Shari Update

[Shari]

Well it is after midnight and I could not sleep again. Thought I might as well do a short update. I am trying to be around as much as I can. This forum and working on my photos and cards are the bright parts of my day. Lately I have been having swelling of my lower legs and today it really hurt to walk (a favorite pasttime of mine and Juni). I cannot take her out the way I am now. I will be calling the cancer clinic tomorrow to see if they have any suggestions. Other than that I get tired easily, have some flu-like symptoms like shivers in the heat and generally icky and nausea but with pills to help. So far I have been pretty lucky. Not a lot to really complain about. Diet is still pretty bad and up in the night but all in all better than I was expecting. I have my next appointment for blood and oncologist on 16th and chemo on 17th. The weather predicted here this week is in the high 30's. That is hot for Vancouver. Luckily we get a breeze from the water and I can sit on our balcony in the shade. We should be on vacation in the Shuswap area now but decided not to go. I am just as glad as their temperatures at the lake are even higher and I cannot swim this year because of my illestomy bag. I am not complaining. I am happy to be on the crust. I love my husband, my dog and my condo so have much around me to keep me content. (and my camera!!) I will be around hoping things don't get too much worse. Hair still in tact for now too. Just thought because I am sitting here with this time would bring you an update as to how things are progressing. At the moment the prognosis is Chemo till December and hopefully in January back to the hospital for a reversal of this illestomy bag. Then I will be laughing and singing in the streets - a full nights sleep - what is that ?- eating fruits and salad - what are they? leaving the house for more than about four hours - can that be done? So many little things that we take for granted - back to the gym - Wow - life will be wonderful.
Shari

[Wendy]

Hi Shari ...

Thanks for updating us ... sounds like despite the adverse effect it has not stopped you being cheerful !!

The time between now and December/January really will fly past and soon it will all be behind you. We are all here with you and thinking of you ...

Take care and stay cheerful :)
Hugs
Wendy

[kimh]

Shari, thanks for the update and sharing your positive attitude!! Reminding us all to appreciate the 'little things' as well.
Of course we are with you all the way!!
Special prayers to you:)
Kimh

[Bayla]

Shari,

Thanks for the update. Your positive attitude is really an inspiration to us all! My family are focusing at the moment on all the little things in life that we take for granted, counting our blessings (and not complaining when we wake up to yet another day of rain!:))

Bayla

[kevq]

Shari,
thanks for the update. What a brave resilient person you seem. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kev.

[annc]

Thanks for the update, Shari. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

[Orphanannie]

Hi Shari,
Thanxs for the update. Hope all goes well for you in the upcoming months. I am sure that it will. Sending special thoughts to you and your family.

[jo]

Shari, your positive look forward will carry you to a better tomorrow! Thanks for sharing. You are an inspiration!

[Tina_B]

Shari,
Keep up the great attitude that you have. We will pray for your healing and for you as you go through this trying time. The path we take isn't always easy but the rewards are great. Keep us posted and keep on snapping the great photos that you share with us. It is people like you that inspire us to be better.
Tina B

[Cmcburnett]

Shari, my thoughts and prayers are w/you. I always look forward to seeing your around the forum.

[NMarti]

Shari
I think the time will fly and you will do great. You have such a wonderful attitude and that's what it takes. I'll definitely be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you are an inspiration to me right now. It's hard keeping up the spirits but then I read your posts and see that everything can and will be okay.

[Chuck S.]

Shari, all the best during your continuing recovery. Thanks for sharing so much of your time here with us; it is much appreciated!

:):)

[nkeevers]

Shari, our thoughts and prayers are with you during recuperation. Hopefully, time will fly and it will be "back to normal" for you soon. You are certainly an inspiration to all out there going thru similar instances. And thanks for making us "think" about not taking advantage of all the little things in life we take for granted.

[Robyn]

Shari..............thank you for your update. Did you know that you are my hero? If I ever have to face what you, and I know many other people have had to face, I will always try and remember you Shari and what a beautiful person you are. Thank you for giving hope and inspiration to all who may right now be in need of it.

[G. OReilly]

Shari....Thank you for your update....You are really something special to us.We seem to have a tendency to complain about the weather,our job,our lives in general...and then someone like yourself comes along and gives us a reallity check.To me you are a very special lady.

Regards

George

[AngelicKim]

Shari, thank you for the update. So many of the things you described are exactly what I have been watching Dad go through. Your strength has been an inspiration to me and helped me stay strong. I pray for you along with Dad every day.

[JulieM]

Shari: I think we are lucky that you've chosen to share your experience with your forum friends - you have indeed inspired so many here with your strength and attitude. You say that the forum is one of the bright spots of your day. Well, your contributions here are always bright spots in my day. So, I'm happy that you continue to devote time and energy to your photography and to spend time with us. Keep it up...

[msbrad]

Shari,
Thank you for the update. I couldn't sleep last night either-guess I should have turned on the computer and we could have chatted.
You are such an inspiration. Hang in there, looking forward to meeting you for coffee.
Hugs and prayers.
m

[westiemom]

Shari, thanks for the update. Try to eat as well as you can. Get as much enjoyment as you can from your family and Juni, and of course your hobby. Your positive attitude will help you get through this. And just think how much you will enjoy doing all your favorite things when you're feeling yourself again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anita

[quillabee9]

Shari,
Thanks for sharing; I admire and respect you immensly for your positive forward looking approach. You are truly an inspiration.

[kroberts]

Shari,

Your attitude truly helps put the things I often complain about in life in perspective. You are an inspiration and I pray that you can stay strong and positive. Maybe we can all come and join you in "laughing and singing in the streets" in January to celebrate!:)

[Shari]

Thank you so much everybody. Your posts really do bring tears to my eyes. I just heard from the doctor at the cancer clinic. I am to see my GP and get some water pills and have my heart checked out again (last time there was nothing wrong with my heart). I see the Oncologist again next Monday so if things don't get worse I just deal with the pain. And I can. My head is full of projects I want to do. I have just been under our bed looking at all our unused art with the idea of pinching the frames for "my creations". Thank you all so much for caring. I am glad if I can give anyone inspiration - because I know I got it from someone - and she is up there looking down on me proud that I am doing so well.
Shari

[ridon127]

Shari,

I just drop in occassionally to catch up on what's happening. I admire your strength and courage. You are an inspiration. Please know we will be praying for your continued sweet spirit and healing.

Donna

[deedeeO]

Shari, your will is strong and a true inspiration to all the hardships we must endure. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs and Kisses....

[Ellen]

Shari,
I'd just like to echo all that has been said. I'm sure too that your Mom is smiling upon you and indeed very proud.
All the best to you.

[Diana]

Shari,

Since positive thoughts are good medicine, you are surely getting a high dose, what with your own positive attitude and those of all of us, as well as all our prayers. As others have said, you are an inspiration to us all.

Diana

[lindajay]

Hi Shari. So many good and true thoughts have been expressed about your inspiring attitude and your strength and courage, that there's not much new that I can say. But I, too, appreciate you, and continue to pray for your recovery. Let us know if there's anything we can do to help you or cheer you along the way.

[Wendy]

Shari ...

All of us are here for you any time you need us ... just keep in there with those positive thoughts and all those creations :)

Wendy

[Punkinsmom]

Keep that positive attitude. Your friends here are wishing you the very best.

[WingAnimal]

Hey Shari -- My daughter and the newlyweds are going to be camp counselors this week... in the heat... starting tomorrow. :D Guess what the wife and I are doing Thursday and Friday??? Getting away on the motorcycle to Port Townsend!!! woohoo!!!

Yes, it's unusually hot for our area, and I'm sure it's making it very uncomfortable for you. Hang in there kiddo! You are doing great, and this is just a blip in time. (Still have your hair??? Darn - I was hoping for a new picture of you posted without it! Bald is beautiful!!! You're no fun!!)