Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Officially a 2 Year Cancer Survivor as of Today

I told you today was a "special day", well, not exactly "special" but "monumental". It's my 2 year anniversary from the day I went into the ER with abdominal pain and they did an US and CT scan and found a large tumor on my ovary. It actually was a large tumor on both ovaries and a whole lot more than that once they opened me up to diagnose and treat me. It seems so long ago, but also just like yesterday. Here is a recap of my journey:


1 Year Cancer Recap


2 Year Cancer Recap:


Nov. 2007: CA125 has risen to 96. Normal is 30ish. Dr. Leimert decides to go back to chemo.

Dec. 2007: Start Carbo/Taxol chemo geared toward ovarian cancer. Bone scan and mammogram come back normal.


A favorite blogpost: The Wiggin Out story!!! (Appointment to try on wigs)


Dec. 12, 2007: Paris and my mom host a Hat Shower for me.
Here's my favorite Hat of Hope Story.


Dec. 23, 2007: Pulled a Britney Spears and shaved my head.


Dec. 31, 2007: Round 2 Carbo/Taxol chemo and first wig (donated). Check out my balding head!


Jan. 9, 2008: Tami Dunning, Weyerhause and Cruzaders Car Club donate laptop.


Jan. 20, 2008: Turned 42 years old!


Jan. 21 - Feb. 9, 2008: Alternative Therapy in Reno, Nevada (Thank you to the families that donated airfare for myself and family and those that kept me company and took care of me in REno! Thank you for the Catlin community for donating money towards the trip and treatments!)

Jan. 26, 2008: My best friends since Jr. High, Janelle (Brebner) Reber and Loni (Geiseking) Syltebo, along with Todd Reber, host a "Pass the Hat" and Casino Night fundraiser, inviting Kentwood high school friends.



Feb. 1, 2008: Wedding Vows renewed in Reno, Nevada


Feb. 9, 2008: Return from Reno to find my bedroom totally redecorated by the love and hard work of my friends, their family and the Catlin community.


March 3, 2008: My oncologist retires. I meet with Dr. Lycette. My CA125 is 93.

March 9, 2008: Southridge Skyhawks Varsity Girls Basketball team and my husband win their 4th State Championship IN A ROW!

March 10, 2008: CT scan results: spot on omentum has grown. Suspicious spots on spleen and increased fluid. Time to restart chemo.


March 17, 2008: Carbo minus the Taxol chemo resumes.


March 28, 2008: Hair begins to grow back


March 31, 2008: Normal Brain MRI

April 1, 2008: My daughter turned 9!


April 14, 2008: Carbo minus Taxol Chemo


April 2008: CA125 = 112


May 6, 2008: Carboplatten minus Taxol chemo


May 13, 2008: CA125 = 143 (normal is 30ish)


May 20, 2008: CT Scan results : Increase fluid. Spots on omentum stable. Bladder wall has improved. But CA125 increased, so Dr. Lycette wants to switch back to aggressive chemo geared toward Colon/GI cancers - Folfox/Avastin.

May 21, 2008: My son turned 13 and I have a teenager!


May 28, 2008: Round 1 (2nd cycle) of Folfox/Avastin Chemo


May 30, 2008: Featured on Write ARound Portland website and published in Anthology.

June 9, 2008: Round 2 of Folfox/Avastin Chemo

June 10, 2008: 2 Year Anniversary of Cancer

Two things that really inspire me:

Pausch Last Lecture: Achieving Your Childhood Dreams


Randy Pausch Graduation Speech

Thank you to everyone for their love and support in all various forms over the last 2 years. It seems like forever ago, but still it feels like just yesterday. I feel like I've been "stuck in moment" for the past 2 years. Unable to go back, or to move forward and on with my life. With cancer, time doesn't necessarily heal all wounds. Here's to many many more years.

xoxox
Shauna

7 comments:

Paris said...

Here, here! Congrats! So proud of you... you are such a fighter and one tough chick. I just know that there will be many years ahead for you. Lots of survivor anniversaries :) What a ride it has been. I will be there for you all the years ahead my friend. Keep fighting the fight. Love ya, p

JO said...

Shauna:

Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary. I didn't realize that we were both diagnosed about the same time. I can't think of anyone I would rather share an anniversary with, than you!

Thanks for the bagels today and we all loved the books you brought. I will bring the two that I borrowed, to class next week.

Looking forward to celebrating our 3rd anniversaries together!

Love ya, JO

Anonymous said...

You are a fighter and an inspiration! Keep it up and I KNOW there will be many more days like today for you to rejoice in! For you I am praying: progress, peace, and picture -perfect, pleasing pieces of pure pleasure.

ali said...

CONGRATS Shauna! I can't wait to read next year's 3 year Survivor recap and the next year, and the next, etc! LOL! Big hugs to you! Keep on fightin'! We are all behind you!

Nightscrapper said...

Yes, yes, here's to many more years of surviving this crap. I'm looking forward to to all the years of wonderful friendship we have ahead of us. Hugs!

My name is Shanna said...

You are a friend to all and loved by all. Your strength, courage and fight are inspiring.

Until next year...

xoxo, Shanna

laura said...

yay shauna - you have been such an inspiration for these two years. i have been in awe of you and your grace as you navigate this. i love the strength you have found inside yourself. lots of love to you! :)