One More To Go!

My counts were up and I was able to have chemo last week. I never thought I would ever pray that I could have chemo, but that's exactly what I was doing. I was afraid that my cold would bring my counts down even more which would make the docs say my body wasn't up for chemo and then I would have to postpone until this week. My counts were really good and the pee scare turned out to be no big deal. So this Thursday will be my LAST treatment. The thought of that is what gets me through these days. I expect it will take some time before my energy returns completely just as long as I can start playing with the girls and making the rest of their summer really fun. Of course they are real troopers and with the help of all of you have been enjoying their vacation. I am thinking about taking them to Colorado at the end of the month to visit my family but that will be a last minute decision based on how I am felling and if I can handle driving 10 hours with my little beauties.
Our Relay for Life was a great success and as usual very emotional. We raised as of today $141,000. Thanks especially to the Giving Girls team who were formed in my honor and consist of all my friends and their kids. You guys rock and are so impressive with how much you care about others and can come up with the greatest ideas on how to take care of them. I love you guys!

The first of three more treatments was last Thursday. My blood counts were still really low and so I had to do a round of shots to boost my counts up. I also had protein in my urine which is an indicator of kidney problems so they gave me a jug to pee in for the next 24 hours and I spent the weekend at the cancer center getting my shots. The one chemo I get is known for causing possible kidney problems so they held off on giving me that one. No news on the pee yet, I guess I will get those results on Thursday when I return for round two of chemo. I had been feeling pretty good up till last Saturday when I got a cold so feeling tired and achy from that.
Not much new to report. I see my doctor in a few weeks and we will find out the plan of action then. I have a feeling I will be having PET scans fairly often for the next year or so. I did ask my doctor what I could do to prevent my cancer from coming back. Her reply was that there is no magic wand Ann.Wouldn't that be great if they could wave a magic wand over my body that would tell me exactly what it is that causes my cancer. Wouldn't it be great if it was something like housework, or eating broccoli? Not that easy unfortunately.
This Friday is our Relay for Life. I am hoping to make it till the luminary ceremony because it is always such an emotional time to remember all of those who have suffered from cancer. If you are local, I encourage you to come on out to the Bonner track as it is such a great time for all and raises so much money and awareness for such an awful disease.
Until I get more news, everyone have a great day and rest of the week.

WE DID IT!

It is only by the grace from God and the love and prayers from you that I am elated to tell you that my cancer is gone. Yes, GONE!!!! The PET scan says "Resolution within the sternum and neck consistent with positive response to therapy by the patient's known breast cancer." My prayers were always directed at the cancer to respond to the chemo and perhaps shrink the amount of cells involved, but never did I expect total resolution this quickly. After a bit of negotiation with the doctor,the next step is to complete one more round of chemo (equal to three more weeks), then maintain treatment with oral medications to combat estrogens in my body.

It is because of the deep faith and love you all have given to me and my family that has held us up and God has heard you and has healed me. Before I received the results of the scan, I began a pity fit for my self. I glanced over at my wedding picture and began to cry. Hal had no idea what he was getting himself into that's for sure. For better for worst for richer and poorer in sickness and in health. Here I was bald and sick and on the verge of having a good cry but I felt something in me say don't go there, get up, I will help you. As I got my shower ready the phone rang.It was my nurse telling me to break open the wine. The scans were clear. Obviously that something in me was Jesus. He has always been with me and will continue to hold me up as my life will always be a continuous roller coaster, always waiting for the next result of a scan, always uncertain of what's to come. My life really is no different from anyone else's though. Aren't we all on some sort of roller coaster? Don't we all have crosses to carry? I guess that's why I share with you my cross. My hope is that I can help someone else find Christ and see the greatness that he does for us everyday. Not just the big things like heal us from deadly diseases but even things like fear uncertainty or depression. Get down on your knees and ask Him to help you.
Not only have I heard Him, I have seen Him through all of you. When you come to clean my house deliver a meal or see me out and about and give me a hug. When you show up at my door and take my kids for a few hours so I can rest or take the time to pray for me, that's Christ in you.
Thank you for letting Him in and doing His work. Thank you for your unselfish desire to always be there for the Schierts family. Thank you Thank you Thank you!

The last two weeks have been my worst yet. My energy level has been low and I cannot get enough sleep. It is a terrible feeling to take a nap and feel just as fatigued as when you laid down. Damn chemo! As I write this I am sitting in the treatment room awaiting my chemo cocktail. My red and white blood cell counts are very low which accounts for my fatigue. This will be the last of this cycle which marks the half way point. Three months down three to go. Tomorrow I will go in for my PET and CT scans but will not get the results until next Wednesday when we meet with the doctor. Please say extra prayers that the tumors are shrinking and that I can retain my energy.
Much love and gratitude go out to my lovely ladies who made my birthday not pass by with out a little fun. Thank you for the great gifts and for the fun night at the movies. I feel like I should apologize for my lack of spunk but I know that you guys understand.
Even more love goes out to my husband as he has taken on the role of mom and dad. It saddens me that I cannot do most of what I used to not not only because what I do has somehow defined who I am, but also because he now has to carry the load for the family.Of course he does it with a smile and always a kiss on the top of my bald head. He does have a lot of help from all of you guys too. We are so blessed to have help with housekeeping, meals, and childcare.
That's all for now. Remember to kiss your kids and spouse today!