handling all of the rentals. He plays cards as often as he can and has enjoyed this beautiful weather and riding his Harley around locally.
I'm back to work in full swing. This is our busiest season and I am staying busy with that and even working some overtime when I feel like it.
We are thoroughly enjoying the hot tub, new deck and screen porch especially with the beautiful fall weather we are having.
I am handling my medication very well. I do have a few side effects but am working through them. I am under doctors orders to eat whatever I want (don't hate me) and I have gained about 12 lbs. since my surgery. It is so nice to be able to eat a meal without having an attack and sitting and enjoying time with Scott.
Once I have finished my cycles of medication at the end of November I hope to be able to have the re-section done by the end of the year and then I will really be on my road to recovery.
I am trying to relax on the weekends and have spent time working on some of my beaded bracelets. I think every nurse, tech, doctor, etc. at both Emory locations have one at this point. I just give them away. Please let me know if anyone wants one.
Hope everyone is doing well. Please stay in touch.
Love and prayers,
Sheryl
Monday, September 16, 2013
Monday September 16
I thought I was going to bed but I guess not. A friend just paid Scott and I a very nice compliment and I realized I haven't post since I have gone back to work.
Being back at work is great. I really missed my co-workers and I really do love being a benefits counselor. Scott says I'm in my realm because I get to talk all day, but it's really the pleasure of knowing I helped someone make the right decision when it comes to the complicated world of health insurance benefits.
I have had a few tiring days but for the most part I've done very well. Of course we've had other things going on too. We've finished the deck project and planted some bushes and plants this weekend with the help again of my sister Teresa, brother in law Steve, and nephew Tyler. I don't know what we would do without them! Everything looks great and we have already gotten our monies worth out of the hot tub, I love it!
Scott is doing good and I am glad we are finished so he can rest. He did way more on the deck project than he should have but that's his nature and it kept him busy.
I thank GOD everyday for all of our blessings even on the not so good days. The love and support from family and friends is over whelming and continues to help get us through.
Being back at work is great. I really missed my co-workers and I really do love being a benefits counselor. Scott says I'm in my realm because I get to talk all day, but it's really the pleasure of knowing I helped someone make the right decision when it comes to the complicated world of health insurance benefits.
I have had a few tiring days but for the most part I've done very well. Of course we've had other things going on too. We've finished the deck project and planted some bushes and plants this weekend with the help again of my sister Teresa, brother in law Steve, and nephew Tyler. I don't know what we would do without them! Everything looks great and we have already gotten our monies worth out of the hot tub, I love it!
Scott is doing good and I am glad we are finished so he can rest. He did way more on the deck project than he should have but that's his nature and it kept him busy.
I thank GOD everyday for all of our blessings even on the not so good days. The love and support from family and friends is over whelming and continues to help get us through.
Jeremiah 17:14
Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
Short and sweet tonight but I'm tired and going to bed. In the words of my loving mother, at least for now.... "I'm out of here".
Love to all,
Sheryl
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Happy Thursday Everyone!
It's a beautiful morning! I've been up for several hours just doing misc. things around the house. It is wonderful to be able to do them again! I don't think I have ever taken anything for granted but I certainly never will again. Just having the strength to do housework, run errands, feel like eating, these are all normal everyday things but not to some and certainly not to me before and right after my surgery.
I return to work next Tuesday. I am looking forward to getting back in to the swing of things there and really want to have an awesome 4th quarter! My co-workers know what that means. I was having an awesome 1st quarter until I had to leave for surgery.
Scott and I still have our many endeavors, Scott does an awesome job with our Property Management Company and our rentals, he is doing work for his company Atlanta Structural, and still overseeing our "to do" list here. The hot tub should go in this afternoon.
The real estate market seems to be making a come back and I have been working on some things with that while I've had some down time at home. I am still actively working real estate and would love to help anyone wanting to buy or sell a home. I love showing houses and finding my clients the one that "fits" for them!
Please continue to keep Scott and I in your prayers. I feel those prayers everyday and know the LORD has more in store for us.
Love and prayers to all!
Sheryl
I return to work next Tuesday. I am looking forward to getting back in to the swing of things there and really want to have an awesome 4th quarter! My co-workers know what that means. I was having an awesome 1st quarter until I had to leave for surgery.
Scott and I still have our many endeavors, Scott does an awesome job with our Property Management Company and our rentals, he is doing work for his company Atlanta Structural, and still overseeing our "to do" list here. The hot tub should go in this afternoon.
The real estate market seems to be making a come back and I have been working on some things with that while I've had some down time at home. I am still actively working real estate and would love to help anyone wanting to buy or sell a home. I love showing houses and finding my clients the one that "fits" for them!
Please continue to keep Scott and I in your prayers. I feel those prayers everyday and know the LORD has more in store for us.
Love and prayers to all!
Sheryl
Matthew 9:22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Beautiful Saturday Morning!
It's nice and cool here this morning. Scott isn't up yet and I've just been piddling around the house. We got the furniture moved back onto the screen porch so I can sit out there and enjoy GOD's beauty.
Scott's had a good week. He's been able to do a couple of Atlanta Structural jobs plus meet with contractors on some of the finishing touches on our screen porch/deck project.
Hopefully the hot tub will be moved out of the garage and onto the deck this week and we still have to pick some soft lighting to go under the deck rails. The hot tub is going to be wonderful, Scott's doctor has already told him it will be wonderful for him and I just love relaxing in the tub every night so the hot tub is going to be wonderful. We had some furniture given to us by a good friend and I bought new cushions so we can get those set up as well.
We are looking for a new grill. Ours is old and isn't going back on the new deck. Anybody have a brand they really like?
I've had a good week as well. This is my week to not take my meds so it gives my body a break from the side effects. I've had a headache every afternoon which I am sure is sinuses but other than that, it's been great.
I'm looking forward to returning to work in a week. I've found some clothes that fit and re-arranged out walk in closet (totally confused Scott) so I'm ready to go.
I've had time to work on some scrapbooking, made some more bracelets, cleaned and organized the house, (those of you that know me well, know that's constant with me), worked on some real estate marketing ideas, and also read my Kindle.
Life is good and GOD is great! Take time to appreciate what you have, love the people in your lives and thank GOD everyday.
Prayers for those less fortunate and our country!
Sheryl
Scott's had a good week. He's been able to do a couple of Atlanta Structural jobs plus meet with contractors on some of the finishing touches on our screen porch/deck project.
Hopefully the hot tub will be moved out of the garage and onto the deck this week and we still have to pick some soft lighting to go under the deck rails. The hot tub is going to be wonderful, Scott's doctor has already told him it will be wonderful for him and I just love relaxing in the tub every night so the hot tub is going to be wonderful. We had some furniture given to us by a good friend and I bought new cushions so we can get those set up as well.
We are looking for a new grill. Ours is old and isn't going back on the new deck. Anybody have a brand they really like?
I've had a good week as well. This is my week to not take my meds so it gives my body a break from the side effects. I've had a headache every afternoon which I am sure is sinuses but other than that, it's been great.
I'm looking forward to returning to work in a week. I've found some clothes that fit and re-arranged out walk in closet (totally confused Scott) so I'm ready to go.
I've had time to work on some scrapbooking, made some more bracelets, cleaned and organized the house, (those of you that know me well, know that's constant with me), worked on some real estate marketing ideas, and also read my Kindle.
Life is good and GOD is great! Take time to appreciate what you have, love the people in your lives and thank GOD everyday.
Prayers for those less fortunate and our country!
Sheryl
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