It has been a very emotional couple of days. Shelley and I met when Dr Calvacant (cancer) and Dr Taylor (radiologist) today. They have both been going over the tests that were run at Gilbert Mercy Hospital. They have been very detailed in helping us understand the options that Shelley is facing. I have not been able to sleep since Shelley has been diagnosed (as you can tell with the time that I am writing this blog). It's amazing how much information there is on the Internet about this cancer. She has been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer that has metastasis to the brain and other part of her body. There is no cure for this cancer but with treatment it can be slowed from growing and even reduced in size. Chemo is ineffective in treating the spots on the brain but is effective for all the other parts of the body. Dr Calvacant feels the best approach is to start chemo tomorrow and later see what can be done with the brain. The best treatment for the brain is radiation. He will start that in the next 3 to 4 weeks. If anyone is interested in reading more it can be found at
http://www.medicinenet.com/lung_cancer/article.htm

It was nice to see Lynn and Eldonna (shelley sisters) drive down from Utah. All the visitors have helped with Shelley's spirit. Dad and Bobby(eldon's wife) had just left on a mission for the church in Mexico when Shelley got sick. I guess the Lord knew they needed to come back because when they got their visa's they were issued only tourist visa and needed to return to the border. When Shelley was in ICU on Monday Bobby's daughters Shauna, Doris, and Karen came in and did hair, make-up and shaved her legs (oh and yes the pits, if you know what I mean, she was starting to look a little European) it did made her feel good as you can tell from the picture. Sue Steele has also come down to the hospital several times and has given Shelley a very relaxing and stress releasing massage. I think one time it lasted over 2 hours. All of the visitors, massages, hairdressing, and of course shaving(ha ha) have made her hospital experience bearable.

I think that the older kids have a pretty good understanding on what is going on. I have sat down with all of them as a group and individually. When we came home from the hospital Monday night Coleen, our 8 yr old, was fast asleep on the couch. It was 12:30am. She had put on Shelley robe. I woke her up and took her to bed and said lets take off the robe. She said "no it's mommy's. Can I sleep with it, because when I wear it I can feel mom", how could I say no to that. She then asked me to say her prayers with her. yes I cried

Well that's just about it. I have to say thanks to the ward sisters that have made meals every night. They have kept us well feed. In fact because I have been coming home late from the hospital I try with all my will power not to eat at 12 midnight but when I see what was made I can't help myself-----thanks for helping me get fat----again. ha ha