Milestone Victories: First Steps Outside and No More Drains!

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Celebrating Progress in My Cancer Journey - Medical Updates, Community Support, and Finding Joy in Small Wins

I've made it through 4 of my 7 medical appointments this week and I'm exhausted. It's a miracle this note is coming out at all! If you have a moment to send me pictures of flowers- this week is a good time to do so.

The photo above is our first meal out!! We did it!! We ate out last Thursday with a view of a river on one of the beautiful days before nutty storms settled in. This meal was courtesy of generous folks who wanted us to eat out for our anniversary… we just had to wait a bit to make it happen!

CONTINUED GRATITUDE & MIRACLE MOMENTS

The support has been incredible! I'm so grateful for the additional contributions that have come in through the GoFundMe. It's been rough the past couple weeks as, even though Robie completed his application for Paid Leave Oregon, he's not been paid by them, and isn't being paid through his work at all for the month he's been off work to support my care.

We even started the process back in February and it took 6 weeks to get his change of address done. Not surprisingly he was starting to miss his paychecks, which was not an expense we anticipated—on top of the $900 monthly we learned was required for him to pay to keep our insurance while he's on Paid Leave Oregon (ouch) that had to be paid before May 1st.

Like a champ, Robie came through and sold things to make magic happen and carry his finances through. He didn't want to touch the GoFundMe account or any other monies we've received to cover what he normally contributes. He wanted those funds to stay focused on what I'd already budgeted. Isn't he amazing? I'm still in awe that he was able to gather enough funds to cover everything, especially at a time with so much weighing on him.

Because he kept everything in flow -the continued funds that came in meant I could book a much-needed cleaner who came in last week to do some deep cleaning and disinfecting—also important for my long-term well-being. So very grateful that the funds continue to come in and that my husband is amazing and resourceful.

The deep cleaning was helpful, and we are looking for someone more long term (the cleaners were a crew, versus an individual, which was too overwhelming, and meant that communication was challenging as they ended up rearranging everything that was situated for what I need, e.g. all of the towels hung on hooks I can't reach…), so send your prayers and energy towards us finding the right person for that!

We did register for Cleaning for a Reason - https://cleaningforareason.org/patients/ which offers 2 free cleanings to Cancer patients, but haven't heard back anything (other than a confirmation they received it), yet. If you know of anyone fighting cancer – this is a great resource!

I'm also incredibly grateful for helping hands! One of my friends here in Bend who I was fortunate to meet through writing (have I mentioned the amazing support I've had from my author friends during this entire journey? I'm still in awe of how they've all showed up!) has a daughter who helps out. We finally arranged for her to come be my "hands" for one day a week.

It is amusing to me how exhausted I was after just an hour and a half to 2 hours of moving around the house and sitting, as I directed her where each of the dishes belonged, and supervised part of the stain-fighting process for all my clothes that are soaking up the medical salve my wounds need to heal... and having a hard time letting go!

My friend's daughter had all the energy, was super helpful, and didn't complain once! She quickly accomplished each task, and it was such a gift for both Robie and me. In fact, Robie talked about it for the next day and a half—how helpful it was to have her there. Not only because it freed up his time (that was 2 hours of tasks he didn't have to do that day), but also because it was wonderful to see someone her age excited and willing to help out.

This has been our biggest blessing this past week. It was so helpful, and we are super grateful for that support and how much it lifts off of Robie's shoulders while allowing me to actually contribute by providing direction while she does the things I can't. Very grateful indeed!

MILESTONE MOMENTS

🎉 No More Drains! 🎉

How has this not been shared?? It’s been a week since last Thursday, but we had the final hip drain removed! The wound leaked for five days which was messy and no fun, but the increased movement is definitely connected to being drain free. The medical plan is for my body to redirect those fluids to my lymphatic system instead of trying to escape through the drain wound that's still healing. This means my body can focus on healing in other ways—very exciting progress!

We've also graduated to seeing that surgeon every 2 weeks instead of weekly. This is also a plus!

FIRST STEPS (LITERALLY!)

It's been a week since last Monday night when I was first able to walk down the stairs, out of our house, to our neighbor's driveway, and back into the house (using the ramp to return). I was pretty beat afterward, but I ACTUALLY WALKED OUTSIDE THE HOUSE for the first time since my surgery! Every day that incrased and today, in a twenty-minute window before a medical appointment, I stood impatiently in line at Old Navy to return some items I'd purchased when I was desperately trying to find skirts that worked when I first came home. The clerk had to call in backup up and we tested my stamina as we waited for them to figure it out. Robie had offered to return these items for me, but my instincts told me it would be messy and them telling him that one thing didn't work would have resulted in it coming home with him (how was he to know they were the problem?) and he never would've known the other item was returned for the incorrect price! So, I'm making gains every day – and a week after leaving the house on my feet – we left the house without a wheelchair (although we used one from the hospital for the Dr. appt… because Old Navy wore me out!).

I'm typically able to be up for 5 to 10 minutes at a time, with necessary breaks and some challenging moments. But all of these are beautiful increases in mobility, and I'm very grateful for each and every step forward.

It did help for Robie to catalogue the other night all my body has been through… it has been a month – I thought I'd be back to standing straight and typical walks by now… but 14 hour surgery – the havoc my body has gone through… grace is needed.

WHAT'S NEXT

With the drain situation resolved and mobility improving daily, we're focusing on building stamina and continuing the healing process. It's been hard to accept that my major wounds will need until mid-August, but I guess it was helpful to have framing that it was unique to my case – even if I don't understand why this is the case. Looking online my surgery typically requires a minimum of 8 weeks to 16 weeks off of work. The 16 weeks surprised me, but helped. The podcast plans are slowed as I'm so exhausted right now, but I'm still excited to share more about the "Being Honest" segment in upcoming newsletters.

WAYS you can Support

Thursday brings two particularly challenging appointments that have me concerned. The first involves wound debridement (yes, it sounds as uncomfortable as it is), and I'll be taking pain medication beforehand. The second appointment focuses on long-term treatment planning with a provider I'm still building trust with. If you have a moment on Thursday, please send healing thoughts, prayers, or good energy our way - both for me and for Robie, as it will be an emotionally and physically demanding day for us both. Having these appointments on the same day wasn't ideal, but we'll get through it together.

Robie's mother continues making remarkable progress in her recovery. The outpouring of love you've shown on Facebook has lifted her spirits tremendously. If you haven't had a chance to leave her a note of encouragement, you can still do so here: https://www.facebook.com/shawna.rodrigues (look for the May 10th post).

For additional ways to offer support during this journey, please visit the blog: https://bit.ly/SupportSR

STANDING WITH SHAWNA CHALLENGE

I can’t let you forget about the #StandingWithShawna challenge! We still have a week or so left!! Despite my current limitations, there's something wonderful about knowing people are connecting through this simple act of solidarity.

My personal goal is to master standing without using my hands even after I've fully recovered and regained arm mobility. Who knows - maybe this will become my secret to longevity! 😂

If you're just learning about this challenge or haven't started yet, it's never too late to join in. You can find all the details in my original post: https://being-honest.beehiiv.com/p/no-place-like-home (scroll to the end of that post for instructions).

Depths of Gratitude!!

Your messages, cards, and support continue to be the brightest spots in my days. A delightful friend is in London and sending me photos of her walks each day - including flowers. Another friend sent me photos of flowers from Austria yesterday! Each note reminds me that I'm not walking this path alone, and your kindness fuels my determination. Thank you for being my circle of warriors—I feel your strength when mine wavers.

Until next week,

With gratitude, grit, and lots of grace,

Shawna

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