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