Off The Hook

No, this is not an image from Discovery Channel's recent Shark Week, but it surely rivals any of the spectacle you might have seen there:

Ummm, yes.  That is Sheri.  CATCHING A SHARK.  In an evening gown. I showed this pic to someone who exclaimed, "That looks like a bad-ass Marilyn Monroe!"  Another thought it looked like Pink, and argued that at the very least the whole image could be an amazing Pink CD cover.

When I raved to Sheri about how cool I thought this was (threatening to blow it up to poster size and hang it on my bedroom wall), she laughed and said, "Yeah, did you like my glam Uggs?" which I had not even noticed.  She clarified that the "evening gown" was in fact a nightgown (forcing me to rethink my usual slumber fare of husband's boxers and a tank top), and that cousin-extraordinaire Timmy had provided some assistance in the capture.

Whatever, dude.  This ROCKS.  What a powerful reminder of the strength and fierceness that is such a Sheri Gersin hallmark.








And the timing is good for this image that strikes me as as a pretty apt metaphor for Sheri's amazing approach to the challenges of cancer. In July, Sheri learned that her numbers were up. She needed to get treatment going again, and went off of Avastin and on a biological agent called Cytoxin (I think).  It is a pill with the most notable side effect being hot flashes.  At her most recent evaluation in August her Ca125 was 59 from 52.  The plan is to stay the course and go back in a month.

A lot has happened this summer. I have had the pleasure of hanging out with Sheri a handful of times (but not nearly enough!!) and at every turn she had me laughing.  I was very proud to introduce her to "Superbad" the movie and no surprise, she McLOVED it! And we have developed a new expression of affection that involves Sheri slapping the hell out of my ass.  It is extremely dignified as you would expect and goes over particularly well at professional gatherings -- medical meetings, etc. That's right . . . you can't take us ANYWHERE!!  Damn straight.

Beautiful Sheri in Pinehurst.

Sheri and friends at 5Church in Cltte

Sorry for the detour down friendship lane, but there have been many fun times this spring and summer, and I love thinking about them all.  In fact, a most wonderful time included Sheri's fabulous 40th birthday celebration at Jerald Melburg Gallery. We MUST get some photos up from that special night.

Speaking of fun times, I am happy to introduce Linus and Lucy, Sheri's new pups.  As you can see, just like everyone else they love their momma.  The kids are a bit wary, I understand, 'cause the pooches are herding dogs and tend to herd the boys.  I find this brilliant and hope to hire them to sit for my two in the near future.

Having such a big heart for animals, it was unsurprising that the family would take on another dog.  It might have been a bit of a surprise that they got two dogs.  When you hear the word "puppies," maybe you picture two teeny tiny bundles of fur?  Ha! Have you ever heard the expression "Go big or go home"? Yeah, baby!

Of course, life constantly has ups and downs. Sadly, dear sweet Holly, in Sheri's words "aka lover, love, lover sweet cutie patutie, sweetie petetie," passed away this summer.  It was was very peaceful at the end, and Sheri said she is sure she is running in heaven.  

Most Awesome Guard(ian Angel) Dog

I am very happy to report that Sheri is going to start posting on the blog!  You can look forward to hearing from her in the future.  

I hope you all are well.  Good luck to everyone with back-to-school chaos. And thanks as always for all of your love and support for Sheri and for the Gersin family.

~ Bess

Rights of Spring

Greetings from toasty Charlotte, where the seasons change literally overnight, and then often change back again.  If you blink, you might miss it . . . which is unfortunate, because in the pollen dust storm also known as "spring" around here, you will find yourself blinking (and coughing and wheezing) a lot. This is a brief deal -- soon the temps will hover somewhere in the 90's, and our 6 months of summer will officially begin.

But on the upside, we do have these crazy few weeks where everything bursts into bloom, so much color and birdsong, like landing in Oz where the black-and-white bleakness of winter gives way to glorious technicolor. And certainly there is something about the springtime that feels very hopeful and happy . . . which is perfectly appropriate for all that I have to share with you now:

When I last left you, many weeks ago, Sheri's dad was confronting a cancer diagnosis.  The update: he had surgery April 4th and did great -- was up and walking around on the 5th! Total rock star (runs in the family). Several days later the pathology report revealed more good news:  no lymph node involvement!  Very good news.

But wait, there's more!  Sheri had a scan on the 5th as well, and in her words "it looks perfect"!  Hallelujah!

Yes, there is just something about spring.   Forget about the "rites" of the season -- I am just glad that in the spring of 2013, so much is right for Sheri and her fabulous family! 

~Bess 

One Up One Down

Have you ever played the (drinking) game "one up, one down"?  It can be really fun, or really maddening, depending upon how quickly you catch on to the rules -- which are not explained to you before playing.  The person who starts (and is in the know) will say "one up, one down" or "two up" or "two down."  The next person goes and says one of those three choices, and is either congratulated or corrected.  Eventually folks catch on that the phrase refers to where your hands are.  Two up around your face; one down holding your drink with the other tucking a piece of hair behind your ear; two down in your lap.

The game of life can be really fun, or really maddening, too.  Sometimes it feels like just as things are looking up, something else comes around to knock you down. Often there is no rhyme or reason.  You keep playing and guessing and hoping that the fates are smiling on you, that its going to go your way this time, that you have figured it out.

I thought of the phrase "one up, one down" when I sat down to write this post, because Tuesday Sheri finished her last round of Taxal!  One WAY UP for sure.  Her dad has received a cancer diagnosis and is preparing for surgery.  One  . . . down?  Maybe.  Of course that is not the news you would hope for.  But there are options for treatment, the family is together, Keith has helped navigate the plan, and hey . . . sweet Sam celebrated a birthday over the weekend.  One up, one up, one up, one up SKY HIGH!!

So much you can't control . . . but whether you circle up and support each other through the challenging times . . . as Sheri and her family have demonstrated . . . that part is all in your hands.

~Bess

Important Update

I wish that this post was a continuation of  happy news, but unfortunately another challenge has been thrown Sheri's way.  Her father was admitted to Mercy Hospital after experiencing difficulty breathing. In addition to the acute situation, it appears he may have primary lung cancer.  There is a plan to undergo surgery once he can tolerate it; that will happen here.

Needless to say, this is quite a shock.  Sheri is trying to pinpoint what would be helpful in the way of support; once I hear from her I will let you know.  Thankfully, her last text to me said that Jim was doing much better and that there is a great game plan for whatever happens.

Please keep the entire family in your prayers.

~Bess

Begin With The End In Mind

When I first read Stephen Covey's 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I had a bit of an out-of-body experience.  I was immersed in a celebratory Outward Bound-esque trip in honor of my husband's 40th birthday. We were scuba diving and cave spelunking and exploring and otherwise testing our physical selves in Belize. I was in grad school at the time, and while I was able to leave a lot of my every day life behind me on this trip, my homework came along for the ride.

So maybe it was the intoxicating balmy breezes, or the exotic food, or the Mayan temples, or the serene ocean animals, or the bright display of color and sound, but I found the ideas in this book to be electric.  And although I don't remember every detail of this work (having passed 40 myself some years ago), a good bit has stayed with me.

Habit 2 is Begin With the End in Mind.  Covey explains:


Habit 2 is based on imagination--the ability to envision in your mind what you cannot at present see with your eyes. It is based on the principle that all things are created twice. There is a mental (first) creation, and a physical (second) creation. The physical creation follows the mental, just as a building follows a blueprint. If you don't make a conscious effort to visualize who you are and what you want in life, then you empower other people and circumstances to shape you and your life by default.


I'm pretty certain that Covey was not envisioning a battle with cancer when he wrote about this approach, and it certainly is not appropriate or fair to suggest that someone facing a physical monster just needs to "mentally create" wellness.  But when I read those words recently they made me think of Sheri  -- because she has been so purposeful in this process; so focused on getting where she needed and wanted to be; so clear about what is important to her. 

Once Sheri texted about her sweet boys, and said "I am fighting for them and it might sound weird  . . . but it is comforting to know that the person I want to be, for the most part, is the person I am."  And that is why we love her so much.  She is exactly who she is meant to be and that shines through even in the most challenging times. 

And she has reason to celebrate this week:

I am SO happy to report that this week marked THE END of her hard chemo treatments!!  

After so many weeks of hard work, after surgery and sickness, and after grappling with a "new normal," Sheri has completed this important part of her plan.  I am so proud of her and of her family. 

There will be a continuation of treatment that will not be as difficult as what she has just finished.She will have Taxal the next two Tuesdays, and then get a month off.  After a CT scan she will then have Avastin once every three weeks by infusion for the next year and a half to two years.  

The journey continues -- but every victory along the way is worth reflection  . . . and CELEBRATION! Congratulations, Sheri!

~Bess

You Can Leave Your Hat On

You know what is really sexy?  Someone who makes you laugh until your sides hurt, until you have to wipe the tears from your eyes. 

Sexy Beast

Not to suggest that Keith, embracing his inner Full Monty, is providing comic relief here.  Keith in the buff is very hot.  Add the hat, and sweet Jesus . . .  the effect is practically criminal.

Behold, ladies, the eye candy I have provided for you this Valentine’s Day.  You’re welcome.

And let’s get back to that first thought that funny people are just HOT.  Take Keith and Sheri. Either one of them alone makes for a raucous good time, where you feed off the witty energy like a starving person at the buffet, wanting more, insatiable.  Together?  You do not stand a chance to remain in any kind of sour, serious, straight-laced space.  Oh, yeah.  Do not think that this is some Mister Roger’s Neighborhood Comedy Hour.  Sheri and Keith are rated M for mature (or immature?). You will pick your mouth up off the floor.  And BEG for more. 

That’s what I’m saying. It’s smokin’.

There is just so much to be sad about in the world; so many things to be pissed off about – what a gift it is to have people in your life who make you smile.  That is why I am sending out the LOVE today to our funny Valentines – Sheri and Keith!

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

I am happy to report that Sheri was feeling good after her treatment this week.  AND . . . next week starts her last cycle!!  Loving that for sure!

Hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day.  Don’t forget  . . .  all you need is love. 

And a few laughs.

~Bess

You Just Might Find . . . You Get What You Need

We don't always get what we want, do we?  There may be a lot in our lives that we would consider less than ideal.  But as those wise life philosophers, The Rolling Stones, reminded us in song, if we just try  . . .  some times we will end up with what we need.

This week Sheri said she missed the ability to enjoy a good beer . . .  but then quickly countered that lament with the observation that Vicodin is a close second.  (Stella could be heard sobbing in the corner).  Cancer seems to impose constant sacrifice -- on levels big and small (or, not critically huge). What comes around the corner may be beyond our control, but we can be empowered in our response. Even just laughing through the "little" setbacks sets the stage for feeling good, and strong.

How amazing Sheri has been throughout this journey, in all the parts that she can control. Hey Cancer, you can take a lot, but you are no match for Sheri's vivaciousness, her humor, her laugh.  You have no idea who you are messing with.

This is the chica who had her treatment this week and then walked on the treadmill and lifted weights.  So fierce!!

I hope that I will have similar reports in the last weeks (!!!) of our treatment updates.

And I hope all of you are happy and well.

~Bess