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