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