Shawn and Erin Update

Hey Everyone.

Two weeks ago Shawn went to have another upper GI at Jewish Hospital. There are two pre-cancerous spots on his small intestine but the results came back that they are benign so they will be watching those. Everything in his stomach is the same. There is not much change which is both good and bad because we do want him to get better.

Most of the time Shawn is tired because he is on so many medications. The main side effect that reads on all of the bottles is "May cause drowsiness". If you know Shawn you know he can fall asleep anywhere at any time so this makes it harder for him to function at work and at home. He is getting ready to change jobs because the one he has right now is too much for his body to handle so this will be a wonderful change. He goes for his last interview tomorrow! Keep your fingers crossed!

Please continue to pray for myself and Shawn so we can get things back to the way they used to be. It's going to take some time and we still need all of the prayers to keep coming. We thank everyone again for your support and we love you! Happy Holidays!

Erin

Before and After

It was one year ago today that Shawn was diagnosed with cancer. The first photo was taken at the Gaslight Parade last year on that day, while the bottom picture was taken in the same location exactly one year later. Way to go Shawn!!!

Edie and Carrie following a Cancer Walk/Run

Shawn Update

Hey Everyone, my Dad said it right that Shawn is cancer FREE! We are so excited and very thankful that we are almost done on this journey. About two weeks ago we went to visit our family in Wisconsin for our vacation, because we were in desperate need of one. Shawn was doing pretty well until the second day with which we had to go to the emergency room up there because he was having severe back and stomach pains. We waited for 4 hours until he got to see a doctor and found out that he had an infection from the last surgery. They called it "pouchitis". He was in the hospital for three days. He is still on his antibiotic today to try and clear up the infection. He will see is surgeon for a follow up next week to make sure everything is okay.

He is starting to feel more normal and is back to work. He is taking an easy though at work and is taking advantage of not lifting anything over 10 pounds for a couple more weeks to recover from the surgery.

We haven't heard too much about when they will do anything about his stomach but we know it won't be anytime soon. He will have another upper GI in the next couple of months to see if the polyops have gotten worse and then go from there.

On the other hand, in the next couple of months, we will be going to a group of doctors at Uof L to start the process of insemmenation to have a baby. However, we are taking this step slow because we want Shawn to be healthy and ready to have a baby around. We aren't going to rush this process.

Thank you to everyone that has prayed so hard for us to get through this journey that we have been on. We both believe that God will not give us anything that we cannot handle. With the support of our family and friends we have gotten through this with you guys. You all have been right there with us through every step and we thank you for not leaving us. Thank you for the messages and the prayers and the love that you have shown us on the blog. (Thank you Dad and Brandon for the idea of the blog and we are so thankful to have a Dad care so much about us to keep this thing updated. Thank you mom for reminding Dad to update that blog, you are wonderful.)

We will try to get some pictures up soon of us and the things we have been doing in the past couple of weeks. Thank you everyone again for loving us and praying for us. We are truly blessed! Love, Shawn and Erin

Shawn is CANCER FREE!!!!!!!!

I am so excited to announce that Shawn is completelty cancer free!!! He just got back from the doctor where he received the great news!!! We would like to thank everyone for supporting Shawn and Erin through all of this!! You have been terrific!!! Thank you so much!!!! Darryl

Shawn is coming home today!!!!!!!!!!

Shawn should be coming home today from the hospital. As soon as we know for sure, we'll get it posted. Thanks, Darryl

Shawn Update

Shawn's surgery was successful. They were unable to go in where they had wanted to because of a tremendous amount of scar tissue. They had to go in through his abdomen which will make for a more painful and lengthy recovery. We are unsure at this time when he'll be leaving the hospital, but hopefully it will be soon!! Shawn is in good spirits, but he and Erin have had some tough moments the last 24 hours. They are ready to come home. They are scheduled to go on vacation this coming Friday, but that's on hold for now. Before they depart, Shawn will undergo lab work to see if he is cancer free. The results should be back within a week after that. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers.

From Erin

We just got off the phone with the doctor and they said that Shawn's surgery is for sure next Friday at 12:30. That means we are going to have a birthday party in the hospital on Saturday because that's Shawn's birthday. He will be 27 years old.

From Erin

Shawn had his last chemo treatment today (7/14). He gets disconnected tomorrow from the home health care nurse and then hopefully he will be done with chemo for a very long time and we are ready to be back to normal.

We did find out that the results were fine for his thyroid so he doesn't have to have any more test done to check that out.

The only thing we are praying about now is that he can hopefully keep his counts (white blood, red blood, platelettes) up so he can still have his surgery on July 31. Please pray that the counts stay high so that he will be finally rid of that colostomy bag and he can be back to normal.

Thank you again everyone for the much needed prayer and support and we are almost through this storm! Love you guys! Erin

Shawn Update from Erin

Today was a close call for Shawn to have chemo, but he did. The nurse had to talk to the doctor first but they decided it was okay but that he needed to be extra careful and not be around those that are sick. We will continue with his Nupagen shots on Sunday as scheduled.

We talked to our primary physician today about seeing a Thyroid specialists and he wants to do blood work first and go from there. We will know more hopefully sometime next week about what the blood work says.

Thank you for all of the comments and prayers. We thank God everday for such wonderful friends and family. Thanks again.

Shawn Update from Erin

Shawn is doing pretty well. He was scheduled to have chemo on Thursday (6/8) but he didn't have it because his platelets were down. This would make sense to why he has been having nose bleeds everyday for the past week.

Platelets are there to cause your blood to clot and when the counts are low then the blood flow doesn't slow down very much and causes frequent and uncontrollable nose bleeds.

He is scheduled to have his chemo this week hopefully. On July 29 he will have a pouchogram which will determine if everything is ready to be operated on. His second surgery is scheduled for July 31. This is the reversal surgery where the J-Pouch will hopefully be healed and ready to go for operation. Shawn will finally be rid of the illiostomy bag for forever, we hope.

In the meantime we are getting ready to go to a Thyroid specialist, which I don't know the official name of that doctor yet, to make sure his thyroids are okay and to make sure the cancer hasn't spread.

After his last two treatments they will tell us if he is cancer free or not. We will keep everyone up to date. Thank you again for your continued prayer and support for Shawn and myself. We love you guys and we are so thankful to have everyone of you in our lives here presently or even far away. Thank you. Erin

From Erin

Shawn's results came back from his upper GI scope that he had done about 2 weeks ago. Dr. Cox said the biopsy was benign, which meant it's not cancer. He said there was minor displasia, which means swelling and that the polyops in his stomach had grown since his last upper GI, which was 6 months ago. Dr. Cox said that eventaully they will probably have to take out his stomach but not anytime soon. He wants to see him for another Upper GI in 6 months. He wants this one done at the hospital so that the pathologists could get a better understanding of what the report says and Dr. Galandiuk wanted to be apart of it as well. He put Shawn on Nexium, "the purple pill" to reduce the swelling that he has in his stomach at the present time.

Dr. Cox did recommend that Shawn needs to go have his thyroid checked very soon because he wants to make sure that with this FAP gene that it hasn't spread to the thyroid.

Shawn did have treament today. It wipped him out. He slept all during the treatment and then some afterwards. As you get more involved in the treatment the worse the side effects get and the longer they last. But he is taking it one day at a time. Sunday I start giving him his Nupagen shots for 10 days this time because his blood count drops so low. Hopefully he will be able to stay on track with his treatments this way.

Thank you again for all of the support that we continue to get from everyone. We couldn't be here today without every single one of you. Love ya! Erin Renee'

Shawn Update from Erin Renee'

Shawn had another upper GI on Tuesday with Dr. Cox. Everything went well through the procedure. Dr. Cox said there are still polyops in his stomach, which we knew about prior to Tuesday. He said eventually he thinks he will have to have some kind of stomach surgery but he didn't say what kind. I failed to ask that question so when we call back for the results of the biopsies we will ask then. I asked him what were the odds of the polyops turning to cancer and he said it was too early to tell and that he couldn't answer that yet. He took a biopsy of some of the polyops in his stomach and the small intestine. Shawn is still on his Nupagen shots, which I am administering every night. He is doing pretty well. He had some neausea after chemo last week but he has drugs that can do away with that. Other than not having much of an appetite since the chemo can put sores in your mouth and cause food to not taste good, he is doing quite well.

Thank you again for your concerns and prayers. We love you guys. Erin

From Erin

Last week Shawn started taking his Nupagen shots. (I gave them to him) By Thursday they told him that his blood count was up to 30,000. So we stopped giving them. This week his count was back down to less than a 1,000. He did not have treatment today because of that reason. They are thinking he might start have to have treatments every two weeks but they aren't for sure yet. We were a little disappointed because we are ready to be finished. His spirits are still up though! Shawn is going back on an antibiotic because his immune system is so low again. Please continue the prayers. Thanks, Love, Erin

Shawn Update from Erin Renee'

Hey Everyone,

We wanted to let you guys know that Shawn finally had chemo on Thursday (3/23) and Friday (3/24). His white blood count had gone up to 3500 from 300 in a week. We were very excited! Shawn had never been ready for chemo than on Thursday because he's ready to get it over with.

The real test is that he goes back to work tonight so pray that he will have the energy and strength to make it through the day. We are very lucky that J-Mall has been very flexible with Shawn's schedule and is allowing him to take one day at a time. Thank you for that.

We do have a new addition to our lives that brightens our day. We got her on Friday (3/24). Her name is Gracey. She is a beagle/poodle mix. We call her a Begoodle! We will send pictures soon. She is all black with white paws, white tipped tail, white belly and chest. She is only 8-9 weeks old and already weighs 9.4 pounds.

Thank you everyone for your prayers. We love you guys!

From Erin

Today Shawn still did not have his chemo treatment. His white blood count was low again. The count is supposed to be over 1000. Last week it was in the 800's and this week it was in the 300's. Obviously the doctor said he couldn't do it this week either. They are not giving him any medicines besides an antibiotic so he doesn't get sick from other people. They said that his body just needs time to get the chemo out of his system and regain strength back. However, Shawn is feeling fine. He is anxious to go back to work on Sunday but we are being very cautious that he doesn't get sick. Please continue to pray for us. It's getting frustrating because he wants to be done with the chemo and it keeps getting pushed back. Thank you for continuing to write us. We are very thankful for everyone.

From Erin

Shawn saw the doctor today before he was supposed to get his chemo treatment. The doctor said that his white blood count was too low to administer the chemo medicine. The white blood count has a lot to do with your immune system. So, the chemo would just make it worse. He put him on an antibiotic because his immune system is so weak and he doesn't want him to get sick. He will have chemo next Thurdsay and Friday and then on Sunday he has to give himself one shot a day for seven days straight of Nupagen. The doctor said if he couldn't do it then I could. He asked if we had insurance for the shots because they are expensive ones. He said the pharmacist will probably pass out when he sees how many the doctor is ordering for Shawn. He is giving us a prescription for refills because he believes Shawn will need them in the future as well.
Shawn is feeling good though. He is even better because the Cats won today!

Shawn Update

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. Always know that no news is normally good news...and such is the case this time. Shawn has had some very good days. He was out washing the car this past weekend (he missed several spots). He has one of 6 remaining rounds of chemo this Thursday. Shawn will begin working again on the 19th and will be working at the Jefferson Mall store. Thank you for continuing to check back in to see how he's doing. Please don't stop. It's most encouraging to see your prayers and comments. Darryl

Shawn Update

Sorry it has been so long since my last post. Always know that no news is normally good news...and such is the case this time. Shawn has had some very good days. He was out washing the car this past weekend (he missed several spots). He has one of 6 remaining rounds of chemo this Thursday. Shawn goes back to work on the 19th, and will be at the Jefferson Mall with one of his former bosses. Thank you for continuing to check in to see how he's doing. Please don't stop. It's most encouraging for Shawn and Erin to see your prayers and comments. Darryl

Shawn Update

Shawn has had two good weeks. He now weighs 133 pounds and looks really good. He plans on going back to work on March 19th and will work as much as he can, as he progresses through his chemo treatments. His next round of chemo is this Thursday.

An Extremely Rough Day

Shawn started his four months of "nasty" chemo (as his doctor calls it) yesterday, and it's already taking its toll. He is bed ridden today, and has vomited several times already, this morning. Three times a week, every other week, he will go to the doctor for an injection of two chemicals, and wear a pouch that administers the other med incrementally. Please continue to pray!

Still A Rough Road Ahead...

Shawn saw another doctor yesterday and was told to expect up to 6 months of additional chemotherapy. The doctor was also concerned about his weight, even though Shawn had picked up a few pounds. Today he was told that he would have 4 months of chemo and would begin right away. He will receive it 3 times a week, every other week. That would put surgery sometime around June. Intitially, he was supposed to have surgery and then chemo. Since they didn't get all of the cancer with the surgery, they have decided to attack it again. The chemo this time around will be more intense and includes 3 meds as opposed to just one. The side effects are expected to be more pronounced. Shawn still needs to meet with the radiation doctor. The good news is, Shawn is feeling better and may go back to work in mid-February.

Shawn Update

Shawn sees his doctor Thursday to see when his next surgery will be scheduled. He will also find out if he'll need radiation, in conjunction with his chemo following the surgery. He is doing much better and his energy level is increasing all the time. Erin said that he even swept the kitchen floor the other day. The home healthcare nurse is scheduled to come once or twice more, and that will be it. Erin and Shawn will be able to manage on their own after that. Please stay with us and continue to stop by the blog. I know information is slow in coming, but there are still some difficult days ahead, and they will need your continued prayers and support. Erin and Shawn thank you again for your continued prayers and positive comments.

False Alarm

Thankfully, they didn't keep Shawn today. He was only partially dehydrated. They gave him a new prescription, and he's on his way home. Thank you for your prayers.

Shawn Taken to Hospital

Shawn and Erin are at the hospital right now. He is suffering from dehydration again, and will probably be hospitalized. When I find out more, I'll post the information later. Thanks, Darryl

Shawn Update:

Sorry it has been so long since my last blog entry...it's just been a lot of waiting and watching. It's really up and down right now. The pathology report finally came back, and unfortunately, the surgery didn't get all of the cancer. The doctor did say that it hadn't entered the lymph nodes, however, which is a very good thing. We are unsure at this point, if this means more radiation, in addition to the chemo that will follow Shawn's next surgery or not.
There were some complications with Shawn's colostemy pouch last weekend. Erin called the nurse twice to try and get it corrected, and they told her to fix it herself. She did, and the area ended up infected. When Shawn's doctor and her staff found out, they were extremely upset, and rightfully so.
As is to be expected, Shawn has been down on occasion. The good news is, he is getting stronger and is on the move. He doesn't like staying at home, and is getting out of the house. Shawn has a lot of time on his hands. Please feel free to give him a call.

Cautious Optimism

Shawn's surgery went well today. The doctor found more scar tissue than she anticipated and sent some of it off for a pathology report. In fact, they stopped in the middle of the surgery and didn't continue until the report came back. It came back negative. Our only concern right now is that these types of path reports aren't always accurate. With that in mind, she placed Titanium clips at the areas of concern. If the new path report comes back positive, they will zap those areas with boosted radiation. We are very optomistic!!! Shawn is in quite a bit of pain tonight, but the hard part is over! Once Shawn heals up, he will undergo three weeks of intense chemo, just as an added precaution. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!!! Darryl

Surgery Today

We're all getting ready to leave the house for University Hospital. Shawn needs to be there at 6:00 AM, and surgery is at 7:30. Surgery should last 3-4 hours, and there will probably be 2 hours or so of recovery. I will be coming home for a little bit this afternoon, and then going back to the hospital. I will make a blog entry as soon as I get home. Thank you for your prayers. Love, Darryl

Please Continue Praying!

It is an exciting time right now, and a time to be thankful for the way things are going. Shawn is eating well, and his spirits seem to be high. Please continue to keep Shawn and Erin in your prayers, in that there are still difficult days ahead with the surgery on the 28th, and possible chemotherapy to follow. Thanks, Darryl

Shawn and Erin Close on House

Erin and Shawn closed on their house yesterday, and will begin painting today. They'll be moving tomorrow (Saturday). Those wanting to help can meet at the storage facility over on Hurstbourne and Watterson Trail at 9:30 AM. If you can only help load the truck there, that's fine. If you can make it to Shelbyville with us, that would be good to...thank you so much.

So Far, So Good

Shawn has been doing pretty well lately. He has been flirting with a fever the last couple of days, but it's been of the low-grade variety. He and Erin are so excited about moving into their new home on the 17th of this month. They have been busy picking out paint colors, and contemplating life after living with us. We are going to be so depressed when they leave!! It has been so nice having them around.

Shawn's Going Home!!!!

Don't ask me how it happened, but the doctor is sending Shawn home in a couple of hours. They're just waiting on the paper work to be done. He will have to go back once a day to get a shot in his stomach for his polyps, but that's it. You have no idea how excited he is!!! He was really feeling down the last couple of days in particular. Thank you so much for your prayers!!!! They had to have helped!! Darryl

Shawn to Stay In Hosptal Until the Weekend

Shawn met with the doctor today, and he will be staying until the end of the week. More information to follow...

Shawn Still In Hospital

Shawn's fever broke for a brief period yesterday, but by evening was up again. This morning it is hovering at 100 degrees. Unfortunately, until he gets the fever under control, he'll have to stay in the hospital. Please pray for both Erin and Shawn. Shawn is very tired of being there, and Erin has got to be exhausted. She has stayed there night and day, only to come home for a brief shower. She's sleeping in one of those reclining chairs and it can't be good for her back and neck (those of you who know Erin, know she has had two major spinal surgeries and has to deal with neck and back pain quite a bit). She has also been dealing with the stress of missing work and finals week. She has had to postpone the exams, but of course, it's hanging over her head. The strength of these two is truly humbling to me.

Shawn Update:

We were at the hospital tonight with Shawn and Erin. He looks better, but he can't seem to beat the fever. The nurse said that it would be two or three days before they figure out what the infection was all about. His temperature did go down this morning, but spiked again tonight. He will be there for at least another day.

Shawn Admitted to Hospital

Shawn was taken to the emergency room this morning with a fever. They decided to keep him for a day, possibly two. He is dehydrated, and more than likely has some kind of infection. They have done a lot of blood work and are running further tests. We'll keep everyone updated, as we learn more. He is at Baptist Hospital East in room 535. Thanks, Darryl

Surgery is Scheduled!

Shawn's surgery has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 28th in the early AM.

Chemotherapy is Over!!

Shawn's chemo ended unexpectedly last night. The alarm went off, and when they went to check the bag, it was empty. The emergency nurse told them that they would send the home healthcare nurse out today to disconnect the port. So, the chemo treatments are over!! Now, we wonder if he was receiving too much chemo at one time. We'll know more later today.

Shawn Update:

Shawn and Erin met with both the chemo and radiation doctors today. Shawn has lost 8 pounds in the last seven days. His fingers are also extremely sensative to the touch. The doctor prescribed some new anti-nausea medication that costs $1758.99 (yes, you read that correctly), but it's only $50 with insurance. It looks like the surgery will be scheduled around the first week in January.They may do another Cat-scan prior to surgery. They are still planning on moving on December 17th. Keep praying!!

A Rough Day

Please keep Erin in your prayers. Shawn isn't feeling well today, and Erin has to work late. Naturally, she wants to be home with him. Erin and Tyler will take good care of him tonight Ernie...we love you! Dad

Update from Erin

Yesterday (Thursday) started week five of radiation and chemotherapy. Shawn will hopefully complete his radiation treatments on Wednesday of next week. The home healthcare nurse is coming on Thanksgiving Day to disconnect his chemo pack and that will be it for his chemo treatments!!! The side-effects are starting to show a little more now. He gets tired very easily these days. By the end of the day he is completely worn out and ready for bed. He is beginning to lose his desire to eat, mostly because it's hurting his stomach. We are trying to keep food in him. Some angels from Lexington brought them tons of food this past week. We will meet with the chemo and radiation doctors on Monday and Tuesday of next week. Your prayers are so appreciated!! Erin

New Home Pictures!!!

Good News!!!!

Erin and Shawn will be closing on their house on December 15th!!!!!!!! They are so excited!!! A special thank you to all of those who helped with getting the house completed by Christmas!! So what are YOU doing on Saturday, December 16th?!!! HELP!

We all went out to eat for dinner in celebration of Edie's birthday last night. Shawn and Erin got her a vacuum cleaner (see picture). Tyler and I gave her a cuckoo clock. She said that she liked the clock the best, but suggested that the vacuum cleaner was probably something she could use:-). Shawn ate chicken fingers. Yesterday during Shawn's radiation treatment, they decided to give him the same amount of radiation but at a slower rate. We're not sure why they did that. His last treatment should be the day before Thanksgiving, we think. He now weighs 153 pounds which is very good.

Shawn and Erin Update

I'm sorry that it's been a few days since I've posted, but there hasn't been much to report, which is really good news! We know that there is still a long road ahead, but we're thankful that things are going so well, thus far. Shawn is still feeling some effects of his treatments, but he's doing really great. Please continue praying for Erin. She worked 42 hours last week, and is pulling a 15 hour load at school. In fact, she has 2 classes today. She and Shawn had decided that it was important that Erin go ahead and stay in school this semester since she is so close to graduation. She is holding up so well. She is a special young lady!!!!

The New House Comes Along

Shawn Update:

So far so good!! Shawn and Erin met with the chemo and radiation doctors Monday, and they were told everything was on schedule. Shawn is still really tired, but is taking his daily naps. Shawn has started his short-term disability from work. New house photos to be posted later this evening.

Flight Night at the Glass Home

Halloween Party at Stephen and Stephanie's

Top Fun

Shawn was in a great mood last night! He and Erin were trying to decide on costumes for a Halloween party they are attending tonight. They decided to use two of my old flight suits and go as Top Gun pilots. This is not their picture. Shawn is going to try to use his Sears discount to rent a Navy F-14 Tomcat (delusional side effect of the chemo). Surely he knows this a stupid idea...he can't fly in his condition! I'll post their pictures later on today.

Shawn Update:

The healthcare nurse came to the house today to change out the needle and the battery in Shawn's port. Shawn can really relate to her. She said that everything looked good, but Shawn has to do a better job of keeping his port dry when showering. So we need to devise a way to keep it dry. Erin suggested an umbrella, but quickly realized the downside to that option (just kidding). After meeting with the nurse, Shawn was off to his radiation treatment. Today was a very busy day in the office, so he was there longer than usual. Shawn is beginning to get really tired. He pretty much HAS to get a nap each day in order to keep up his energy level. He's feeling nauseous and his appetite isn't what it normally is, but Erin's making sure he eats well.

Shawn is beginning to experience some side effects of his treatments.

New House Pictures!!

Shawn Update

Shawn came in last night after work in good spirits! Erin was grouchy...just kidding. Shawn seems to be pretty tired here lately, but as far as I know there have been no side-effects thus far. I believe his last day of work is the 31st and then he goes on short-term disability. More pictures should be forthcoming...

No Radiation Today!!!!!!

Shawn Update

Shawn is on day two of his treatments. Via his chemo fanny pack he receives a dose of chemo at two milliliters per hour. He also had his second dose of radiation this morning at 11:15. So far, so good!!! Keep it up Shawn!! He is currently at work.

First Treatments are Over

All indications are that Shawn did very well this morning! Good job Shawn!!

The Nurse Comes Today...

Sorry...I couldn't help it!! It was too cute!!

To The Glass Family

I wanted to take a minute to thank my family for the support they have given Shawn and Erin! It's been incredible! It's always nice when they can take take precious time out of making fun of me to make a difference in someone else's life. I love you. Darryl

Bring it On!

OK...the home healthcare nurse comes to the house at 10:00 AM on Thursday to hook up the chemo to the port, and then at noon he will receive his first radiation treatment.

The New House and Shawn at the Doctor