Sheryl's Place

Goodbye Sweetheart!

2009-09-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

It is bittersweet to post the news that on September 4, 2009 at 7:15 pm, Sheryl was set free from her battle with breast cancer. She did not die, but peacefully transitioned to her Heavenly Father as I held her hand, prayed with her, kissed her and soothed her. She is the most courageous person I know and through her entire fight, she never lost sight of her sons, me, her friends and family, and what mattered most. As we celebrate her life there are 5 things I want to share with you.

First, her humor was infectious. She made everything easier to handle because she had a gift of lightening the load. Second, her courage was amazing. Up until two weeks prior to her passing, she was still staring down death, doing chemo, going to the ER and making choices. Just last week she looked at the Hospice Director and said, "get me out of here. If I'm going to die, I'm doing it at home with my husband and sons." Third, her love for her boys, me and her friends and family was unconditional. Just one week ago, she spent an hour with me and the boys and without question, let all three of us know how much she loved us, and while sitting with her, and in no uncertain terms, she told Jon and Matt that she is most proud of them when it comes to looking at her life's accomplishments. Fourth, her generosity was contagious. Her life was largely defined by her unselfishness. She was a giver and not a taker. And last was her faith - she counted on the Lord to give her strength and to take her home. Her signature verse during her battle is from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, Chapter 40, verse 31, "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and will not faint."

Having her gone from our presence is excruciatingly difficult. We miss her every second. But knowing she is pain free and smiling down on her family and friends should bring us all some joy, and certainly an appreciation for an unbelievable woman who fought hard and gave it everything she could.

Sheryl - we love you immensely and look forward to seeing you again someday.

With deepest gratitude and a million memories - your husband, Todd.

SATURDAY From Sheryl at Home

2009-08-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

OH WOW! How time is flying by. My last post was in January it's August already. I kind of go on the concept of no news is good news. My hope is that you'll follow that plan as well. I've been overwhelmed with kindness and good thoughts and prayers, friends stopping by and just falling into what is now normal patterns in my life. What is normal anyway?

As a family we have been having a fun relaxing summer which started with the boys going on a 2 week Christian Sport Camp on Bass Lake in California. While the boys were at camp Todd and I got to spend time together in Mammoth. We were in Mammoth with the boys after they finished their camp, right up to the 4th of July! We had Todd's family down for the week-end. Five cousins all together makes for a lot of fun, pushing limits, tattling, laughing, shouting, screaming all the while jumping from the trampoline into the pool. (Sorry, I just had to take an ice cream break; mint chocolate chip the hard shell chocolate with whipped cream on top. We will call it our little lunch break, okay?) Some where in between there a pineapple Cunard became a member of our family. Very pretty bird but what were we thinking?

All summer I have kept up with my weekly chemotherapy and weekly blood testing, Everything was status quo..until just recently. Apparently the chemo has stopped doing it's job on my cancer. The lesions on my liver have begun growing instead of shrinking and there are new spots showing up. There is growth to a lesion in my spine around T=9 that is cause for concern. I have been going through a battery of tests. I'm still undergoing tests that are more accurate then the regular testing. In new MRIs and CT scans they have found a tiny spot on my brain. It is so small that before they even call it cancer, they need to use a special MRI to confirm findings and look for any other brain abnormalities there (Now you be careful, you know how sensitive I am on those brain jokes.......now I can blame all of my forgetfulness, odd behaviors, and general suspicions to chemo brain...and it's the truth.)

I promise to keep you more informed now that I have something stirring up. I'm in for many tests this week and I will go into more detail as I have those tests along what they are for and the results. It is frustrating to have to wait for information, I have gone from a PIC line in my arm to a port in my chest wall where they can get blood with ease and where my chemotherapy is administered. It is an area with easy access for injections and drawing blood..

I am on a new for me but older chemotherapy drug, Gemcitabine Hydrochloride Solution also called Gemzar. I am much more sensitive to the side effects of this drug; weak, tired, breathing problems, chest pain, mouth sores, nausea and vomiting, pain, swelling, numbness in the hands and feet, stomach pain, constipation (oh yeah) loss of appetite, diarrhea and hair loss. Lucky me! I've got it all going on.

I will try to answer any questions you may have through blog responses. I feel this is just a bump in the road and with your prayers and support God will stand here with us as we go through the ups and downs together. Please continue to pray for me. I have prayed for all of you, if not by name than through my prayers for all the many angels that lift me in thought and payer and remind me of God's promises and His calling my name. It is all for the glorification of God, and while I don't understand it all and how it works. It is through Faith that I Trust God's promises to me and to all of us.

I love you all. We will have a lot more laughter, maybe a few tears and we are doing this together because, IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TOGETHER. I hope you've had a wonderful summer. Sheryl

Rainy day vrs Sunshine

2009-01-23T20:17:00.000-08:00

Good day to all of YOU!

It's raining outside, I've got a fire in the fireplace. I love days like this as long as they come around once every six months. This is the kind of day that inspires me to get on my blog since I've been remiss about staying in contact with you. I apologize....again. It's also Friday, so TGIF to you as well. So many ups and downs since I've been in touch with you.

Oh my, I just had an interruption. My home health nurse, Ruth (that sounds so geriatric) has just arrived. (sounding geriatric is not Ruth, rather the idea of a home health nurse. Anyway I will share with you a typical (typical????) visit. Ruth comes to visit once a week. She changes out the tubing and dressing on my PIC LINE (this tubing starts in my right forearm and goes beneath the skin to my heart where it dumps the medications. The PIC LINE also allows for drawing blood for testing. I'm not a good vein person (veins are too small). I was told that my veins "hide from me" when they see the needle coming. Oh come on, I'm 50, I don't have veins "hiding" from me. If anything my veins have sunken below the wrinkles and fat. Don't give me that "hiding story". Okay, I'm getting tedious and rambling. Anyway Ruth makes sure everything is running as it should be and cleans up the sites of any concerns.

So, I'm doing great. All of my tests are positive (in a good sense). My tumor markers via blood work are decreasing which is wonderful. Truly your good wishes and prayers are getting to God's ears. It is truly a miracle. And, I thank you for your caring and loving thoughts along with your prayers, gifts and cards. I haven't gotten through all the notes you've sent. I'm getting to a few of them each day. I deeply savor all the sentiments. I am taking the time to look up referenced scriptures. It's a blessing. I love it. Thank you.

My rainy day has turned to sunshine, everything green is glistening. I can see myself riding down the highway in a fancy, bright, stylish convertible, my hair blowing in the wind. Then I realize I don't have a convertible and I don't have hair. It doesn't hurt to imagine....

Thank you again, for all you do and all of your caring thoughts and prayers.
Imagine.......
God bless you and yours.
Thank you.
Love you
Sheryl (imagining)

Free at Last!!!!!!

2009-01-04T20:22:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year Everyone!!!! Sheryl's New Year is off to a good start. Over the past week she saw several improvements. I stayed with her throughout the week, while Todd and the boys took a vacation in Mammoth, so I've witnessed these changes first hand. Doctors visits reported good news throughout the week. Her pain management is under control and her scans (comparing the cancer to October scans) show the cancer is stable (i.e. no better, no worse, which is very good - it means the chemo is preventing the cancer growth!). They also show her broken bones are continuing to heal! (Thank you, again, to Zometa!) Additionally, Sheryl 1) ended her treatments of antibiotics, eliminating one infusion medication; 2) switched medication for pain management, eliminating the second infusion medication; and, 3) as a result of these changes, ended her need for Home Health Care!!!!!!! So, when I say "Free at Last!!!" now you may understand why! Sheryl is free of tubes, infusion pumps and the need to be bound by Home Health Care visits. She has continually demonstrated improvement in physical strength and is the "best she's looked in weeks" according to two doctors we saw this week. The one disruption she's facing now, which is why I'm posting this blog instead of her, is that she's been inflicted with the 24 hour stomach bug overnight. We expect this to improve throughout the next day or so - from this blog post to God's ears!!! Thank you for all of the prayers you all sent to Sheryl. They were nicely boxed and presented to Sheryl which she proclaimed "the best Christmas gift ever!" ALL OF OUR PRAYERS ARE WORKING SO KEEP THEM COMING!!!!! Sheryl continues to be grateful for the outpouring of support from the community. Thank you for all you are doing and continue to do to support the Duncan family. Your generosity and support is amazing! With endless love and gratitude, Deb (on behalf of Sheryl and the Duncan Family).

2008-12-14T14:06:00.000-08:00

Thank you for your patience in awaiting this blog update. Masterpieces always take time. That, of course, is why I am not healed yet. I resumed Chemo treatments on December 3rd with doses of Zometa and Avastin. Sounds like my great-aunt and uncles' names. At that time, Hospice Care ended and Home Health Care began.

My pain levels increased the following weekend, causing me to be admitted to the hospital again on Sunday, December 7th. During my stay, the doctors ran CT scans and other tests. They discovered that my scans were stable from those taken in October, indicating that the cancer had not spread. Additionally, there are signs that the broken bones are beginning to heal -thank you Zometa! A new Chemo drug was given on Wednesday called Abaraxane, which is in the Taxol family of drugs. It will have an impact on my blood counts and will cause me to lose my hair again. Xeloda also resumed. I developed a topical infection in the epidural catheter port, so it has been removed. I am on a two week course of Oxacillin to prevent further infection. As you can see, I am highly susceptible to infection right now, so please understand. I returned home on Friday night and am now under Home Health Care again. It feels good to be sleeping in my own bed once again!

Thank you all for your loving prayers and your continued support. I love you all.

XOXO - Sheryl

FLURISE

2008-11-24T23:41:00.000-08:00

Good evening ladies and gents. Short one again tonight. I'm waiting for a night nurse (who by the way if they are sending night nurses, they can start to resemble cabana boys any time now) My pain pump is shouting "high pressure" in my ears, both ears, same time, same frequency, same annoying dear little pitches.

So quick on to some answered prayers and thoughts and energy..........There appears to be NO CANCER in my lungs! There are some little nodules in clusters around the lung that do have cancer but is not in the lung tissue. Good news came over the weekend. I'm feeling energized, slightly but for me it's a dream to get to this state again. I'm still getting organized and and need plenty of heavy duty naps (2 a day at 2 hours apiece ) You may be weeping, happy or disgusted with me. It is so wonderful. (Okay....I'm starting to tap my toes and this isn't any boot scoot'n boogie.)

As an aside, Mammoth is up for rent this winter season. Don't know details, you may call Todd, 858-775-9396 on his cell to get more answers.

More to come but I have to go put my head under a pillow with my ear plugs in.

Love you and miss you.

Happy Thanks giving Love and prayers coming your way. Take an extra moment around the table and share one of two things (or more) that you are thankful for....AND MEAN IT!

XOXOXOXO SHERYL

Home Again

2008-11-21T00:26:00.000-08:00

Sweet Dreams Tonight,

I'm sleeping in my own bed tonight at home. It's truly wonderful. I have a team of doctors coming by tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m. I will need the morning to prep for them. I look forward to catching up over the weekend.

We will have to discuss my dilemma soon. Should I use Dr. Scholl's brown shoe polish on my head or have a colorist come in. I will share the details next time and why I will need some coloring.

Dr. Spock to Elf Ears,

Pleasant dreams.

Love and God's blessings...........

Sheryl

Grand Tuesday to you All!

2008-11-18T21:02:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness there's a Tuesday that comes after a Monday. I don't want or mean my days to slip by .....Monday had to be over so that I could start Tuesday. And, a grand day it was today. I hope the day was awesome for you. My pain was on a scale of 2 to 3 out of 10. I am temporarily at hospice so that they may formulate a drug specific to my needs. I'm learning a great deal about hospitals and hospices practices and procedures. Interesting, I'll share it some time! Right now, I'm trying to get as much rest as I can fit into my day. I miss all of you and can't wait to visit with you soon. Tomorrow, I'm going to try (operative word) to get at some of my 543 back emails. It won't be so bad.........half of them are from Crate and Barrel (describing my body shape) and half of them are from Boot Barn describing the smell. Where is the Harry and David and Honey baked ham? I'm going to choke. Love you, God Bless. Sweet dreams. Sheryl

Happy Birthday Deb! Wish I could wait on you today! I'm looking forward to taking a spin in Buttercup with you soon. VVvvvrrroooooooooom! You are great! Thank you for everything you are doing!

Love, Sheryl

2008-11-18T19:26:00.000-08:00

Hi this is Jon. Matt and I were with our mom today. She is still funny as ever. This is what she said about being at Hospice, "I want to get as well as I can as soon as I can so I can get out of here as fast as I can."

Change of Scenery....

2008-11-14T21:24:00.001-08:00

Sheryl is temporarily visiting the San Diego Hospice, where they will focus on bringing down her pain levels. At this time The Duncan Family requests no visitors so that Sheryl may recover quickly and return home soon. Thank you in advance for your consideration in honoring this request. Sheryl misses you all and looks forward to resuming visits soon. Until then, please feel free to continue sending cards, notes, prayers and blog posts. Sheryl sends her love and gratitude for all you continue to do to support her and her family during this time.

Once again....

2008-11-11T20:04:00.000-08:00

Just a short post to let you all know that Sheryl was admitted to the hospital on Monday afternoon to bring her pain levels down and to have some tests run. She has been catching up on rest and expects to be released soon. Her sister Lisa is taking great care of her while she is here visiting this week. Thank you all for your notes, cards and blog posts. Sheryl appreciates all of your thoughts and prayers, so keep them coming! We all look forward to reading her next blog post! Sending you all love and hugs from Sheryl.

2008-11-05T19:17:00.000-08:00

Today was chemo, another treatment out of the way. Time will shine a light. I will up date you tomorrow, I'm having some really cool radiology treatment on Saturday. Will share tomorrow. I'm tuckered out tonight and have a clear schedule (schedule??) tomorrow. We can talk about Madonna's concert, the election, me and you too! Sweet dreams. Love, Sheryl

Happy Halloween all ghouls and globlins

2008-10-31T17:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you for checking back on this frightful night of Halloween. Bless those who won't or can' t be celebrating. Tis a night that lends itself to gallows humor! My sister has suggested going to the library instead of purchasing books from now on! And, no books with more than 200 pages! One of the items going in my gratitude journal is short-term magazine subscriptions! I hope this kind of humor is not offensive to you because I find that laughter truly does help ease the pain. If any of you have some humorous ditties you would like to share with me, please send them along. Matthew dressed up in a bunny costume and won 2 awards today at school...one for the "funniest costume" and one for "best over-all". It truly fits his demeanor! Jonathan dressed up as Hillary Clinton with a beard and mustache! Don't ask! On a more serious and medical note the recent CT scan showed more lesions on my liver and growths on some of the existing lesions. So for several reasons I now have a knew chemo cocktail. I'm back on the Avastin and Xeloda and Novalbine have joined the short list. My body has been mapped out for upcoming radiation targeting a couple spots on my vertebrae. In all honesty, a couple of housekeeping issues...given the entire family has now adopted my sleep hours, please refrain from calling after 7:00 p.m. or before 8:30 a.m. As much as I appreciate the love coming my way one message/call per day will suffice and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Good night all my angels. I feel and cherish the strength of your love and well wishes. Forever in gratitude and love, Sheryl

Home Again

2008-10-25T17:21:00.000-07:00

Good Saturday evening to you all. I'm home from the hospital after a brief overnight stay. I had to get my pain under control so that breathing wasn't so difficult. Quite a quandary! My goals are to remain on Taxol and Carbo chemotherapy agents once a week, blood draws and counts to make sure the body will withstand the agents, and doctor appointments to discuss progress and options as needs arise. So far reports show there is less cancer in the the previously affected areas now than when initial testing was done. That's the good news. Bad news, there are so many variants, good and bad that have an influence. Ah, I'm getting boring. Enjoy your Saturday night and Sunday. May God Bless You and Your Family and Loved Ones. I promise I will work on getting new pictures up very soon, so if I do get boring on my blog, you will have at least something to make you smile or laugh. I smile when I think of all of you. Thank you again for your generosity in giving, supporting, praying, and raising me up. I love you. Sheryl

Pain...Breathe...Pain...Breathe...Pain...

2008-10-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

...Which do I choose? Thank you for your patience. Sorry I haven't blogged lately. I've been in a "pain-med blog fog". I was admitted to the hospital on Friday to have further testing (CT scans). The nurse asked me if I was farting. My dignity is gone! Thank you everyone for your kindness and generosity. I appreciate your patience on holding off on the phone calls and the visits. I'll have a report after talking with the doctors tomorrow. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. I'm enjoying some pumpkin pie right now. (These are Sheryl's words as spoken to Deb tonight.)

SATURDAY From Sheryl at Home

2008-10-18T15:19:00.000-07:00

Hello beautiful, faithful friends and family! It's me, Sheryl. Thank you so much for your thoughts, prayers and lifting my spirits and ongoing determination. It truly gives me feelings of hope and strength, especially when the news has been of a roller coaster nature. I came home on Tuesday evening this week. The criteria was getting pain under control, I have nine broken ribs due to the weakened integrity of the cancer on the bones, being able to take full breaths and of course going to the bathroom. Once I heard the criteria, I had laser beam focus on these three things. I came home with a pain pump and I'm not using as much pain meds as I have access too. I'm taking small walks and using my spirometer to expand and dry out the lung field. The other area, let's just say I have options. Upon my arrival home I had the nicest surprise. The first floor bedroom had been feminized for me with candles, flowers, balloons, books, pictures, lot's of my favorite things. I have a beautiful outside sanctuary set up with the beauty of Mother Nature, a waterfall and just the best southern California weather anyone could ask for. Thanks to Todd and Jane along with a couple super moms who went far beyond the call of duty. Thanks to the chef who is making sure I'm eating cancer fighting foods. Thanks to LuAnn's daughter from New York who traveled cross country for two days to visit and provide me with Raw Organic Juicing. I will explain more about that later. Oh, and also, a couple pair of pajamas sent to me, caught me a little more attention than I think my vital signs did!! I will be writing and responding to emails in the next couple of days. I am sporting the hot new "bald" look. Jonathan and Matthew came into the house after school yesterday and said, "Oh no!, there is a a bald eagle in the house." I just reminded them how strong that bird is! I've had a couple of home health nurses come in to check on me. Instead of using my "walker" I'm carrying it in front of me. Slows me down! Doc visits on Tuesday and chemo on Wednesday of this week. I miss talking to you directly and will keep in touch. The Doctors are still stressing that I hold off on visitors until I gain more strength. Oh, for all the BOOBLYNS in the neighborhood, The Duncan's have been been BOOed. So look out!

While I have been writing and concentrating on my own recovery efforts during this time, I have been keeping a keen eye and prayerful mind on Mindy Trinidad's trials. It is with great sadness to hear of her passing and my heart goes out to the beautiful, supportive family and friends. "Mindy, you fought and gave all you had...you are a hero of mine." Love, Sheryl

"Exceeding Expectations!"....

2008-10-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

"Exceeding Expectations!" Those were the exact words the doctors said to Sheryl earlier today during their visit. She learned that her cancer markers have declined and that some of the tumors are gone! She couldn't be more thrilled! She hopes to be returning home on Tuesday. Chemo will resume again on Thursday. More later, so stay tuned..... and once again, feel free to join in the Happy Dance!

Seeing Improvement...

2008-10-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

Sheryl is feeling the best she has felt since she entered the hospital on October 2nd. Her pain levels have come down and her breathing is improving. The restrictions on hospital visitations remain in place, so that she can continue this positive momentum in healing. Thank you again for your consideration. Sheryl really appreciates all the notes, cards and blog posts that you have sent. Sending you all a big hug from Sheryl.

Restrictions on Visitation Continues

2008-10-10T08:13:00.000-07:00

The restrictions on visitation continues until further notice. Thank you for your patience.

Restrictions on Visitation

2008-10-08T17:55:00.000-07:00

Sheryl's pain levels have crept up over the past day and a half and need to be brought down again. As a result, the Duncan family has requested no guests at this time. Guest visits will be on an invitation only basis until further notice. Please be advised that if you arrive at the hospital for a visit without an invitation you will be asked to leave so that Sheryl may continue to recover. Thank you for your patience and understanding, as we assist Sheryl in getting her pain under control. Notes, cards, and blog posts are always welcomed during this time. Sheryl loves you all and can't wait to visit with you again soon. With much appreciation for your consideration, The Duncan Family

"Happy Dance" Fatigue

2008-10-08T11:02:00.000-07:00

Sheryl needs to rest today - too much "Happy Dancing" yesterday. Please understand the need to restrict visitors today to family members only. Again, thank you for your understanding. -Deb

"Happy Dance"

2008-10-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

Sheryl has improved tremendously! Her pain level has been reduced to a 1.5 to 2 on a scale of 1 to 10. She has literally been doing the "Happy Dance" in bed all morning. Her doctors are extremely pleased with her progress. Today's goals are to continue to increase lung capacity with breathing exercises and to start becoming mobile by taking some short walks. She's begun eating again and is eating everything in sight! She is alert, conversational, and is cracking us all up with her sense of humor! The hope is that she will be able to return home on Wednesday, so stay tuned on that front. All good news today! We have been asked that visitors be restricted to immediate family members today, due to Sheryl's susceptibility to infections right now. She also needs to continue to rest, so that this progress in her recovery will continue. Thank you in advance for understanding and respecting this limitation. Sheryl looks forward to the day visitors will be allowed again. In the meantime, notes and cards are welcomed. Join in the Happy Dance! Love and Hugs from Sheryl to you all. -Deb

Breathe....

2008-10-06T21:27:00.000-07:00

Sheryl remains in the hospital for now, but hopefully not for much longer. We learned that her rib fractures are the root of the severe pain she's been feeling. The trouble is that the pain was so unbearable that it impaired her ability to breathe. The inability to breathe led to a concern of pneumonia developing. The key to solving this vicious cycle was to get the pain under control. Kudos to Dr. Mark Wallace and his Pain Management Unit for reducing Sheryl's pain!! She's gone from a pain threshold of 10 down to a pain threshold of 5, just since this afternoon! Sheryl has had a tough couple of days, but I'm happy to report that she has made great strides towards managing this pain. She continues to have that fighting spirit! Tonight, she is resting comfortably, catching up on 3 days of lost sleep. We hope that she'll be able to return home by the end of the week. Sheryl continues to be grateful for your prayers and well-wishes. She continues to be an incredible inspiration to all of us! Sending you all a hug of love and gratitude from Sheryl. -Deb

Chemo...and then....

2008-10-04T13:01:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone - Deb Finnegan here to provide a quick update on behalf of Sheryl. During Chemo on Thursday, Sheryl began experiencing severe pain in her right shoulder and her rib cage. When the pain medicine administered during chemo failed to reduce the pain, Dr. Barbara Parker admitted Sheryl to the hospital on Thursday night to get the pain under control. During that time Sheryl had a chest x-ray and an MRI scan of her spine. Additionally, Dr. Mark Wallace got the pain under control with IV medications that Sheryl could self-dose. The x-rays and MRI scan indicated there has been no growth in the tumors and there are no new tumors, which is good news! However, they also revealed that Sheryl had fractured 2 ribs on her left side, which was causing the pain in her ribs. The shoulder pain is being attributed to pressure on the nerve endings. Today Sheryl is moving off the IV meds into oral medication. The doctors expect she will return home on Sunday - although Sheryl is campaigning hard for an early release on Saturday. With her charming ways, she just might get her wish! Sheryl thanks you from the bottom of her heart for all your prayers and well wishes. I'm printing the comments you all are posting on the blog and am taking them to the hospital, so she can see them. Sorry I'm not as funny with words as Sheryl is....she can't wait to be posting this news herself again soon. Sending you all love and hugs from Sheryl. -Deb

not the best of days..........chemotherapy tomorrow.

2008-10-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

Today was not a great day. Darn it! Yesterday I felt the best I ever have. I ran errands, went to a school function in the evening. I told everyone that other than the label of the diagnosis, I felt 100 percent charged, energized and ready willing and able to kick this thing. Today I woke up in the pain that caused me to seek a doctors counsel in the first place. I went to have my blood drawn, a prerequisite to chemotherapy tomorrow. By 11:00 I was back in bed. I called the doctor and she had me come in immediately. I had headaches today, something I hadn't experienced until now. I went in for a chest x-ray, abdominal CT scan, chest CT scan and brain scan along with an EKG. They wanted to test me for side effects (blood clots in the lungs and/or brain) of one of the chemo agents. Good news, brain is still clear, rah rah shish boom bah! No signs of clotting.

I will be updating my blog tomorrow with new pictures and doctors report. Sorry about the bummer news overall. Please refresh your prayer requests. I'm counting on a great day tomorrow. I still have so very much to be thankful for. God Bless you and Thank You!

Love, Sheryl

Walking the dog......

2008-09-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

I experienced a little piece of heaven on earth (oh..other than the three pieces of pumpkin pie I had today...with heavy whipping creme) tonight walking my dog after dark. It was quiet and still. He seemed to stay in perfect step with me the entire time. There was a slight breeze, almost warm. Today was a great Monday. Up early with the boys, seeing them off to school. Ah, more quiet time. LuAnn and I began little projects I've been wanting to get to. Honestly, after the rush and blur of the first two weeks, I'm settling into a very nice, nurturing, comfortable schedule. All of you have made it too easy on me! We lunched at a French sidewalk cafe and shared personal experiences trying to interpret the meanings for us now. We wondered through a couple local shops eyeing all the pretty things. Tonight Todd took us down to the beach for dinner. We watched the boys skin board over the waves. Everyone's asleep. Thank you for my day. Thank you for your loving thoughts and prayers. Goodnight. Goodnight Freckles. Sweet Dreams Everyone. Love, Sheryl

Pajama Day Saturday!

2008-09-27T21:31:00.000-07:00

Okay, it wasn't all lounging and movies today! I put the sisters to work! They cleaned out my office today, going through book shelves and helping me with odd jobs that I have been letting get away from me. I'm still feeling great, no real pain today. I'm a bit sore around my ribs but this is certainly tolerable. Kris, LuAnn and Lisa made sure I had my raw food smoothie this morning. Todd and the boys went to Orange County to visit with the cousins and give us time to be together. They will come home tomorrow. Kris and Lisa leave for Dallas and Atlanta tomorrow. It will be a sad day. I'm so glad they came out. I think my ribs are sore from laughing! LuAnn will be staying on a few more weeks. We went for a walk around the block today with Freckles. It was nice to get outside and get a little exercise. Hmmmm..maybe I should do that everyday! Your continued love, prayers and support amaze me. My gratitude journal has your name in it today! Thank you...words just can not express my appreciation for all you are to me. Much love, Sheryl

Moving on....moving on Chemo Day 2!

2008-09-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Round Two.........goes again to the Berndt/Duncan Team! It was a TKO realized early on. We were in treatment for 6 hours and everything went smoothly. I didn't have any adverse reactions or side effects. It was basically and Berndt Sister Party! They put us into a private room, I'm sure so we wouldn't disturb the other chemo patients. I will probably be on chemo three weeks on and one week off for the next 4 - 6 months. All depends on it's effectiveness which will be monitored along the way. Prior to going into treatment we stopped at the Beach and Tennis Club for lunch. My brother John had to leave yesterday so we lunched together and sent him on to the airport. (sad)A friend had catered food for the afternoon in treatment, that was a nice surprise. We also learned that this month is National Ovarian Cancer Month. We are used to not really knowing symptoms to watch for. Now, there are signs, bloating not associated with monthly cycles, feeling full without having eating, urinary urgency for two weeks. If you have these symptoms, ask your doctor for CA 125 blood test and a transvaginal ultrasound. (Tip for today). Tonight the girls are going to watch Sex and the City for girls night in. I'm sure we will be a discriminating, giggling bunch. Pass the popcorn please. Thank you, from my heart. All of you are truly beautiful in my eyes. Love, Sheryl

Chemo Day with the Family....

2008-09-25T06:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday! My sisters, Kris, LuAnn, and Lisa arrived yesterday afternoon.! What I couldn't tell you up until then was that my brother John arrived on Monday. I had been spending time and laughter with him. The girls didn't know he was here so when they came to the door, John answered. I bet you could hear the squeals of delight and love for miles. Kris is from Dallas, LuAnn from Frankfort, MI (family reunion place), Lisa is from Atlanta and John is from Mississippi. Bob, my other brother is in Michigan, we are bummed that he's not here, but I know I will see him soon. We all scrambled off to an appointment after they arrived and then we went to the beach and had some pictures taken by my friend Deb. Thanks Deb! I'm pretty sure a couple of the pictures on up on the blog now. Today we will crowd into the chemo room and create memories of love, laughter and warriors at battle. Thank you, thank you for the beauty of friendship that all of you are surrounding me with. Oh, by the way, you will all be going with me to chemo, just like Verison takes their team everywhere. We're a team baby! God Bless and I love you. Sheryl

The Three Sisters arrive tomorrow!

2008-09-23T21:00:00.000-07:00

Yahoo! I'm feeling great. I must tell you that if you don't hear from me, it means all is well. I have had a fun couple of days. I will have to tell you more about it tomorrow. Chemo is still scheduled for Thursday afternoon. I will be receiving Carboplatin, Taxol, and a new drug they are adding this week, Avastin. Time is getting close to having to make a decision on whether or not to have a wig made. I'm beginning to feel like I have to beat the clock. My hair is still in place, they are giving me two weeks, then, awe heck, I'll look like my brothers and that is not all bad. Today the chef came and cooked Cancer Fighting Foods all day long. Let me just tell you the importance of nutrition.............eat clean, mostly raw foods (they don't look highly on meats). I have spring rolls wrapped in rice paper with peanut sauce, wasabi crusted halibut, cabbage salad with shitake mushroom and sesame seeds with a miso dressing, miso soup, Thai shrimp hot and sour soup, fresh cut up veggies of every color. Denise is cooking with all organic foods. Plus she made the Tahoe Ladies Tail Mix!!!!!! Oh, and did I mention the organic oatmeal cookies. Also, may I recommend steel cut oatmeal? With this diet, I don't think we are going to have to discuss my constitution! God Bless you all. Good night. Sistaville tomorrow. Thank you for lifting me so high. Love, Sheryl

Look out little "c'...We are on to you!

2008-09-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

I feel the healing breath of God throughout my body. Today I woke up pain free, again energized. This is fantastic. As I see my treatment being exactly that, a treatment, and know that this can be a positive healing avenue to disease tolerance. Folks, I'm looking years out and seeing absolute possibilities. I have NEVER been told my time is limited and that my care is only for comfort. Oh no, I'm in the ring for the full count. The drugs I'm getting are new to my system and have 100% chance of "shock and awe". It isn't time for me to retreat........stand with me.......we're heading for a VICTORY. I'm praying for all of YOU every day. Have a wonderful weekend and thank you. Love, Sheryl

2008-09-18T20:55:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful fun day! Today I went shopping. Now, most of you know that is not one of my favorite past times. This was different. It was about friendships. Kristi invited 7 women to join her in a day of make overs, a fashion show, brunch and shopping at Neiman Marcus. There were giggles and frank discussions about Spanks. There is definitely something about a new tube of lipstick that makes a girl feel pretty. (I had to pass on the mascara and brow liner, don't want to waste my money when they will be out soon!) I felt energized, I hardly if at all, realized that I had chemotherapy yesterday. Anne, one of my doctors called. she just wanted to remind me that in no way is this a death sentence. I am on two drugs that have never met my system. They can contain or obliterate the cancer and then down the road I might need a maintenance level again. She said don't limit yourself on time and performance. My body will respond to this course of treatment and if not, we choose another. My oncologist is also optimistic that I can/will contain this mystery of a disease. Thank you. Truly, this is an answer to prayer. Love, Sheryl

One Beautiful Day..Oh, and Chemo Happened Too!

2008-09-18T20:55:00.000-07:00

Everything seems wonderful in the world when everyone is off to slumber. Oh wait, we're not there yet, Jonathan and Matthew are still at war with each other, I think there are even punches being tossed downstairs. Congratulations pray warriors today we made it through round one...and such a fabulously round it was. We went in together, as fighters, heads held high against the enemy. There was style, there was grace, there was poison running through my veins. It didn't knock me down, it lifted me up, taller than I've stood in a few days. I feel absolutely fine, no noticeable side effects (excuse me while I wipe away the drool). I truly feel great. Tonight I went to Back To School Night (remember those?). It was such a lift to see parents and the school faculty and staff planning forward with excitement, conviction and zeal. Tonight I was a student among the parent community taking in that excitement, conviction and zeal. God is Good.

Sleep a good slumber tonight, all is well. Thank you, much gratitude and love. Sheryl

Chemo Eve.....

2008-09-17T19:43:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's not like I haven't been here before! I am all armored up and ready to go into whatever battle lay before me. Okay, so that is my stronghold in thought. Actually, I'm trying to figure out what to wear and I'm taking in homemade treats from my lovely neighbors, the Alexanders to soften up the nurses with needles. I'm taking in fresh flowers to decorate my purple curtained walls. And, I'm taking all of your great thoughts and wishes and prayers right there in with me. I wanted to wear a ball gown. I will do that one of these days. News since this afternoon. I am out of the Special Study Research Group. I don't qualify after all because of an anti inflammatory they have me on. This is okay, I won't experience some nasty side effects associated with trying the new drug. It also eliminates such close cardiac monitoring. So we are off to Chemotherapy! And...who can hold them back? The Berndt Sisters are on their way West and will be here Wednesday. Look out La Jolla. Much love dear friends.

Last Contintued for Tuesday, Sept 16th.

2008-09-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Oops! Please start reading my comments starting above "Day with Oncologist". Subsequently read bottom first, then next, then next, etc. Sorry. (Blog Fog).

This afternoon I am having an ultra sound of my heart in prep for Study Group. This is called an echocardiogram. It's just a picture of my heart working. Thank you for your caring love, your support and your prayers. I want to wish YOU a beautiful day!

It is kind of interesting how I'm looking at certain things these days. For example inside the cut of a sushi roll, I'm starting to see dehydrated bone fragments, green organ like things, lumps of muscle, rice that looks just like arteries and veins. Items of all colors. This is very similar to the scan of my T1 and T2 cross section of my cancerous vertebrae. My diet is suppose to be bland, I guess I better steer away from the Johnny Dynamite Roll! Jonathan and Matthew are doing very well. They just want to know when I'm going to go bald and if I will please stay away from the school. Blessings.

Tuesday Port Continued

2008-09-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

Now, just to spice things up a bit, I am participating in a Pharmacological Research Study Group for a drug (another agent) called Lapatinib (an oral medication). This is approved by the FDA, in combination, with other drugs. This study is to determine the safest and most effective dose of Lapatinib, an ivestigational drug, when administered with Agent Carbo. More on the study, if you want, another time. Chest x-ray yesterday resulted in noting a fractured rib. Additional x-ray and blood test information pending. (more of today below)

Port Entry Continued. Tues, Sept. 16, p.m.

2008-09-17T10:16:00.000-07:00

My right chest wall port (Smart Port (TM) CT Implanted System - just in case you would like to review some of my Fall Collection of Accessory Items- has been implanted, thank goodness. At this time I would like to introduce my new chemo agents! Paclitaxel (Taxol) is the first agent to be infused over a 1 1/2 hour interval. Taxol treats many different kinds of cancer including lungs, ovary and breast. This is the drug that takes me to that "bald is beautiful place". Joining agent Taxol is Agent Carboplatin (Carbo) infusing in just 1/2 hour. This agent also targets cancers in the lung, head, and neck. (more below)

PORT ENTRY AND CHEST CT SCAN..1//2 OFF TODAY SALE

2008-09-17T10:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday p.m.

Hi Dear Family and Friends,

The stains from my recent lung biopsy HAS CONFIRMED a metastasis (moving into other organs) from my original breast cancer of six yrs ago. I will start chemotherapy tomorrow, Thursday, 9:00 a.m. in the Rebecca and John Moores USCD Cancer Center (cancer.ucsd.edu). I will receive chemo every Thursday for four hours in the infusion room at the Cancer Center until further notice. Watch my blog for updated photos of family and friends and as I progress through treatments! (more below)

Visit with the Oncologist

2008-09-15T20:50:00.000-07:00

On Monday, Sheryl met with the Oncologist. During the meeting she learned that the lung biopsy determined there was carcinoma in the lungs. The cells are being tested with staining to determine whether or not it looks like breast cancer. Those test results will be available on Tuesday. The doctor said the disease was in the spine, lungs & lymph nodes and she confirmed it had NOT spread to the brain. The cancer is deemed a recurrence and is stage 4. Dr. Barbara Parker (Sheryl's Oncologist at UCSD) feels it is a priority to attack the whole system with Chemotherapy ASAP, which will occur weekly beginning on Thursday. (Sheryl says she is having sweet memories of bald moments!) Sheryl is having a chest port implanted on Tuesday afternoon to make receiving chemo and any other injections or blood draws easier for the giver and the receiver!!

On Monday, Sheryl had an infusion of Zometa, which is like a big dose of Bonita, the osteoporosis drug that Sally Field promotes. This is given monthly and is supposed to stabilize the bones to prevent fractures. Radiation is set for Saturday at the latest. Stay tuned for updates on the exciting new cancer drugs that will be announced soon!

Sheryl is doing a great job of managing all of this. We continue to be amazed by her courage and attitude to fight this head on!

Message from Todd

2008-09-12T22:33:00.000-07:00

If you know Sheryl well, you know a person of strength, wit, and humor. You know a person who's heart is bigger than the planet. You know a friend without boundaries to a commitment of unselfishness and taking care of others. You know a "one-in-a-million" woman who puts her family ahead of her own needs and makes other's agendas her top priority.

On September 5th 2008 at 10:50 am Sheryl was informed after receiving a preventive CT scan that the results were not good, and that quite possibly, her cancer had returned. Since then, she has been involved in a series of tests to determine exactly what's happening and what treatment she will need.

This is her site - this is where we will give you updates on her progress. This is where you can send her your thoughts. This is where miracles will happen and where the power of friends and community, prayers and positivity, and love and support will carry her through this journey.

I know I speak for all of us when I say, Sheryl, we love you and we will do anything and everything to be by your side, step-by-step and together, our commitment is to help in whatever way we can.