Bone Scans and Dreadlocks

To an outsider, 7 a.m. on Tuesday at Sheila’s house resembled a typical morning in countless homes all across America. Darling child with bedhead (still sporting his pjs) begging mama to stay home and play for the day. The “man of the house” reassuring the boy mom would return soon and bidding her farewell with a kiss and a snug.

She was off to her bone scan appointment. The day before was the MRI appointment. The following day will be the genetic testing appointment. The day after that is the PET scan appointment. Clearly, nothing here is typical.

Armed with a binder filled with far more medical information than anyone should ever have to digest, our always organized intrepid reporter walked into the dark, foggy morning and once again stepped into the unknown. She was sporting her skinny jeans and looked fab, I might add. Most of all she carried herself with poise and composure like no other.

We arrived at the bone scan appointment and she was ushered in to have the dye injected prior to the scan. We had a 45 minute window as we waited for the dye to “do its thing” (I know, I know—what does “do its thing mean?”) No clue. I will have to ask more questions if I am supposed to be the one to update you. Bear with me for now as I am still learning but I will get better, promise. For now--back to waiting for the dye to work—we decided to wait it out at Starbucks. We watched the inauguration and chatted some mostly about reality shows, Saturday Night Live, and what she should wear on her head if the time comes (bleached blond wig with blue highlights? A doo-rag? We did determine the hat Aretha Franklin wore at the inauguration was one we should avoid). I assured her I’d gather some ideas we can present to her if needed.

Minutes later she was having the bone scan done. We talked a bit more as she lay on the table and the machine scanned her beautiful body. She was so brave. Nearly 45 minutes later as the procedure was nearing and I thought she might be sleeping dear Sheila simply said, “dreadlocks.” I am not sure if I ever was more inspired by another.

Exhale

I sent the following email to many of you on Tuesday, January 20 (opened below as an FYI). I wanted to share with you many of the comments that were sent back to me about our beloved Sheila. She is so fortunate to have you.

The email~

“Very good news” was the report Sheila and Jason received today after yesterday’s MRI.

Here’s the good word:
MRI showed nothing they did not already know. (They knew it was a 3 cm mass on her right breast (they said it may extend a little further, not sure). They knew there was lymph node involvement in her right armpit. They are not sure how many nodes are in the lump in her armpit.)

BUT--no other lymph nodes are affected and no lumps were detected in her other breast or around her sternum.

It was SUPER news. Sheila exhaled for what felt like the first time in days she said.

I can tell you—seeing Sheila and Jason embrace after receiving the call was magical.

Lastly, Sheila had her bone scan today and was a real trooper. She even managed to eat a scone (which showed me she was striving to be as positive as she can be despite all the chaos). She is an inspiration indeed. We were able to duck into a Starbucks while we waited for the dye to work prior to the bone scan and we witnessed the inauguration.

That’s the news for now. ~Katie

Glimpses into a few of your hearts (I took the liberty of editing some of the comments simply for flow purposes)~

I feel like I have been holding my breath waiting also. She is the best person I know and one of the strongest which is so awesome. Val

that's a HUUUUGE exhale. Great news Sheila. You are amazing, and I hope you continue to get good news amidst all this craziness and scariness for you. I so appreciate these updates and send you lots of love. elham

I think we can all exhale a bit. Anne

FANTASTIC news!!! I am breathing a sigh of relief today for Sheila as well,
and for all Americans in fact on this day. What a great day to be alive! Lara

Sheila - congrats on passing your first test of the week! And, way to pack it all in today - taking tests, getting test results, eating a scone AND watching the inauguration! I think you've accomplished much more today than I have. What a day...Lynae

Sheila, I'm right there with you, inhaling and exhaling and enjoying the thrill of simply breathing and taking in the day. It has been a most important one on many fronts. Take good care throughout the rest of the week. It is so good you got some important answers so quickly. Here's to you - an incredibly strong woman!! Hugs to Jason and Oliver too - thinking of all of you. Sending my best,Leslie

Those are but a few of the highlights--the other well wishes, loving thoughts, and sweet sentiments have been passed along to our girl I assure you.

I exchanged lovely emails with Sheila's mom, Gail, and her aunt, Marilyn "Myrt" today as well--if ever you wondered where Sheila got her heart and strength--I know.

I will leave you with this for now~

"Individually we are one drop. Together we are an ocean." Ryunosuke Satoro