Surgery Date

Sent: Friday, March 20, 2009 12:45 AM
Subject: Surgery Date

Hello friends & family,

We returned safely from our much needed trip to Texas. We loved Big Bend and, of course, visiting with my brother, his wife and their adorable baby girl.

The first step in fighting my breast cancer is mastectomy surgery. I’m scheduled for Wednesday, March 25 at Good Samaritan Hospital. I have to arrive at 6am for a 1:30pm surgery. I will spend one night at the hospital and plan to be released on Thursday. My mom will stay at our home for a few days with the kids.

After surgery, the next step is chemo. I have an appt with my oncologist on April 15 to discuss treatment options. At this point, I do not know the duration of treatment or drugs to be used.

I have immense gratitude for everyone’s prayers, encouraging words and thoughtful acts. It’s so overwhelming it makes me cry when I reflect on the power of simple, sincere acts of kindness. It’s so amazing. I am blessed with your love & support. I know I will get through this bump in the road with your continued support & prayers. God has chosen this path for me for a reason. It doesn’t always make sense or seem fair. I know I will find the good on this new path and maybe a new purpose for my life. I believe in the power of prayer and thank you for praying for my good health.

I know many of you have asked, “What can I do to help?”. Honestly, I don’t know right now. There are so many unknowns. It’s not clear to me what I need and when. However, I do know that I will need help and will call on many of you to help with shopping & transporting the kids or just entertaining them. Thanks for your offers. This is a long road and I will get back to you with requests for help.

I’m looking forward to the upcoming Tri for the Cure on April 19. I’m still not sure in what capacity I’ll be able to compete or volunteer, but I will be there! I’m excited to see many of you out there, too! You will love it! http://www.triforthecureaz.com/ Hope your training is going well.

I will continue to keep you updated on my progress. I’m considering starting a blog to make it easy to keep you updated. I’ll keep you posted on that development.

Take good care. Love, Shannon

LIVESTRONG
At the Lance Armstrong Foundation, we unite people to fight cancer believing that unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything.
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