First funny experience with my wig

I just got home from my 2ND chemo treatment and I am feeling great! It takes about 3 hours for the sickness to hit me, but just maybe I won't be as sick as last time. I'm crossing my fingers.
I have to tell everyone what happened to me yesterday. I was wearing a wig that the hair was very long, it made me feel like I was 20 again. Anyway, I was at the car wash vacuuming my car and the vacuum caught my wig and just sucked it right off my head. Kylie and I just started laughing especially when we looked over to see who was watching and the looks on their faces. I hurried and put it back on but it took a couple of tries to get it right. We had a good laugh all the way home. I guess next time I will where my shorter wig or scarf.

Bald is Beautiful?

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you have enjoyed your day. I certainly have. All my children were excited about their gifts and everyone got along. It was nice to relax, enjoy the day and just watch my children play with one another.
Have you heard of the saying "Bald is Beautiful" Where did that saying come from? Tonight my husband shaved my head. No more hair! "Bald is not Beautiful" on me, but I have to say it feels alot better. I have been losing chunks of my hair this last week. I was not prepared to have it all gone so I would just watch it get thinner each day. My scalp has hurt,I don't even know how to explain how it feels. My scalp has been very tender if anyone would touch my hair it would hurt. If the wind blew just a little my head hurt. Even with the pain I was not ready to have it gone. The clincher for me was this morning when putting gel in my hair I looked at my hands and all I saw was hair stuck to my hands and I am talking alot of hair. Then I proceeded to get ready and it was falling in my eyes and mouth, I know gross but true. My the evening I was so tired of seeing my hair everywhere I knew it was time. I had and still have mixed emotions while my husband shaved my head. I had my 9yr old daughter taking pictures telling me it didn't look to bad(she is always kind). I then had my 6yr old daughter look at me with a look of pure horror and saying" I can't look at you mom you do not look good" then she would leave for a minute and come back with the same look and say "you need to always wear a hat or wig mom". Now if you know my daughter she tells you how it is so while she was talking we were all laughing but then I couldn't help but shed a few tears just because I thought the same thing and I could see through their faces that this is difficult for them to watch also and as much as I try to explain things to them they just don't understand. I am now wearing a pink beanie and my head no longer hurts. It is amazing to me that my head could hurt for the last week or two and in minutes of shaving my head there is no more pain?
So LOOK OUT the next time you see me I may be wearing a wig, scarf, hat or I just may be bald. j/k I wouldn't do that to you or me.
Anyway All is Well and I will have another update for you after my next treatment.
Thanks for your support.

No Regrets,

CHEMOTHERAPHY=NO FUN

Thank you, thank you for all the phone calls, e-mails, visits, jokes. I am feeling so much better this week and the help from so many of you has benefited greatly. I can truly say I have never experienced anything as bad as the side effects of chemotherapy. The nausea was the worst. The actual experience of receiving the chemo wasn't bad, it was 3 hours later. It started with pain in my ears, then a pain in my head that I have never felt before, followed by throwing up and dry heaving for the next 7 days. The Dr. still can't figure out why all the nausea meds didn't work better then they did. Hopefully the next treatment won't be as bad. My hair has thinned, the doctor said my hair would be gone by now so I am proving him wrong in so many different ways. haha.

Overall, I am feeling a lot better now however, I am still feeling side effects such as sores down my throat, tender gums, and ACHING BONES. My cousin Denise described this to me and now I know what she was saying. While I still hurt, it is doable, and I am happy that I can be feeling a little better for Christmas this week. I always thought I was grateful for my health but this experience has really taught me how grateful I really am. Thanks again for your support and jokes. I will not be judging the jokes right now, they make me smile so keep um comin' Thanks,

NO REGRETS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Love,

Shaquel

PS- I go in for my second chemo treatment on the 29th. I get the week off for Christmas.

Stay Positive!

Do you know how hard it is to stay positive when you are

feeling nauseous and weak every second of the day? EXTREMELY !

Shaquel is trying her hardest to maintain her level of optimism...from the first day she was told she had cancer, up to

NOW (5 days after first treatment).

After a second visits to the hospital to get fluids pumped

in for dehydration, she was able to get a steroid shot for nausea, and for THAT night, things were

calm.

The drs. have told her that day five will be her light at the end of the tunnel

day, and last time I spoke with her, she was beginning to feel some relief. I pray everyday

that she can have just one that's all I'm asking just one less trip to the toilet. I

don't think that's asking too much. Do you? I promise my prayers

will get better as time goes on...

When I talk to Shaquel about how she is doing, I usually will say, "On a scale

of 1-10 how are you?" (10 feeling great, 1 the opposite) She has

responded in the past with 5, and then on up. After this weeks conversations

with her, I didn't need the scale. There was NO scale. I could

hear it in her voice. She has been pretty miserable to say the least. I know she

could use some positive encouragement from friends and family. Not that you haven't, she just needs more and so.......here is a little contest for you.

She has requested that WE use humor to help lift her spirits. She would like to invite

you to participate in finding the BEST cancer joke out there and post it on her blog.

She, when she's not barfing, will judge your joke and post a winner for the week.

I know what you are thinking because I thought it too. A joke about cancer...

How insensitive!

Not for this girl.

It has been said that "laughter is a potential influence in healing."

"Laughing at cancer takes away some of the sting"

"Cancer hates a sense of humor"

"Laughter can sooth and heal tender hearts"

I believe this is all true! Shaquel has had a sense of humor with this whole thing right

from the start. She told one of her dr. that they were going

to become really good friends because of how often she was going to be seeing him, hence

came the request for a Christmas present. "Don't you give your really good friends a

Christmas present," she said. Can you not hear her saying that. What

a crack up!

So, do you except the challenge? I know it WILL brighten her day

and give her something to look forward to.

Let the GAMES begin!

The Definition of Shaquel

Shaquel:

unwavering, steadfast, faithful, zealous, friendly, determined

enthusiastic, thoughtful, unselfish, encouraging, obedient

courageous, successful, humorous,

inspiring, a good example

DAUGHTER OF GOD, MY HERO!

BIG DAY FOR SHAQ TODAY!

She had her first chemo treatment today...the UNKNOWN

IS FINALLY KNOWN. From start to finish it took 3 hrs. to undergo

treatment. The infamous "needle poking" was

the best part she said. The first nurse couldn't get it in and the 2nd, simply

apologized for the first and was a pro at getting it in.

She has the worst luck with those things going in the first, second

and third tries. Shaq LOVES needles!

On the way home came the first sign of side effects. Only a headache.

She handled that with no problemo, pop a couple of Tylenol, she's good to go...about 3 hours

later more side effects. She has taken every nausea pill given to her and

she has had no relief. She can't keep anything down. Looks

like your wish

of losing weight will come true Shaq.

A big THANKS goes out to everyone for checking in on Shaq and her

family! She wanted me to say that she wishes she could

get to her phone to answer your calls, but she can't. She says to leave her a message and

when the

side effects subside,

she will return your calls. She appreciates your thoughtfulness!!!

I will do my best to keep you all informed

on how she is doing.

We luv ya Shaq. and know that you are in our prayers and thoughts!

Get Ready, Get Set, Go !

Now that I am starting chemo in two days I feel like I am in a race.
1st step-Getting Ready
I have been getting ready by having all my surgeries, blood tests, more blood tests, MRIs, PET scans, port put in, buying wigs, trying to prepare my children.
2ND step-Get Set
I met with three of my Dr's on Friday and after reviewing my tests, giving me my prescriptions to get filled(nine of them) and answering my last minute questions I AM SET!
3rd-GO
I will run to start my chemo treatment Tuesday. OK so I won't run maybe a jog ok a walk, but I am so ready. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous, oh now I am just flat out lying. I hate to say this, but I am scared for the unknown. After Tuesday pain or not I will be fine. My plan is NOT to be sick or tired or all the many things I have heard may happen. I call it being positive, some say its denial, but whatever it works for me. HA HA
As far as the race I will complete it in 6 months and I will win!


I just wanted to add a few quotes that I read to day-
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."Albert Einstein
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank
"Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death" Author Unknown

Everyone have a wonderful week!

Quick update

I just wanted to post a quick update. Last Monday the 23rd I went up for a test that looked at my heart. They put a IV in and put more nuclear dye that would surround my heart. It showed a 3d picture of my heart and how it was beating. It is just another test to make sure my heart is working good and ready to take the chemo. And of course it is. I have to say I hate IVs . They have had such a hard time finding a good vein, so they keep trying.This week my arm and hand look so bruised and I feel like a wimp saying this but it still hurts after they have made so many attempts.
The next day the 24Th I went back in the hospital for a same day surgery to put a port in. A port is a device that they put under your skin. It is a cylinder with a soft spot on the top for a special needle to be inserted. Then it has a small tube that is connected to one of my large veins that delivers blood to my heart. This basically means now that this device has saved my veins in my arm. Through this device they will insert my IV in every time I have chemo or they can take blood samples from it also.The Dr's put mine under my clavicle bone on my right side. On Tuesday I went back in to the hospital they gave me one more IV in my hand after attempting 5 times(hopefully that is last time for awhile). They put me out and walla two hours later I had to wake up. It was not to bad just alittle pain for about two days.
This week I go back up for a couple more Dr appointments and then next week I start chemo!
I hope you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have been able to enjoy the holiday weekend. I have to say I have, it is only 6:20 in the morning and I having a pie in the fridge screaming my name!

What a Day!

What a day! I left this morning for St. George at 9am and returned home at 5:30 pm. Don't think I was out shopping or out eating lunch or hanging with family and friends. I spent the day visiting 3 Dr's and at the hospital doing lab work for two of my doctors. They all agree I am healing well and keep reminding me that I had a very serious surgery so stop being so impatient with the healing process. When I came home I was feeling pretty good just really sore but my the weekend I was in severe pain. I think I just did more then I was supposed to. Today is the first day that I actually feel good and not so tired. My chest still hurts, especially at night when I lay down and today my Dr's told me to buck up because it was actually going to hurt for at least the next 6 months maybe even up to a year. I just looked at one of my Dr's and at his notepad and said"what new pain pills would you like to perscribe me " (I did say it smiling). Maybe these new pain meds will help.

I spent 2 hours with my chemotherapy oncologist. He is really nice and explained what chemo I will be taking, apparently there are several different kinds even for people with the same type of cancer. I will start out for 4 months and go every 2 weeks. Next Thursday I go into the hospital and they will put a port in my chest. This a a device that will hook up to my IV to run the medicine in my body which is basically poison. It is better then going every two weeks and trying to find a vein to put the IV in.

This Friday I go back up to do more testing. I cant remember what the test is called I just know it is going to tell the Dr's how or if I can handle the chemo. I will start my chemo treatments Dec 8th and due to the type of medicine and it being my first time I will be pretty sick. Apparently it will take 5-7 hours the first time . The medicine is administered slowly through the IV and then the Dr's are able to monitor me to make sure I don't have some bad reaction to it.

I am nervous but so ready to get started. I hate the wait!!!!!!!

By the way yesterday you may have heard how the guidelines are changing to change the age of when you should get a mammogram. DON'T LISTEN start going when you are 40. In the waiting rooms today and all the medical personnel were talking about how foolish it is. Many of the patients think that it is a strategy from Obama to cut health care reform?But for whatever reason please don't listen and get checked. This has been a very emotional roller coaster and if I hadn't gotten checked I would not have felt the lump for probably another year and it would have been to late. I can't even imagine.

Home Again !

I am now home. I came home late Wednesday night. It was so fun to see my kids, I had really missed them. They were so cute they kept putting their arms around me (very carefully) and telling me how much they missed me and loved me. When tucking Rudy into bed he said"it sure is nice to have you home and be the one to say my prayers with and tuck me in." My youngest was already asleep but when waking up in the middle of the night and coming in she was so excited that I was there. She jumped up in the middle gave me a hug and told me she missed me and loved me.She then held my hand and when I tried to move she would grab it again. As I lay by her and still in pain I would try to shift a little,she would squeeze tighter with her hand. I laid there forever looking at her and out my window I couldn't help but tell my Heavenly Father thank you, thank you for these wonderful children and being able to come home to them.
My surgery went well, more painful then I wanted but I am recooperating just fine. Next week I go back for several Dr's appointments and then will hopefully get the date of my chemo. I just checked this surgery off so on to the next thing. Maybe I won't have to do chemo(positive thinking).
I can never say Thank You enough to so many of you for the burdens you lifted from me and my family. Thank You!

I apologize for not being as quick to this as I had hoped to be. Shaquel has had a few (7 days to be exact) rough days. After going through 7 long hours of surgery, she made it through. Shaquel has proven

to be quite the fighter. We all know how determined and positive Shaq has been, but I have

to be honest, this is the first time that I have seen a little doubt and fear in her

eyes.

In Shaq's words," This surgery is definitely

worse than the first one." The doctors couldn't get her pain under control. The day

she left the hospital she had a variety of pain medication to take.

There wasn't just "one" magic pill.

She is now recovering in St. George at her mom's house until

the middle of the week. We ALL are taking good care of her! I don't think that she has had a day where she hasn't been visited or checked on .

She is in excellent hands. What an awesome family we have!!

She misses her kids bunches and thanks you all for your generosity

and kindness you have rendered to her family.

Jim, I have heard how awesome you are doing at being MR. Mom! Keep on going!

We are rooting for you too.

I love my Dr's

A woman with terminal cancer returns to religion with fervor. She knows that God will help her get better.

Early in her sickness, a surgeon proposes radical surgery.

"No", she says, "I don't want to get mutilated and suffer pain. It's not necessary, God will help me".

A while later, she sees a radiologist and he proposes radiation to treat the tumor, which by now is uncomfortably large. "No", she says, "I don't want radiation burns inside and out. It's not necessary. God will help me."

A year later, the cancer has metastasized. It's painful and she is referred to an oncologist. Chemotherapy is advised. "No", she says, "I don't want to be sick all the time and lose my hair as well. It's not necessary. God will help me".

Soon after, she dies. She goes to Heaven and demands an audience with God. "Why didn't you help me?," she whines.

"What do you mean? I sent you help three times: a surgeon, a radiologist and an oncologist. What more did you want?"

Shaquel wanted to add this because she has loved her Drs. She did say that she needs to find a joke or story that adds a plastic surgeon and family physician. She is so grateful to her family physician who started her on this path of great Doctors.

Time for Surgery

Tomorrow is the big day. I am excited,nervous,anxious,tired and ok, fine a little scared but who wouldn't be right? I really can't wait to have this over with I think the anticipation is always the worst. Thank you once again for all your prayers,phone calls, cards,flowers, watching my kids, etc. It has definitely helped.
Kristen will try to update on any info. for the next few weeks.
I cant't even think what to write because I keep thinking of what I still need to do before I go to bed. So i guess thats it.
You all have a great day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dr's Dr's Dr's and more Dr's

Well, well, well where do I begin. It has been a busy two days spending all my time with doctors. I have been trying to decide what to write or how detailed I should be. I have decided I won't go into too much detail on whats going on. Its all confusing and for many of you probably boring. I am still having surgery next Tuesday but I am now having a MRI done to see if I have any precancerous cells and that will determine exactly what the surgery will entail. My choices have been difficult, its choosing between the two lesser evils. My MRI is on Thursday then I go back up Friday to meet with the Dr's. to decide. So I will update exactly whats going on then.

Today I had physical therapy and then I went to a group that was called "Look good and feel better". It is for women with cancer that will be going through chemo and losing their hair and have other side effects. They have make-up artists come in and you get a free bag of make-up from different companies. There make-up is the good stuff that won't irritate your skin and actually help it. They teach you how to put make-up on your eyebrows and eyelashes to look like you have some. When I first walked in and saw all the ladies in the class it was another reality check for me, to see some of the ladies with no hair and others with scarfs or hats and then watching them take them off. To be honest I was saying to myself I can't believe I am going through this and this is my life for the next year. As the evening wore on, visiting with this ladies and getting to know them and just basically talking about what they are going through, or how they deal with things. I was humbled and felt very blessed to be associated with them. I have met so many wonderful people that otherwise I would have never known. I feel very grateful.

Yesterday I told my doctors that since we have been spending so much time together and knowing that I will be seeing them for the next 2 years ALOT they have become friends and I expect a good Christmas present from them. You should have seen their faces, I just gave them the look like I wasn't kidding . They probably think I am nuts. As I am writing this it still brings a smile to my face, I can still picture the look on their faces. You know your spending alot of time in the hospital when you recognize the cleaning people and they know you. I said to one of the men today while he was cleaning the windows I might as well get your name and introduce myself since I will probably see you again. He was cool with it and we both laughed. But I have to admit I hate running into the same people and you don't know their names. I actually want to know more like so how long have been at this job? Do you like it?How long have you lived here etc. etc.
Enough babbling, have a great day!

No Regrets,

I Got A Wig!

Well yesterday I went back to a different wig store and it was much better. I was a little shaken when the lady put the bald cap on me before trying on the wigs. It definitely wasn't pretty. Once I started trying all the different kinds on, it was kind of fun. I bought one. I then went over to the cancer society, and they had a few, so I got one there. along with some cute hats and scarfs. So everyone, if you run into me you may not recognize me. I may have really short hair and the next day long and blond, red or pink.
I then went to meet with the plastic surgeon. It was a very surreal experience looking at real pictures of people after surgery knowing that will be me too. The more I think about it the more I realize I will be just fine and dandy!

Life just keeps getting better!

This past weekend just flew by. My sister has been in town along with my sister-in-law . We went shopping and went out to lunch . It was fun just looking in all the stores and really just visiting with one another.
I decided since I wasn't alone I would go look for a wig. The professionals say you should do this while you have hair. I haven't looked forward to it, but didn't think it would be that difficult. Well, let's just say it was harder then I thought. I ended up looking around, but the lady working was so pushy. She kept saying to me, "Just try a few on," while following me around.
So, I walked out. Yep, I just walked out holding back the tears. I thought to myself: it's amazing how me, along with everyone else, is always wanting to look different. We want to change our shape, be taller or shorter, take away our wrinkles, have thicker or thinner, longer or shorter hair. OK, I have to admit I have always wanted to have dark olive skin and long dark hair with long legs.
But now my hair that I have always had will be gone and not by my choice. Yes, I know you are all saying it will grow back, and you are right, but the doctors say it could be a different COLOR, texture, curly or straight. And now all of a sudden I like how I look! (I guess its about time). So I guess what I am saying to all of you out there is to just love who you are and what you look like now.
After I got home I was mad at myself for not just dealing with it while I was there. So, I am going back up on Wednesday to get one. I WILL NOT leave the store without buying one or ordering one along with a few scarfs and hats. This weekend was just a small dose of reality that I think I needed and obviously will be living real soon.
Today I recieved really good news. My BRCA test came back. The results say that my cancer is not passed down genetically so I can't pass this to my girls. Yahoooooo!
I hope this post doesn't sound depressing. I didn't want it to. I just want to be honest with everyone on how I feel with what's going on. I am good and I do love my hair and will love whatever I get when it grows back. I hate to sound dramatic because there is always the chance that it will grow back just the way it is now, but if not, I will still love life!
I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and will try to update!

No Regrets, Shaquel

Good News!!!!!!!!

Hello Everyone
I recieved good news today. The cancer has not spread past my lymph nodes or my left breast.
I had a PET scan done yesterday to see if there was any cancer anywhere else in my body. I was relieved to have my Dr. call and give me the news. I am still waiting for one more test the BRCA.
I also have my surgery date it will be Nov. 3rd. I do not like the wait ,but I have to agree with my Dr. on this one.
I still can't lift my arm , but I am feeling so much better!!!!!!!!!!!
It was so nice to see family at Shaes wedding. Shae you looked beautiful!
Thank you all for the words of encouragement and the hugs.
I definitely have enjoyed all the visits from family and friends. Thank you! Keep them coming!

Hang in there Shaquel. There is HOPE!

Plans Change!

Hello Everyone
I decided I would write and let you all know I am alive and doing well ! My Surgery date has changed and as of yet I don't have the exact date. It should be the end of this month but I feel bad that it will be close to halloween and I may be in the hospital so I am going to ask the surgeons if I can have it the first of Nov. What kind of mother would I be if i didn't watch my kids at the pumpkin run or take my usual burnt cookies to their class party, and then take them to the halloween carnival and trick or treating? don't say a smart one HA HA ,But who knows? There are a few reasons for the change of date for surgery, the 1st- My Dr. wants me to have healed and be alittle stronger . When they took my lymph nodes out it raised the risk for lymphedema which would be a permanent change (This is where my arm swells , the skin hardens, it loses it elasticity and can be vary painful,and I would not be able to raise my arm past my shoulder.) So to help that not happen I need to do certain exercises to get it strong ,if I had surgery this week that would make it so I can't use that arm for another couple of weeks. 2ND reason- I have to have a plastic surgeon in with the other surgeon so when the one surgeon does the mastectomy the other can start reconstruction so they have to work their schedules out 3rd- and I think biggest reason is we are waiting for a test result called the BRACA (genetic test) . If it comes back positive it raises the percentage that I will likely have cancer in the other breast sometime in the future so then I will do a bi-lateral mastectomy rather then just having one removed. After I heal from that surgery around thanksgiving then I will start chemo and my Dr. keeps trying to prepare me that my chemo will be very strong which means I will have severe side effects. So when I lose my hair everyone just be prepared it won't be pretty. I was hoping all this wouldn't happen so close to the holidays but I guess I can't control everything .Maybe I will get my Christmas shopping done before the week of Christmas this year!Oh I almost forgot I did get my drain (grenade) out yesterday I thought I would get it out last week but the nurse said it was not ready so it feels so much better not having that on me or carrying it around.
I just want to thank everyone for their prayers, phone calls, cards, flowers, gifts , meals, daycare and just being genuinely concerned for me and my family. We really do feel the love!
And I really am doing good Psychologically, emotionally,SPIRITUALLY and even alittle physically

Test results

We just received the test results from Shaquel's surgery and we have good and bad news. The GREAT news is that the other breast does NOT have cancer. The lump they removed from the other side was just fibroid tissue. The other GREAT news is that out of the 20 lymph nodes that they removed, only 3 showed to have cancer. However, the tests confirmed that the type of cancer she has is very aggressive, but can't be predicted. There is no way to tell how fast it can or will spread. The doctors advised Shaquel to schedule a mastectomy. She will return to the surgical room on Oct. 9th to have the procedure done. Because of the aggressiveness of this cancer she will need to have Chemo. She will need to be fully healed from this surgery before she can begin her treatments. This will take about 3 weeks. So we are looking at the end of Nov. before any Chemo treatments. On Monday she will meet with a plastic surgeon, as well as her cancer doc. to go over any other options and discuss further plans. She thinks that tomorrow she will get the grenade drip taken out of her arm and be able to go home. I think that she has thoroughly enjoyed her stay at her moms. Thanks again for all your prayers and phone calls. I will continue to keep you posted with this blog. Feel free to send a message her way using this blog as well.

Honesty

This past week for Shaquel has had some ups and downs. She definitely was "up" when she was on morphine, and loratab, you know the good stuff. Then she was "down" when they told her she didn't need it anymore and that she could go home. Wasn't that good, happy news? Yes, it was, but oh how she longed for just a little more morphine. When we visited her on Sunday, she admitted to me and I QUOTE ," I REALLY liked that morphine. That was some good stuff." We need to keep an eye on that girl!

In all honesty, this week has been a hard week for Shaquel. As tough as this girl is, recovery has not been an easy thing. It hasn't been as fast as she had hoped for. She said to me "I have been optimistic about this whole thing and last night (Monday) I was up all night and allowed myself to really think things through. I found myself worrying about the results and when would we get them. I even read some literature and statistics on breast cancer and I am scared to death. The what ifs are playing over and over in my mind. Do I have enough faith and optimism to not let fear overcome me?" The answer to that question is simple...yes, of course you do! You have 7 beautiful children to continue to live for. It is true, she has been optimistic, so much that a nurse meeting her for the first time commented on how Shaquel is inspiring because of how much optimism she has. It's been amazing to me as well. You can hear it in her voice, see it in her walk. This girl is out to beat this cancer and fight with everything she has. Here is her "plan of attack" for the next couple of weeks:

• recover from surgery
• have energy
• get off all pain killers :}
• get the "grenade" out ( a term used for this plastic container that has fluids draining into it from the surgery)
• get as strong and healthy as I can before I start Chemo
• stay and be positive
• get some sleep
• take a shower!
• be able to wash my own hair

This sounds like it's going to be a fun filled 2 weeks!

Shaquel would like me to thank everyone for your prayers, your visits, the encouragement and love that she has received this far. Thank you also for your help with her kids. Jim you are an awesome husband and dad! We know that you are capable of doing it all. We just don't want you to get wore out. Don't take it personal that Savannah asks for Aunt Darlene to come and do her hair in the morning for school. It's okay. You are still a good person. You just might need some practice sessions first before she has confidence in your hairstyling technique. :}

Thanks again, keep those prayers coming. Every prayer counts!

In the beginning... there was PAIN!

It began 3 weeks ago with an annoying pain at top of her chest. A couple of days went by and the pain never subsided. After a day of debating whether this was something serious or just GAS (lol) she found herself scheduling a Mammogram. While taking Rudy in for a check up, she asked the Doctor if she really needed to have a Mammogram. They determined that without a Mammogram the answer would not be clear. The following week Shaquel went in and had a Mammogram. While she patiently waited as the patient she saw several women come and go with happy faces. An hour and a half went by, several tests were conducted and Shaquel still did not have answers just a nurse that kept smiling as she passed by. Finally the nurse came in said the Doctor would like another Ultra Sound done. By this time she began to assume that something was not right. The Doctor found two suspicious spots that were not at the location of her pain. It didn't take long after that to schedule the next series of events. Biopsy, surgery and what her options were. Still there was no definite conclusion of what it was. They told Shaquel it could be two things, calcium deposits or cancer. It took two weeks to get the results from her biopsy and it confirmed that Shaquel does in fact have cancer. It is stage two breast cancer.

The type of Cancer that Shaquel has is called or referred to as Invasive or Infiltrating cancer. This type of cancer breaks through normal breast tissue barriers and invades surrounding areas such as nearby lymph nodes first. During her Surgery on Thursday of last week, the Doctor believes they were able to remove the cancer from the breast tissue and explored Lymph nodes and found that there was in fact cancer. They removed twenty or so Lymph nodes and have sent them off for further testing. We should have results by this Wednesday. :)

We do have reason to find peace and comfort in the many miracles that have taken place. If Shaquel never experienced the uncomfortable "pain" she was in, the doctors say that she could have gone another year without noticing any sign of cancer. She also was able to have the Best of the Best Cancer Doctors in all of Utah, Dr. Weintch is his name. Normally he has a five week waiting list just to get in to see him. In Shaquel's case, she has not only seen him but has had surgery within one weeks time.

Shaquel has kept her spirits high and hasn't lost her sense of humor. "Cancer Schmancer" is now her slogan.

Please keep her in your prayers.

We will post further updates as they come about.