Florida here I come!

What a relief! I am past most of the side effects of the 3rd treatment, and am packing for Florida! I had hoped that the change to Nupigen would mean that I would not become quite as exhausted as I have with past treatments, but unfortunately that was wishful thinking. Sometimes you just have to listen to your body, and so I spent most of Sunday and Monday sleeping and reading. However, the good news is that I am not experiencing any kind of rash. Now, whether that is because of the histamine blockers or the Nupigen, remains a mystery, but either way, I am pleased to be itch free.

I did have a very nice weekend though, because the fatigue doesn't tend to be an issue until a fews days after a treatment. On Friday, Heidi took me to the hospital for our lesson administering shots of Nupigen. I am pleased to say that I was able to give myself the shot, and although Heidi was ready willing and able, I did not need her assistance through the weekend. It was really very neat, and I was very proud of myself for being able to do it.

On Saturday, I went to lunch with the girls from Verizon and was then very pleasantly surprised with a visit from my friend Teri and her daughter Amy. Amy is a very creative young lady, and took to heart my very first post in which I told folks that I was looking for clever and fun hair pieces. Let me tell you, Amy is hands down the winner in regards to creativity and fun, because she made me a neon pink, duck tape wig! It is sooo very cool, and as you can see by the picture above, no small task either. It is definitely going to Florida with us! Wait til you see the pics! Amy, I love my new wig, and it touches my heart that you took the time and effort to make me such an amazing, thoughtful and fun gift! You're the BEST!

Saturday evening was spent with Heidi, Steve and Tony in the back yard around our fire pit. It was a beautiful fall day, and we all decided to take advantage of it. We were joined for a short while by my brother David and his wife Laurie, who brought me a big bowl of Mazza Ball Soup. Dinner dilemma solved, because there is nothing better than Laurie's soup on a cool fall evening.

So all in all, a good weekend but one that I am thankful to be past as well. We leave for Florida on Thursday, and Heidi, Steve and kids will join us on Sunday. If I haven't mentioned it, this is a birthday trip for Shannon (Steve's daughter) and Ian. Ian turned 10 on Oct. 20 and Shannon will turn 11 on Oct. 22. We have rented a pontoon boat and plan to spend our days fishing, snorkeling, swimming and enjoying each others company. I know I've said it before, but I just have to say it again............... "I am one very lucky girl!"

Stay tuned for stories of our Florida adventures when we return on Nov. 1.

Hugs and love to all.

Shannon

3 down and 1 to go, with my "back up" in tow......

Whew, yesterday started as a bit of a nerve racking day, as I was concerned that I would have an accelerated allergic reaction to the chemo, given my experience with the rash last week. As usual, my wing man Goose (Linda), was by my side, helping me to focus on the positive. She took me to my treatment and got me all tucked in with my wonderful friendship quilt, and perhaps most important of all, kept me chatting, so I wouldn't spend too much time worrying.

As you know, I saw a Dermatologist on Monday, who speculated that the rash I was experiencing was indeed an allergic reaction to the chemo. He prescibed a couple of anti-histimines or histimine blockers which suppress the bodies ability to to react to the things it doesn't like. Good news because the rash went away, and I was able to make it through the rest of the week without any discomfort.

Well, it also goes to show you what worrying will get you anyway, because I had a very productive conversation with the Oncology Doc and her Physicians Assistant. They explained that although patients do often experience an allergic raection to chemo, it always presents itself within the first few days after chemo, and in fact 2 weeks later when I experienced my reaction, the chemo was very likely entirely out of my system.

They went on to tell me that they believe that it may be a reaction to the Nuelasta shot that I receive to boost the production of blood cells. So, we now have a new plan in place. I am to continue taking the histamine blockers that The Dermatologist prescribed, as there are no long term difficulties with these drugs, and bottom line is they are working. They also decided to stop giving me Nuelasta, and have prescibed Nupigen, which is a sort of derivitive of Nuelasta but not quite as strong. It's kind of cool too, because I will administer these shots myself! I always wanted to do something like that, so believe it or not, I am kind of excited to test my metal, so to speak.

So anyway, then it was on to the treatment, and I DID NOT experience any kind of reaction to the chemo, so I have to believe they may be on to something, even if it is kind of a guessing game at this point. Later this afternoon, I will go back to the hospital and my nurse (Sue), will teach me how to give myself the Nupigen shot. I will then administer two more shots to myself on Saturday and Sunday. However, as usual, my "back up" will be there in the form of Heidi. She will go to my appointment with me today, and just in case I am unable to muster the nerve to poke myself, she will be there to learn how, and then give me the shot if need be.

Lastly, I expressed concern to the Docs about my trip to Florida on Oct 23, and my worry that something may occur that interferes with our ability to enjoy ourselves and the time with the kids. She gave me a course of Prednizone and an Epi-pen, which I will take just in case I encounter a delayed reaction, as I did before. The Prednizone will act with the histimine blockers to minimize the reaction, and the Epi-pen will be used just in case I have a very severe reaction. Either way, I am now confident that everything that can be done, is being done, and I move forward feeling that I am recieving the right care and advice. So, just try to wipe that smile off my face as I board the plane for Florida in 7 days!

So all in all, yesterday was a good day. After I got home from my treatment, Heidi, Steve and Ian arrived to spend the evening with me. And my prayers were answered because Heidi brought her world famous chicken noodle soup. Let me assure you, much better than anything the docs could have prescibed! Ian also made me a card, and his sentiments were so heart felt and touching that it almost made me cry. Man, I love that kid!

In addition, Gooses's son Ryan, who has sort of adopted me, came over to do a little plumbing for me. I have been having trouble with one of the toilets, and he has become my personal plumber. All I have to do is ask, and he is there to help me, off the clock. He stayed for a visit and some of that amazing chicken soup and what started as a nerve racking day, ended with a nice little family dinner, and my knowing, how very fortunate I am!

I am posting a picture of Ryan and I, that was taken last weeknd in Bradford. As I said, the whole Goose family has taken me under their wing, and I really think Ryan and I look very cute in this shot. Besides, we love pictures of ourselves!

Hugs and love to all, and especially to my "Back Up".

Shannon

A rash, my ash..........

As the weeks have passed and I have progressed through my chemo treatments, I have been fortunate in that I have experienced very few side effects other than fatigue and muscle pain. Well now it seems that we have a new wrinkle in that I have started experiencing a rash on my face and body, which is due to some sort of allergic reaction. Although my nurse didn't seem to think it was an actual reaction to the chemo drugs, my friend Stephanie does Reiki for several people who are undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer, and she explained that several of these folks have experienced the same thing and were told that it is one of the side effects of chemo.

I have to admit, of all of the things I have gone through over the summer, this is perhaps the most difficult to get past. I have been taking Benedryl and applying cortisone cream, but that only calms the itching for a little while. The good news is that I am going to see a dermatologist today, and am hopeful for a solution soon.

Well enough about that. As you may know, we spent Columbus Day weekend in Bradford 4-wheeling, bow hunting, hiking, and enjoying the company of friends and family around the fire pit. My friend Dani and her grand daughter, Anna came up Saturday morning and then Goose (Linda), her husband Brian, their son Ryan and his fiance Amanda came later in the day. We all had such a good time, enjoying the view from our little house and sitting around the bon fire sharing stories and laughing our fool heads off.

Earlier in the day, Grandpa Tony, Ian and the gang took a walk to Ian's ground stand in preparation of Vermont's Youth Day. It is so wonderful to be part of this amazing rite of passage that Ian is experiencing, as he came back from their hike telling stories of when Grandpa was a boy, and went hunting with his Father. The excitement in his voice and the look on his face was worth a million bucks!

We also spent time getting the guns sighted in, and even though this was the first time that Dani and Anna had ever shot a gun, we did get a little competitive. Although everyone shot very well, I am proud to say, that while sighting in Ian's gun, I shot almost a perfect bulls eye! Anna also had an amazing shot and was just a smidge away from me! As you can imagine, we couldn't resist rubbing it in just a little! Way to go Anna!

Well, that's about it for now. I have my third treatment this Thursday, so am preparing for that. Fingers crossed that we get this allergic reaction figured out, as Heidi, Steve, Ian, little Shannon and Tony and I are headed to Florida on Oct. 23, and I don't want anything to interfere with our ability to enjoy our vacation. As with everything else, I guess I'll just keep a positive thought and know that it will all work out.

Hugs to all.

Looking forward to Columbus Day Weekend....

Good morning all,

It's 4am and Tony and I have a busy day ahead, so I thought I would make a quick post before I get to work. It's time to bring in all of the lawn ornaments, take down our porch gazebo, and get everything ready for winter. Even though Fall is my favorite time of year, I do so hate to to give up on summer, but since my motto these days is accept what you cannot change, and move on, that's what I'll do.

We are headed to Bradford for a weekend of bow hunting, 4-wheeling, hiking and bon fires. Very exciting because Grandpa Tony and Ian will be scouting and setting up his tree stand in preparation for Vermont's Youth Day on Nov. 8, which will be Ian's first time hunting. Our boy is growing up and it is such a wonderful time as this is a bond will last both of their lifetimes. I wouldn't miss it for the world, and I can't wait to hear from Ian all the things he learns at Grandpa's side.

I also wanted to thank all of you who have taken time to send comments and well wishes through the blog. It seems that several people in my home town of Roseau, MN have become aware of my situation and have been checking in on me now and again. I was pleasantly surprised the other day, to see that my girl friend from high school days, Pam Engelstad, left a comment letting me know she was thinking of me. Pam, I would love to catch up with you, but please post another comment including your email address or send me an email at munsey1962@verizon.net.

I am amazed on a daily basis by how many wonderful people have stepped forward to offer hope, help and hugs. Whenever I have a difficult day, I simply have to look at my blog or around the house at all of the amazing gifts and tokens of friendship and love, and I am very quickly reminded of how fortunate I am.

No pictures today, but rest assured I will be posting more after the "Bradford Gang" returns from the weekend. Who knows, maybe we'll get a shot of Grandpa and Ian in their tree stand?

Hugs to all,
Shannon

The Munns always get their deer...............

This last weekend was such a busy and eventful weekend that I find it necassary to make several postings at once. Sunday morning began with a very excited phone call from Tony (or Bob as he is referred to in Bradford), telling me that nephews, James and Phil had both been successful in their quest for the elusive white tail! Hunting, fishing and trapping are the very cornerstones of Bradford life and aside from the love of family, and strength of character that was instilled in all these boys by past generations, it is the very foundation that brings us all together at the house on Goshen Road.

Understanding that, you can also understand that an hour later Heidi, Steve and I were on our way to Bradford! What a glorious day for drive! The fall foliage is getting very close to peak in some areas, and so the anticipation of the the stories the boys would share was made all the more enjoyable by the drive and the amazing landscape that greeted us.

Well, we finally arrived at the house and after many hugs and high fives, we heard the stories of the hunt and ultimate success. As mentioned above, hunting is very fundamental part of why we love Bradford, but this day was made even more special because it is the first time "The Munn Boys" have had the good fortune to bag one with a bow and arrow. And that's going back over a hundred years!

Needless to say, we are all so very proud of Phil and James because they did it right! They have been walking those woods, planning their strategies, building stands and learning from their Dad, (Kenny) and Uncle Bob since they were little boys and to share in their success was a gift that we were all most greatful to be part of.

So, understanding that not all of you who read this blog are hunters and trappers yourselves, I still want to share a couple of pictures from the day. Please bear in mind, each of these family members is the most ethical of hunters, they also support and contribute to the preservation of habitat and herd management. We are one very proud family!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fun with paint and Nana's head.........

Or as Heidi says ................. "Fun with Cancer"!!! OK, so I have told you that Heidi and Jessica with their creative and devious minds, had several plans for the pics they wanted to paint on the back of my head. Well, my "back up" came for dinner Friday evening and Jess arrived with a huge smile and plan. So although it may still be a bit premature...................

Happy Halloween to all.......... The little guy in the picture is Jessica's son and my buddy, Cole.

Kings of the River............

Tony and our friend Davey Shover just returned from a fishing trip to Pulaski, NY, and this morning he asked me to download the pictures of that trip for him. Now, we all know our guys, and how they love to be admired for their fishing and hunting capabilities. Understanding that, I was singing his praises and admiring the amazing Salmon he and David caught, while fly fishing on the Salmon River. Well, doesn't he perk right up, look at me with a big grin and say..........."are you gonna put a picture of me and my fish on the blog"?

How could I resist? Now you too can admire their amazing catch! Notes, emails and phone calls of admiration to he and Davey, are of course welcome at anytime. So here they are, feast your eyes and be in awe of the two BEST fisherman in the world! I hope it brings a smile to your face, just as it did for me.

By the way, they are strictly catch and release fishermen.

Hugs to all,

Shannon

Ian passes Hunter's Safety...........

Color us the proudest Grandpa and Nana in the world! Ian has been attending Hunter Safety classes for the last several weeks, and we are so very proud to announce that he passed the course with flying colors, and is now eligible to hunt and will be on stand with Grandpa for Vermont's Youth Day. I'm sure that Uncle Kenny and his cousins will be right there driving for him as well. Of course the fact that he passed came as no surprise to all of us, as we have known for many years that he is the smartest, cleverest and most handsome kid around! Anyway, just wanted to share a pic of my boy, showing off his certificate of achievement and his lifetime hunting and fishing lisence. Isn't he the BEST!

Shannon