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Putting the can in cancer

Video Content

My diagnosis and experience at Revere Healthcare

Part I

Part II

Living with Metastasized Breast Cancer – Changing your Mindset

Part II

Let’s Get Social

Latest Posts

Symptoms & Diagnosis – Breast Cancer IDC, Stage 4 Triple Positive

A Patient’s Experience – My Interview for Curia

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notoriousmbc_

Inspiration * Acceptance * Gratitude
MBC Triple Positive 2016

⁠ ⁠ Cancer - The gift that keeps on giving.⁠

⁠
⁠
Cancer - The gift that keeps on giving.⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
SMH - Shaking My Head⁠
⁠
⁠
I ended up with a toothache and MORE swelling. ⁠
⁠
⁠
56 years old, and this has never happened before.⁠
⁠
⁠
I had made an appointment for Monday afternoon with my regular dentist.⁠
⁠
⁠
The pain and swelling were getting worse.⁠
⁠
⁠
I put a post on FB this morning. But it didn't seem like any of the dentists were available.⁠
⁠
⁠
After a Hail Mary on a Holiday Weekend, I sent a text to a very well connected dental friend. I hadn't connected with her for years, and suddenly she showed up on that FB post from earlier In the day.⁠
⁠
⁠
Stephanie has all their dental digits, and before I knew it.⁠
⁠
⁠
an actual appointment 840 pm on July 4th⁠
⁠
⁠
This was the "First Dental Dance" that I have ever done.⁠
⁠
⁠
That excruciating toothache was most likely being caused by bone deterioration that can cause a gum infection.⁠
⁠
⁠
I didn't have bone loss last year at my dental check-up.⁠
⁠
⁠
Thanks so much, metastatic breast cancer⁠
⁠
⁠
At first, the dentist though a root canal might be needed. ⁠
⁠
⁠
But - there wasn't anything on the X-ray pointing to that actually being the issue.⁠
⁠
⁠
So he cleaned it up - I got my antibiotics earlier today.⁠
⁠
⁠
If needed, we will go back in tomorrow for the root canal. Crossing my fingers and toes that I don't need one.⁠
⁠
I’m very grateful for a friend who was kind enough to reach out. She was on vacation in the mountains and took the time.⁠. @stephsdsr
⁠
⁠
Whew, I'm so glad she did -⁠
⁠
⁠
I'll be paying that one forward.⁠
⁠
⁠
Karma works that way.⁠
⁠
S⁠ending you all love and a productive new week.⁠
⁠
Shari

⠀ We got the dreaded call⠀ ⠀ ⠀ Dad’s ass

⠀
We got the dreaded call⠀
⠀
⠀
Dad’s assisted care facility has been clear of COVID for weeks.⠀
⠀
⠀
And then a female resident was hospitalized yesterday, having COVID.⠀
⠀
They are now consigned to each of their rooms at least until they all pass the test. ⠀
⠀
Wish we could all catch a break⠀
⠀
With this entire situation.⠀

This is a natural alternative to many of our sk

This is a natural alternative

to many of our

skincare issues -
#radiationburns #psoriasis #sunburn they asked me to give it a try after my last surgery.

⠀⠀
Six weeks⠀⠀
⠀⠀
2-3 times per week⠀⠀
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
Core - Balance - Stamina⠀⠀
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
I’ve never been to a Physical Therapist⠀⠀
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
I asked my Pallative care doctor for a referral ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
After everything it seems helpful ⠀⠀
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
Why wouldn’t all breast cancer patients benefit from this? Any cancer patient —-⠀⠀
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
What has been your experience?⠀⠀
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
Has PT been recommended?⠀⠀
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
Did it help?⠀⠀
⠀⠀
⠀⠀
⠀
⠀⠀

⁠ Fred's puppy swim⁠ ⁠ ⁠ First time in the

⁠
Fred's puppy swim⁠
⁠
⁠
First time in the water -⁠
⁠
⁠
His personality reminds me so much of Steve and me.⁠
⁠
He warms up to the idea eventually.

⁠ Checking in⁠ ⁠ ⁠ from earlier this week

⁠
Checking in⁠
⁠
⁠
from earlier this week --⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
I've been wanting to do this for a while -⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
Fred learns to swim -⁠
⁠
⁠
Check out the next post⁠
⁠
⁠
Adorable Puppy Swim

We may not be the perfect family, ⁠ ⁠ but we a

We may not be the perfect family, ⁠
⁠
but we are certainly perfect in our imperfection.⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
Above all, we have the thing that matters most --⁠
⁠
unconditional love. ⁠
⁠
And you model that for us, ⁠
⁠
EVERY DANG DAY,⁠
⁠
no matter what!⁠
⁠
⁠
Thank you!⁠
⁠
We love you, and we love⁠
⁠
celebrating you --⁠
⁠
today and always!⁠
⁠
⁠
You're gonna love me like nobody's loved me⁠
Come rain or come shine⁠
Happy together, unhappy together⁠
And won't it be fine?⁠
Days may be cloudy or sunny⁠
We're in or we're out of the money⁠
⁠
But I'll love you always⁠
I'm with you rain or shine⁠
⁠
⁠
Happy Father's Day! @ssheranian⁠
⁠
⁠

⁠ If anyone needs a reminder⁠ ⁠ ⁠ I'm rais

⁠
If anyone needs a reminder⁠
⁠
⁠
I'm raising my hand⁠
⁠
⁠
ITS OKAY TO NOT BE OKAY⁠
⁠
⁠
I've been slowly pulling myself out ⁠
⁠
of a hole -- maybe similar to you?⁠
⁠
⁠
And that is OKAY -⁠
⁠
⁠
Love yourself where you are.⁠
⁠
⁠
Have grace for your situation.⁠
⁠
⁠
Work on gratitude and ride it out.⁠
⁠
⁠
We will all be exactly where we need to be.⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
Two-week ⁠
⁠
⁠
post-surgery update⁠
⁠
⁠
It was emotionally lifting to⁠
⁠
⁠
have twenty-four staples removed⁠
⁠
⁠
from my head.⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
I am healing very well and ⁠
⁠
⁠
honestly, I didn't feel a thing as⁠
⁠
⁠
each one came out.⁠
⁠
⁠
Did you read that?⁠
⁠
24 staples in the back of my head!⁠
⁠
⁠
I AM A BADASS⁠
⁠
⁠
Sending the biggest virtual squeeze to⁠
⁠
anyone who may need it.⁠
⁠
It is a small world and⁠
⁠
I'm right here with you.⁠
⁠
love always,⁠
⁠
Shari⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠@brave_is_now

⁠ Real Life⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Today was the day ⁠ ⁠

⁠
Real Life⁠
⁠
⁠
Today was the day ⁠
⁠
⁠
that my fluff boy finally⁠
⁠
⁠
got some attention.⁠
⁠
⁠
I was happy -- I promise⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
I am happy⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
It was a great day⁠
⁠
⁠
I am feeling better each day⁠
⁠
⁠
Fred is happy.⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
We had an unexpected visit from friends outside and⁠
⁠
social distancing⁠
⁠
⁠
It was unexpected and so needed by us all.⁠
⁠
⁠
Thank you for sending me your message. ⁠
⁠
I love each of you too!⁠
⁠
I am slowly starting to respond to you each.⁠
⁠
That is what I want to do.⁠
⁠
I am giving myself grace⁠
⁠
I am giving myself time⁠
⁠
for emotional and physical healing.⁠
⁠
I am sending you all my love and utmost respect.⁠
⁠
⁠
Here is to a wonderful week.⁠
⁠
Shari⁠
⁠

Day 10⁠ ⁠ post-surgery⁠ ⁠ Knocking on wood

Day 10⁠
⁠
post-surgery⁠
⁠
Knocking on wood⁠
⁠
I'm starting to feel physically more like myself.⁠
⁠
Emotionally, I have run the garment for the past few weeks.⁠
⁠
It is like I've had a giant hole in my head. LOL⁠
⁠
I've been so angry about so many things.⁠
⁠
⁠
But then, haven't we all? ⁠
⁠
Disruption can be scary and uncomfortable. But I'm trying to embrace this time by learning, sharing, and talking. I hope you are, too. ⁠
⁠
It's been such an extraordinary time. In many ways, we're in the midst of historic change that will be felt for decades to come. People are examining themselves, their educations, and their attitudes to achieve a more in-depth understanding that will hopefully lead to positive change.⁠
⁠
I am always here to learn and grow.⁠
⁠
Best,⁠
Shari. @brave_is_now

Back in the saddle again⁠ ⁠ ⁠ All is well in

Back in the saddle again⁠
⁠
⁠
All is well in Oncology.⁠
⁠
⁠
Dr. W is well.⁠
⁠
Oncology Nurses that do it all⁠
⁠
⁠
Day 7 healing and underlying swelling are slowly reducing. ⁠
⁠
⁠
Blood pressure. Ridiculously high. ⁠
That’s a joke to me if you know me well.⁠
⁠
Blood work Check⁠
⁠
⁠
Side of Herceptin. Check⁠
⁠
⁠
Cut that hair off —⁠
⁠
⁠
What did that surgeon put in my hair?⁠
⁠
Been there done that -⁠
⁠
⁠
Hair No Hair don’t care.⁠
⁠
Pathology report that doesn’t show type?⁠
⁠
Really? ⁠
⁠
Honestly?⁠
⁠
I’ll take the break while they determine ER PR HER2 Positive Negative.⁠
⁠
Give me three weeks for R&R.⁠
⁠
I had an “unofficial further than six-foot” sighting of my dad. He insisted. And were told, but he asked. He saw me, and within five minutes, we were gone. ⁠
⁠
They insisted for us to be behind the glass, or he would put into a two-week quarantine. He refused. That’s what he does. He feels guilty, but we were all safe. No hugs. No touch. And further than six feet. ⁠
⁠
⁠
Goodness, I love that man. ⁠
He needed to see my face.

Day 6 I’ll take it — Fix the hair or take i

Day 6

I’ll take it —

Fix the hair or take it off?

Tomorrow Herceptin & Pathology?

Wednesday - Staple removal

Day #5 New name Frankie

Day #5

New name

Frankie

Wink wink Started out a good. Slept In and on my

Wink wink

Started out a good.
Slept In and on my left side

Surprise surprise

Swollen of course.
Headed home. And felt better than expected.

Land then too a pain pill. And ended up with the headache of my life.

We called and was told to ride it out and then take Tylenol and the Advil 4-6 hours later. That was a hellacious 2-5- hours and I still have a dull headache. I’ll take it. Honestly worst pain I’ve had yet and It seemed be a fluke.

In the meantime. I’m not sure if it is me and typing or if it is my IG. But one having issues
Time will tell

Thanks again to each of you and for your love and support. I might eventually get to your many messages and DMs. Or I might not. Just know I am reading them all and they each mean
So much to me.

Here is to a wonderful weekend to us all!

Crazy world that I am reading and feeling and sending so much love to each of you. I feel you and yes I hear you. I am learning from each of you.

Best
Shari. @brave_is_now

Day 3 is supposed to be a tough day, but so far so

Day 3 is supposed to be a tough day, but so far so good. On the mend although I look like I've been through a few rounds. (Dr. said that's "his fault" since he pumped me full of meds and fluids to help with BP during surgery and tends to pool afterward.) Should go home tomorrow for a continued slow recovery.

What on earth. Granny panties? #ICU day one.. now

What on earth. Granny panties? #ICU day one.. now in a regular room. Surgery went well. Pathology probably won't be back for several days. Nice haircut

⁠
Here is a quick update from ⁠
⁠
Neurology⁠
⁠
⁠
"This B**tch" ⁠
⁠
⁠
Tumor #1's official name now⁠
⁠
⁠
is the largest of ⁠the⁠
⁠
three tumors.⁠
⁠
It has grown the most⁠
⁠⁠
⁠
Pathology will be next to determine⁠
what type of tumors we are dealing with.⁠
⁠
This will help decide if #2 tumor should also be ⁠
⁠
⁠
removed ⁠surgically ⁠
⁠
⁠
or if chemotherapy ⁠
⁠
⁠
is the better option for #2 and #3 --⁠
⁠
⁠
Side note: #3 tumor is inoperable⁠
⁠
⁠
When Wednesday morning rolls around ⁠
⁠
I will be awaiting my happy juice and ready⁠
⁠
⁠
to get ⁠
⁠
"this b**tch"⁠
⁠
out of my head.⁠
⁠
⁠
literally and figuratively⁠
⁠
⁠
***⁠
Time for a bit of metastatic cancer education⁠
⁠
⁠
I wish I could say that this surgery will 100%⁠
⁠
be the last time ⁠
⁠
I mention tumor #1⁠
⁠
Metastatic cancer is something that ⁠
⁠
is still incurable and just keeps on giving.⁠
⁠
Will this "little b**tch grow back?⁠
⁠
⁠
Time will tell.⁠
⁠
⁠
That is why cancer patients need to regularly⁠
⁠
repeat imaging and scans.⁠
⁠
⁠
:)⁠
⁠
⁠
I can never let most of you know my true love⁠
⁠
and appreciation for you. ⁠
⁠
All I can say is, "Thank you for being here with me".⁠
⁠
⁠
Tell your story - Be vulnerable -- Share your truth⁠
⁠
I love it when I learn from you.⁠
⁠
I know the importance of learning from each other.⁠
⁠
It is how we all can experience ⁠
⁠
⁠
empathy one for another.⁠
⁠
⁠
I'll check in when I'm feeling up to it.⁠
⁠
xox⁠
⁠
Shari⁠
⁠
⁠@braveisnow
⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠

⁠⠀ What should I be⁠⠀ ⁠⠀ naming these

⁠⠀
What should I be⁠⠀
⁠⠀
naming these three little shits?⁠⠀
⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Yes, all three have already been⁠⠀
⁠⠀
zapped with radiation in 2017.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
It slowed them down⁠⠀
⁠⠀
But they started showing enlargement⁠⠀
⁠⠀
and we've been tracking them again⁠⠀
⁠⠀
since April 2019.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
⁠⠀
So Monday's appointment with the neurosurgeon ⁠⠀
⁠⠀
is not only a long time coming but vital.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Make sure to swipe through my post to learn more.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Do you have experience with brain mets and surgery?⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I love you all!⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I hope your weekend is restful and fantastic.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
I look forward to hearing about your experience.⁠⠀
⁠⠀
Shari

⁠ Simplicity over perfection⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Not ever

⁠
Simplicity over perfection⁠
⁠
⁠
Not everything needs⁠
⁠
⁠
to be perfect to still⁠
⁠
⁠
be wonderful

⁠ ⁠ Steroids are my friend. ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ Ev

⁠
⁠
Steroids are my friend. ⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
Everything's a risk.⁠
⁠
⁠
Not doing anything is a risk.⁠
⁠
⁠
It's up to you.⁠

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