As Shannon’s friend Samantha would say, people’s generosity is AH-MAY-ZIN. All this support gives us strength and makes us want to continue this journey with as much grace as we can muster.
But, there are moments when grace is hard to come by. Even the perpetually smiling Shannon has her moments. Last night, Shannon’s mind wandered to the what if: What if I lose my coordination? What if it gets harder to be a good student? What if this is the best I ever feel again? Her tears came, and I didn’t have any answers. And I’m usually in charge of having all the answers - just ask my husband!
This morning Shannon said it felt good to cry, but it feels better to smile and laugh with her friends. She had a new normal day of school, healing, and golf practice. Tonight another wonderful meal was delivered and then some TV time watching the Twins and playoff hockey. We're in good spirits tonight.
Dan's parents arrived safely back in Minnesota. Dan had a brief conversation with them and they are exhausted from their trip and shocked about Shannon. After such a long day, it was hard for them to verbalize their emotions over the phone. Hopefully we'll find a way to get together with them in the next few days.
Tomorrow is the weekly day of appointments. Erin is going to join us so she can put some faces with names when we talk about Dr. so-and-so, Charlton Desk R, etc… This is her fight, too.
On the agenda for Thursday: weekly blood draw, weekly hematology/oncology appointment, an hour with the social worker, daily radiation, and our weekly radiation/oncology appointment. Also, we have two additional appointments tomorrow. Once a month, Shannon will do an infusion therapy to protect her lungs from infection/pneumonia because the immune system is compromised by the chemo. We also have a one time appointment with a Radiation Oncology Educator to give us information about managing side effects of the radiation.
So, by my count, we have appointments at: 8:00, 8:30, 9:30, 10:00, 1:00, 1:30, and 2:30. Erin’s going to wish she had just gone to school instead!
Week two, here we come.
