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Nothing to do with medical

Shellster — Thu, 24 May 2012 21:07:05 GMT

I just want to vent. I bought a 5th wheel hitch called the hijacker from RV Super Center in Mesa on April 11th. I thought i got a good deal. Then he said i needed to order the "installation kit", $230. I had to pay for shipping from back east. The kit came about a week and a half later. So i asked Clint (he was my partner at Town of Gilbert) if he would install it for me. He came over and found that the kit was lacking the hardware needed for installation. Went back to RV center and they ordered it. Another week and a half. Clint came over again got the hitch in but said you are missing a handle on the hitch. Went back to RV Center they ordered the handle. They said it would be about a week, A week and a half went by, went in she said it will be here in a day or so i will call you. The next day she called and said they sent the wrong part so it will be another week. That was the straw that broke the camels back! My parents were down here to go to my chemo so they helped me get the hitch out. It wasn't as easy as I thought it would be. We just had to get 4 nuts and bolts out. It was more difficult than we thought. They were under the bed of the truck and not very accessible.   My parents are from Payson and they are not used to the heat. Finally we got the hitch detached from my truck. Very thankful for my parents. So....

I took the hitch and the kit back to RV Center and told them i wanted my money back. I said I'm tired of "waiting for the right parts"! I should be camping by now! First he said well you will be charged a restocking fee. I asked him how much is that and he said it will be a percentage. I told him i wanted to talk to the manager. They never let me talk to the manager. Then he said i couldn't return it because its "used".   ITS NEVER BEEN USED!! I NEVER HAD ALL THE RIGHT PARTS TO INSTALL IT! I said again i wanna talk to the Manager! Bobby left for a little while to talk to the manager, came back and said they cant take it back because it was a "Floor model". I was so pissed by then i said thats BULLSHIT and walked out. I'm going to lodge a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. One of my friends suggested calling channel 3 news.

And on a lighter note. Went to my 1st chemo at Dr. Donovans. I really like my new Dr. Big relief!

On Monday I go on a 4 day cruise with some old friends. We leave out of Long Beach, go out to Catalina, down to Ensanada and back.   Should be relaxing and fun. My parents left to go back up to Payson and they took Tanner with them to watch him while i'm on the cruise. I already miss him! And my parents!!

Scottsdale Cancer Center 5-23-12

Shellster — Thu, 24 May 2012 00:20:04 GMT

Went to chemo this morning at Dr. Donovans. Its completely different from Ironwood Oncology. I used to have to give blood at Sonoraquest the day before chemo. Now they do it right in the chemo chair. Also no benadryl given before chemo. Saves time and I used to fall asleep at chemo and Mom would drive me home and i would sleep the rest of the day. Today we stopped for lunch came home and I wasn't sleepy, thats a FIRST! I got to see Dr Donovan before chemo and i really feel comfortable with him. He's very thorough and takes his time. I'm glad Dr. Kresl recommended him, big relief! Dr. Cavalcant had some big shoes to fill and i think Dr Donovan is just the oncologist to do it. Here are some pictures my Mom took today...

This is the chemo room recliners that face North Scottsdale, Quite a view. Instead of 20 chairs there are only 10. I am happy!
I hope everyone is healthy and happy!
Shelly

New beginnings

Shellster — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:00:48 GMT

Hi all! Just wanted to update people before i forget (short term memory loss). Doctor Cavalcant retired at the end of December and Ironwood took over. New name, alot of new chemo nurses and new oncologists. The 1st new oncologist was very slow and negative. He took 2 1/2 hrs to go through my medical history. We were there for 3 1/2 hrs. Way too long. I asked for another doctor. My 2nd oncologist was indecisive, rude. I asked him for prescriptions or copies of scans and he would say "sure". But he never followed through. So i contacted my Radiology Oncologist Dr Kresl and asked for a recommendation for a new oncologist. He recommended Dr. Patrick Donovan in Scottsdale. My bags were packed and i had a good feeling about it. My Mom and i went Monday 5-14-12 to meet him and go over my medical history. He was very impressive. Down to earth, genuine, educated, ez to talk to, took his time, I knew he was going to be my next oncologist. He has the same attributes as Dr Cavalcant. I walked out of there hugely relieved and happy.

I will miss the chemo nurses at Desert Oncology now Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers. Most of them have moved on to other places. I spent 3 years at Desert Oncology getting chemo. I got to know the nurses well and will definitely miss them. I learned alot while i was there.

There are a couple of things that will be different at Scottsdale Medical Specialists that i will benefit from. At Desert Oncology i had to give blood at Sonoraquest the day before chemo. At Dr Donovans office they will take my blood 1st thing at the office and have the results immediately. And the second advantage is they dont give you a Benadryl drip before chemo which is what dopes me up and renders me unable to drive. So that takes pressure off my Mom. Her and my Dad used to drive down from Payson the day before chemo so my Mom could drive me home from chemo. She doesn't care for driving so this will be a big relief. They will still come down but i can drive there and back now. Plus its a block from Los Olivos mexican food. One of our favorite places to eat.

Clint came over Monday and put my hitch in for me, after a few snafus (missing parts) SEVERAL times. But its in! Thanks to Clint! Cant wait to do some camping in my RV that i call my "treehouse" because i love just hanging out in it.

I feel better than i have in a LONG time and think its in part because i have several trips to look forward to. A cruise at the end of the month with some good friends, Yellowstone Park with Val and MK in June, i got a condo in Pinetop Az in July that Lauren is going to fly out from California and go with me. And now I have a new oncologist i feel i can trust. New beginnings... I'm looking forward to the future.

I want to sincerely thank my family especially my Mom who has been by my side since the beginning (March of 2009). Also all of my friends, I am so lucky to have! I really appreciate all the love, and support everyone has given me on this roller coaster. I will continue to fight. As long as i have hope i will find a way. Cancer cant touch my spirit! Love Shelly Me and Tanner...

My brother Dan and my Mom and Dad last Christmas.

Chemo 4-25th, 2012

Shellster — Sat, 28 Apr 2012 21:35:11 GMT

My parents came down from Payson like they always do. I drive to chemo and my Mom brings me home because i'm too doped up from the benadryl they give me. So we went to chemo that day and the chemo room was full so my Mom sat out in the reception area and read her book. They started my Benadryl and towards the end i was feeling sick. I asked chemo nurse Teri if she would get me a barf bag. She ran and got me one. My Benadryl finished and she switched me over to my Herceptin drip. By then the fingers on my right hand were numb. I told Teri and she said i was slurring my words. The right side of my mouth was numb. So Teri shut the chemo down and ran and got Dr. Nabong. He asked me a bunch of questions and then said i think you should go to the emergency room. Ironwood Oncology office is attached to Banner Desert Hospital. I could not have been at a better place when it happened. I was surounded by nurses and Doctors and right next door to the ER. So they put me in a wheelchair and 2 chemo nurses and my Mom rolled me over to ER. Just took a few minutes. I got in quick and they ran a bunch of tests and hooked me up to a bunch of machines. Had me get a CTscan. My Mom sat with me for hours. They came in and said i had a "mini stroke". They said they wanted me to stay in the Hospital a couple of days. The stroke lasted about 15-20 minutes but it was scary hearing the word "stroke". They came in my room at midnight, woke me up and took me for an MRI of the brain. They said if it was normal i could go home that day. So they took me back to my room and i slept til morning. My parents came and we waited for the results. Finally they came in and said it was clear and i could go home.

I've gotten lots of txts and phone calls from friends, relatives, and even my chemo nurses. Thanks to everyone i really appreciate it! Live everyday to the fullest, we all have alot to live for!

Love, Shelly

People and things

Shellster — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:11:30 GMT

March was pretty busy for me. Lots of Spring training games. With the locals and with out of towners. Got to see my Angels play the Cubbies right down the block from where i live. Lauren came down for a week and went to a game. A day later my brother and his girlfriend Jessie came out for a long weekend. My parents came down to meet her. My Mom went to 2 spring training games with me. She is always a trooper!

Since I blogged last i found out about my CyberKnife results. Dr. Kresl is very happy! He said the big tumors at the base of the skull are 50% gone and he believes whats left could very well be scar tissue. The small ones in the hypothalamus one is completely gone and the 2 left are tiny. The size of an "o" in the newspaper. He wants to wait 6 months and have another brain MRI to find out just how successful things went. He's got a great attitude and really like him.

Boy my oncologist office sure is changing. They changed the name and the way they do their computer work. The nurses are running around with their heads cut off. I hope they figure it out soon, I spend enough time in there.

I told you i bought an RV from my Aunt Sam and Uncle Steve. They gave me a smokin deal and its in great shape. The 5th wheel hitch that came out of my Dads old truck doesn't work with my truck. So i'm on the hunt on Craigslist for something i can afford. Brand new hitch thats compatible with my truck costs $1000 without installation. But my buddy Clint who was my partner at the Town of Gilbert said he would install it for me. So that saves me. I have alot of great friends!

When i get a picture of my new MD Nabong i'll post it on here. Also my 5th wheel hooked up to my truck. I cant wait to go camping!

Love ya, Shelly

after chemo my companion napping with me

The latest

Shellster — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 23:57:34 GMT

I've been looking for an RV for a year. My Uncle Steve and Aunt Sam had their Truck and 5th wheel for sale (They used to be my Mom and Dads when they lived in Oregon). When they moved down here they sold both to Sam and Steve. So we drove up there my Dad bought his old truck back and i bought their 5th wheel. It was ALOT of driving! It took 3 days of driving all day to get up there to Prairie City OR. When we got down to Winnemucca NV. the next morning coming back it was very windy and snowing so we stayed hoping the weather was better the next day and it was. Took another 3 days of all day driving but we made it back and i finally have an RV in my driveway.

Meanwhile March is here which means Spring is here and its time for baseball. Lauren is flying in for the week. We plan on baseball and Ren-Faire sittin in the sun by the pool and doin some BBQin.

Then Dan and his girl friend Jessie are coming out the last weekend of the month and we are gonna do more of the same.

As far as medical goes i had a MUGGAscan and they said my heart looks very good. My PETscan results are the same as last time. Still have cancer in my bones. I had an MRI of my brain done on the 19th and find out the results on March 30th. I'm looking forward to getting some positive results!

So thats whats going on around these parts.

Shelly

The latest

Shellster — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:53:40 GMT

CyberKnife radiation kicked my butt a couple of weeks after my last therapy session. I had extreme fatigue, nausea, And diarrhea. Dr. Cavalcant retired so I went to see my new oncologist and i did not care for him so i asked for another. I meet my new oncologist on Wednesday (2-22-12). I also find out the results of my PETscan then. Next month i have an MRI of my brain done and talk with Dr. Kresl about the results of how well CyberKnife went. I'm looking forward to those results.

On Jan. 3rd i sold my Tacoma. That was a relief. But my new truck started nickel and diming me. 1st someone broke my fog lights so i went to auto store to replace them myself, Of course only the dealer can do it. They wanted $450 for both, so i had 1 done. Then i had them change my oil and that created an oil leak. They finally fixed it and i didn't get charged. Next i needed front brakes. Not cheap. Then a week ago my differential started leaking (or so i thought). Turns out it was my Pinion that needed to be replaced. Whew, another $350. If this keeps up there will be no money left for an RV. I've been looking on Craigs List. I'm looking for a 5th wheel. Ideally i'd like 26-28 foot length if anyone knows someone selling one lemme know! Thanks

Hope everyone is well! I'm looking forward to March. The boys of summer will be back which means warmer days, beer in the grass with friends watching baseball laughing about anything.

I will blog again after i meet my new oncologist and the results of my PETscan.

Congratulations to Dan and his new house in Big Pine!

My friend Susan who i worked with at TOG Got me a hydrant (all 550 lbs) They did most of the work
i just did the red paint....heres some pics..

Dr. Cavalcant

Shellster — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:59:08 GMT

At the end of this month Dr. Cavalcant will retire. He's been my oncologist since I started my journey with cancer in April of 2009. Today I got to say goodbye. I took him a box of oranges from my trees and a thank you card. He is a vegetarian so i'm sure he can appreciate oranges. He said he has been in medicine for 30 years and he really loves coming to work. His wife told him its not going to get any easier. He has 4 sons all living in the area and i know he likes to hike. So Dr. C will leave Desert Oncology Associates at the end of next week. He is not completely retiring, one of the chemo nurses today said he will teach. He did tell me I was one of his favorites. He said the chemo nurses love me. He said alot of nice things about me, he got choked up, gave me a big hug and walked out of the patient room.

Good luck and Farewell Dr.Cavalcant.

Dr C. me and my little brother Dan

CyberKnife/TrueBeam

Shellster — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:43:34 GMT

Monday (11-28th-2011) i went in for my 1st TrueBeam therapy. It only takes about 20 minutes. I lay on a table and they bolt my head down to the table and this scanner goes around my head. This radiosurgery uses high-intensity beams of radiation with great precision (within 2 mm) to destroy cancer cells. TrueBeam damages cancerous cells while minimizing exposure to nearby healthy cells. When the cancerous cells are directly hit by the precise beams, their ability to reproduce is compromised and they eventually die, causing the to tumor to shrink. I went everyday this week, today was my last day for this round. My parents came down and my Mom went with me up to N. Scottsdale everyday. She is a trooper!!

Dr. Kresl is one of the top ten Oncologists in America. I saw him today and my Mom asked him today if he thinks this will work and he said "oh ya, I've been doing this a long time". We both like him, he's very down to earth. He is a nationally recognized expert in Stereostatic radiosurgery and is a frequently invited lecturer throughout the world. He told us today that these therapies I had this week will continue working for the next 3 months.

Shelly and Dr. Kresl (Dec. 2nd, 2011) Kill that cancer!!!
And thats the story from Spring Circle!!

Thanksgiving and 50th Wedding Anniversary

Shellster — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:59:58 GMT

Lauren flew in from California and we headed up to Payson to spend with my parents and also celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary. When we got there my brother Dan opened the door! He drove in and shocked my parents and us by showing up. He told us he couldn't make it. Him and Amy (his 3 legged yellow lab) made the Thanksgiving/ Anniversary very special. We ate like Kings and Queens like we always do and we had ALOT of laughs!!! Dan looks great and him and Amy are coming back for Christmas so we are really looking forward to it.

I signed up for Holiday lights map. You pay $5 to get your house on the map for lights and the money goes towards local charities. I've never put up this many lights and it looks great--if you live local drive by and check it out. Most of the the lights, cut outs and blow ups ( Grinch and Bear) came from my parents. The more they brought down from Payson the more we put up in the front yard.

I hope everyones Thanksgiving was as awesome as mine was!
Shelly

Good News (11-21-11)

Shellster — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:37:09 GMT

Valley OBGYN called and the Polyp they biopsied came back normal! About time we start getting some good news!

Monday the 28th is my 1st Cyberknife and I'm really excited to get started. Dr. Kresl is one of the top 10 radiologists in America. Lets get in there and blast out some cancer tumors!

Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you all for your positive thoughts and prayers!!

Shelly

Updates

Shellster — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:14:22 GMT

On Tuesday Nov. 15th i went up to N. Scottsdale to get my brain mapped out (MRI) and they fitted me for my head mask. I start my 1st Cyber Knife therapy on Nov. 28th and i cant wait to get going. Dr. Kresl thinks it will take between 1 and 5 sessions to get the bigger tumors at the base of the skull. He said after that we will attack the 2 smaller tumors in the hypothalamus. He said they should be no problem to get rid of. I'm glad we are changing things up and it sounds like its going to to be a positive change!

On the other hand,Wednesday the 16th i had an endometrial biopsy and it was the most painful thing i've been through in my life. They took a snip of polyp out of my uterus to see if its cancerous. I get the results of that procedure next week.

I've been thru alot of scans and Md. appointments lately, next week i'm MD free and i'm looking forward to the break!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! I know I have alot to be thankful for!!!

Shelly

Cyber Knife and Endometrial Biopsy

Shellster — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 21:17:14 GMT

Tomorrow i go to North Scottsdale for a Cyber Knife evaluation on the brain. Talked to Dr. Taylor my radiation MD yesterday about it. It sounds promising and he said its very effective and there will be no pain. Cyber Knife is an alternative to surgery. It delivers beams of high dose radiation to tumors with extreme accuracy. It involves no cutting. In fact the C. K. System is the worlds 1st and only robotic radiosurgery system designed to treat tumors throughout the body invasively. I'm excited and i hope it kicks some cancer ass!!

Also have an Endometrium Biopsy on Nov. 16th. They are gonna cut into a polyp on my uterus and see if its cancerous. She said that will be painful. So i will keep everyone informed of results.

Hope eveveryone is well! Shelly

New scan results (Oct 17th, 19th)

Shellster — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 01:48:33 GMT

I had a MUGGAscan done on the 17th and an MRI of brain done and also a PETscan done on the 19th. The PETscan shows the bone cancer has not changed. The MRI shows that the brain cancer has progressed. Originally it was between my skull and brain. Now it has permeated the interior of the brain and the tumor size has increased. My equilibrium is off due to the pressure in my brain and have started taking steroids again and its definitely helped my balance. I also had an ultra sound and they found a polyp on my uterus. So i'm waiting for insurance to confirm payment and if they do i will have an endometriosis biopsy. Lotsa stuff goin on. I'm going to ask DR. Cavalcant about clinical trials tomorrow and see what he thinks.

Thats the story from Spring Circle. Hope everyone is well!!

Sept 23rd-27th,11 Cali trip

Shellster — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:39:33 GMT

Aunt Linda, me, Grandmere, Ashley, Lauren and Chris.
Flew into Calif. last Friday. Lauren picked me up and we went to the Sagebrush Cantina where we met Sherri and Traci. Saturday we went down to Anaheim and met my relatives at Olive Garden for lunch. After that, Lauren and i went to 2 Angels games. One Saturday night and a day game Sunday. They split the games, won sat, lost on Sunday. We had great seats! I missed Tanner for sure and its good to hang out with him again! Thanks to Mom and Dad for watching him while i went on a mini vacation!

Raynham has left the building

Shellster — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:57:09 GMT

The first time i went to Chemo Raynham i was excited, nervous and scared. Raynham sat with me and calmed me down, Every time i went to chemo she had a hug for me and a kind word. Raynham has moved to Banner Anderson on Higley and the 60. She will be missed by patients and staff at Dr. Cavalcants office. She sent me a card with the sun going down on the ocean and it reads...

Shelly,
Just wanted you to know that God has given me a new opportunity to serve. I will be working at MD Anderson starting next month. You have been such a treat to get to know. I admire your love of life and determination. You have such an amazing support system and the Cheerleader of the Century-Mom. You are unstoppable girl! I wish you the very best and send my love and gratitude that our paths crossed. Give Mom and Dad a hug and keep big one for yourself.

With hope to live on... Raynham Hauber

Family reunion

Shellster — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 18:09:40 GMT

July 29th thru Aug. 2nd was a success! We stayed at Eagle Lake in Northern California. It was a group spot with plenty of room on the lake. A bit of a walk to get there but the kids and dogs thoroughly enjoyed it. We were a little disappointed more people didn't show, but those who did really enjoyed it. It was good to hang out with some of my cousins, some i haven't seen in years. The weather was awesome and so was the food that my brother Dan cooked and also my cousin Tammy. I hope we all get together soon!

Heres a few pics...

Trip to So. Cal.

Shellster — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 17:59:05 GMT

I Finally got to see my cousin play in his band at the House of Blues in Anaheim. Me Lauren and my Aunt Linda went and I was very impressed. Several bands played prior to Chris's band (Franki Doll and the Broken Toys) but Chris's band was far superior to the other bands. Everyone in the band plays well and Franki has a hell of a voice for as small as she is. Then on Saturday we went out for lunch with Grandmere, Aunt Linda, Chris and Ashley and Lauren. We went to the Olive Garden and everyone sang me Happy Birthday. Linda took us by my Grandparents old house and i got some pictures. I don't remember it, as i was only 2 at the time. But i disappeared after dinner one night and everyone thought i might be at the bottom of the pool. They turned the lights on and i wasn't, i was in the bathroom. A relief i'm sure! We also went by Hoag hospital where i was born and took some pics. Sunday we went out to Catalina Island and had a great time. I would definitely do that again! It was quaint and very relaxing. Then back to AZ on Monday (7-18-11)

Today Vals throwing me a little BDay/ Pool party here at my house. Should be a good time!

Chris and Ashley

Me and Lauren at Catalina

Grandmere,me and my Aunt Linda

Blake Shelton

Shellster — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 21:34:25 GMT

Last night (7-3-11) i took my friend Judy, her daughter Stacie and Stacies son 12 year old Brandon to the Blake Shelton Concert at the Talking Stick baseball fields in Scottsdale. None of it would have been possible without my good friend Nancy H. She provided 4 tickets that were awesome seats! When we got there a monsoon was coming in fast. Lighting all around the stadium, a dust storm and the wind was howling. By the time we got in it started raining. Everyone was huddled under what limited shelter they had at the stadium. Luckily the rain ceased after 5 minutes and we were in our seats in no time. They were awesome seats. Right behind the 1st base dugout, 1st row. The stage was in center field a little ways from where we were but they had a jumbo tron so we didn't miss a lick. Blake was actually better than i thought he would be. He mixed it up with some rock and roll songs and did other country songs from other artists. But what topped Blake was the fireworks show after. That was the most spectacular fireworks show i've ever seen! It was like a "grand finale" for 45 minutes. We all had a really good time!! Happy Independence Day!!

Me, Brandon, Stacie and Judy

Me and Judy

PTscan results (6-15-2011)

Shellster — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 01:38:46 GMT

I had a PTscan done on Wednesday and found out today that the cancer is back in my bones. Pelvic, spine and ribcage. But he said he is very pleased that the cancer has not spread to my vital organs. Radiation for the brain is not an option i've had too much radiation. Personally i'm glad its not an option. It was ineffective and made me sick and fatigued for months. My hair is finally growing back after 2 years!! I asked Dr C if i am running out of options and he adamantly said NO! I have alot of options left. Thats exactly what i needed to hear. So we are going to continue Chemo every 3 weeks and Tykerb pills. He prescribed a new pill to fight the bone cancer and block hormones. Hopefully its strong, swift and kicks some cancer ASS!!

Flag day was Tanners 2nd Birthday and he got some vanilla ice cream to celebrate.

Hope everyone is well!!

Shelly