July 6, 2009 A good holiday
We had a good 4th of July and went to our neighbors for dinner and a quick swim. Shana was so weak I had to drive her just accross the street to Don and Kathy Segreti’s house. She enjoyed the day and she went to bed pretty early. On Sunday, we celebrated Bella’s first birthday (actually it was on July 4) with a party at our house. We had a really nice party and Bella already knows how to work a crowd and get more presents. She was very very cute and sweet.
Brad, Chrissy and April were at TJ’s family’s condo on South Padre for most of the weekend. I am told they had a really good time and spent some quality time with each other and spouses. Brad flew back early on Sunday so he would not miss Bella’s birthday party since he is her godfather. He takes those duties very seriously.
Shana is very weak. Her tumor seems to be growing and we are waiting on needles and pins to see if she can take chemo this week. I hope she can even though it makes her sick for a few days. She has gotten so weak now that just moving around makes her very very tired. She rarely gets out right now. We will get a CT scan this week so we can see where we really stand. What bothers me even more is that she is reporting more and more pain in her torso. I will have to get some type of injectable pain meds pretty soon because she can’t take it orally because of her stomach drain.
I am working on getting a trip set up to Las Vegas to meet with a doctor who pretty much is the go to guy for new chemo treatments for cancer in the country. Thereafter, I am going to try to take Shana to New York for a consult with a specialist at Columbia medical center to see if he has any ideas. I am just praying that she is strong enough to make these trips because they won’t do much if they can’t physically see her. We will see how all of that goes. Shana is getting more and more depressed. She seems to be losing some of her luster and she wasn’t very active at the birthday party so I am getting more and more worried. It would be great if she could get some visitors at home because I think she is getting very tired of me being around all of the time. Please pray for my lady and all those who are sick.
Jim
July 6th, 2009 at 9:22 pm
HI SHANA…I WOULD LOVE TO COME VISIT THIS WEEK…I’LL GIVE YOU A CALL TOMORROW AFTERNOON AND SEE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU GUYS…YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS EVERY DAY! LOVE ~ TERESA
July 6th, 2009 at 11:38 pm
What a sweetheart Brad is! The two of you have raised amazing kids. I love how much they love you and how close they are with each other. Yet another testament to the love story you two share.
Shana, you are in my prayers continually. I pray for some relief to the pain and weakness you’re feeling. I pray that you are able to get treatment that helps ease that pain and weakness. I pray that the doctors in New York and Las Vegas will have some good information for you, and that a treatment plan can be arranged that will bring you relief and comfort.
I pray that you feel God’s grace and comfort, even when you are too tired or even too frustrated to ask Him for it. He’s with you, and He knows how hard you’re fighting. Keep praising Him through this, and clinging to His promises. He holds you in His favor as you battle all of this.
Love to you and to your family!
-Diana
July 7th, 2009 at 7:27 am
Shana and Jim, God Knows When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless effort, God knows how hard you have tired. When you’re cried so long your heart is in anguish, God has counted your tears. If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by, God is waiting for you. When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated, God has the answer. If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope, God has whispered to you. When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for, God has blessed you. When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe, God has smiled on you. Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are feeling, God knows. Abbracci Hugs in Italian Doris, Bob, Bryan and Justin Bradley
July 10th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Hi Shana:
You are in my heart and prayers everyday. The Carmelites have a novena going and you are one of my intentions. I know all this is a struggle and am in awe of you and how you keep fighting. You will never know how many people are with you in spirit. I know God is with you every second of everyday.
Love,
Judy Chaney