It’s been a week and we made progress. We had one small scare with a fever on Sunday but based on my symptoms it sounded like a bladder infection. They called in antibiotics and all has been well. I had lunch with my IT bunch and Heather at Macaroni Grill. It was a blast seeing everyone and the fellowship was just as grand. I played Bunko for the 1st time in my life with a group of baseball moms. It was a tons of fun. I was the biggest looser and came back home with even money.

Today I walked a 5K with a team of inspiring ladies. The team is called Survivors Tri-Hardest. The team is made of survivors that like to exercise and enjoy great fellowship. The 5K benefited the DFW chapter of National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. We walked in honor of Shawna and Cleta.  The team is actively training for a mini triathlon through the YMCA. I had signed up to do the triathlon but have had several hurdles throughout training. My diagnosis of bone cancer sealed the deal and will prevent me from participating; instead I will be the team photographer and capture the big event Oct 7th.

It is the friends and Christan fellowship that strengthens me. I am thankful for each and everyone of you! Grace and Peace to each of you. - Stephanie

I finally got to see one of David’s fall baseball games. He had a doubleheader with games scheduled at 10am & 2pm. I knew I couldn’t make both and the 10am game would be cooler. They played Peaster and won 5-4. David went 2-2 with 1 RBI. I brought my camera and took photos; one of my favorite things to do. It was hot and I just barely was able to finish the game. I came straight home and took a nap. David strained his arch and did not play the second game.

Greetings, we had our appointment today to see Dr. Young. We were scheduled for chemo and were not sure if it would be given. We are on a every two week schedule. After reviewing my lab work, the decision was made to receive chemo as planned. We received Gemzar, Abraxane and Avastin. We will receive the same group plus Zometa for the bone cancer in two weeks.

I have been given strict instructions to behave; no fevers allowed. I pray that we continue to rest, get stronger, and stay healthy. I am also hoping to see David’s baseball game at 10 am at Arlington Heights on Saturday.

Celebration and praise, I arrived home a little after 6pm. I got the pleasure of seeing my awesome friends and fellow nurses: Tammy, Becky, Di and Anne prior to my departure from All Saints. Thick and thin girls, we’ve done it all personally and professionally. We will continue. I love you guys!

John, Jenn and David I missed you all greatly and their is no greater place than our home.

We continue to make slow, steady progress. I am working on getting my strength back and my sea legs under me. I am amazed at how 6 days of strict bed rest really zapped me. I have fluid on my lungs and we are working today to get rid of. It should help with the shortness of breathe I am still experiencing.

I find myself overwhelmed with the love, prayers and support provided to my entire family from all across the US. Many of the prayers come from absolute strangers to me yet I know we are united through God’s family. If all continues, we will be going home tomorrow afternoon.

We are making progress as we continue our healing. Thursday my red blood cell (RBC) count dropped low enough they decided to transfuse 2 units of RBC. RBCs help carry oxygen to the cells. Wouldn’t you know the 1st unit resulted in a minor blood reaction. We waited a day and were successful in transfusing 2 units on Friday. Friday was also a big breakthrough as we marked 36 hours without fever. These steps earned us a transfer out of the ICU to the Oncology unit. Praise God!!! Thanks again for all the prayers and know this is proof God hears our prayers.

Saturday afternoon as I arrived in the emergency department and my blood pressure was so low I was approached by the emergency room doctor asking if I had a DNR. I explained I was still fighting this disease and did not. He assured me they would take good care of me. They did.

Later the ICU physician came to admit me and asked the same question. I gave him the same answer, he seemed less thrilled with my fighting attitude. After all I have breast cancer with liver metastasis and just the previous day learned the cancer had spread to my bones. Shouldn’t I just quit the fight? Who is this ICU stranger? Is this a physician you would want on your team when you go to war? By Thursday I decided he was not and I fired him as I laid in the ICU. I wished he had the same tenacity as myself and the rest of the team had in fighting this hurdle. His replacement was a physician willing to battle and a man of faith. Once again God had was in charge.

As sick as I was I could not help but think about the Verizon commercial and the enormous network that supports each of their customers. I smiled to myself and thought about my ex-ICU MD. My network of support far exceeded his medical knowledge. When God calls, it will be time. Now is not the time. I remain thankful for the remaining team and their dedication to seeing me through.

I have been placed in isolation due to low counts. I can not have any visitors except for family and then visitation is very restricted. I continue to battle fever and my blood pressure remains low. We struggle to find progress however we will remain faithful. Mom has taken over communication and as always we remain greatful for the many prayers and the support of my family.