Another Test Update (and Mama Bear)

Please find the results of Sheila's PET/CT Scan below as reported on Friday afternoon.

* PET/CT (full body scan) saw no tumors in major organs. It did see a small mammary node along the ribs on the right side that they'll want to take a closer look at with an ultrasound. It showed no glucose uptake, however. If it had, it would have indicated cancer. If this turns out to be something, they'd just hit it with radiation when I get my treatment.

All- Sheila is once again processing the info. as best she can and obviously delivering us the news as soon as she can (and as soon as I can post!) so we're all up to speed. I can tell she really wants to make sure we're alright.

Clearly she's gotten some good results this week and we were all here to celebrate with her. She knows we're also here to rally with her if the news is not as great as she would like. While she knows this in theory I also know she wants to protect us some and I am here to state to Sheila on behalf of us all, "It ain't about us, girl."

We are here to support, love, nurture, cry, celebrate, hope, dream, and just BE with you. Anytime. Regardless.

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