Sheryl Ann

Beautiful Breast Cancer Awareness Quilt

2009-06-13T22:23:00.002-06:00

Look at this Beautiful Breast Cancer Awareness Quilt that my sister-in-law Stephanie Thomson made just for me. She gave it to me tonight (6/13/09). She is amazing and I love her. I was brought to tears by all the time and love she put into this quilt, specifically for me. Thanks Stephanie. I love it.

Relay for Life - our team Our Breast Cancer Adventure

2009-05-14T02:12:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone. As you know cancer has greatly affected our lives this last year. The kids want to participate in the locate American Cancer Society Relay for Life event June 19 - 20, at the Blackfoot High School.

They along with their friends have created a team. The Team's Name is "Our Breast Cancer Adventure". They needed an adult to be the Team Captain, and I was appointed. So I am trying to learn as much as I can as quickly as I can. We have a team of 21. There is a small $10 per person registration fee (which basically covers the cost of the team's t-shirts. Most of the kids on the team do not have jobs, so our fundraising efforts will be including our registration fees as well as our fundraising goal of $200, so we are actually hoping to raise $410. It is my understanding that beyond the registration fee, all other funds go directly to the American Cancer Society, especially since all the workers are volunteers.

Our fundraising efforts are:
We will be participating in the Rely for Life Yard Sale on May 30th at the First American Location across from Walmart. We are looking for donated items to sale at the yard sale. Please call me at 680-3282 if you have some things you are willing to donate.
We are also in the process of organizing a car wash tentatively on June 13th.
We will have a "booth" at the Relay on June 19-20 selling various items.
We are also looking for pledges for each lap around the track the team makes. (The event is from Friday, June 19 at 6 pm to Saturday, June 20 at 7:00 am)
We are excited that these kids have the desire to help the American Cancer Society and we know they are hoping to have a good time while doing it. We are hoping that you can help us in our quest to raise these funds for the American Cancer Society here in the Blackfoot area. That's a lot of Hope. :)

Any assistance you can provide is greatly appreciated. Below is the professional letter from the Relay for Life website. Please see this letter for a link to donate on-line, or you can contact me directly at 208-680-3282. All donations are tax-deductible. We thank you in advance for your support of this great cause.

With Love, Sheryl

Relay For Life
Dear Family and Friends,
I’ve decided to take a stand and fight back against cancer by participating in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life® event right here in my community.
Please support me in this important cause by making a secure, tax-deductible donation online using the link below.To donate online now, click here (or cut and paste the link) to visit my personal page.http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFLFY09National?px=11359070&pg=personal&fr_id=14686
Relay For Life® is a life-changing event that brings together more than 3.5 million people worldwide to:
CELEBRATE the lives of those who have battled cancer. The strength of survivors inspires others to continue to fight.
REMEMBER loved ones lost to the disease. At Relay, people who have walked alongside people battling cancer can grieve and find healing.
FIGHT BACK. We Relay because we have been touched by cancer and desperately want to put an end to the disease.
Whatever you can give will help - it all adds up! I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.
Sincerely, Sheryl Thomson

100% Remission

2009-05-07T15:22:00.000-06:00

To my loved ones.....

May 27, 2008 was a day that changed the rest of my life and greatly impacted all of my loved ones. That was the day that we found the hard mass in my right breast and I instantly knew that I had breast cancer.

May 4, 2009, just under a year later, is another day that marks great change for my life and greatly impacts all of my loved ones. Today, with my dear sweet sister, Shelly, by my side, We were told that I was in 100% Remission from my cancer. I can't express in words my gratitude, my relief, my over powering joy. I feel so incredible humble. The fight is not over, as I will have to continue my treatments in order to stay in remission, but this is incredible news. But I am so incredibly grateful to my Heavenly Father for this "second chance" at life. You have no idea the things we take for granted until we have a life altering event take over. Thank you to all of you for your constant love, prayers and support. I can never thank you all enough. I am so over whelmed with this news that I only made a few phone calls and then spent the entire evening with my loving husband, my supportive children, and sweet sister, and of course little adorable baby Violet, surrounded around me. We celebrated with Shelly making dinner, cake for dessert and Shelby treating us to sparkling grape juice, then of course a movie (dvd). A mother can not express more than I how grateful I am for such a wonderful family and for such great kids. I love you all.

The doctors and I continue to work toward repairing my back and the complications from the surgery. Today I had an epideral with steroids that so far seem to have removed the back pain. I may have to repeat this treatment 3-4 more times, to correct the problem entirely, but the outlook is good. I, of course, will never be able to participate in activity that cause a lot of bouncing, such as snowmobiling, skiing, horse back riding, motorcycles, bad suspension in certain vehicles....etc.. But since I don't participate in those things very often anyway, I think I can manage removing them from my activities. I also need to continue treatment for the blood clotting factor and the carpal tunnel issues.

I plea with each of you to please take time to thank your Heavenly Father for your health and for your family. Two very dear aspects of our lives that can't be replaced and that most of us take for granted. God bless you and your family.

All My Love, Mom, Sheri, Sheryl

Wayne & Sheryl Family Update 4/29/09

2009-04-29T21:40:00.001-06:00

Wayne & Sheryl Family Update 4/29/09

I enjoyed attending a Women's Retreat in Island Park during the weekend. It was fun to get away from the stresses of every day life and just spend some time laughing, playing and resting. They developed a team for Relay for Life, calling themselves "The Sisterhood of the Groveland Ya Yas" They are excited to help with the American Cancer Society event and to raise funds for the ACS. I am also extremely excited to have my sister, Shelly and her 6 month old baby girl Violet come to see us this weekend. She will arrive just in time to help with Prom Dinner. Riley even e-mailed her and asked her to help. :)

Wayne has been busy as ever with work and seems to be "cured" of his sleep apnea. He's so quiet now, that I have to "poke" him once in a while just to make sure he's breathing. Kind of like we do with our newborn babies.

Shelby is looking for a job change and has applied for jobs in Shelley and Idaho Falls. He is anxious to get out on his own. We encourage him as he makes good decisions, but worry about him just the same. The changes in his attitude and maturity level have increased so much over the last year, that it's hard to believe he's the same young man who graduated a year ago.

Savannah is in finals week at USU. She comes home Friday for about a week to take care of some administrative things before she returns to Logan in hopes of working and living there during the summer and earn her Utah residency which will help with tuition costs. We are looking forward to seeing her again soon and hope that her finals go well. She too has made some adjustments in her life that we are impressed with.

Riley. What do I say about Riley. He wanted his driver's license and he worked his tail end off to study and earn the money for the licence and his insurance. Oh and he got a cell phone recently too. This week is prom and he was nominated for Prom Royalty. He is excited about that and about the pretty girl he's taking. He and his date and another couple are having Prom Dinner at our house, so I get to play host. :) Riley has been extremely busy with school, track, and his "pan-handling" jobs. Every time I turn around he's got another "gig" to earn money. He's helped Grandpa with the Canal, Glenn & Shannon w/ deilveries, mowing lawns and working for a gentleman in our ward on an as-needed basis. It is good to see him work so hard to make the things happen that are important to him.

Cammie also keeps busy with school and spending time with her friends. She, as well as her brothers, have been big assets to me around the house as we prepare for spring. Cammie to has a knack for finding ways to earn some money when she has a want or need for something that costs a little extra. Cammie is also extremely excited to see her Aunt Shelly and new cousin Violet.

Well, that's all for now. Or at least as much as I can think of. I hope that it makes sense. With this med's, sometimes my brain doesn't think as well as I'm use to.

Our love to you all. Wayne, Sheryl & the kids.

My Cancer is very near remission

2009-04-29T21:38:00.001-06:00

Today we met with Dr Dickson to discuss the results of my latest petscan.
Good News / Bad News.....which do you want first?......

Good News: My cancer is very near remission. This is excellent news and not at all what I expected. Since I am responding so well, I will continue the cancer treatments as is. I did get the Zoledex implant today. We are very excited about this, although it is hard to express it when I'm either hurting or too doped up to express much of anything.

Bad News: What's causing all the pain.

Back: We are starting over from scratch on my back. We think there was probably some kind of undetected complication with the bone cement. I have a new MRI tomorrow and will meet with Dr. Dickson again on Monday.

Numbness and stinging in fingers, hands, wrists, arms and feet: We believe this may be caused because I have had all anti inflammatory medication removed from my system. I have had mild carpal tunnel and mild tendinitis (sp?) in my wrists and fingers for years but have been able to treat it with ibuprofen. We're going to try some Celebrex and see if that will help. The Celebrex won't interact with my other meds like regular ibuprofen will.

Forgive the old quote, but I really am sick and tired of being sick and tired. We hope to be able to identify, pin-point, treat and get rid of the issues that are causing the pain instead of just "band-aiding" the issues with pain meds.

God Bless you all with the best of health, peace and happiness
-Sheryl

Is Chemotherapy on the horizon.?.?.?

2009-04-09T12:55:00.002-06:00

Today I am contemplating the realization that I might have to start Chemo in the very near future depending on the results of my PETSCAN scheduled for Apr 23rd - Results known on Apr 29th. :o

With all the various issues that have occurred in the last month or so I met with my oncologist yesterday. He and I agree that for the most part the cause(s) of these these issues has not been identified and in an effort to control the pain, we have only "band-aided" them. He has been in contact with my other doctors and has results of all the labs, tests, and scans. Our next step is to determine if all of this is directly related to the cancer or if it is all side effects from the cancer treatment(s). So, PETSCAN scheduled for Apr 23. Results and appointment with Dr on Apr 29th. If the scan results are similar to the December results, then it is all side effects and we identify and treat. If the scan is drastically different then it's the cancer and we start Chemotherapy.

Of course, I can't predict the future, but I feel strongly that Chemotherapy will be next.

I continue to keep in contact with my Heavenly Father and count my blessings as I continue to work through this cancer and related health issues as well as asking for his will be done and to continue to provide me with comfort and peace and the promptings necessary to know what steps to take next.

May He always bless you according to your faith and worthiness. Love, Sheryl

Surgery Recovery for Two

2009-04-02T23:53:00.001-06:00

Good Afternoon. Thought I would send out a quick update on our successes and struggles with our recoveries from surgery.

Wayne is doing well. He had a few days that I thought he was struggling, but he had a second follow-up today and the doctor told him he was doing well and should have his strength back soon. We are both grateful for that.

I on the other hand have had an extremely difficult time recovering. I can't seem to get the pain under control. After several medication adjustments over the past week and a trip to the ER last night, I think we finally have it under control (knock on wood).... Yesterday evening around 7:30 I was taken off all other pain meds and put on morphine. Four hours later the morphine still had not "kicked in". Wayne was finally sleeping and getting some rest, and I didn't want to wake him, so I called Trina Holm, and she took me to the ER and stayed with me - Continually distracting me from the pain. We called my doctor as soon as we arrived at the hospital, so he knew I was there and so he could let the ER doctor know what my "history" had been. After a short review of my medical issues for the last couple of weeks and a quick exam, I was given a shot of morphine (higher dose and instantly in the blood stream). It only took about 30 - 45 minutes to work and I was soon a happy girl. Trina was laughing at me as I was "poking the spots I was seeing". So yes, definitely a happy girl. Trina took me home soon after that, it was around 1:30. Thank you Trina. Wayne was glad to have me back home and we "synchronized" our wake-up times to take our next dose of meds. I have been on bed rest all day and am glad to report that I am doing much better. At least the pain levels are now tolerable.

I am thankful for caring friends and family and compassionate, well educated doctors and while I wish I didn't need it and I am of course grateful for the morphine. :)

Love to all. -Wayne & Sheryl

Happy Birthday to me.....

2009-03-29T11:10:00.002-06:00

It's a great day so far. Breakfast in bed, compliments of Cammie. Wayne's birthday wishes and kisses. Thoughtful gifts and well wishes from family. Nice relaxing morning. Now, if my back would stop hurting or at least drop to a tolerable level, I could go to church.

Here is a pic of a thoughtful birthday gift that I didn't realize was available. Maybe it will give you ideas for a birthday wish for someone you know. I think is it awesome and WAY WAY TOO PRETTY to eat, much to Riley's disappointment. Thanks Shelly.

surgeries for the Thomson's

2009-03-29T11:05:00.002-06:00

Well, Wayne's surgery went well, although initial recovery took a little longer than we had expected. We spent a nice romantic night in the hospital. ;) Ok, not really but at least we were together. He in his hospital bed, and I in my hospital recliner..... He is doing better since he got the nose splints out, but in my opinion, I think he is still having a rough go at it. He pushes himself just beyond his threshold to see how long he can go with out his pain meds, then he's really hurting. I much prefer to see him take his meds on time instead of pushing his threshold. But that's his call not mine.

As I anticipate my own surgery, I am filled with mixed emotions. Part of me is terrified of the possible side effects, even though the odds are slim, but I still worry about them. The other part of me is SOOOO looking forward to the back pain going away. I continue to pray for the best recovery for both of us with no complications.

Broken Back still broken

2009-03-23T19:57:00.003-06:00

Found out today that I have a fracture in the L2 vertebrae. Can't fix it till Monday 3/30. It's going to be a long week.....

Caricature

2009-03-22T21:47:00.001-06:00

Ok - forget Ms. Pink. They made a caricature (sp?) of me. It's cute and I've never had one before. I like it much better than Ms. Pink. I look better as a caricature than in real life too. ;)

Ms. Pink

2009-03-22T11:06:00.003-06:00

Well, as I stated earlier, my high school classmates and friends are organizing various fundraising efforts on my behalf. I am humbled and honored that they are doing this for me. They asked me for a "logo" for a t-shirts. At first I didn't have any ideas, but last night we were visiting and I came up with "Ms Pink" in my mind and tried to sketch her profile. She is a pink ribbon lady. I'm excited to see how she turns out.

They are also making glass bead bracelets. I'm looking forward to helping make those too.

Well, It's Sunday and time to get ready for church. Have a wonderful Sabbath Day. lol -Sheryl

Susan G. Komen Foundation "Walk for a Cure"

2009-03-22T10:52:00.003-06:00

On September 20, 2009 there is a Susan G. Komen Foundation "Walk for a Cure" fundraising activity in downtown Portland, Oregon. The goal of this activity is to raise fund for Breast Cancer Research.

I am an Aloha High School Alumnia 1986 and have breast cancer. My friends and classmates from AHS in conjunction with the "Walk for a Cure" are organizing a fundraiser to help with my medical expenses.

I am inviting anyone, who has had breast cancer affect their life or the life of someone they know to join us. Whether or not you know me, come for all breast cancer patients and breast cancer survivors. It is a great cause and we need your help.

Draper Temple Open House

2009-03-21T17:07:00.002-06:00

Sisters-in-law Darla Kay, Sheryl Ann, Stephanie Ann, Vicki Lynn

in Draper, Utah on March 10, 2009

Family Update 3/19/09

2009-03-21T15:00:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone. Well, let's see if I can figure out what's happened over the last month or so and what's coming up.....

The last week in February we were honored to have little Miss Katelyn stay with us for a week while her parents went on a "management retreat" for her Dad's work. She was a great delight and we enjoyed having her in our home.

I think that's about the time that Savannah's glasses broke and she had to have them replaced. She is now "stylin" with some new glasses.

We wrapped up the month by attending our Ward's Annual Skating Party with our friends from church. That's the one time each year Cammie joins me for "church". Every year she brings a friend or two. I skated for about 30 minutes and I was done. I skated first while I still had some energy then rested the remainder of the time there. The kids enjoyed free skating, free laser tag and of course a free meal. :)

Riley and Cammie both started a new tri-mester at school. Riley signed up for track again this year and is looking forward to the warmer weather and running. He also started working for his home-teaching companion and is glad for the income.

I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Draper Utah and attend the LDS Temple open house there before that temple is dedicated. It is a beautiful temple and you could feel the spirit within the walls of this holy place. I was able to go with my sisters-in-law Darla and Vicki and my brother-in-law Bert. The roads were a little slick in places but our drivers did a fantastic job and we were all kept safe. We stayed with my brother-in-law Shane and his wife Stephanie and their boys. We had fun giggling and reading bedtime stories with Ethan and Tucker before they left to have a "sleepover" with their Grandma Tucker. It was a good trip and I was blessed to be in such good company.

During that same time Wayne had the opportunity to go to Twin Falls for some work related safety meetings and came back with a wealth of knowledge that he immediately shared with those he works with/for.

The 11th we celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary with a nice dinner out and a temple trip. It was a wonderful evening and we enjoyed spending that time together. I am deeply blessed to be married to Wayne and have him in my life.

I had a Zometa treatment on the 12th. I was really tired when I got there and I actually fell asleep in the waiting room and then again after they got the IV started. I woke about 15 minutes after the IV was done, feeling well rested. The nurse said she was glad I got some rest and was willing to let me stay and sleep as long as I wanted. She didn't want me driving home tired. I was grateful for the offer. I later found out that I left my library book there. I opted just to renew it and pick it up on the next visit.

That evening I joined several friends for our homemade card exchange. That was also fun. It's always nice to see how creative these ladies can be. One of them brought a bowl that she made out of magazine pages. It was cool.

Also on the 12th, Riley went with BHS's Business Professionals of America to Boise for the weekend for the Regional Competition. While his group didn't place, he said he definitely had fun.

The 13th, I was able to spend the evening with Shelby. He wanted to take "a picture" of the Idaho Falls Temple. We spend several hours in Idaho Falls taking multiple pictures of the temple, the water falls, and the ducks and geese. Then we headed up to the hills in Ammon and watched the sunset over the valley, where he got more pictures. We also ran some errands and grabbed some dinner. It was a very pleasant evening. Thanks Shelby for the date.

Saturday the 14th was a special treat as my good friend from high school days, Jodi "Walker' Jarvie and her family came to see us. We enjoyed lunch and visiting for a few hours before they headed to Rexburg to meet up with their older kids. Her daughter Mickayla (sp?) is planning on attending beauty school in Rexburg and Her son, Remington (sp?) is headed to the MTC and then on to Florida for his mission. It's been 12 years since we last connected. Now that we've connected we're looking forward to more visits especially since Mickayla is so close. Thanks Jodi for making the effort to come see me. It was a great day. And thanks to Shari and Darlene for helping us find each other. These same two ladies, who are also high school friends of mine, have organized a fundraiser for my medical bills in Portland Oregon on September 20th. A walk for a cure and other things. They have set up a facebook "website" on my behalf. I am deeply humbled and honored that they would be so giving of their time and talents to help us. Thank you.

Savannah had spring break at Utah State and I understand she spend the week working. Wayne and I had a good chuckle the other night as she accidentally called us and left a long voicemail message. She must have had her phone in her pocket or something and accidentally hit speed dial - we're not sure what happened, but we were entertained with several minutes of voicemail message listening to her and her friends talk about boys. ;)

This last week we had a cancer scare, thinking that I had new cancer in my back. We learned just yesterday, we learned that it's not new cancer and that what was really happening is that my body is responding so well to the Zoledex and Aromasin that the cancer is "shrinking" faster than the Zometa can "rebuild" the bones. (I picked up my library book during this visit.) I am scheduled for a Bone Scan and an MRI tomorrow. And Monday I am scheduled to meet with the doctor who will do the "bone cement" injection(s). We were able to schedule both the MRI and the injections here in Blackfoot at Bingham Memorial, which saves me a trip to Rexburg.

Last night we had the Relief Society's birthday enrichment meeting with a service auction. That was a big hit. We had Hawaiian hay stacks for dinner and yummy orange sherbet/cake rolls for dessert. We enjoyed hours of laughter and fun as Brother Smith served as our auctioneer and auctioned off the donated items of service. We had homemade breads, cookies, cinnamon rolls, cards, blankets, a little girls dress, a girl's night out, yard work, lots more auctioned off. The service auction is one of my favorite enrichment activities. I'm glad the enrichment committee decided to go with that them this year. I enjoyed spending of few hours laughing and being with my girlfriends.

Monday starts spring break for our kids, but if you ask them, spring break starts as soon as school lets out on Friday. Either way, they get the week off from school.

Monday we are also looking forward to having Brett Holm over for dinner. Most of you know that Brett and Wayne have been friends for 30 years or more. We are looking forward to having him over for a visit.

Tuesday is a big day for Cammie, she is scheduled to get her braces off and she has been counting the days. We are happy for her and glad that she has straight teeth now. :)

Wednesday is Wayne's surgery for this tonsillectomy, removing his adenoids, shortening his uvula, and reconstructing his soft pallet all in an effort to cure his sleep apnea or at the very least alleviate it some.

It seems like we have something scheduled for Friday the 27th but I can't recall what at this point. And we will end the month with my birthday on the 29th. Now last year I had my 40th birthday and my body fell apart and my health went down hill, way down hill. I'm hoping being 41 years old will be less eventful than being 40. ;) Either way, we will continue to keep you posted on any more health issues that come up.

Well, that's all I can think to share with you for now. Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes. May our Heavenly Father watch over you and keep you safe, and bring you comfort and peace as you need. And Happy Spring to yall.

Love, Wayne, Sheryl and the kids.

Funnies that I had to share....

2009-03-20T21:26:00.003-06:00

Here are a few funnies I came across this week and have been giggling about them ever since and wanted to share with some of my friends. Here, ya go.....

"Don't get your knickers in a knot, it doesn't resolve anything and it makes you walk funny."

"There is Beauty all around when......There's no one home..... Peace and Beauty all around, when there's no one home." ha ha ha

"Our family put the FUN in disfunctional" We all need a bumper sticker for this one....

"Sometimes you are the statue and sometimes you are the pigeon"

"And Never, under any circumstances, NEVER, take a sleeping pill and a laxative in the same night."

Authors are unknown, or at least not willing to admit they came up with it. I hope it brings you laughter into your day. It did mine.

lol -Sheri

Broken Back a good thing.?!

2009-03-18T15:42:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone. We met with the oncologist this morning. The cancer in my lower back is not new cancer. It was there before and I didn't realize it. I think he told me that, but we were focused more on the ribs and upper back because those lesions were larger than the ones in the lower back.

Here's what's happening.... (minus the medical terms)

My body continues to be responding well to the treatments (maybe even better than before) and as the cancer reduces in size and/or "dies" my bones are left with "holes" until the bone fortification can rebuild the bones (increase the bone density). The lower spine and vertebrae have been weakened because the cancer is reducing in size and is smaller and my back is compressing faster than the fortification process can rebuild the bone where the cancer once was. Hence the intense pain. This is what we want. The good news is that they can inject "bone cement" into those areas and the relief is instant. They are scheduling me for an MRI for early next week, hopefully Monday, and I'll have the injection(s) done immediately afterwards.

So the doctor said that it's a good thing to be in pain and to have a "broken" back because it means I am responding well to the treatments.

Thanks for all your prayers. lol -Wayne and Sheryl

In a message dated 3/16/2009 11:54:56 P.M. Mountain Daylight Time, SherylThomson writes:
Good Evening.

I have been struggling with some intense pain in my lower back the last couple of days. Also had a nose bleed and some other symptoms that indicated possible internal bleeding, so I went to the hospital and had some lab work done. I was told no internal bleeding. I went home and felt strongly that I needed to return. So this evening I took myself to the ER. After several tests all the labs came back normal. I insisted that I wasn't leaving until we learned what was wrong. We did a CT scan and learned that my cancer has spread to my lower back. I was given some pain medication and will be call the oncologist in the morning. That's all I know for now.

Thank you to Trina and Debbie for helping me emotionally and to Shelby, Darla and Bert for coming to see me. Thank you to Roy, Neill and Alan for the blessing - that was of by far the greatest comfort.

We will keep you posted. Love, Sheryl

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

2009-02-17T13:28:00.002-07:00

I have spent the last couple of weeks fighting blood clots. Saturday, we finally reached the needed goal of 2.0 or above at a level of 2.49. That means no more daily shots. But my meds are still high. I return to the Dr tomorrow to check the levels again. I'm not in any physical pain but am once again struggling with serious fatigue. Between my health issues and kids being in and out these last two weeks have also taken havic on my emotional state.

We had all the kids here this weekend at one time or another and while I love my kids, it wore me out. I want to apologize to my Mom. I so did not appreciate all she did for me when I was younger. My Dad too. I always thought it would be easier to be a parent the older the kids got. This is not the case. Their challenges just become deeper and I don't always have the answers. I love them but they keep me on my toes.

I have enjoyed re-connecting with my high school classmates and friends over the last few weeks. I went to the 10th reunion and didn't have much fun, so I skipped out on the 20th. But this visiting on-line through e-mails and facebook, seems to be just up my alley. I can do it from home when I feel good and not have to worry about traveling. I even had an opportunity to share my experience with breast cancer and hopefully hieghten other's awareness. Thanks Shari for finding me and getting me involved.

I have been enjoying my new scriptures (an early birthday gift to myself) and have been trying to get some of my favorite or meaningful scriptures marked. Valentine's weekend was fun. Like I said, we had all the kid here at one time or another and I really did enjoy having them here. I helped Cammie put together a collage of pictures of her and her beau. We framed it and added some candy and a favorite drink. She was excited to give it to him and he was pleased. She was overjoyed when she received a teddy bear and pink roses. I was appreciative to receive a dozen red roses from my sweetheart. Shelby came over Friday night and he and I watched a movie then he treated Savannah, Wayne and I to dinner, Friday night. That was a nice treat - Dinner and a movie :) Saturday I went with Wayne on his fuel run to Twin Falls, that was an extra long day. We weren't able to leave Blackfoot until after 9 because of my shot and blood draw. We left here, picked up the truck, then went to SLC to get the fuel loaded, then to Twin Falls to deliver it to the airport there, then took the truck back to McCammon then home. We drove through 2 or 3 snow storms, or maybe it was the same one and we just kept hitting it because of our route.... We got home around 11:00 pm. Sunday we enjoyed church, although I didn't have the energy to make it through the whole block. I did manage to make Valentine's Day dinner on Sunday since we weren't home on Saturday. We had grilled steak, with mashed potatoes, gray, corn and pears. I missed having a "leafy" green in the menu, but that's too much Vitamin K for me right now and a big no no. The others didn't seem to notice it any "green" was missing. Wayne left for work at 11:15 pm Sunday night and returned Monday around 4:00 pm. Savannah left to return to school in Logan around 5:00 pm. I spent the day doing laundry and other chores. That wore me out and I'm down again today. Wayne left at 2:15 this morning for a fuel run to Idaho Falls and Riley and Cammie returned to school. Haven't seen Shelby since Friday, but I am assuming he's at work. Now that he's a shift Manager at Wendy's he works 40+ hours a week, so when he comes around it's a nice treat.

Today I've marked some scriptures, looked through some photos, updated this blog, check my facebook account and finished up some laundry from yesterday. I think this week I will get started on my digital scrapbooking that I've been wanting to do for several months but haven't had the strength or modivation till now. It's a new program to me called Creative Memories. Wish me luck.

lol -Sheryl

Our Family Picture Collage

2009-02-17T13:24:00.002-07:00

We don't have a family picture - kind of hard to do with a blended family and living in three different places. Here is a collage of pics of our family. The picture of Wayne and I was taken Sept. 2008. Our kids are on either side of us....On the left is Shelby Gibson taken July 2008 and Cammie Gibson taken Feb. 2009. On the right are Savannah Thomson, taken Summer 2007 and Riley Thomson, taken Sept 2008.

Once again redirected....

2009-02-03T21:28:00.004-07:00

Well, I've been doing so well, that I knew Murphy's law had to catch up with me eventually. And it did. As soon as we had my reconstructive surgery scheduled, I ended up with blood clots. So, once again, my "health plan" has been redirected and reconstructive surgery is on hold... and again, I am learning how to practice patience. We are now dealing with the treatment of the clots. I am grateful that after today's doctor visits that the pain I have been in for 3 days has finally subsided and I can function once again. lol -Sheryl

2009-01-22T05:24:00.000-07:00

Cammie and me December 2008

2009-01-22T05:23:00.002-07:00

Shelby and me July 2008

2009-01-22T05:23:00.001-07:00

Riley and me December 2008

2009-01-22T05:21:00.000-07:00

Savannah and me September 2008

Happy New Year

2009-01-14T09:32:00.000-07:00

December was an unbelievable month. We had many administering angels watching over us and we received many blessings. We express our sincere gratitude for these angels and blessings.

We enjoyed a Christmas Party with the ward and a family gathering with the Thomson clan. We missed out on a gathering with the Kiser's because of weather and road conditions, but are excited to get with them this week. My parents are on their way right now.

Savannah was home for about 3 weeks or so and we enjoyed having her here. It was kind of weird for her to not have any homework or job to focus on for that long, but I know she enjoyed her "vacation". She is now back in Logan with the new semester in full swing. Riley and Cammie also enjoyed their Christmas vacation. Riley spend several days at the family cabin in Bancroft with aunts, uncles and cousins, snowmobiling, making igloos, sledding, and just playing games in general. Cammie spent most of her time with friends and enjoying her short lived freedom. Both are back in school now and both have decided vacation is much better than going to school. Shelby and Wayne worked most of the time. Wayne had several days of work based out of the Boise yard. He and two other drivers spend one day in Baker Oregon (snowed in from both sides) on their way to Pasco Washington. The west bound highway opened up first so they returned to Boise. Then the next day went to Salt Lake City to get the fuel loads instead of Pasco. The weather and roads made it stressful for both of us for several weeks. Thankfully he is back home now and working a combination of fuel runs, safety team/administrative duties, and running with other drivers performing safety checks.

We enjoyed Christmas twice, once on Christmas Eve with Shelby as we thought he would be tied up all day Christmas day with other activities. It turned out he was available and so he joined us in the middle of our gift exchange Christmas morning. It was nice to have all our kids with us and enjoying their love. They all seem to get along good now and even enjoy joking and teasing each other. A definite blessing when you have a blended family like ours.

I had a Dr appointment, a treatment and a PETscan in December and in January another Dr appointment, a treatment and a Bone Scan. I am happy to report that the prayers on my behalf are being answered. The scan results show that my bone density is higher, and that the lesions (cancer spots) have reduced in size. Which means my body is responding to the treatments. And my pain levels have dropped to a manageable stage and even some days no pain beyond the normal aches and pains of someone my age, shape and size. So we are pretty happy at our house right now. I still struggle with fatigue and lack of energy but that's manageable. My next step is reconstructive surgery and I have a call into the surgeon's office so we can get it scheduled. I should hear back from them in about a week (both the surgeon and the lady that keeps his schedule are out of the office until this time next week).

Our hearts and prayers are with Devan as he prepares to go to Iraq and with Quinn and Darren as they are both now in the 2nd half of their missions. Glad to hear Aunt Judy is recovering as well as she is. She and I are kindred spirits now and both of us trying to do more than we have the energy to do. Tell you what Aunt Judy, I'll take it easy if you do.

Here's wishing you a happy and HEALTHY new year.

Health Status

2008-12-16T12:52:00.002-07:00

Monday, met with the surgion who will be putting in my port. Nice guy, great doctor. Met with the administrative team at the North Fork Surgical Center, again nice folks, but seemed to be having a typical Monday when some things just wouldn't go right. Made a trip to the Oncology Center to change a prescription, the last one had weird side effects.

Tuesday, Today, I had the PETSCAN done and with the help of not one but two sendatives, I survived the ordeal without any hesteria. yea!!!!! We won't have the results for a while but we will keep you posted.

Next we take on the Port Surgery on Thursday morning at the North Fork Surgical Center in Rexburg. A PORT is a entry tube that is implanted just under the skin to allow for easier access to veins for IVs, shots, and blood draws. It is a minor surgery with few risks. I will be nice to only have to numb the area on top of the port and have the needles, slid right in without the 2 hours of fighting to find a vein that will cooperate. This is a good thing.

And the opportunity to get this all taken care of before the end of the year when health insurance deductibles and out of pocket amounts have been met is another blessing.

love to you all. Enjoy the snow, it just keeps coming.... lol -Sheryl

Time for a Port and another PETScan

2008-12-11T09:30:00.003-07:00

Well, yesterday did not go as well as we had hoped for. Despite my efforts to drink an entire ocean of water, my veins were still not hydrated enough. It took three attempts again and a lot of stingying and pain. Apparently I have been poked so many times that my skin has developed enough scar tissue that it is near impossible to get in. So next week we are planning on putting the port in, which is aabout a 2-hour day surgery process. I will be going up to Rexburg to have Dr. Christensen do it, as he has a wealth of experience in this procedure. My pre-op appointment with him is Monday. We will schedule the surgery at that appointment but tentatively we are looking at Thursday. The port will be a good thing, so that whenever I have to have blood drawn or have an IV, they can go through the port instead of continuing to beat up my hand, wrist and arm.

The other thing, that we have mixed feelings about is the current readings on my calicium intake, my liver readings and the degree of pain that I am in. My calicium is a little elevated but not at "my normal" levels, so there has been a drop, there has also been a drop in my liver readings. So Tuesday, I go in a PETScan. I will be heavily sedated so that my claustrophobia doesn't get the best of me, like last time. The purpose of the scan is to "restage" the cancer and see if it has spread or if it has remained the same. There is a slight possiblity that my liver readings are off because of the amount of tyneol and iburprofen I have been taking and that the pain may be because of muscle and nerve damage. But we won't know anything for sure until we run the tests. So next week will be interesting.

That's all for now. I hope you enjoy your Christmas preparations. Love, Sheryl

Treatment Day

2008-12-10T10:56:00.002-07:00

Today is another treatment day and an appointment with the doc to discuss reconstructive surgery options and medications. I'm thinking it won't happen because of medication conflicts. The best of the day is that Wayne is here and going with me. Going to the doctor is so much calmer for me when he is with me. Have a great day yall'. -Sheryl

It's snowing

2008-12-08T11:02:00.002-07:00

Our first snow fall of the season. It's light, but it's white. A little bit more and it will be time for snow angles, snowmen, snowball fights.....and maybe even some snow machining......

Happy Winter.

A Day of Rememberance

2008-12-07T13:37:00.003-07:00

Today my heart is full of pondering and rememberance as I think both about those who lost their lives during the attacks on Pearl Harbor and my baby brother.

I am so grateful to those individuals regardless of war time or time of peace, who have served us and our country so that we might enjoy the freedoms, that I quite frankly take for granted. Thank you to my grandparents, my father, my father-in-law, brothers-in-law, friends, and many more, who served or are currently serving. I am endebted to you.

My heart is also turned to that day in December 32 years ago today, when my little brother was called home to live with our Father in Heaven. I remember the details like it was yesterday. I remember what a happy baby he was and how happy he made our family. I love him very much and am ever so grateful that he came here to this earth even for a short while to be in our family and that our family is sealed for eternity so that we might be with him again someday. I know that he's fullfilling his mission in heaven. I love you Danny. -Sheri

Riley and Cammie are my heros!

2008-12-04T16:47:00.001-07:00

YAHOO! Riley and Cammie both came straight home from school, which is rare. They joined efforts and got the lights working. We had to compromise because we didn't have enough working icecycle lights to it all, so we have icecycles on the higher roof and straight lights on the lower roof. It looks good. Thanks guys. Love ya. -Mom

Scentsy Party

2008-12-04T09:43:00.003-07:00

I am having a Scentsy Party tonight at 7:00 at my house. (which is another reason I wanted the lights to be up and looking good.) I am trying to muster up the energy to go get some cookies made and a table cloth ironed. I have about 8.5 hrs till then. I should be able to get that done.....MAYBE..... ;) Sheryl

Outside Christmas Lights

2008-12-04T09:39:00.002-07:00

I love to have Christmas lights on the outside of my house, but this year it has been a pain. One of the boys got them all hung and there were burned out bulbs on 3 of the strings. He didn't know why the lights were out but he hung them anyway. I helped identify the broken bulbs and all was well. He was told to loop the cords so that there wasn't a gap between strings. He did fine on the first two but the last three he had gaps. I climbed up there yesterday and fixed the gaps. Last night a whole new section of lights was burned out, this morning I hoped up there and ended up taking down two strings of lights and now I can't get them to work even though I have replaced the broken bulbs. I ended up crying over the whole mess, which means I am way too tired to stress over lights.... good grief... what a dumb thing to cry about. But I like the lights, they brighten my day every time I see them. Oh well, maybe I can get someone to help me tonight or tomorrow with them. -Sheryl

Bulbs Planted and Christmas Letters mailed

2008-12-03T17:55:00.003-07:00

Today was a busy day. I finished up our Christmas letter and got it mailed out. Finished up some Christmas presents. And I dug a 8" deep trench all along the front of my house and Debbie and I planted Daffodil (sp?) bulbs. And under my Living Room Window we planted Daisy starts and Tulips bulbs. I was so wiped out that Debbie had to bury them. I'm excited for spring now to see how well the bulbs do.

Now I am headed to the Ward Christmas PLANNING Party. I'm in charge of decorating, which means that by default, Wayne is helping. :) Sharon & Roger will be helping too.

I am surrounded by the giggles and teasing of teenagers right now. Cammie brought home friends after school and I love having them here and being home to enjoy them.

lol -Sheryl

Happy December

2008-12-02T14:48:00.002-07:00

YEAH! It's December. My Christmas decorations are up and I'm loving the feel of Christmas already. I spent the day working on homemade Christmas Gifts and a few household chores. I love the spirit of Christmas and how it brings out the good in so many people.

Thursday I have a Scentsy Party at my home at 7:00. You're welcome to come if you live close enough. ;)

I am meeting with my Oncologist on Dec. 10th to discuss medications and reconstructive surgery. It is looking like I won't be able to have the reconstructive surgery at this time, because the plastic surgeon requires me to go off my tamoxifin and my oncologist says that's not a good idea. So, we are meeting to discuss the specifics. I will keep you posted.

Love, Sheryl

Delightful Thanksgiving Weekend

2008-11-30T16:45:00.002-07:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Thursday was Thanksgiving with some of the Thomson clan and Friday was Thanksgiving with all four of our kids. Saturday was decorating for Christmas and Sunday was church and some R&R. All in all it was a grand weekend. I hope you have a good week. lol -Sheryl

2008-11-26T03:23:00.002-07:00

Well, Tuesday was not the best of days. I have been in a lot of pain and have decided that the tyneol and ibuprofen are no longer enough to manage it. I spend the entire day in bed yesterday dealing with fatigue and pain. I called the Dr to discuss pain management, and left a message with the receptionist, but didn't hear back from the Dr. I will try again today.

Wayne was placed on oxygen on Monday. Nice birthday present eh?... Apparently he is not getting enough oxygen even though when I read the monitor it read at 89 and 92. That must have just been a glimpse for a moment and not what his overall was for that night. The oxygen is not as loud as we thought it would be, but again, we are having to get use to it.

Riley and Cammie finished finals for the 1st trimester and are glad to be out of school for the Thanksgiving Holiday. They return to school Monday, Dec. 1st.

Well, It's early in the morning and I think I will try and get some more sleep. I have a lot of Thanksgiving preparations to take care of today and I need my rest.

lol. -Sheryl

Monday Nov 24

2008-11-24T19:47:00.002-07:00

We had a fun time last night with the Twins. I made a lego cake and they loved it. I put lego gummies all over it and a lego toy for each boy. They were in 7th heaven. We enjoyed taco soup and a game of apples to apples with the rest of the family. It was a good visit.

Today was an enjoyable day. Wayne had the day off, so he went with me to my dr appt for a quick physical, an EKG and some routine blood work, all prerequistes to surgery. Now we need to work out the medications so that I can continue with the current regiment and yet prevent blood clots.

I spent part of the day helping my friend Debbie get her bulbs planted in her flower bed. That wore me out. But I enjoyed spending the time with her.

Wayne has had a pleasant day. His big birthday surprise was that Savannah came home today instead of later in the week. She was so excited to come home and surprise her dad.

Well, that's all for now. Love to you all. -Sheryl

A Birthday for 3

2008-11-23T13:02:00.002-07:00

Wayne's birthday is tomorrow Nov. 24th. We have two nephews, twins, who share Wayne's birthday, they will be 7. Each year we try to spend their birthday together. Wayne told Donnel that the boys can't have a birthday without him. This year, since their birthday is on a school day and work day, we are celebrating a day early. We are headed to their home this afternoon and hope to enjoy cake, ice cream and lots of laughter and fun. It is our turn to make the cake, so I better get to the kitchen as I haven't had a chance to do that yet. Happy Birthday Wayne, Kyle and Evan. I love you. -Sheryl

Gratitude and Thanksgiving

2008-11-23T12:49:00.003-07:00

Today in church was an uplifting morning of messages of gratitude and thanksgiving. I was asked to write three major changes in my life over the last 6 months. I wrote health issues, deepening relationships with kids and friends, drawing closer to the Lord. Then I was asked to write down a blessing from those changes, I wrote quality time with my family, a deeper self worth and esteem, and peace. I hope that you all can find the time to have to deepen your relationships with your loved ones, that you can make quality time to be with them, that you can draw closer to the Lord, and find peace and a deeper self worth in your life. It is a very rewarding way to live.

A testimony of tithing and thanks..... Wayne's paycheck came in just a little over half what it usually is. I attempted to pay bills, and quickly realized that there just wasn't enough there. I cried and cried then determined the amount that we needed to be able to make through the next month. I then took a deep breath, wrote out the tithing check and paid one bill. Then walked away with a prayer in my heart. I packed and left for Utah for a nice evening with Wayne and the dr appt on Friday morning. And I did my best to put it out of my mind. I knew the Lord knew our situtuation and I knew I had done all I could do. We had a nice "mini" vacation and enjoyed the time together and felt good about the information gleened from the dr's visit. On the way home, we stopped by Wayne's work, where the gentlemen over payroll immediately approached us and apologized for his mistake but that he had missed a couple loads and some hours worked outside of the truck. He handed us another check. IT WAS $10 SHY OF THE AMOUNT I HAD DETERMINED WE NEEDED. I reconginze this as a trial of my faith and the Lord's willingness to answer our prayers if we will keep his commandments. I express my sincere Thanks and Gratitude for a loving Heavenly Father. He lives, He knows me, He loves me and He watches over me. I testify in the name of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ Amen. -Sheryl

2008-11-22T03:45:00.002-07:00

The visit went well with the plastic surgeon. Looking at surgery shortly after the new year. I am busy now with Super Saturday plans and Thanksgiving plans. Oh and sorting through and deliverying tupperware orders that came in while I was in Utah. ;) -Sheryl

2008-11-20T08:48:00.002-07:00

This afternoon we head for Utah. We have an appointment with the plastic surgeon in the morning to discuss recontructive surgery and a port. I hope to send out a family update this weekend. lol -Sheryl

2008-11-15T12:34:00.003-07:00

YEAH. Wayne and I just finished with an amazing slide show that is a tribute to Roy & Karen Thomson and their 50th anniversary. Wayne is going to try to put music to it, but with 199 slides it takes just over 20 minutes. I hope that all goes well when we present it at the dinner tonight. Wish us luck....

I am feeling much better than I was Wednesday and Thursday. Amazing how a few days can make a difference.

Wayne got the results from the sleep institute. He was waking 26 times a minute, he stopped breathing 21 times a minute and was at less than 64% oxygen. He was perscribed a CPAP. Last night was his first night with it. It will take some time for both of us to adjust to that contraption, but I am so grateful that we've gotten him some help with his sleep apnia.

Sunday we are having the baby blessing for Kolton, the youngest in the Thomson clan. It is a fun filled weekend, celebrating 50 years together and a new family's beginnings.

Well, the day is quickly getting away from me, I need to get ready for tonight. lol -Sheryl

2008-11-13T11:02:00.002-07:00

This morning I am taking it slow. Dealing with muscle ache's but am glad to be alive. :)

I'm thinking of getting a lap dog to keep me company while I spend all these hours alone, but am still playing with the idea. I'm not real big on indoor pets, so it would be a huge jump for me.

My car has been in the shop for repairs from when someone hit me in early October. They have had it two weeks and I was looking forward to getting it back. But when I picked it up, they didn't repair the bumper, the battery is almost dead and the inside is full of dust and resuial from the shop. the repairs they did do look great, but I am disappointed about the other things. I'm already having the bumper repairs looked into.

I'm planning to spend the rest of the day taking it easy. lol -Sheryl

2008-11-12T20:05:00.003-07:00

The treatment didn't go so good. The first poke was in a good vein but the vein blew. So the second poke was too painful, I made them take it out. The third poke hurt and stung the whole time but I worked through the pain. They told me it was time to get a port. Fun. I will ask my plastic surgeon about that next week when I meet with him regarding the reconstructive surgery. I can already feel the treatment making my bones ache. I will not be up much longer. Going to go get some rest. lol -Sheryl

2008-11-12T13:34:00.003-07:00

Well, I am busy gathering Thomson family photos for a slide show for Roy & Karen's 50th Anniversary. Hope I can get them all gathered and incorporated by Friday. Also, I leave in a few minutes for a cancer treatment. Those are always so much fun. ;) Have a great day. I hope Rosanna had a good birthday yesterday. lol -Sheryl

2008-11-11T12:38:00.004-07:00

Thanks Sayre for helping me learn how to post pictures. I think I went overboard, but it takes practice to learn how to do it right. Now..... I think I need to figure out how to change my format. I like Julie's and Mom's formats. I think I will look into that next.

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I'm so lost

2008-11-11T09:49:00.000-07:00

Ok - I've seen other blogs and they have cool photos and messages, and comments... I'm hoping my nieces (on both sides of the family), My Mom and Julie will come rescue me and give me some pointers......

Here We Go......

2008-11-11T08:49:00.001-07:00

Ok, so if so many of my family members can do this, I guess I can too. So I'm jumping off the deep end and trying this blog thing. Here We Go.....