On Monday, January 21st, Sheri was diagnosed with Lymphoma! For more information on Lymphoma click on this link: http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=7030
It all began with a massage. I know. It sounds CRAZY. But, it's true! Monday, January 14th Sheri got a massage and by the following day her neck (which the therapist had worked harder than normal) was swollen. By the following weekend Sheri thought that the swelling had gone down, but I (Brigitte) didn't think so! Wednesday she decided to call a doctor -- just in case. Thursday she went to see Dr. Coleman who quickly decided that something was wrong and ordered a chest x-ray. It came back abnormal and he told Sheri that he suspected cancer. I try to put myself in Sheri's shoes. I'm sure at the word cancer nothing else really registered. How is someone supposed to receive that type of news?? The whirlwind of emotions began and Sheri's life was changed. Seriously -- there is never a good time to hear the word cancer, but I'm thinking that 5 weeks before your wedding date has got to be the absolutely worst timing. (Oh -- speaking of that -- for those of you who don't already know: SHERI AND SHANE ARE GETTING MARRIED!!! The date is set for February 23rd. They, and everyone who knows them, are more excited than words can describe.) So, later that day Sheri goes to St. Mark's for a CT scan. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ct_scan Sounds simple enough -- lie down for an hour and let a computer scan your body. Right? Well, Sheri said that the "stuff" that you drink beforehand is NASTY!! Just so you know -- Sheri has a pretty sensitive gag-reflex, so a round-of-applause is definitely in order for the ingestion of the CT Scan Prep Beverage (not the official title of the "stuff.") The scan showed a mass growing on the Thymus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thymus At that point they told Sheri that a biopsy was necessary in order to officially diagnose what was going on. Yesterday the surgery took place and the results found that it is indeed Lymphoma. At this point that is all of the details that we have. What type, stage, etc. are being determined and we should have those details by Friday. At that point she will meet with an oncologist and her treatment plan will be laid out.
Sheri is being extremely strong and is handling everything with bravery beyond imagination!! She is recovering from surgery at her parents’ house for the next few days. She was told to not take Advil (her fave drug -- of course!), but is thankful for stronger forms of pain medication. Her #1 To Do Item of the day is: try to not move head (as it is attached to the neck...which is where the incision is...which hurts!)
It all began with a massage. I know. It sounds CRAZY. But, it's true! Monday, January 14th Sheri got a massage and by the following day her neck (which the therapist had worked harder than normal) was swollen. By the following weekend Sheri thought that the swelling had gone down, but I (Brigitte) didn't think so! Wednesday she decided to call a doctor -- just in case. Thursday she went to see Dr. Coleman who quickly decided that something was wrong and ordered a chest x-ray. It came back abnormal and he told Sheri that he suspected cancer. I try to put myself in Sheri's shoes. I'm sure at the word cancer nothing else really registered. How is someone supposed to receive that type of news?? The whirlwind of emotions began and Sheri's life was changed. Seriously -- there is never a good time to hear the word cancer, but I'm thinking that 5 weeks before your wedding date has got to be the absolutely worst timing. (Oh -- speaking of that -- for those of you who don't already know: SHERI AND SHANE ARE GETTING MARRIED!!! The date is set for February 23rd. They, and everyone who knows them, are more excited than words can describe.) So, later that day Sheri goes to St. Mark's for a CT scan. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ct_scan Sounds simple enough -- lie down for an hour and let a computer scan your body. Right? Well, Sheri said that the "stuff" that you drink beforehand is NASTY!! Just so you know -- Sheri has a pretty sensitive gag-reflex, so a round-of-applause is definitely in order for the ingestion of the CT Scan Prep Beverage (not the official title of the "stuff.") The scan showed a mass growing on the Thymus http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thymus At that point they told Sheri that a biopsy was necessary in order to officially diagnose what was going on. Yesterday the surgery took place and the results found that it is indeed Lymphoma. At this point that is all of the details that we have. What type, stage, etc. are being determined and we should have those details by Friday. At that point she will meet with an oncologist and her treatment plan will be laid out.
Sheri is being extremely strong and is handling everything with bravery beyond imagination!! She is recovering from surgery at her parents’ house for the next few days. She was told to not take Advil (her fave drug -- of course!), but is thankful for stronger forms of pain medication. Her #1 To Do Item of the day is: try to not move head (as it is attached to the neck...which is where the incision is...which hurts!)
14 comments:
So...my niece was just sitting next to me while I was re-reading this post and she said, "Why does our Sheri have cancer." I told her that no one knows why -- she just does -- and it totally sucks! She then asked me, "Auntie, how are they going to get the cancer out?" I tried to explain the procedure, and her response was, "Maybe they should just poke her neck." So -- Sheri -- maybe you could inform the doctors of this latests cancer-healing-idea. Now she just asked me why I'm still typing. So, I told her, and she said, "Oh. Maybe I'm going to make Sheri laugh!" I HOPE SO!!
Hey Sheri!! We want you to know that we think you are an amazing person, we are thinking of you and praying for your speedy recovery through this cancer fight. From your friends in Texas, WE LOVE YOU, Tina, Ryan Emily and Wyatt
Good job, Brigitte. I love the blog and I love the address: gosheri! This will be so helpful for Sheri so she doesn't have to make a million phone calls to explain everything. I know she is already probably so sick of talking to all of us. Sheri is a tough cookie. I can't wait to see everyone this weekend.
Hey Gidgie! What niece was that? Was it Maggie? Well, I can't wait to see Sheri in her Beautiful wedding gown! Is this the blog that you were talking about that you were going to set up about gossip?
Oh Sheri ... bless your heart. This must be so tough. Please know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers. I know Heavenly Father is very aware of you and what is going on. Trust in Him to carry you through this. You are going to be just fine. You are one of the toughest people I know!
By the way - CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement and upcoming wedding!! We are SO excited for you! Shane is a very lucky man. We would love to meet him.
Hang in there, Sheri. There are a lot of people praying for you. We love you!
~Greg, Natalie, Ben & Reese Thurman
Ok, so I couldn't agree more with the "it just sucks" phrase, and the timing... what is up with that!! Anyway, I am so glad that things are moving right along so this can become one of "those experiences that made you stronger". You are truly an amazing person...
We have been thinking of you and praying for you as well. Congratulations on the wedding!! We are excited and so happy for you and Shane.
We are so sorry to hear about this untimely news. We pray things will go well. If anyone can beat it, we know YOU can. Congratulations on the engagement. We are very happy and excited for you.
Our prayers are with you and your family and friends!
Love,
Jonathan and Sarah Noel
When Brigitte sent me your blog yesterday, I was fully expecting to see some fun engagement photos. I was shocked and saddened by the news of your cancer. Know that we are thinking about you and are praying for you and those that are closest to you. I hope everyone's prayers will strengthen you and give you hope for the future.
Love, Collette and boys
Hey Sheri!
We were totally shocked to hear from Brigitte on Monday! I had just been looking at your shower invitation and thinking of you. We are so sorry that you have to face this trial - especially right now - but we are thinking of you and praying for you. Obviously Heavenly Father knows how strong you are. Let us know if you need ANYTHING! We love you!!!
Love, Ang, Greg and the boys
Sheri, I tried to imagine... if I were in your place, what would I want to hear from a friend? But I just can't fathom it. I don't understand it, and I'm sorry you have to go through something so rough, but if anyone is up to the challenge, you are. I know that you're a strong woman, but I hope that the people around you will be strong too, so that you can fall apart once in awhile. You're entitled.
Love and prayers,
The Other Ang
Sheri,
I have met you a few times. I am Michelle's neighbor. I posted a note to you on Michelle's blog, but just in case you don't get to read it I wanted to write you a note here too.
Just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You have an AMAZING family, I know that all will be fine since you have them. I admire all of you. Hope you can recover quick and be back on your feet without troubles. All our best to you. AND HAPPY WEDDING!
Stephanie Bliss
Dear Sheri,
I am sorry you have this challenge. I have decided that only positive thoughts and vibes will do you justice. You are always so upbeat and positive! It may seem a little like New-Agey foo-foo, but I am holding these visions of you and your future (do let me know if you don't like any of them and I'll change them right away!):
*You are gorgeous in your wedding gown. Your hair is thick and beautiful, pulled back from your face (per Rick's request) and curled for the special occasion. It's a warm day for winter, so you don't freeze your tush off getting those outside pics!
Then, I'm picturing you totally healthy and pregnant and then I'm picturing you a grandma with a zillion grand-babies around!
* I picture you snuggling your first little baby up against your neck. You can smell that sweet baby smell (not the diaper one!) and you can feel the baby's breath on your neck.
* I picture you and Shane, old and wrinkly, still in love, holding hands at a big family picnic. You are surrounded by your kids, grand-kids, and great-grandkids. You're having lemon-aid and I'm still WAY older than you and having my usual glass of wine!
:-) No hope for me, of course!
All of my warmest wishes and best, most beautiful dreams, are with you!
Love You!
Laurie D.
OKay, you look absolutely beautiful! Love the photo to accompany this sad bit of news. Well happy and sad... engagement and well, cancer... stink! But I look at that face and it says "no sweat, I am gonna beat this!" What a shock... massage... and then the doctor appointment. Good that you got it checked. Maybe we should all get massages just to be sure... well, lets face it, getting a massage is always a good idea. I am praying for you girl. Best wishes!
-Tracey
Sheri,
I was so sad to hear the news from Alicia when I was getting my hair done the other day. I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
We look forward to seeing you as a beautiful bride on Saturday.
Best wishes,
Ben, Heather, and Josh Demke
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