Thursday, March 20, 2008

Down but not out!!!

We just got the news after being called to the Hospital that we have been randomised to the chemotherapy treatment and then stem cell if no stabilization of Shazzas scleroderma. Its not what we all hoped, even Dr Burt and his team felt pity for us, he seemed as saddened by the result as we were. All it means is we have to have up to six treatments of chemo with the first tomorrow. Shazzas suffering will continue a bit longer maybe the chemo will help for awhile. If the scleroderma gets worse we will be back straight away so preventing the complications of the disease taking more of a hold. The insurance funding for the stem cell is good up until feb 09 so it will hopefully occur without having to be extended or battled for again. Once in a lifetime is enough for anyone as the post traumatic stress takes its toll. Now I have to survive the mother in law for 2 months maybe fighting the insurance wasnt that bad!!! We will be back to get the treatment which will fix Shazzas knackered immune system and put an end to this roller coaster ride of emotional turmoil.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dearest friends,

I'm so so sorry that the randomization didn't go the way we all wanted for you, Sharon. You must be incredibly disappointed. I know that Sharon will be right back there after she finishes her chemo. If it's any consolation, the chemo will help the skin a bit. It did in me and others I know. But she will be back. the fact that you have to go through all this again just kills me. You're down but not out for sure.

Your friend,
Victoria

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon and Craig bet you are both shattered after today and even though this isnt the path we all hoped for you may have to take the long way but will get there, thinking of you tomorrow Sharon.
Dad is doing ok thanks had an angio and 2 stents but needs a third. Take care love Nigel and Julie

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon and Craig bet you are both shattered after today and even though this isnt the path we all hoped for you may have to take the long way but will get there, thinking of you tomorrow Sharon.
Dad is doing ok thanks had an angio and 2 stents but needs a third. Take care love Nigel and Julie

Justice said...

Dear Shazza:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We miss you terribly and think of you daily. Keep the faith...there is always a reason for everything. You may not know why today but tomorrow or even a week from now may shed new light.

Love,

THE ENDO TEAM

Anonymous said...

A slight setback but you guys have tackled worse and come out swinging! Hopefully the chemo will slow the progression and you'll still get the stem cells in 6 mo. I was so hoping you would get the fast track to the stem cells. Keep your chin(s) up! MaryC

Anonymous said...

Hi to both of you,
I can only imagine how disappointed you are! I also know about disappointment. Our only choice is to have our sad moment that we all deserve and than do what we need to do. You are such good people, good things happen to good people! What length of time is the chemo over?
Love Devin

Anonymous said...

Sharon and Craig
You must be disappointed but remember you must trust in the Dr. and the Lord.....
I am having no advancement of my scleroderma for two years on the regime I am on that is Enbrel and Plaquenil so I hope that you will have the same luck!
Sue Oleneack

Anonymous said...

hi shaz and craig.
sorry you didnt get the treatment you hoped for, but these things happen so chin up and enjoy time at home with the boys and the mother in law.
time will tell hope things work out for the best in long run.
thinking about you both.
all our love
ness neil hollie greg xxxxxx

Anonymous said...

why do bad things happen to good people? i just pray and hope for the best, and have faith that God is looking out for us....i prayed extra for you guys. :-( jojo

Anonymous said...

Dear Ones,
For people like you who have each other, and a wonderful collection of family and friends, now is a time to roll up your sleeves alittle bit higher and continue to fight. Victory does not come without a battle, so press on sweetheart, you are a winner.

I trust that you keep your spirits high and not let discouragement sway your outlook. I believe you will do well. Attitude and gratitude matters.

Believing the best for you,
Alice Hoggatt

Anonymous said...

HI very sorry it waz not the news u wonted but at lest they are do ing something and u will she the kides soon and the in law i/e pat bri/wend/josh/kel/chris xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Anonymous said...

Dear sharon and Craig
You said it down but not out at the end of the day your in the best place shame its not nearer home so how much longer in chicago? hope chemo goes well
love markie xxx
ps up the wolves

Anonymous said...

My Dear Friends Sharon and Craig;

Everything happens for a reason; however we may not truly understand why we are going through what life has dealt us; but we DON'T give up; we take another road around the situation; and stand back and still enjoy God's beauty of it all. Keep smiling and stay focoused. One day' all of this will be history and just be a memory in the "diary of life!" You are going to be healed from this disease and you will be stronger. God speed to you and all of your family my dear friend Shazza!

All of my best to you...

Marilyn

pat baker said...

Dear Sharon and Craig, I know you must be disappointed about the randomization, but remember that all things happen for a reason. I hope that the chemo went well and that Sharon is feeling okay. I am thinking about you and praying for you. We miss you!!! Pat

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon and Craig, I am sorry that things are not going like you had hoped for. Hope is endless! I hope you wont mind but I wanted to share this verse with you. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord", plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Thank you both for sharing your journey with us. We are thinking of you! Happy Easter.........Karla and Philip

Anonymous said...

Hi folks sorry about the bad news but im sure youll get thru this We can only hope you get the treatment you deserve eventually. I Think Craig will need treatment after the next 8 weeks.
all our love
Chris,debs,sarah and connor

About Me

I work as an RN in Endoscopy at John C. Lincoln Hospital and in 2006 I was diagnosed with Systemic Scleroderma, a condition that has no known treatment and was always symptom management. After doing some research, I discovered Dr. Burt, a doctor in Chicago who is pioneering the use of stem cell transplant to treat Scleroderma. This process uses my own stem cells - taken from me, cleaned, and then re-introduced back into my body, so that it will no longer recognize the Scleroderma. This is a very basic summary of a complex procedure. Systemic Scleroderma has a very poor prognosis and with my symptoms worsening I feel that this is my only chance at getting treatment and reversing my symptoms. I have worked for 6 years at JCL, Deer Valley and hope to continue there with excellence. I wish to continue be a good mother to my 2 boys, a good wife to my wonderful husband, and maybe one day be a good grandmother.