New Year's Resolute

Happy Holidays!  I hope that the whirlwind of December was mostly fun chaos and not crazy chaos for all of you.  It is hard to believe that it is almost 2013.

If you are like me, this time of year always lends itself to a bit of reflection -- looking back on the past year at what has occurred; anticipating the new one and all that we hope to take place.  It is almost unbelievable all that can happen in a year . . .

. . . or in a month, or a handful of weeks.  Sheri’s tenacity this fall has been only peripherally documented here – I am sorry that many weeks we could not fully capture the spirit that has permeated her journey.  The pain and struggle has not overwhelmed the determination, humor, resilience, and strength. This is a quote Sheri texted recently that her mom and Angie brought to her attention,  from the book Every Day a Friday by Joel Osteen :

Chemo quote:

"God will not allow a challenge to come into our lives unless he has a purpose for it.  I've found that nothing happens to us; it happens for us.  If we keep the right attitude God will always use it for our good.

Have you ever thought that God may have you somewhere on purpose so you can be a good example?  God may want your light to shine, to brighten the days, to make a difference where you are!"

Feel the love!
 Connie Simms and friends from the weight loss management and wellness center make a heart yard for the Gersin family.

Firm determination. Inspired by Sheri's approach, I am not going to make just one New Year's resolution this year; instead, I am going to try to enter the new year resolute -- not intimidated by the challenges life brings but always searching for the opportunities that exist in every experience.   

There are 10 weeks to go with chemotherapy! Sheri completed her third treatment recently, incorporating the new recommendations from her trip to Sloan-Kettering.  This new approach uses a less potent treatment more often, so she has a treatment a week that should be better tolerated. She will not have to be admitted to the hospital. 

Things went well this time around and Sheri has gotten good feedback again regarding her numbers: her Ca 125  went down to 11.37 from 12.46!  Great news!

Sheri will go for another treatment this Wednesday.

Here's to a year of good health and much happiness for the Gersins and for us all! Looking back at the hardships of the past one, I might be inclined to tell 2012 don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out.  But perhaps that does not honor the good attitude that Sheri has admirably demonstrated (although it does kinda sound like her :). Instead I'll point out that a new year offers a renewed sense of optimism and energy -- so where 2013 is concerned, I say: Bring it!

Cheers!

~Bess

A Great Gift

With the holiday season in full swing, the world seems to be spinning a little faster than usual.  I had to leave a store early yesterday because the holiday music was so manic that I felt like my head was going to explode if I stayed another second.

How nice, in the midst of all of the holiday crazy, to have a truly great gift come our way   . . .  some good news from Sheri 's second opinion appointment at Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York this week.  She had the "PCP" with her -- her "peritoneal cancer posse" (of COURSE she has her own posse, yo) consisting of Todd Heniford, Angie and Greg, and her number one shorty, Keith G.  It clearly made a huge difference to have the support of those special companions on this important trip.

Sheri reported that they had a great consult with Dr. Grisham.  She suggested some changes to the chemo schedule and how often Sheri gets CT scans after her six cycles of chemo.  She also had very positive information  regarding  recurrence and treatment of the cancer should that occur.  Hallelujah for positive feedback!!

Don't wig out . . . or, maybe . . DO! Sam picks out a favorite look for mom.

I believe sweet Henry is having a birthday party as I type this update. So there are lots of reasons to celebrate this week!

~ Bess

Attitude of Gratitude

So, Thursday morning I was pretty strung out driving my boys to school.  Every morning seems to be a roll of the dice with those two -- some days are uneventful.  And then some days are just crazy.  Crazy like crying and teasing and poking and tormenting; crazy like I am in a parallel universe where people can be brought to their knees in fits of sadness or rage, just because someone "looked at me" or "made that noise" or "smiled at me." Sweet Jesus.

So I drop them off and pull out of the school parking lot and into the far lane to turn into Sheri's neighborhood.  I had put together a little care package and thought I would drop it off on the front porch.  I knew Sheri's experience post-chemo had been really grueling last time, and I assumed there was no way she would be up and about this soon out after her second treatment.  As I turn onto her street I pull over, thinking I would just send her a text to let her know I'd left something at her door; as I pulled out my phone I was surprised and thrilled with the message there:

Actually feeling pretty good this morning.  Saw Henry off to school with his first big project! Nausea and discomfort are minimal . . . hopefully this will last! Love u all! Thank you for the prayers and well wishes!

I felt something like a wave come over me:  of relief, of gratitude, of shame -- for indulging in my own silly dramas with my kids. Her happiness at seeing Henry off to school after I had just thrown my two to the curb gave me pause.

Mostly I was just SO thankful that her experience was better this time around.

I saw her briefly and she was laughing and joking around.  Silly Sam (who should be a child model, by the way) locked his mom out of the house as she saw me to my car, prompting more laughter from Sheri.

I hope this is how it will go from here on out . . .  Smoother sailing, lots of laughs.

~Bess

Two Down!

I am happy to report that Sheri completed her second treatment yesterday, and that it was less eventful than the first.  She did still have a reaction to her new antiemetic and a small reaction to the carbo.

Prior to chemo, Sheri met with Dr. Higgins.  He was thrilled with her Ca125 coming down so far so fast.  The plan is to continue with chemo with some minor changes -- and he is not going to push intraperitoneal chemo, which Sheri is happy about.

After being discharged yesterday, Sheri was back at Levine Cancer Center today for a shot to stimulate her white blood cell production.

Now, to rest and recover.  Sheri has asked that folks refrain from visiting this week while she gets her strength back.

Thanks to everyone for your continued concern and support!

~Bess K

Head Strong

In the south, we call them "Steel Magnolias" -- those women that artfully embody a charming, charismatic side and simultaneously maintain impressive reserves of strength.  The SM's strong side shines through in her  intelligence, her humor, her personality, and -- when times require it -- in her ability to take charge in the face of adversity.

In preparation for Round Two of chemotherapy --scheduled for this Monday -- Sheri took charge of her changing look in impressive Magnolia fashion, and emerged looking 100% like the rock star that she is:

Sheri shaves her head prior to 2nd chemo treatment Monday; in a show of support husband Keith
  also  . . . oh.  wait a minute . . . .

When I received this pic with the message "Ya know how u start looking like ur spouse after a while . . . this is ridiculous!" I laughed out loud, and was so glad that there was this sign of empowerment and humor in the mix with all of the rest that can feel so heavy and hard.

Because, of course, chemo is no stroll in the salon.  Sheri will be admitted to CMC for a day or two Monday to receive her treatment.  Hopefully the lessons learned the first round will help to make this experience less challenging.

Another update:  Sheri will be going for a second opinion at Sloan Kettering on December 13th; as Sheri says, just to make sure she's not missing anything.  Her intention is to continue to have her care/treatment in Charlotte.

This holiday season we reflect upon all that we have to be thankful for:  good friends, loving families,  reasons to smile, and help for what ails us.


~Bess K.

Tough as Nails

We know that cancer is tough.  Cancer is tough as nails.  Some days fighting cancer/chemotherapy is like choking down a nail milkshake  . . .  there's something good in there, but sweet relief can be easily obscured by the more painful ingredients.

I told Sheri when she first received her diagnosis that this was when her much-loved gutsy personality was going to serve her well.  I am thankful that she is a tenacious woman, although I wish she wasn't having to pull from those reserves quite so much. 

Sheri's white blood count was low after her chemo treatment and she was left feeling pretty awful.  She was admitted back to CMC and is making steady improvement to get the count back up, and to feel well. I believe she is doing better every day.

Please no visitors while she's getting her strength back.

Before starting chemo Sheri had her nails done in what she called the official "Peritoneal Color" --OPI 's  Teal We Meet Again.  She passed out a few bottles at her pre-chemo party . . . and I am getting my Sheri Pedi this week.  If you are interested in joining in with this show of support,  grab this color the next time you get your nails done.  I love that it is bold like Sheri and I look forward to talking her up and sending some affirming energy her way when I am inevitably asked about my new blue look :) 

As always, thanks for your concern.

~Bess

One Down . . . and Great News!

Sheri went home from CMC this morning, feeling tired but doing pretty well.  There will be five more chemo treatments to go; all will require hospital stays for 24 hours.

A very bright spot:  Her CA 125 (tumor maker test) level was 13 pre-chemo, which is low and very good news regarding the rate of re-occurrence. So great!!

From what I understand, Sheri will be recovering and sleeping a lot right now; it would be helpful for her to have a few days to rest without interruption.

Thank you for your ongoing support and concern!

~Bess  

Update

I just spoke with Sheri and got the good news and the bad news about her chemo experience today. The bad news:  She has been admitted to Carolinas Medical Center. The good news:  She has been admitted to Carolinas Medical Center . . .

Unfortunately, Sheri had an allergic reaction to Taxol that made the usual administration of the chemo drug extremely difficult.  The five hour process was too aggressive an approach -- instead, she will receive the chemo in the hospital slowly, so that she can tolerate it, over a 24-hour period. Sheri said she is glad that there was a better option available and was relieved to be receiving her treatment this way at the hospital.

This process will be the standard one for her moving forward in her future chemo treatments.

This week she will be in the hospital until Wednesday evening. She will return Thursday for a shot to address a low white blood count. While she is at CMC  it would be best to refrain from visiting.

To add insult to injury, Cousin Timmy and other family had a stomach bug on Sunday! Sheri said she  was also nauseated, and probably came into this deal a little less than 100%.

Not what we had hoped for, but so glad there is a plan in place to help her get through it.

Thanks for all of your concern and support!

~Bess K.

The Big C

Cancer?  Chemo?


Nope . . .  CAKE.

Saturday was one of those awesome fall days that make you just stop and take a deep breath; look around you and notice how fabulous the leaves look right before they prepare to drop, feel a bit of gratitude that you can scoot around in jeans without breaking into a full sweat, hear the sound of kids playing and dogs barking and fun.

This was certainly the scene at the Gersin's Saturday.  Pizza, cake, beverages and a bevy of potluck goodies were enjoyed by many friends and family who came together to see Sheri and each other before her first round of chemo started today. I can report that a favorite party guest, Stella, was in attendance and contributed her usual good cheer to the festivities.

The backyard attraction may have been the biggest hit -- for young and old(er) alike -- coming from a mom who was so thankful that when we walked up the driveway and saw this:

why my children now get that Sheri is the coolest ever

High Henry!

Of course, THAT allowed for THIS:

A good time was had by all.  As my clan got ready to leave, Sheri's parents Jim and Carol arrived back in town;  Aunt Pat would then prepare to go, a prospect that seemed bittersweet for both Sheri and Pat.  There is a lot that is so emotional and challenging about these days, but the most compelling thing I noticed was  that cool circle of support:  As one friend or family member heads out, another comes in her place . . . and they just keep coming. You have to think that all of that love in the room is stronger than anything else.

And, the "else." Sheri started her chemo today at 9am, a process that was to take five hours.  I believe her chemo cycle will be one week on, three weeks off, for six treatments. I will post an update about today's events as soon as I hear.

~Bess K.

Happy Halloween to one and all! We are happy to report there's been more treats in Sheri's life this past week than tricks....muhahahaha....

Last Thursday, Sheri had her port-a-cath placed. She arrived at the hospital around 6 AM bright and early and was home resting before noon. I pulled up into the driveway around 5 PM that evening to deliver dinner. Her cousin was outside trying his best to be polite to a door to door solicitor. Seriously, who wants to talk about buying magazines from a compete stranger? I tried to make a joke about it and then quickly enter the house and leave him to fend off the solicitor himself. That wasn't very nice of me, was it? However, the joke was on me. I attempted to enter the house and immediately realized little Sam had locked the door. He stood on the inside giggling with such naughty zeal while we tried to convince him to unlock the door. Once he figured out I had food....treats in fact for him,  he gleefully complied and let me in. What a cutie pie!

 Henry and Sam wrestled on the floor while I chatted with Aunt Pat. She was there for a few more days and then heading back up to Ohio on Sunday, after Sheri's parents were making their way back to Charlotte. Sheri was sleeping after taking some much needed pain medication. Although, today Sheri said "I had to take some, not for my port but because the people who worked to put it in made me laugh so hard while I was waiting that my stomach hurt!" We all know what a hearty belly laugh can do, and that's without the incisional pain for us! A good laugh can pull the strongest muscles.

Today, Sheri had her appointment for genetic counseling and tomorrow she will meet with Dr. Higgins to talk about her chemo schedule. In her own words: " I am ready to get on with it!" She's  picked out some fashionable wigs and her hair stylist is going to tweak them for her.

Sheri's cousin Tim is here with his family and they are getting psyched about Halloween. It is going to be a bit chilly this evening in Charlotte, but they'll bundle up the gang, head out and enjoy going Trick or Treating.

Thanks to all who have reached out over the past few weeks to bring food to the family. It's been one less thing they've had to worry about and it's a huge help to them all. We hope everyone has a safe, fun-filled evening. Bess will be posting over the next few weeks, so stay tuned to read the latest updates from her.

***Update: Sheri will begin her chemo on Monday, November 5th. 
~Pattie

Dish It Out...She Can Take It!

Greetings Family and Friends,

Happy Saturday! Sheri continues to make positive progress on her road to recovery from surgery. She is up and around, walking a few times a day and is surrounded by loving, caring people.

In the upcoming weeks, Sheri will undergo a port-a-cath placement. This device, placed under the skin, will serve as an access point for her heath care team to deliver chemotherapy and other medications into her body effectively. For now, she can eat what she wants, and she reports that her appetite is slowly returning. Once her chemo cycle starts, we will update everyone with a list of foods best tolerated by Sheri. 

Many of you are asking the concrete question: "How can we best help them now?" And there is something very important we can do for them. Here's the scoop:

There has been a change in plans as to how we can best help the family, particularly around meals. If you would like to sign up, you may access the meal schedule by clicking here, or by visiting TakeThemAMeal.com and locating the schedule by recipient last name (Gersin) and password (1010).

This will be a huge help to Sheri. We all know the time, effort and energy that goes into planning and preparing meals for everyone. It can be exhausting! Right now, this is where the most need is.

 

Any and all ***types of foods are welcomed and appreciated. Henry and Sam, like many kids, eat their own "kiddie fare" from the pantry or freezer, so there is no need to include them in your headcount of folks to feed. Please prepare enough for Keith, Sheri and their helpers (Sheri's parents, aunt, etc.) Plan for meals that serve 4-8 people.

**Due to Henry's peanut allergy, please note if the meal includes nuts

Please deliver your meal to their home by 5:30 PM on your assigned day. Their address is: 5145 Carmel Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28226. There will be a cooler placed on the front doorstep for you to leave your meal in. You may contact Tyson with any questions or concerns by email or by phone (704-905-0745).

As always, thanks for your love and support.

~Pattie

A Message From Sheri

Sheri asked that we post this "thank you" to all of you:

I am sitting here with so much to say, but I don't know where to start. 

I have CANCER…peritoneal cancer to be exact.  I haven't said that, that much…it sounds unreal…feels unreal too.  It has been probably the most difficult 2 1/2 weeks of my life.  I am 2 weeks post op today and thanks to the tireless efforts of Dr. Higgins and Dr. B.T. Heniford they got all visible tumor out of my abdomen.  I am feeling pretty good.  I am walking outside and enjoying the boys while I do it.  I am sleeping well and finally eating is becoming more appealing.  I haven't had a beer yet, but I am getting closer everyday!  I am trying to prepare myself for the journey ahead, I am scared, shitless frankly, but I am ready to get on with it!  I have not asked why too much, my main question is how.  How do I do this?  To be honest that is where all of you have come in….

I knew that all of you were amazing, I just could have never imagined how amazing!  I could never even imagine, in my wildest dreams, how to thank you all for your kindness, support, generosity, positivity, and unbelievable love that you have shown me and my family.  I AM THE LUCKIEST GIRL IN THE WORLD TO HAVE SUCH AMAZING FRIENDS AND FAMILY!  I know this is not going to be easy, but you all have lifted me up so much that I know I can do this!  I am determined to beat this and do it in a way that is fabulous, maybe with a pink wig or a tattooed bald head or just a never say die attitude!  Thank you all for being my cheerleaders, my shoulders to cry on, my ears to listen, and my hearts to love!  I love you all, so very much!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for everything!  Stay tuned…=

Sheri would love to have visitors; if you want to go by just shoot her a text to make sure it's a good time.

We'll update you soon as to what's coming up on the treatment front.  

~Bess

Two Little Monkeys

Good thing they got their "jumping on the hospital bed" accomplished yesterday . . . because Sheri went home from CMC today! 






And just like Dorothy said in The Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home."  Not to compare Sheri to that yellow brick skipping boo.  I mean, all she had to do was click her heels together three times and say her little chant and she was back on the home front.

Well, wait.  I guess that's not right.  All she had to do was get thrown around in a tornado, smack down a scary witch, and pull the reality curtain back on that wizard deal.  And then click her heels three times and go home.  So, OK,  maybe the comparison isn't completely off.

Now Sheri can enjoy the fun energy of those cute monkey-boys, and continue healing in the comfort of her beautiful casa instead of the hospital room. (Although it was a lot less stark with all of the gorgeous flowers that spilled out of every corner.  It made a huge difference; ya'll rocked that out!).

Getting comfortable at home will be a sometimes exhausting process.  If we hear about ways to help we'll let you know; for now some time and space is needed to settle in.

As always, thank you for your concern and support.

~ Bess K.

Rays of Light They Are A-Shinin'

"Trouble walked in and got all up in your face. Demanding, loud, and soul-draining. But if you can sit still for a while in the presence of your own spirit, you may find hidden springs of peace and strength." Melvina Young

And found it she has. Our girl is on her way. Sheri had a peaceful night's rest and her best day since the surgery. Her IV is officially discontinued and her pain medicines are now being administered by mouth. Yeah! She had her first bites of solid food in seven days: scrambled eggs, cheese grits and an English muffin. She is getting up and moving around and has started "infecting" the nurses and caregivers with her quick wit and sense of humor. She's finding her way as we all knew she would. Not even cancer can keep a good woman down! She is surrounded by the loving support of her husband, parents Jim and Carol, her cousin Timmy, and friends Tyson and Deborah. They've taken turns sleeping overnight at the hospital. Angie flew in for a few days to support Sheri through the first few days of surgery, went back home and is making a trek back from Cincinnati to Charlotte tonight. Sheri's friend Micki flew in yesterday to surprise her. Many family and friends have called, texted or have been in and out to visit. Her room looks and smells like a lovely garden of flowers! The cards, candies and special gifts from you all have lifted her spirits. Let's keep moving forward...with each day, a little more light shines through.
~Pattie

Life of the Party

Preparing to host a 4th of July pool party a couple of years ago, I was running around like usual right before everyone was to arrive -- but something was wrong.  Hard as I tried to shake it, I began to feel more and more faint, then nauseous  . . .  and finally outright sick.  The stomach bug struck mere minutes before our guests were to arrive.

My poor husband kicked it into high gear outside while I lay on the bed.  What a mess!  Welcome to the Kercher's -- and we have an extra fun party favor to send home with you tonight!  Ugh.

Among the first guests to show were the Gersins.  Upon hearing my unfortunate news, Sheri marched right back into my bedroom, completely undaunted.  Even though I was mortified and miserable, she made me laugh, and then made me believe it was going to be ok.  She declared I needed Phenergan and when Kent didn't have any she disappeared briefly and then showed up with the goods.

That's just Sheri.  When I think of how cool she is as a friend, I picture her right up in it, with that terrific laugh, bringing you just what you need.  Making it better.

That's the kind of friend I want to be to her now.  This journey may have it's share of misery, but even the most unwelcome, unexpected badness is no match for Sheri and for those of us who love her.  There are ways we can help physically and emotionally and practically, and that is what we will do.

I'm hoping we'll be able to go at this in a way that is very Sheri.  There are two good reasons for this.  First, well  . . . duh.  Since all of this is meant to be helpful and supportive to Sheri it makes sense that we'd try to take our cues from her.  But second, and most importantly, you can bet that this will be way more captivating and useful if our inspiration comes from that crazy, fabulous girl.  (And by girl, I mean QUEEN WOMAN GODDESS; if you have any concerns about my feminist credentials let me know and I will show you my papers).

Here's an example of what I'm talking about.  Sheri will be losing her hair in this process -- I believe her thought is to shave it before the effects of chemo kick in.  And guess what?  She is planning to have a "quote of the day" written on her head, photographed, and shared with everyone.  You see what I mean?  She has totally "Sheried" that deal.

So maybe you have a fun story about Sheri you'd like to let us know about as we're getting this blog going.  Or maybe you have an awesome quote that you'd like to see on Sheri's head.  If so, please send these items of inspiration to me -- my email is included below. (I was going to say: Nothing pornographic or profane, but hey.  Is that really in line with my stated goals?  Instead, let me ask: Would it make Sheri smile?  If you can answer yes, please feel free to send it my way).

-Bess Kercher bessk@carolina.rr.com

Despite the Darkest Day, the Sun Still Shines

Here is Sheri. Our dear, sweet Sheri. You know her: the vibrant, passionate strawberry blonde that we all love? The girl who always has a funny story to tell? She tells a joke or relays a story better than anyone I know. Often times when she shares her stories, they are accompanied by infectious laughter and a zest for “the zingers” leaving everyone around her in stiches. She loves to talk about her life with her husband Keith and her two boys, Henry and Sam. One cannot mention Sheri’s family without talking about Holly, her furry dog-child.

In her spare time, she “names” her purses and enjoys a nice cold bottle of Stella Artois every now and then. She likes going to the gym to work out. She has an endearing habit of slapping posteriors when one is not looking, often in public places. You know, this Sheri...this beautiful, kind, funny, compassionate woman. The Cincinnati Girl living in a Charlotte World.  She is a wife, mother and daughter; a sister, cousin...friend. She encompasses all of these things and so much more.

And now this amazing woman is in the midst of a battle. And this battle will challenge her. As many of you know, Sheri was diagnosed with low- grade serous peritoneal cancer on Friday, October 5^th. Dr. Higgins and Dr. Heniford performed the five-hour surgery.  In order to eliminate the cancer, the doctors removed Sheri’s uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, appendix and parts of her colon, rectum and omentum (the lining around some of her organs). Her post op recovery has progressed as one might expect. She initially was on oxygen, pain medications, including an epidural, and other supportive care and therapies. I am happy to report that Sheri’s epidural is out; she is off oxygen and is able to have some clear liquids. Presently, she is up and out of bed, ambulating in the hallways for short periods of time. The doctor’s assured her that they removed all of the cancer they could see and that once her body heals, she will begin chemotherapy.  The good news is this type of cancer responds well to treatment. She will most likely start her first chemo cycle within 4-6 weeks.

As you can imagine, this experience has been overwhelming at times for her, and her family and friends. The shock has left Sheri feeling uncertain and frightened. A few of us thought it would be a good idea to start a blog on her behalf with her permission. The purpose of this blog will be:

·       To provide updates to family and friends about her condition

·       To reach out to family and friends who may wish to help but don’t know what the family presently needs or will need in the future

·       To be a place for all who care about Sheri to post positive and uplifting messages to her in the comment section of this blog

As of this morning, we are requesting that all please refrain from visiting Sheri while she is in the hospital. Once she is discharged from the hospital, we will provide an update as to the visiting times that would be best for Sheri at her home.She truly appreciates all the love, support and kindness from everyone. For now, she is going to focus on taking this one day at a time and allow her body to recover from the surgery and wrap her mind around her diagnosis. Bess Kercher and I will be maintaining this blog for Sheri. In the future, she may wish to take it over if and when she is feeling up to it. Thank you all for your well wishes. Sheri, Keith and their entire family appreciate each and every one of you. Many Thanks , Pattie Iannitti