July 1, 2009
We have had some disappointments this week. Shana’s blood counts remain too low for her to receive additional chemotherapy and she broke down crying at the doctor’s office when they told her. She sees this as a very worrisome thing because if she doesn’t get chemo then her time is lessened dramatically. She is scheduled for a CT scan on July 9 but we won’t get the results until her doctor gets back from his vacation which will be another week or so later. Some good news, it turns out that a friend of mine sits on the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation board and she is offering to help us with research and support. I am looking for a new combination of chemotherapy that will not knock down Shana’s blood counts so low. We also need to have a good gameplan when she runs out of tolerance for her current regime. Shana has been suffering from a series of infections and other problems that have made her skin extremely thin and she has to be very careful about what she touches or that touches her. She has been feeling pretty good overall but she is getting depressed because of the troubles with the chemotherapy and the obvious growth in her waist line due to the tumor growing (we suppose). She told me yesterday that she did not think she would live another year and that is the first time she has ever said that to me. I hope she is wrong. It won’t be for lack of trying. She is now well past the standard expectancy for peritoneal mesothelioma so maybe we can shoot to create some new records. Please pray ever more seriously for my lady. She doesn’t deserve this.
I went to see Jeff McKim on Sunday. He is able to walk with help and speaks often very clearly and sometimes he gets his words jumbled up. He is moving this next week to another rehab facility in Irving and then possibly home. He told me that he would be back at work soon and his memory and conceptual skills seem intact. His legs are wobbly and his speach a bit hard to understand sometime but otherwise he seems to be in fair shape. He is lucky and dodged a big bullet.
Pray for the sick please.
Jim Bearden
July 1st, 2009 at 4:51 pm
Praying for you, Shana!
July 1st, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Wishing you all the best Shana. You know we are thinking of you all the time.
Larry had his first Chemo today — after nine weeks off. It is a new drug — called Gemcitabine (or Gemzar). I don’t remember if this is a drug you have tried, but it does have the usual long list of side affects.
Sending prayers your way.
Sandy
July 1st, 2009 at 11:00 pm
I’m still out here in the country praying for you. A friend of mine just asked about you today. You have so many people praying. I love you and wish this could all go away. Love, Kelli
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 am
Shana and Jim, Don’t Quit When things go wrong as they sometimes will; When the road you’re trudging seems uphill. When the funds are low and the debts are high. And you want to smile, but you have to sigh; When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don’t you quit. Success is failure turned inside out. The silver tint of the clouds of doubt; And you can never tell how close you are; It may be near when it seems afar. So, stick to the fight when you’re hardest hit. It’s when things go wrong that you mustn’t quit. Abbracci Hugs In Italian Doris, Bob, Bryan and Justin Bradley
July 2nd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Jim & Shana
Glad to that Jeff is getting better! We are praying for a breakthrough for Shana. I know hanging tough is easier said than done but know that ya’ll are on our minds. We want to wish ya’ll a Happy Fourth of July. Take care & give each other hugs & kisses from us.
Love Ya!
Michele
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Shana:
I am sending you lots of love and prayers. The Carmelite Nuns are starting a novena on July 8 and I am putting on my list of requests. I pray that God will give you the strength to still keep fighting. I know HE is with you always.
Love you,
Judy Chaney
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:07 am
Keep up the good fight. You are one of the strongest ladies that I know, and with the help of your wonderful family you have beaten so many odds. The prayers continue to find a cure and for you to have the strength to keep up the battle.
Love,
Ann
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:17 pm
Jim & Shana,
You are both in our prayers every day. Shane you are such a strong beautiful lady. Hold on to God.
Leo & Rira
July 4th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
Shana and Jim:
You have both been thru so much now is NOT the time to have any unpleasant toughs. Shana, God must have a special plan for you You continue to inspire those around you and your strength is a example of your courage and love for your family. Keep up the fight and we are there behind you all the way.
Sharon and Charles Castleberry
July 5th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
First sorry I could not make over to see the kids.., I will make it over, I promise.
Ya know, this is just a small set back, you still have some hills that you have too climb, and beleive me, we will all be there with ya’ll every step of the way! Your strength and love for each other and everyone that walks into your life is totally amazing and I Thank You!
God is NOT done with you yet, you have some more work to do!
God Bless you Both and you will both be in my prayers!
Teri