Sherrie's Hodgkin's Site

Spooky! Spooky!

2009-10-31T15:21:00.004-05:00

Hi All,
I just wanted to wish my fabulous Mom a Happy Birthday!

Also, I have some spooky health related issues this Halloween 2009. Two weeks, ago, in Door County, I fell and broke both of my wrists! Needless to say, this has been difficult, however, things got worse when I got Shingles last weekend:( I am on the mend though, and should be out of my casts the day before Thankgiving.

Here is a recent pic of Wallee in his Halloween collar:)

Love,
Sherrie

Hello!

2009-09-20T20:16:00.002-05:00

Hello There,
I thought tonight would be a good night to catch up, as I have a very unique story for you. I was up in Door County this weekend enjoying the weather on Saturday, and I picked up a waitressing shift at Al Johnson's this morning. I had a big table of 13, and since it was Sunday, these folks were fully furnished in Chicago Bears attire, and thick Chicago accents.

So naturally I asked where they were from. My memory was not so good (Chemo Brain!) however, one of the women at the table told me that she "knew me." Turns out, this woman was a surgical nurse at Glenbrook Hospital with me when I had my first lymphnode biopsy in June 2005! She was in the operating room with me, and told me that she always wondered about me because I was so upset at the time of the surgery! What a great memory, and what a wonderful reminder of where I was, and how far I have come:)

Also, check out Beyonce' on YouTube singing "Halo" to a little girl with Leukemia. So touching:)

Love,
Sherrie

PS..Here is a recent picture of my sisters and I!

Update

2009-05-31T21:30:00.002-05:00

Hi There!
I haven't updated in a while. Everything is great, I have 10 more wake-ups days with school, and then I am headed for another beautiful summer in Door County!

I do have some cancer related speaking events coming up that I am super excited about. On Saturday, June 6, I will be speaking at the Brookfield Zoo on a patient panel for LLS. On June 12, I am the guest speaker to kick off the Buffalo Grove, Relay for Life!

I will let you know how that goes:) Here is a picture taken today of my 18 pound, and 16 week old baby Wallee. We had Katie's BHS graduation party this afternoon into the early evening.

Cheers!

Wallee 12 Weeks

2009-05-11T11:29:00.002-05:00

May 1, 2009

2009-05-01T09:56:00.002-05:00

Hi All,
Today is my three year stem cell birthday! Two more years to go until remission! Let's use this day to pray for all of the survivors who have, and are currently undergoing treatment.
Love,
Sherrie

Pictures with our Easter Bunny

2009-04-12T13:53:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter!
Here is a pic with our Easter bunny Wallleeee! I meet with Dr. Winter tomorrow to discuss the results of my scans and go over my report. Hope you are having a great day!
Love,
Sherrie

Good Friday, Great News!

2009-04-10T17:55:00.001-05:00

Three years ago, after ten months of somewhat unsuccessful chemotherapy and radiation treatment, I found out on Good Friday that my body was on it's way into remission, and into a stem cell transplant. Three years later, on Good Friday, I was blessed with clean scans. Happy Easter!

Walleeeeeee

2009-04-06T20:35:00.002-05:00

Wally Teuber

2009-04-04T15:18:00.003-05:00

Hi All!
I just wanted to introduce the newest member of the family, Wally Teuber! He is beautiful, and should be arriving home from Indiana momentarily! I am so excited!

Also, I have scans on Good Friday. If you don't recall, Good Friday was the day that I got the great news three years ago that I was going to transplant, and my cancer was on the run. I think it is a good luck day for me!

I will post more pics of our new baby and let you know about the results of my scans.

Happy Spring!

Hi

2009-03-02T20:23:00.002-06:00

Hi There,
I have nothing new to report except for my family is pretty much 100% set on getting a new puppy! We are getting a new Portuguese Water Dog in April. Nothing can replace our beloved Portie Barney, however, a new puppy will definitely add some happiness to the house!

On a funny note, I have had a vested interest in a little girl from my school who has had a malignant brain tumor since she was a baby. She is beautiful and smart and sweet. Last week, we had lunch together because we had something in common:)

She asked me if I still had my port, and I actually brought my used port in for her to see. She was amazed that something that tiny could allow all of the medicine in our bodies!

Then, as all survivors do, we started talking about "Scanic" and how we feel when we were about to have scans. We both shared that we got our scans from Northwestern. And then the cutest thing she could have said as a six year old, "I get MRI's every three months, and I am so still I don't need any sedation!"

It is so nice that she is so aware of her condition, yet scary at the same time. No six year old should have to worry about that. However, she is tall and healthy and talkative and a real sweetheart!

Thought I would share!

Something Amazing!

2009-01-16T17:26:00.004-06:00

Hi There!
My family and have been braving the snow and freezing temperatures this week:( My school was cancelled Thursday and Friday of last week.) We also have MLK Day off on Monday, so that is a nice, long weekend! My little sister Katie, is very involved with Barrington High School television. She is an anchor for BHS TV, and is also a sports reporter for BHS sports.In addition to being on camera, Katie is tightening up her skill off camera as well. Here is a short two minute video that Katie made on my cancer situation for a video contest from school. Keep your fingers crossed that she wins...The prize is $1,000!
Love,
Sherrie

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T08:36:00.004-06:00

Hello There!
I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I am so thankful this year, as my friend Kristin just got CLEAN SCANS for Hodgkin's Disease. That was the best present I could have asked for!
Merry Christmas!
Love,
Sherrie

Something so important

2008-11-18T21:02:00.003-06:00

Hi There,
I know that not many people check my blog anymore, as I have not had treatment for a few years now.

However, I want to let you know that I have made a very special friend named Kristin who has been battling Hodgkin's for over a year now. She went through chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant much like myself, however, she is still battling the disease and is about to have an allogenic bone marrow transplant.

Much like me, her siblings WERE NOT a match for her. She is having a cord blood transplant because time is a huge factor, but for just a little painless blood work, you can be registered on the National Bone Marrow registry. My disease may come back due to the strength of my cancer. But it is up to family and friends like you to help someone like me and my friend Kristin. Please refer to: http://www.dkmsamericas.org/ and see how YOU can save someone's life.
Love,
Sherrie

Goodbye to my port:(

2008-11-04T05:25:00.002-06:00

Hi There,
Today is kind of a bittersweet day for me. I am having my port removed! I am so happy that there isn't any need anymore for it, however, that little port got me through the worst of the worst. The procedure is supposed to be easy, however, they need to remove the port from my chest, and then the line from my jugular vein and into my heart. I will be sad to see it go:(
Have a great Tuesday!

Wedding Picture

2008-10-19T20:10:00.004-05:00

Hi There!
I spent the weekend with my family celebrating my brother's wedding. It was a very festive occasion and I have learned that folks on my side of the family really know how to celebrate!

I was at Dr. Winters last week, and she feels that because my port is unable to draw a blood return that she wants it out right away. This is kind of bittersweet as my trusty little port took me through 16 different types of chemotherapy over the years. I was trying to superstitiously hold on to it until my 5 year remission mark. Oh well, I am still striving for 2.5 years!

Also, my thyroid levels were tested and they think that because of the radiation I had to my mantle field, I am becoming hypo-thyroid. When I asked what the symptoms were, Elizabeth the PA said, "Weight Gain and Hair Loss"! Great news for me!

Have a wonderful week!
Love,
Sherri

Scans

2008-10-09T21:09:00.002-05:00

Hello,
I have great news to report! As of 1:00 today, I found out that I have been free from cancer for almost 2.5 years! I had a CT scan very early this morning. Even the scar tissue caused by previous cancerous lymphnodes have shrunk. I am very thankful! Please say a prayer for my friend Kristin who may be still battling her Hodgkin's Disease.

On a personal note I am getting ready for a fantastic fall weekend in Door County with my family. Next weekend is my brother's wedding so there are some exciting times ahead:)

Happy Friday!

2008-09-05T06:52:00.002-05:00

Hi There!
I haven't touched base in a while. Happy Friday!
Last Sunday, my cousin Michelle ran the Accenture LLS Triathalon in honor of my Uncle Mike and myself. She did great by raising thousands of dollars for Leukemia and Lymphoma. Way to go!
I started teaching last week. My class, although very cute, are like glorified first graders! As a whole, the entire 3rd grade is very low academically so it should be a challenging year.
Have a great Friday!

Rest in Peace

2008-06-12T11:41:00.002-05:00

My beautiful pal and buddy, my beloved Portuguese Water Dog Barney passed away today. He was the most wonderful dog, and I will miss him dearly.

Something Fun

2008-05-12T21:13:00.003-05:00

Hi There,
I was out to eat last Friday, and I ran across Mark Grace, the famous ex-Chicago Cub! Here is a pic with him!

A Great Celebration!

2008-04-30T22:00:00.002-05:00

Hi There!
Tomorrow, May 1 at 12:20pm will be my two year anniversary of my stem cell transplant and becoming clean! I am very thankful!
Love,
Sherrie

New Brochure

2008-04-22T12:59:00.001-05:00

Hi There!
Here is another brochure from Northwestern that I am on:)

Helping LLS! Please donate!

2008-04-21T12:14:00.003-05:00

Hi There,
Check out the message from my cousin, Michelle Keany, who is raising money for LLS Team in Training in honor of myself and my Uncle Mike.
Thank you Michelle!
Hi everyone! I have decided to tackle the 2008 Accenture Chicago Triathlon this summer! I will be raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Leukemia, lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and myeloma are cancers that originate in the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues. Primary lymphoma of the brain, although very rare, is a lymphatic cancer that originates and usually remains in the brain.

As many of you know, I lost my father Michael Stroden last summer. He was diagnosed with a brain lymphoma in August 2006. He underwent two difficult chemotherapy treatments and passed away in July 2007. My family was unfortunately prepared for this as my young cousin Sherrie had just successfully received a stem cell transplant to treat her stage IV Hodgkin's lymphoma two months earlier. From this I have learned first hand the struggles and challenges cancer patients undergo. It is a horrific disease that claims far too many lives, both young and old.

I realize that you are probably asked to contribute to various causes. The fact that you are receiving this email is proof that cancer has touched your life. Your contribution will make a difference. New and effective drugs for helping cancer patients are not possible without our help. I hope you will join me in my endeavor.

I have committed to raising $2,000.00 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor of my father. My own personal goal is to raise $5,000.00. I can only achieve this with your help. Remember all donations are 100% tax deductible. Thank you in advance for considering donating to this worthy cause. I know my dad would be proud!

Michelle Keany
http://www.active.com/donate/tntil/tntilmkeany

Katie

2008-03-11T15:44:00.001-05:00

Hi There,
Here is a pic of Katie after she interviewed Miss Illinois for the Barrington High School TV station today.
Have fun!

Clean Scans

2008-03-10T19:27:00.002-05:00

Hi There,
I had a clean CT, and the tumor that was previously in my mediastinum (now scar tissue) has shrunk significantly in my chest. Yeah! The problem is I am neutropenic right now meaning my infection fighting ability is very low again. I just have to keep washing my hands. Have a great night!

Sick! For the first time

2008-02-26T08:36:00.002-06:00

Last Friday, I was telling teachers that I work with that since my stem cell transplant, I have not even experienced as much illness as the common cold. Well I should have knocked a lot louder on wood than that! Since Sunday, I have been stuck in bed with 104 fever and influenza. Yuck. My temperature dropped with a lot of Tylenol to 97 degrees and I am feeling much better. Hope all of you are taking your Vitamin C!

Something Interesting

2008-01-23T13:54:00.000-06:00

Hey All!
Long time, no talk! I just wanted to share with you the latest brochure for the Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center at Northwestern. I am on page 3! How exciting!
Love,
Sherrie

http://www.cancer.northwestern.edu/news/pdfs/CCCnewbrochure.pdf

Happy Birthday Dad!

2007-12-17T08:40:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Dada! I love you! We are going to make this the best year ever!
Love,
Sherrie

Lasik

2007-12-17T08:34:00.000-06:00

Hi There,
This past Friday, I had Lasik surgery at Northwestern. It was by far the best thing I have ever done medically! I have been wearing glasses since I was eight, and contacts since I was 12. Now I have 20/20 in one eye and 20/15 in another. I highly recommend the procedure!

Well Wishes

2007-12-01T20:30:00.000-06:00

Hi There,
Please join me in saying a little prayer for my Papa Bill. At 91, he has a voracious appetite and spirit! However, his little legs have been giving away lately, and he has been falling and injuring himself numerous times a day. I love you Papa Bill, Go Sox!

Slide Show

2007-11-19T21:00:00.000-06:00

Hey There,
Here are some pics from a great 30th birthday party my friends had for me. Enjoy and Happy Thanksgiving!

http://web.mac.com/fundraiser2/Site_11/Photos.html#grid

Happy Belated Birthday Mom, and 18 months out!

2007-11-01T08:16:00.000-05:00

I am 18 months out of transplant today! Only 6 more to go until we are considered in the safe zone from relapse. Also, Happy Belated Birthday to my wonderful Mom. Her birthday was Halloween. We had a fun night last night!

The Gang

2007-10-29T08:21:00.001-05:00

Here is a pic of the gang with our new Sister-in-Law to be, Jenn. We had a really fun engagement with the happy couple this weekend. Happy Fall!

17th Months Out!

2007-10-01T17:26:00.000-05:00

Hey There,
Today is my 17th month anniversary of my stem cell transplant! Kind of a weird anniversary to remember but...I saw Dr. Winter a few weeks ago, and everything is awesome with my scans and labs. She informed me that weneed to plug along and set goals for the two year mark. After two years being clean after a stem cell transplant with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, the chance of relapse becomes almost miniscule.
Great news all around!

Clean Scans!

2007-09-13T16:51:00.001-05:00

Hey There,
I just wanted to let you know that my preliminary scans came back, and they are very clean! Once again, our prayers have been answered! I do still have low blood counts, but my white count has risen to 2.0. My Neutrophils (infection fighting level) are still below 1,000, which is pretty risky. I did get more immunizations today as well, and got a flu shot. Also, my left ovary is showing numerous egg follicles! I meet with Dr. Winter on Monday to discuss the results. Have a great weekend!
Sherrie

Hi

2007-09-10T08:19:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
I haven't checked in for a while. After all of the early mornings, and long days at school, I had another restful weekend in beautiful Door County. It was gorgeous up there on Saturday, but I can't wait for Indian Summer! FYI...We have Thursday off for a holiday this week. My schedule will remain in tact with waking up really early as I have my scans at NMH first thing on Thursday morning. Please pray that they are ok!
Love,
Sherrie

Hi There

2007-08-26T18:10:00.000-05:00

Hey There,
I was just reminiscing about what happened to me with my cancer experience two years ago. Can you believe I was first sick two years ago? My, how time flies. My Mom and sisters were in Washington D.C. for the weekend.

That was the weekend that my hair started falling out. The Thursday before, I got a cute short hair-cut, because I was waking up every morning with long strands of brown hair all over my pillows. It was so terrible.

That Saturday and Sunday, I remember that even though I was only a few weeks into chemotherapy, I was getting my energy up and my Dad and I walked about 3 miles each day.

One of those weekend mornings, Dad and I went to Walker Brothers for breakfast. The weather was not unlike this weekend, 80 degrees and sunny. We had the windows open in the car, and as we were driving along, my hair was flying out in huge whisps. I purposely didn't wash my hair that weekend because I knew I would have clumps falling in the shower.

That Sunday night, my Dad took the #5 clippers to my head. That first time, I never got completely bald, but it was still pretty bad.

This morning at church, my female Pastor, Jane told me she is going to be shaving her head in January for Pediatric Cancer Research. After going bald 3 times in one year, it is safe to say that I told her I didn't think I could share in that fun experience with her!

Other than that, things are well. I am having a lot of shortness of breath lately. I had symptoms of this last fall as well, and after so many tests, nothing was decided. I think it could be some allergies, but it is the same feeling I got as the tumor in my chest started growing. I have a CT scan on September 13, so we will see.

Talk to you soon!
Sherrie

Crazy Day

2007-08-23T19:25:00.000-05:00

I have the most wonderful class in the entire world! There are 21 kids, and they are all very sweet, and extremely well behaved. We had some issues today though....After a great day, 10 minutes before the bell rang, the tornado sirens went off in school. In all of my years teaching, I never had that happen. It was such a strange way to start the year. After over 1.5 hours in the hallway with the kids hands over their heads sitting Indian style, we finally got the all clear. I texted my Mom to tell her about the days events, and she informed me that all of the schools in Barrington where I live were on lock down because there were two armed gunman roaming in Barrington Hills. Sounds like Judgement Day. I have been working very hard (getting up at 4:30-5:00am each day) but I feel as though I am back to my old tricks from before I was sick. I have been pulling over 12 hour days to get things ready, but then I have been driving up to Door County on the weekends to work. I know I should take it easy, but this is who I was before I was sick, and I guess that I haven't lost my assertive force. Anyway...
Have a good weekend!
Love,
Sherrie

Welcome to Third Grade!

2007-08-21T23:02:00.000-05:00

Hey There!
I just wanted to let you know tomorrow is my first day of school. I will post some pictures of the room tomorrow! It should be a fun and exciting day. I have 21 students in my class. Wish me luck!
Love,
Sherrie

Congratulations!

2007-08-17T07:36:00.000-05:00

Hi There!
I just wanted to let you know that my cousin Michelle Keany, (Uncle Mike's daughter) had her beautiful baby boy yesterday. After she was induced, and her contractions began, she delivered the babe in under 5 minutes! Michael John Keany was 8 pounds and 1 ounce. He is beautiful, and will probably be called "Mickey!"

Hi!

2007-08-12T08:36:00.000-05:00

Hey There!
I have been in Austin, Texas this weekend with my best friend Laura. My cousin Chris lives here as well, so we have had a very fun time with him showing us around. Chris is a trooper...he took us to very nice lunches and dinners and upscale shopping centers. He is awesome!

I got a call from the doctor's office at NMH after my labs were done last week. I was feeling like I had swollen lymphnodes in my neck, however, I was doing a lot of physical labor working at Al Johnson's and at Ecology Sports. My tumor markers (LDH, SED) were below normal again which is wonderful! That means that there is no evidence of Hodgkin's activity based on blood work. What is not so great is my ANC and my white blood count. These two levels are your infection fighting ability. When I was going through chemo, and if my ANC were .500, they told me not to leave the house. Now, my ANC is .800. A normal person probably has an ANC of 4.5 or even higher. This is a scary thought considering I am going back to teaching this week!

I met a very nice woman from San Antonio, Texas at the pool here. She was bald, and I figured she was going through breast cancer. Absolutely not. This woman, 6.5 years ago, was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She had an Auto transplant and then relapsed two and a half years later. She was treated again. She relapsed again 8 months ago with Pre-Leukemic cells. When you are given so much chemotherapy and radiation, there is a great chance that you could develop Leukemia. Well, she did. She was given an Allogenic transplant four months ago, and she looks fabulous, and she is clean! When I see someone like that, I feel guilty because I don't feel like I have been through anything compared to her! I guess it is all relative.

Here are some pics from the trip.
Have fun!
Sherrie

Pics

2007-08-05T11:45:00.001-05:00

http://web.mac.com/fundraiser2/iWeb/Site%208/Photos.html

End of Summer

2007-08-05T10:36:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
I am so sad! It is nearing the end of my summer in Door County. I have been working so much, and although I have fun at work, I don't feel like I have gotten time to do everything that I love.

I am going home on Tuesday, re-leveling books for my classroom on Wednesday, taking a little trip over the weekend, and then back to work!

I can't believe that it has been two years since I was so sick, and not able to work. I am excited about setting my classroom up though, and I love the first few weeks of school!

Here is a pic of Lizzie and I on her birthday, and also a shot from my friend Maureen's bachelorette party in Sister Bay last night.

Have fun!
Sherrie

Prayer Request

2007-07-26T21:46:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
I just wanted all of you to wish well wishes to my friend, Molly. After she had her second baby last Spring, she was randomly diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer. She was 29 years old. She had her Thyroid removed, and many lymphnodes (I think 24!) She had the Radio-Iodine treament done at NMH. Now, she is pregnant with her new little one, and found out that her tumors are still malignant. She has a wonderful husband and daughters, and is going to beat this! She will win, once again! Please keep her young family in your thoughts and prayers!
Love,
Sherrie

An Ephraim Sunset

2007-07-25T15:22:00.001-05:00

It's the Gals, Not the Goats!

2007-07-25T09:06:00.000-05:00

Hi

2007-07-25T08:47:00.001-05:00

Hey There!
How are you? I have been trying to post a lot of Door County family pics when my Grandparents were up along with my Auntie Char and Uncle Phil, and some of my Mom's friends. We have a dial up wireless situation here so everything runs as slow as molasses!

When I was home, I had labs done and my white count and Neutrophils are again, very low. Your ANC is your ability to fight infection. When I was going through chemo, if my ANC was .5, I was told not to leave the house. Now, my ANC is .9. Kind of scary.

However, I have been working at my two jobs about 6 days a week, dealing with massive amounts of the public and knock wood, I haven't gotten sick. We will see what happens when I get around the kids this fall.

Here are some of my pics. I can't believe summer is flying by!

A Very Exciting Time!

2007-07-20T09:29:00.001-05:00

Hey there!
I wanted to let you know that my brother Gary, and his girlfriend Jenn got engaged today after 10 months of dating. It is a very exciting time!

Uncle Mike's Obituary

2007-07-08T21:22:00.001-05:00

My Uncle Mike had a wonderful write up in the Chicago Tribune for his obituary.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/obituaries/chi-hed_strodenjul08,1,3816446.story?coll=chi-newsobituaries-hed&ctrack=1&cset=true

Summer Pics and Uncle Mike

2007-07-07T19:46:00.001-05:00

Hi There,
We came home from Door County for Uncle Mike's wake and funeral. Although he suffered at the end, there are a lot of joys to be thankful for as well! In late August or early September, my cousin Michelle is having her third baby boy! This little guy will join Hugh (4) and Owie (2). Michelle was going to name the baby a nice Irish name, but decided to name him Michael after my Uncle Mike. That is so awesome that he will have a namesake!

Amongst all of this sadness, here is a link to some fun summer pics. Hope you are all enjoying your summer!
http://web.mac.com/fundraiser2/iWeb/Site%207/Photos.html

Sad News

2007-07-05T18:32:00.000-05:00

My Uncle Mike passed away today. His body just couldn't handle the fight of his lymphoma any longer. Please pray that he is in heaven, and that my Aunt Carol and Michelle weather this horribly emotional storm.
Love,
Sherrie

Sad Family News

2007-07-03T16:01:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
Please pray for my Uncle Mike, and my Auntie Carol and cousin Michelle. Carol and Michelle have decided to convene and make final decisions concerning my Uncle Mike's life. He has been on life support for 12 days, and his infections and blood clots are only getting worse. His organs are beginning to shut down. It is such a sad time for my family. Please pray that the Lord takes my Uncle Mike naturally, and my Aunt and cousin are not forced to make such horribly difficult decisions on thier own.
Love,
Sherrie

Well Wishes and Prayers

2007-06-28T21:31:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
I always feel like the bearer of cancer news. This beautiful little girl is yet another person afflicted by this horrible disease. I don't understand cancer. My family and friends had never experienced it, and now all we do is live with it. Please check on little Teagan daily.
Love,
Sherrie
www.princessteagan.com

Anniversary

2007-06-27T08:22:00.000-05:00

Hi There!
I just wanted to give you a few updates.
My Uncle Mike is still on Life Support at NMH. They did an MRI of his brain, and noted that after two treatments of this chemotherapy that his brain tumor is much smaller. He is only on 40% strength for his life support level. Please pray that he gets through this!

I am up in Door County for the summer and having a blast. I am working at Al Johnson's one day a week, and have been filling it at Ecology Sports. The problem is, I don't think that I am as spry as before I got sick. I am extremely exhausted at the end of the day, and end up passing out around 8:30, and sleeping twelve hours. I wonder how things will be when I go back to teaching in the fall!

I am also taking golf lessons, spending time with friends and family, and scheduled to take paddling lessons. The weather has been so beautiful that I am just trying to keep as active as possible!

I am also working on my book about my cancer experience and have touched base with a wonderful copy editor that my friend Anita used for her book. My goal is to finish my complete rough draft by August 1.

Today is the two year anniversary of when I found out I was sick. My how time flies. I have written a little bit about that day in my book, and here is an exerpt.

"The weekend crawled by, and considering it was June in Chicago, the temperatures creeped up into the 90’s. On Monday, I woke up and decided that I couldn’t feel bad anymore. I showered, threw on a cute summery outfit and curled my hair. My Mom and I were going with my sisters Lizzie and Katie to meet my Auntie Sherry for lunch in Lake Forest. I was awfully quiet on the ride to Lake Forest. We approached a Krispy Kreme doughnut shop, and I got a call from a strange 847 number on my phone. “Pull over,” I told my Mom. We knew that this is the phone call that would determine my fate. I paced around the car and answered the phone. “Sherrie, this is Dr. Charrous. You have Hodgkin’s Disease which is a type of cancer. You didn’t do anything to get this, it just happened. A lot of young people get this type of cancer. You are going to have chemotherapy. Do you know what that is? You are also going to have radiation, do you know what that is?” I answered meekly, “Yes.” Also, I want to let you know that this is a very curable, treatable cancer. If you are going to get any cancer, this one is the good one.” The good cancer? After all of my treatment and hardships, NO cancer would be the good cancer!
You would think that a person, especially a young person, would be hysterical and upset when someone tells them they have cancer. I wasn’t. I was so relieved that they found something. I took the news graciously, and was so at ease knowing that the determinate of my symptoms had been revealed.
My Mom and sisters knew it was bad as I paced around the car. When I told them, seconds later, all I remember is my sister Katie, who generally does not show emotion broke into hysterical, wet and salty weeping sobs. She was sobbing so hard, her face was beet red, and fat tears stung her eyes. My Mom just gripped my hand. I called my Dad right away. I could hear him on the phone, choking away the sadness. Later on that night he told me that he had known I would be diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Disease all along. There were three indicators in which he discovered the source of my symptoms. The first was the day of my lymphnode biopsy (the previous Friday), Dr. Charrous really didn’t come out of the OR and tell my parents that things were all right. He came out of the OR and when my Mom and Dad inquired about my status, he remarked, “It doesn’t look good.” My parents told me later that he came to talk to them, and stared directly past them; he couldn’t even look them in the eye. He explained that a Hodgkin’s Disease cell resembles a large circle with two big eyes, almost like owl eyes. The lymphnodes he collected from my neck were big, puffy owl eyes. I don’t even know how my parents could look at me all weekend, knowing that I had a potentially fatal disease, and still remain positive. The second inkling that my Mom and Dad had was the research that they were doing online. All signs led to Hodgkin’s. As my Dad sat at work that frightful Monday morning, he was forced to participate in a meeting. All the while, a strange number kept on popping up on his caller ID. Finally, after many tries by the caller, my Dad answered the telephone. “Gary,” said my Uncle Joe. “I’m calling you because I need to prepare you and your family for the news you are about to receive.” My uncle, who was a doctor at Glenbrook Hospital had been sleuthing around that Monday. He said when he found out the results of my biopsy, as well as my abnormal chest film, that he instantly went weak at the knees. I was his favorite niece, I was one of the first kids to be born in the family, how could this be happening to Sherrie?"

Hope all is well!
Sherrie

Prayers

2007-06-24T16:23:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
Please pray for my Uncle Mike Stroden. He has thrown over four pulmonary embolisms to his lungs as a complication from his lymphoma. The clots are located near the aorta in his heart. He has been paralysed and sedated in order to sucessfully keep him on life support. There is a chance that he could pull through this, yet it is a very serious situation.
Thanks!
Sherrie

Prayers

2007-06-22T11:15:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
I just wanted to let you know that my friend Janice passed away this morning from Melanoma. She is survived by her husband, and three kids.
Also, please keep my Uncle Mike in your prayers. He is still fighting a battle with Lymphoma of the Brain. He was admitted to Northwestern this morning, with symptoms of fluid filling his lungs.
Love,
Sherrie

Relay for Life

2007-06-07T20:41:00.000-05:00

Hi All!
I was involved with the Barrington, Il Relay for Life in regards to corporate sponsorship and silent auction prizes. I just got an email from my friend Chris Freeding whose wedding I just stood up in and he is Relaying in Chicago in honor of me! At Erin and Chris' wedding, my heart melted because during the final prayer, our friend CJ discussed prayers for those healing, and they felt inclined to mention my name during the prayer. Needless to say, I was a very teary-eyed bridesmaid! If you would like to donate to Chris Freeding's Relay page, the information is: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=191207&lis=1&kntae191207=6A5440153E104672B0A428C729F0137B&supId=179681281
Thank you!

Surgery Possibility and Scan Results

2007-06-07T16:38:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
I just wanted to let you know that I was down at the hospital all day on Monday, Tuesday and today. My scans are all clean, and scar tissue in my chest is getting smaller. Also, my bones are showing up as stronger, and healing on the scans.

Today, something strange happened on the way to Northwestern. I was walking down the stairs and felt the nail holding the rod in my femur click and move. By the time I got downtown, I could barely walk, and I had a huge lump bigger than a golfball right above my kneecap.

We ran to an emergency appointment at Dr. Fox's and everything is in place! The screws haven't moved. Very strange situation. He cited that it is inflammatory bursitis and we can't figure out why I have it. If the problem persists over the weekend, or if I choose to, I am having surgery next Friday to cut through my muscle and remove the nail from my leg. I am just worried that will be a long recovery time. I had a horribly extended recovery time after the rod was put in my femur. We'll see what happens!

Sherrie

Cancer Survivor Walk

2007-06-03T13:49:00.000-05:00

Hi There!
I just wanted to thank everyone for supporting me during the Cancer Survivor Walk today. My sisters and I got a great picture with Mayor Daley! Also, here is the link to other pics taken as well!
http://web.mac.com/fundraiser2/iWeb/Site%204/Cancer%20Walk.html
Love,
Sherrie

More Fun!

2007-06-01T13:19:00.000-05:00

I just found out Maggie Daly, Mayor Daley's wife, will be speaking at the walk on Sunday and will be introducing all of the folks on the banners. How fun!

Good Thoughts and Prayers

2007-05-31T17:33:00.000-05:00

Hi There!
Just wanted to give you a little update...
First and foremost, please help me pray for my friend Janice Clarke. She is from Barrington, and she is very, very sick with Melanoma. She needs a lot of prayers.
Also, my "scanic" is occuring. I have my PET scan on Monday, CT of the neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis and an MRI of my spine on Tuesday. I also have labs, and get to meet with Dr. Winter as well. This is the last time I am fortunate enough to be able to go every three months for my scans, because my insurance won't cover it any longer. Please pray that they are still clean!
On Sunday, we have the cancer survivor walk down at Grant Park. It should be really fun! We have a ton of people walking. It will be great to honor my friends such as Auntie Josie, Molly, Janice, Jason, Alese, Kay, Uncle Mike and Anita! It is cancer survivor day, so keep your survivors in your thoughts!

Help! A Great Cause

2007-05-24T08:52:00.001-05:00

Check this place out to send the REAL Shane birthday cards! www.shanebernier.ca

NMH Lifetime of Health

2007-05-21T12:23:00.001-05:00

Hi There!
Here is a scanned copy of the Northwestern Lifetime of Health magazine!
http://web.mac.com/fundraiser2/iWeb/Site%204/Blank.html
Also, if any of you watch Desperate Housewives, the character Lynette on the show was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease in the season cliffhanger.

Lizzie's Graduation Pictures

2007-05-16T16:21:00.000-05:00

Hi There!
Here are a few pics from Lizzie's graduation from Butler University last Saturday. Enjoy!

Bits and Pieces of News

2007-05-13T18:51:00.000-05:00

Hi There!
My family had quite a scare today. We were in Indianapolis celebrating Lizzie's graduation from Butler University this weekend, and our friend Cheryl who was watching Barney said he was acting funny. We came home and rushed him to a 24 hour vet. clinic because he was tripping and slipping and walking in circles and bumping into things. We thought he may have had a stroke (the poor little sweetie is also a cancer survivor and 13 years old!), however the vet. thinks that he could have Vertigo from an inner ear infection or Vestibular Syndrome which affects balance in older dogs. We don't have a verdict yet, but our little baby is finally resting comfortably after a little Valium. He is spending the night at the hospital, and we will know more tomorrow.

I was down at NMH on Thursday taking pictures for yet another cancer brochure. My article in the Lifetime of Health magazine came out. I grabbed several copies so if any of you would like one, let me know! I have the Cancer Survivor Walk coming up on June 3 where I am going to be on one of the banners with a quote, and then I was taking pictures for a brochure for the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern. When cancer patients see all of these publications, they are going to say, "Who is this crazy girl, and why does she keep on showing up on every cancer brochure?!" It is fun though.

I am in charge of corporate sponsorship for the Barrington Relay for Life on June 9, and that has been really fun. It is amazing how a personal story, and a little bit of socializing can assist with fundraising. I have been having a lot of fun getting area businesses to donate to the cause and my favorite part is getting silent auction prizes!

Happy Mother's Day!

Wedding Pictures

2007-05-08T10:44:00.000-05:00

Here are some fun pictures from my friend Erin's wedding. She was an exquisite bride!

Prayers

2007-05-07T18:10:00.000-05:00

Please pray for Alese Coco's family. The spirited young woman who inspired me to fight so hard passed away today at 1:20 California time. As I went through my Hodgkin's experience, she encouraged me to fight. Through my blog, many of you have understood first hand, Alese's strength, beauty and perserverance. The Lord and the Angels in Heaven have recieved a very special person today.

Prayer Request

2007-05-07T08:11:00.000-05:00

Please help me in praying for Alese Coco. She has been fighting Hodgkin's for so long, and she needs so many prayers right now. Please allow her to continue her fight, and recover from this horrible illness.
Love,
Sherrie

A Special Day

2007-05-01T11:53:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,
Today is a special day for our family. This is the one year anniversary of Sherrie’s stem cell transplant. She has now been cancer free for one year. She has been truly blessed, “Praise the Lord”!
Without our Heavenly Father watching over us, we couldn’t have gotten through these past two years. He gave us strength through our wonderful family and friends that were always there for us. We had many trying times when we didn’t know what our next step was going to be, but through lots of prayers, He always lead us through the right path. He gave Sherrie the best doctors, nurses and the best facility where she was treated. He also gave Sherrie the ultimate strength to get through this on a daily basis. When we think of how many times she was poked & prodded throughout the day, and how very sick she was, I know God was always watching over her. He gave her unbelievable strength to keep smiling. In her weakest moments she always managed to smile. She is truly the strongest and bravest person we know.

Dear Heavenly Father we thank you for the many blessings you have bestowed upon Sherrie & our family. Please continue to bless Sherrie with good health throughout her lifetime, and keep her cancer free. We also thank you for hearing our cries of help during Sherrie’s illness, and answering all of our prayers. In Your Name, Amen.
Gary & Gloria

Dr. Visit

2007-04-23T11:21:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
Everything seemed good at my Dr visit today but they are slightly concerned about one thing. My white blood count, and absolute neutrophil level have been so low since my transplant. This occurs in less than 20% of patients. They took blood from me, so a pathologist could examine my blood to make sure that nothing else was going on that would contribute to my low counts. I really don't have any physical symptoms of the disease, and I feel great, so I am confident that all will be well!

Happy Sunday!

2007-04-22T10:40:00.000-05:00

Hey There!
For those of you in the Midwest, what a beautiful weekend we have had! It is so nice to see sunshine, and wear sandals. I think the weather is supposed to change again this week, but we have been blessed!

Things are going really well. I have been kind of hiding under a dark cloud for a little bit (I think the Winter hangover could be to blame!) I think this boost of Spring is good enough to get a spring in everyones step!

Another very exciting thing...it is baseball season again! Here is a pic from the Cubs opening day!

Tomorrow morning, I meet with Jane Winter for a check-up. I think everything is going okay. I have been itching a bit (which is a classic Hodgkin's symptom) but it could just be change in weather. I am very concerned about my hormonal levels though. I have been off of Estrogen because we are trying to determine if I am really in menopause. The last time my levels were checked, they were very menopausal. Plus, I have been having symptoms of that. Let's hope they drastically change for the better!

Love,
Sherrie

Prayer Request

2007-04-17T17:04:00.000-05:00

Please help me pray for my Uncle Mike. After finishing chemotherapy in January, his brain tumor has re-occured. Please pray for him, and allow him to beat this all over again.
Love,
Sherrie

Boston Marathon T-Shirt

2007-04-15T21:14:00.000-05:00

Hi!
A friend of mine sponsored someone who is running the Boston Marathon. That person has my name on his T-Shirt, and is wearing that shirt as a tribute to my cancer. It's really neat!

Second Photo Shoot

2007-04-10T17:13:00.000-05:00

Hey!
I had my second photo shoot for NMH today, and the pictures will be used for the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Cancer Survivor Walk which will be held at the lakefront on June 3. These pictures will be on banners highlighting the lake, and I guess I am going to be on them!
In May, the NM Faculty Foundation Magazine will debut with an article about my transplant experience, and how it relates to Celebrating Life and the survivor walk.
The photos from today should be posted on the following site: marcharris-photo.com/
When you get there, log on to "Clients." Then, add the password lurie. The pics are not up yet, but my name is. It is amazing how many survivors are out there. The woman getting photographed before me was pregnant, and the little girl after me (absolutely adorable!) must have been only 4 years old. It's exciting to see that even though I feel like a cancer minority because of my age, there are so many people out there like me.
Love,
Sherrie

Happy Easter!

2007-04-06T12:55:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone,
Happy Easter! Today is a special day for me. A year ago today, I was told that although I wasn't in remission, my Hodgkin's Disease was on the run, and Dr. Winter wanted me in for a transplant a week and a half later. The rest is history. That, along with finding out I was in remission, was probably the happiest day of my entire life! Hopefully I will someday have more good days to top that, but for now I am so thankful to the Lord.
Have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends!

2007-04-01T19:33:00.000-05:00

12 Hours of Travel and I'm Finally Home!

2007-04-01T19:16:00.000-05:00

Hi There!
I just got back from a week in the Cayman Islands with my parents, and Katie. We had a very fun time, especially while swimming with Stingrays on Thursday. Notice how my hands are strategically placed on the Stingray. I am kind of a baby when it comes to touching marine animals. It is such a weird sensation to swim with them. They are like giant portobello mushrooms that glide around your feet, and forage for squid out of your hands. It was a very freaky feeling, but an incredible experience. Have fun with the pics!

Stem Cell Panel

2007-03-31T12:08:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
I have been working on this short clip from a stem cell patient panel I was on two weeks ago. Hopefully it works!
http://homepage.mac.com/fundraiser2/iMovieTheater9.html

My Journal: The Picture Worth A Thousand Words...

2007-03-26T01:34:00.000-05:00

My Journal: The Picture Worth A Thousand Words...

Dear Alese,
You are amazing and you look as adorable as ever! I am so happy that you are feeling better! Love, Sherrie Teuber

Playing Around

2007-03-21T17:05:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
I was playing around with my scanner today and took some pics from yesteryear of my Grandma and Grandpa on both sides, of my Mom and Dad and some pics from when I was little...

Thank You!

2007-03-19T10:17:00.000-05:00

My friend Alese, although not completely out of the woods, is doing so much better! Thank you Lord!

Prayer Request

2007-03-16T16:02:00.000-05:00

Dear All,
Please pray for my friend Alese Coco (alesecoco.org). She is going through a horrible time, and she needs prayers from every corner of the Earth. Please be with her as she continues her battle against Hodgkin's Disease. She has fought so hard, and so long, and I know that she is going to be okay. Please help me, and everyone else believe that. You know what they say...When two or more are gathered in His name, His will will be done. She will beat this.

Help another cancer survivor

2007-03-14T16:13:00.000-05:00

Hi There,
With the spirit of luck, and St. Patrick's Day coming up, I wanted to let you all know of a young girl who is having tandem stem cell transplants at Children's Memorial Hospital (the sister to NMH).

She is adorable, and she is Irish! Her name is Meghan, and she was diagnosed with Wilm's tumor, which has metastasized to her lungs.

She is having a fundraiser in her honor at US Cellular Field, where the White Sox play. I wish I could go, but I will be out of town. If you are interested in seeing someone who is going through double what I went through, check out her sight.

It is: missionformeghan.org.

It might be a good way to volunteer, and help someone out who is very young, and is fighting very hard.

Fun Day

2007-03-08T14:42:00.000-06:00

Hi There!
Although I have been up since 4:50am, my Mom and I had an exciting day. We were in the city by 6:30 to meet with Dr. Winter and her fabulous PA Elizabeth. Although I had labs on Monday, my blood counts are still extremely low. You have two counts to ward off infections...Your WBC (White Blood Cell Count) and your ANC (Absolute Neutrophil Count). Mine are remaining steady, but very low. A "normal" person probably has a WBC and ANC between 4.0-10.0. My WBC is around 1.8, and my ANC is .9. So I am very at risk for getting sick, even though I look and feel great!

I am so thankful because Dr. Winter also said that I can have full scans again in 3 months. That takes the edge of worrying about reoccurance.

I met with Robert, a photographer for NMH, and we took pictures for an article that they are doing about the cancer survivor walk, and my stem cell transplant. He had me wear pink for the occasion (How suitable!) I can't get the pics for three months, but when I get them, I will shoot them your way.

Also, I will send out invites to the cancer survivor walk. It is on June 3 at the lakefront and a big celebration.

My Mom and I were ladies about town today and hit every store/restaurant in a 500 mile Chicago radius. By 9:30am, it felt like it was already 4:00 in the afternoon.

Also, yesterday I got my first haircut. I got it shaped. It still kind of looks the same just a little more "shapley." I found the best hairdresser and our goal is to grow my hair out.

Have a fun weekend!

Sherrie

Such Exciting News!

2007-03-06T10:46:00.000-06:00

I just got awesome, exciting news from downtown! My PET and CT are totally clean! Also, my right ovary has egg follicles on it! In December when I had my scans, my left ovary was functioning...Now my right is! Each ovary works every other month so these studies are telling us that both have some sort of function! Also, the mass in my chest keeps on getting smaller and smaller, and it is just a few mere cm.! I have been having a lot of hip pain which has concerned me, but the PET noted inflammation in both of my hips. Maybe it has to do with the weather or something! I am so excited and thankful!

PET/CT Scan

2007-03-05T18:48:00.000-06:00

Hello There,
I have been up since 4:10am, and was at NMH by 6:20. I had my PET and CT scans. From what I can see, (based on my stellar radiology skills) my PET scan is clean! I kind of sensed that it would be, but you always have that doubt.

It is really interesting to see what an unclean lymphoma PET scan looks like. If you go to Google Images, and Google "Hodgkin's Lymphoma PET scans" you can see what I mean.

When you get a PET, they introduce radioactive sugar into your body based on your blood sugar level. Any organ that metabolizes glucose (the brain, heart, kidney's, bladder etc.) show up black on a PET. Cancer cells react in the same way, and they are also black on a PET. Luckily, my scan looked very "grey scale" which is great news! I know I have to wait for a radiologist's interpretation, however, I think I am in the clear!

I will be meeting with Dr. Winter on Thursday and hopefully having my "photo shoot" for the Northwestern Cancer Survivor's calender!

At night lately, I have been watching Joel Osteen videos. If you have ever seen him, he is a phenominal religious, as well as motivational speaker! I kind of think I want to take an overnight trip to Houston to see him. If anyone is interested in doing that with me, let me know!

Also, do you any of you have a racing heart after you drink alcohol? Even if I only have one or two drinks at night, I wake up in the middle of the night with my heart absolutely racing. It is a scary feeling because "alcohol pain" is a very common Hodgkin's Disease symptom.

Off to watch last night's Desperate Housewives!:)

Hello!

2007-02-28T15:19:00.001-06:00

Hi Everyone!
I have a lot of news to report, some good, and some not so good.

I have been having a lot of hip pain, and pain in my femur. I am having an MRI tomorrow, to rule out any lymphoma type of activity. Also, this Monday, I have my PET scan and CT scan at Northwestern. This I am praying will be clean, but I always error on the side of caution.

Some really exciting things are happening to me right now. I was emailed on Valentines Day by the head of media at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. They want me to do three things for them. The first thing is to be the subject of an article for the NMH faculty magazine. They want me to do a photo shoot next week, and be a calender girl for the NMH cancer survior calender. Also, they will use those pictures and make banners out of them for the NMH cancer survivor walk on June 3. This is a celebratory walk focusing on survivorship, and when people are walking the 4 mile walk by the lakefront, I will be on the banner cheering people on! I am so excited!

On St. Patrick's Day, I am going to be part of a patient panel, along with the top doctors in Chicago (the lovely Dr. Winter included) to discuss bone marrow transplants. I am so happy to get my life started, by helping others.

I also started a book about my cancer experience. Things are taking a little bit of time because I am not that motivated to write right now.

I hope all is well with you, and I look forward to seeing and talking with you soon. I recently changed my cell phone number so if you would like the new number, please contact my email for that information.

Love,
Sherrie

Here are some pics from yesteryear...When life wasn't so complicated. Sorry about the bad quality!

Dr. Fox

2007-02-12T13:36:00.000-06:00

Hi There!
It is almost my one year anniversary of my femur surgery. Last February, I had a rod put in my femur because the disease was so bad in my left hip, they needed to protect the area. I have been having a massive amount of hip and knee pain as of late, and went to Dr. Fox today to get X-Rays and check it out. The X-Ray could show if any Hodgkin's Disease were back, and luckily it didn't. He put me on a prescription of Alleve twice a day. He said that for anti-inflammatory purposes, he thinks that the drug in Alleve is better than Ibuprofen in Advil. Also, with Advil, you need to take three pills, three times a day, whereas with Alleve, you only need to take two pills, twice a day. If any of you are having some aches and pains, I guess Alleve is the way to go!

Doctor Visit

2007-02-05T16:32:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone!
Everyone here in Chicago is mourning the Bears loss in the Superbowl, and well as absolutely freezing! The warm trend for this week should be about 14 degrees! It is brutal.

I got some not so good news right now from the doctor. My hormone levels from last week came back, and they are again consistent with the fact that I am very post menopausal. I was getting my hopes up, and it is kind of sad. Who knows what advances they will make in the future though!

Stay warm!
Sherrie

Mixed Feelings

2007-01-28T19:15:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
I just got home from 6 days in Florida with my Mom and my Auntie Sherrie. We visited my cousin CJ for two days in Miami, then headed to Tampa and Ocala to hang out with my Grandma and Grandpa Teuber.

It was a fun trip but not really vacation like. We spent most of our time in the car shuttling between the different cities with a lot of luggage. Wherever my Mom and Aunt went, TJ Maxx bags seemed to follow them!

I slept at my Grandparents house, and that was nice to spend time with them. They are very spry, 84 and 89, and they work around their house as though they are 40!

I feel so well, and I look healthy. It is just so hard to think that a year ago, the doctors were telling me that my cancer had spread, and I wasn't harvesting stem cells. It was not that long ago, but it seems like my world has changed, and I never had cancer.

My friend, that I met over the Internet, Alese Coco, is a Hodgkin's champion, and has been working at eradicating her disease since 2001. She just found out that she is to have her second stem cell transplant. She is so spunky, and pretty and full of life. I can't believe that she is going through this some more. Please say a prayer for her at alesecoco.org. There you will find links of cancer surviviors and a memorial page. She has been sweet enough to put my blog on her page. The disturbing thing was to see how many memorial tributes there are with people who had the same crippling disease that I had.

It just makes me put everything into perspecitve. After I started feeling better, I started to do things like before I was diagnosed such as drinking alcohol, and eating food that wasn't so great for you. And now that I am better, I feel like I am back up to my old tricks.

Seeing people who lost their fight, or are still fighting Hodgkin's, brings back a sea of emotions for me from my illness, and a reality check. I fought so hard to be here, and now that I am here, I am not fully appreciating my life as much as I should be. It is almost like I have forgotten everything I have been through. Sounds crazy doesn't it?

I just need to always keep my experience close to my heart, and never forget. The scariest thing with cancer is that even though it is gone for a while, it doesn't mean it is going to stay away forever.

I see Dr. Winter early on Thursday, and we will do full labs, full hormone testing and a panel to see if my measels, mumps and rubella immunizations have been compeltely wiped out, or if I have some immunity left. This will be great because with the fertility tests we can gain a sense of if I really am menopausal or not. I will let you guys know when I find something out.

Love,
Sherrie

Good News, I think?

2007-01-12T16:01:00.000-06:00

I talked to Dr. Streicher, the new Ob-Gyn I saw, and she had the results of my hormone levels which would determine if I have beginning ovarian functioning or not. The levels are extremely surprising!

In July, when I had the levels tested, my doc said that they showed I was in the latent stages of menopause and would never recover. He then put me on an estogen/progesterone patch to make my bones stronger and curb menopausal symptoms.

After being on the patch for 5 months, I had the levels tested again. In November, the levels were even worse, and showed that I was in menopause.

But then I got my period, and my PET scan showed my left ovary glowing a bit. The radiologist at the time, said that my ovary was lighting up because I could be re-gaining ovarian function!

Well now the levels are showing wacky things! My Estrodiol level (three different estrogens mixed) in November was less than 10 which is majorly menopausal. Now, a little less than two months later, my estrogen level is at 146! My LH level still says I am menopausal, and my FSH level shows that I am in the later stages of menstruation before menopause! I don't know what to think!

I am going to stay off the hormones for a few more weeks, and have my levels tested again when I see Dr. Winter on February 1.

Some not so great news....A wonderful man, named Frank Fromm who worked with my Dad for 15 years passed away yesterday. He was a driver for the business, and would make deliveries. He was well over 80 years old when he stopped working at RT, but he was so strong. I loved him so much! He was such a talker! I remember when I was teaching in Buffalo Grove and I would run to Deerfield's Bakery for lunch. I would see an RT car sitting in the parking lot. I would walk in, and Frank would be socializing with all of the ladies and having coffee and doughnuts. I used to tease him that he was on a perpetual coffee break. He was such a nice man, and I am so upset that he has passed away.

Have a fun weekend! Rainy, sleety, icy, snowy and cold if you are in Chicago!

Happy New Year!

2007-01-09T19:44:00.000-06:00

Hey!
Happy Belated Holidays! I hope you all had fun with your family and friends. I cannot believe how time flies. A year ago, this week, I was preparing for my second week of ICE chemotherapy, and now I feel so great! Let's just pray that it stays that way.

Please help me in saying a little prayer for a friend of mine. He had Stage IV Hodgkin's, and as of late, Dr. Winter thinks he may have relapsed, and is due for a stem cell transplant. I talked with him today, and he has such a great attitude!

I just arrived home after two weeks in California and Hawaii with Chris. We had a blast! I will post some pics as well.

Tomorrow, I meet with Dr. Streicher at NMH. She is going to run many fertility tests on me so we will see how that goes.

Love,
Sherrie

Happy Birthday Dad!

2006-12-17T11:31:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday DaDa! I love you!

Puppies!

2006-12-11T14:18:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone,
I had a little fun, and sadness yesterday. Since I have been sick, I have wanted to get a puppy of my own. I wanted a Teddy Bear puppy because they are cute and cuddly and can travel with you on the airplane. Well I got my wish, for a night. Chris and I went to a breeder and brought home a little gal named Annie with us. It just seemed like it would be too hard to handle, especiallly since Barney is so old, and this little girl was not even potty trained. Also, potty training a puppy in the winter would be hard business. It was so sad to bring Annie back home to the other puppies but I think it was the right decision. We got a lot of great pics though!
Enjoy!

Great News!

2006-12-05T18:15:00.000-06:00

Hi!
I have the preliminary results of all of my tests at NMH yesterday. Here they are...
1. Bone Density: I am in the early stages of Osteoperosis called Osteopenia. I should be taking more Calcium and bone loss meds.
2. Doppler of Leg: My blood clot is gone! I am also finally off of Coumadin after 9 months! I can finally eat greens and Vitamin K. Yeah!
3. CT of Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis: Clean! And the mass (leftover scar tissue) in my mediastinum is smaller!
4. MRI: Bone loss and height loss at T12 vertebrae. Everything is stable.
5. PET scan: Totally clean except.....a little lighting up in my left ovary!!!! Initial findings are saying that there is ovarian function activity!!! Maybe that is why I am getting my period! I am so excited!!!!
These are just initial findings, but most of the time, they remain stagnant with the final diagnosis.
Life is wonderful and I am so thankful!
Talk to you soon!
Love,
Sherrie

Upcoming Scans

2006-12-03T10:32:00.000-06:00

Hello!
Lots of news to report. My awesome friend Jenn had a wonderful belated birthday party for me last night. All of my great friends turned out, and we had a ton of food, drinks and good conversation. We also wanted a theme to the party, so we did a holiday cookbook exchange. Everyone had fun, and it was great to see my friends. Jenn's condo was decorated to the hilt! Her theme this year was snowmen, and she and her Mom brought over 20 boxes of decorations into the condo.

Tomorrow, beginning at 6:15am, I have ALL of my scans at NMH. I start out the day at 6:15 with a bone density test, and then my PET scan at 6:30. I have a CT of my neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis at 9:00. Then I have a break until 1:45 when I have a Doppler of my leg to see if my blood clot is gone, and an MRI of my spine to gage the compression fracture and the healing from all of the massive tumors I had.

Doing my scans like this equals a really long day, but I would rather go through the hassle of sitting there and doing all of the waiting in one day, rather that two. It is very frustrating, and I know Northwestern is one of the best, but when you have an entity so large, there is so much lack of communication betweeen staff members, and so much waiting.

Oh, and my little period friend has returned. If I am going to be infertile like all of the docs say, then why am I getting my period? It is driving me crazy! I am visiting a new OB-GYN at NMH, so that my doctors are all consistent within the system.

Hope you are having fun getting ready for the holidays and spending time with family and friends!

Love,
Sherrie

I think my movie works!:)

2006-11-27T15:33:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone!
I think I got my IMovie of my stem cell speech to work. Check it out at:
http://homepage.mac.com/fundraiser2/iMovieTheater8.html
Sherrie

Hello!

2006-11-26T20:03:00.000-06:00

Hey Everyone!
Happy Belated Thanksgiving! I cannot believe that there are Christmas lights up everywhere! I had a great time this weekend at my Auntie Sherry's house on Thursday, and then up to Door County with Chris that night. We had a very good time, but the diet must start tomorrow! I need to be at NMH at 7:30 tomorrow for a pulmonary function test. Maybe that will help uncover why I am having such shortness of breath. Here is a pic of Chris and I from Thanksgiving. The weather has been unseasonally warm and nice...around 60 degrees!

Lots of Medical News

2006-11-16T19:13:00.000-06:00

Hey All,
Sorry my little movie didn't work for you! I've got to take my computer to the Apple store and see what I did wrong.

On the medical front: I was at Northwestern by myself from 10-5 today. The day started out with an echo-cardiogram of my heart, and a doctor visit with Dr. Winter. I ended up waiting over an hour for the echo, two hours for Dr. Winter and then two hours for a surprise sprial CT of my lungs. See, I have been having horrible shortness of breath for the last month, and Dr. Winter wanted to make sure that I didn't throw a pulmonary embolism to my lung (especially since I have a history of blood clots). Needless to say, everything looked clear, so I may need a pulmonary function test to see my lung capacity. Last week, I had a chest film done, and that was clear, so we know that there is no tumor in my mediastinum like before.

I was walking on the treadmill last night thinking about the last time I had gotten my period. Sorry if this is too up close and personal for some of you!:) I haven't gotten it since July '05 when I started chemo, and my OB-Gyn has told me that I am in irreversible menopause.

This morning I got a visit from my little friend. Full blown! They tested my estrogen levels today, and not all labs are back yet. However, the labs that I got back still kind of said that I am menopausal. But how weird is that! I guess if God wants me to have my own babies, he is going to make it happen!

On Wednesday, I planned a last minute trip to Seattle. Chris is working up there this week, and I am meeting him tomorrow for the weekend. I will be back on Sunday, and he will be coming to Chicago for my birthday and Thanksgiving.

Have a great weekend!
Sherrie

Stem Cell Speech

2006-11-13T21:25:00.001-06:00

I am so excited! I figured out a way to publish my stem cell speech on the web. Here is the address. Enjoy!
http://homepage.mac.com/fundraiser2/iMovieTheater7.html

Some News

2006-11-09T17:50:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone!
Sorry I haven't been keeping up to date. I do have a lot of exciting news.
My best friends husband, Mike Frerichs, won the Illinois Senate seat in the 52nd district! He is the man who I spoke about stem cells for. There is a press release dealing with my speech that day.
http://mikefrerichs.com/press/10_31_06_stemcell.html

Also, we had our "Be-Dazzled in Barrington" fundraiser yesterday. We didn't raise as much money as we hoped, only around $2,500. Everything is a learning experience though, and hopefully I will be able to take my experience and plan something really beneficial in the future...Hmm maybe a Leukemia Lymphoma Society event???

I had a chest X-ray on Monday, because I have been having a lot of shortness of breath. I was very scared that it could be re-occurring tumor, or a blood clot. The film was clean! However, Dr. Winter wants me to have an Echo-Cardiogram next week. I have that scheduled for Thursday, and then an appointment with her to follow. I think everything is okay, but I am extremely cautious.

Tomorrow night, I am attending a St. Jude event downtown. I am so happy to be able to support children with illnesses, especially cancer.

Have a wonderful weekend!