I am so thankful for this time of year to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. My heart is filled with so much love with the service and gifts of love given to me and my family. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brotheren, ye have done it unto me." Matthew 25:40.

I am so grateful to be alive and to celebrate Christmas with family and friends! I want to update you on what is going on with my health. Earlier this month my doctor ordered a bone marrow biopsy to see what was happening in my bone marrow. Well the wonderful news is that the results show that I am cancer free! My body was taking some time to recover from the last chemo treatment so my doctor ordered the the test just to be sure all was well. A week after the test I met with my doctor and my blood levels sky rocketed. Finally! Well, having the results of the biopsy back, my doctor and I both felt that the last round of chemo would do more harm. We called it a day and he transitioned me into maintenance. So no more chemo infusions but for the next two years I will be taking daily oral chemo pills. The hope is that after the two years my doctor can say I am cured. That is what I am praying for! The drugs make me a bit sick but I will do my part and pray for a continued bill of health.

My little guy has now had surgery on each eye to help decrease the pressure. His next examination will be Jan 2nd when they will check the pressure and possible surgery if needed. I am praying for a miracle! I pray we can get his eyes to where he can see beyond the length of his arm. This will be a process but I am grateful for doctors and the ability to help my son.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sorry everyone! I know I am not so good at keeping this blog updated. Anyway, since my last chemo treatment my body recovered quickly. The chemo drugs did not seem to affect me as much as I thought they would. I had two or three rough days and then I started to regain my energy and back to taking care of the kids and life. I was scheduled for my last chemo treatment on November 4th and looking forward to it. It didn't happen!! Yep, my ANC level was low and so chemo was rescheduled for the next Monday. I am getting used to rescheduling and just rolling with it. I have decided that when it does not happen when scheduled that I better hold on because something ends up happening and I say to myself "thank goodness I did not have chemo." Well again my ANC went down and so no chemo but this time a bone marrow biopsy was ordered if there was no improvement. I went this past Monday and again the ANC was down so I had my biopsy yesterday. It went very smoothly and results should be back in a week.

In the middle of all this my little 2 year old son was diagnosed with glaucoma in both eyes. Yikes! The doctors wanted him at PCMC the next day for an examination and possible surgery. This was all very overwhelming to say the least. When it rains it pores right!! The doctors decided to hold off on surgery and prescribed three medications to help decrease the amount of fluid his eye is making and decrease the pressure. It is working. What a blessing. It is obvious that he can see a little bit better. He is scheduled for another examination tomorrow and I am anxious to hear how effective the meds were and what we can do next to help this precious little boy see past arms length.

I am so grateful for doctors and medicine that can help us! So grateful for Huntsman and PCMC and that they are so close to our home. The doctors and staff have blessed me and my family.

My heart has been so touched by the prayers and support that continue for my family. I could not do this without all your love. Thank You!!!!

Chemo Treatment Underway

Finally! After two appointments rescheduled and three weeks gone by my third round of chemo is underway. My immune system levels were just at the cut off mark to receive treatment yesterday but they gave me the ok to proceed. I would have cried if they did send me away. So I go today for one last treatment for this round then wait for my body to recover again and then I have one round of chemo left. I am so excited!! I continue to pray that all goes well.

I want to thank my neighbors and community from the East and the West for your outstanding love and support and acts of kindness towards me and my family. I continue to feel your prayers on my behalf. Cancer is so unpredictable but also are the trials of life that so many of us face. It is what we do with our trials and that we learn from them. My heart goes out to those who suffer in any way and pray they may find strength in knowing they are not alone. Some days I don't feel sick at all until I look in the mirror and see that I don't have any hair. I believe we all have struggles but some of us have to wear the symptoms on the outside. I pray we will have love and compassion for all men. You never know who's lives you will help.

Chemo Rescheduled

It has been awhile since I have given an update so I better get on it! I have been preparing to have my 3rd round of chemo this week and went to the doctor on Wednesday and my blood levels had not recovered enough so it did not happen. I wasn't completely surprised knowing my levels were pretty low the week prior and not rising quickly at all. The doctor didn't seem too concerned but does hope my body will make some progress in the next week. The doctor did look at some blood smears and saw some maturing white blood cells and did not see anything concerning so I was very relieved. So, chemo has been rescheduled for October 2nd, 3 days before my wedding anniversary (sorry hun). My sweet husband has been so patient and supportive through all this and I love and appreciate him so much! I know that everything happens for a reason and I continue to trust in my Heavenly Father and in his plan for me. Cancer is so unpredictable and treatments are not all going to be perfectly planned. I will enjoy this time of feeling good and take advantage of every minute. 

Thank you so much for the thoughts and prayers that you send my way. I feel them and draw strength from them. My family and I continue to be blessed with the love and support of so many good people. It is so hard for me to be on the receiving end but our lives have been touched with the acts of service done in our behalf. I am grateful for parents, family, friends, ward members, and many others who continue to serve our family. There is still a long road ahead with 2 more chemo treatments and we will continue this fight! Please keep the prayers coming!!

What a week!

What a week this has been! So glad I was feeling good to join friends at Pizza Pie Café on Tuesday. It was so great to see your faces and to feel your love. Thank you to all those who ate pizza in my behalf in both Bountiful and Provo. Your support has been amazing and so appreciated. Many people have asked about a fund to donate to. You can make a donation at any America First Credit Union to the Shantel Wesche Charitable Fund.

My 2nd round of chemo is done! The fatigue is setting in today and I really just wanted to cry this morning. I was feeling so good and then here we go again. Only two more rounds of chemo left. I can do this :-)

Grandma and Grandpa took my two girls to Flaming Gorge yesterday for our yearly trip with my family. My husband and my two year old stayed home to take care of me. I hear the weather is perfect and they are having a great time. My 7 year old daughter even tried the wake board and the beginner skies. So excited for her!

I continue to feel so blessed to have each day with my family. My sister-in-laws made me a beautiful chemo blanket and on it are hand written thoughts, quotes, and expressions of love. I had several of these go through my mind while in the hospital. One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. We each have our own journey to live. I have complete trust in my Heavenly Father and know he loves me.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support, it helps so much. Much love! Shantel

Come what may and love it! - Elder Wirthlin

Good News!

Today was the big day. I drove into Huntsman this morning with butterflies in my tummy hoping for good results from my bone marrow biopsy (but also knowing I was going to get poked which is getting harder to handle each time.) So after getting blood drawn and then anxiously waiting for awhile, the nurse came in and said the biopsy came back clear and my blood results show my body has recovered nicely. What a blessing! The last three days have been my best days so far and I feel really good. Just in time for my next round of chemo:) Not knowing quite what to expect, the nurse assured me that my side affects would be minimal based on how well I did the first round. I am praying for good things!!!!

So, to the Infusion room I went ready to have a picc line inserted and get my chemo meds. Well, no picc line and no chemo meds. I ended up getting just an IV line inserted and waiting 3 1/2 hours for my chemo medication. Come to find out they ran out and had to wait for the manufacturer to deliver more. After waiting 3 hours I was told they were en route from the airport. My first infusion experience was a little rocky but I was assured there was enough medicine to finish the week of chemo treatments. Tomorrow a picc line and 2nd day of chemo. After the 4 days of chemo this week I will feel the affects in 7-10 days but should be nothing more than fatigue. I will still need to be careful about germs and make sure I stay away from sickies. I will be driving to Huntsman every Monday, Wednesday, Friday for labs so they can watch my blood levels and how my body recovers. So everything that happened while I was in the hospital but I get to now do it outpatient and enjoy being at home. So grateful for that!

I have to share a fun little experience I had the Friday just before I was discharged from my hospital stay. I was patiently (as best I could) waiting for my blood counts to come up so I could come home. Early that morning I was visiting with a friend in the small "living room" attached to my room at the hospital and I saw a small little visitor enter my room. Very much surprised I jumped off the couch and went searching in my room for this small little critter. I was looking along the edges of the room and moved my laptop computer case and their were two of them. Totally surprised and freaking out, I quickly pushed the nurses button and my aid came and immediately called housekeeping to come and save the day. The housekeepers came and while trying to remove the critters the housekeeper managed to get one of the critters to crawl into the computer case. Yuck!! I have to touch that!!! He took the computer case outside and released that critter. The other critter was done away with when the other sweet housekeeper sprayed it with the cleaning solution. She was so brave! She then cleaned my room thoroughly and told me it was safe for me to return. (I was actually thinking they should just send me home right now) I asked the aid if he would clean the computer bag like it was his own. He was so great. He cleaned it and disinfected it 3 different times as I sat watching. It is a very clean computer bag now! Anyway, the best part of the story was when my nurse came in and said that I was Cinderella and my friends came to give me good news. That was the day the doctors started talking about a possible discharge in the next couple of days. Well, they must have brought me luck because I was released two days later. Thanks little critters!!  (Little critters are not a common thing in the hospital. They had a concert outside on the patio the day before and the doors were propped open to help get patients in and out with their IV poles and these two little critters decided that inside was much cooler than outside and ran into the hospital. Do you blame them?:)

The first time I returned back to the hospital for labs was very hard for me. There was a lot of emotion still inside of me from the 34 day hospital stay. I finished getting my blood drawn then found a chair and just waited a couple hours until my husband came to get me. I was sitting there and was so grateful when my cousin's wife just happened to be there with a neighbor and she came over and talked to me. It was so good to talk to someone and was so grateful for that blessing. Thanks Trish!

I am so overwhelmed with the love that I feel from my Heavenly Father. I know he has and continues to be in the every detail of this process. I have no doubt that I am a daughter of my Heavenly Father and He loves me. I am grateful for the atonement and for my Savior lifting me up and carrying me through the good days and the bad. I am blessed to have so much support and love from my husband, children, family, and so many friends, and people I don't even realize. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. You will never know how much it helps me. I pray that each of you will also be blessed as you serve another. Much love to all of you! Shantel

A Heart Full Of Gratitude

The prayers of my 6 year old daughter, and many others, were answered when the doctor told me I could go home one week ago today. My goal was to be home for my daughter's birthday but my immune system had to be at a certain level to have that happen. The last week at the hospital was just a numbers game. Waiting each morning to find out where my blood levels were and if I was close to going home. My body was rebuilding but the one particular number the docs wanted to see improve was holding steady. I was told that if that number just shows an increase then I could go. Well, sunday came and I anxiously awaited my blood results. My doctors came in and told me there was an increase and that they would be discharging me. What a miracle! My daughter's prayers were answered and she told me I was her best birthday present. I am so grateful for the prayers from my children and there faith. I am grateful for prayer and know that they are heard and answered. I am also grateful for the opportunity to pray for others, which is one of the greatest acts of service. I am grateful for my life, for living, for being a wife, and being a mother. Things I am grateful for more and more each day. This coming week I have my bone marrow biopsy and the hope is that my cancer is in remission. The 12th of August I start my 2nd round of chemo. I hope to bounce back quickly to enjoy the first day back to school with my kids. Thank you to all those who continue to follow my health and for your thoughts and prayers. I am grateful for so many good people that surround me.

Pizza Pie Cafe Fundraiser

As promised, here are the details:

Eat at the Pizza Pie cafe in Bountiful or Provo UT from August 12-15th, and they will donate 25% of sales to Shantel directly.  You have to take in one of the fundraiser cards that I have a bunch of.  Also, Di Peterson has some as does Jared and Tasha Peterson.

I am going to try to convince the Pizza Pie in Bountiful to let us leave a stack of them near the register for random people to use.

This is to help relieve the financial pressure that comes from battling a long term illness like cancer.  I mean, can you imagine paying for a month long stay in the hospital?!

If you have ANY questions, contact Jared and Tasha (Shan's brother) via text, call or email at:

801-602-5743, 801-310-2189, or jared@klasresearch.com, or tasha@klasresearch.com.

We love this girl so much, lets go get some pizza and give her a hand!

A New Chapter

Its real. She's home!  Shantel does not have to stay as a patient at the hospital again (unless she gets sick)!  The rest of her chemo treatments will be outpatient.  She will be done in roughly six months. 

This past month has been the hardest of the hard.  The hardest it will get for her.  She witnessed death (of other patients), she battled with the "why" of it all, and the demons. She lost her hair. She didnt sleep much on a bed that was "alive." She missed home.  She sold a home and said goodbye to a ward family, all without being there in person. Her kids grew. She fought those broken cells.  And she made it home for a most important 6th birthday.  She wins.

There will be an adjustment period. The kids have to get used to having mom around again to crack the whip. Mom has to get used to being mom again and all the exhaustion that comes with that. Naps are essential.

Trevan runs up to her and laughs.  Each time he sees her, he laughs.  He got up this morning and ran into her room, and laughed.  He got her coping skills. It's like he can't believe she is still there.  But he is thrilled that she is.

And, so are we!

Here's to a new home, a new life. But, a life. A new chapter in mortality.

Visiting:

(Shan needs to be very cautious of germs.  But she still has no immune system, so that makes sense.  The visiting hours are no longer restricted by hospital rules.  Calling in advance is appreciated. ;-). Just make sure you are healthy! Wash or hand sani your hands upon arrival. And if at some point you are asked to wear a mask -- her house, her rules-- don't take offense.  Grab that sucker, slap it on and be grateful she is here to ask it.)

SHE'S GOING HOME!!!!!!

More detail to come, but Shantel is going home TODAY!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for the prayers.

Two Items

I wanted to put a quick blurb out there for two things.

1- Shantel is in the midst of a waiting game.  Waiting for certain of her blood counts to reach 500.  Right now they are at 0...and she can't come home until she gets to 500.  So please pray/meditate/telepathic communication on her behalf for those numbers to go up.  She wants to be home by the 28th for a certain little girl's birthday.

2- Hospital bills rack up.  In an effort to assist with any portion of that Shantel's brother put together an awesome fundraiser, that has to do with the Pizza Pie Cafe in Bountiful and in Provo. (You will need to eat there!)  This will take place mid August.  I will post details here. So look for that. In the meantime I will be passing flyers for the event the first week of August. If anyone here local wants to help get them out, let me know.

July 20, 2013

It was time.  

The mother and the daughter.  A moment of tenderness and release from all tethers.

The million-mile smile.  The hero presses on. 

(*Note: it must be said, that this woman has the most PERFECTLY formed head ever seen.)

As of Today

Shantel has continued her imperturbably positive attitude. The Wesche's closed on their home, in the lobby of the hospital!  (Talk about curbside service!). I think for the women, that can be emotional...and it was a bit.  But so happy it's done.

Health-wise this week saw some bumps. Her PIC line got infected and had to be removed.  After 24 hours they were able to place another line in her other arm!  Yay!

The combination of chemo, and all the long list of medications she is taking makes it difficult to discover what ailments, like the infected line, or oddly occurring rashes are caused by.  Then there are the side effects like uber x 100 dry skin, and thinning hair.

But, sure as anything, she always says "tomorrow will be better :)"

It's true I think.  Tomorrow is always a new day, a fresh start, and a chance to do and be better.

Shan was able to connect with a patient who has her same diagnosis. During a conversation, that patient, who is a year into treatment, said "this is the hardest it's going to get."  I think about that a lot because for Shantel, the hardest part is being away from her family, and not at home.  Even the bumps that others would be depressed over, she just laughs off.  There is no doubt in her mind  that she will kick this illness!  

Hair Today, Gone (Purple) Tomorrow

Chemo can affect people differently.  Most loose their hair.  Some loose it all, others only in places.

I am sure you have all heard of or talked to someone who, in support, of a cancer riddled loved one has shaved off their own hair. (Think Kelly Pickler)

Well, the hair will come out at some point.  It has already started to a strand or few at a time.  And it remains to be seen by our Rockstar how she will handle it when it needs handling. She is so wise.

In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to do something fun.  And one day during a dressing change, I suggested I would dye my hair whatever color she wanted. (It was a good distraction from discomfort at the time) But I also really liked the idea.  So I asked what color? Yellow was discussed, but purple being the favorite (2nd favorite?) color was selected.

It is a symbol of support for Shantel.

Breast cancer has pink ribbons on its behalf right? So now Shantel has purple hair streaks on her behalf!

Streak it up people! But use purple! Then, if you do walk the wild side...comment here and let her know!

Finding Joy In My Journey

Finding Joy In My Journey

I have been here at Huntsman Cancer Hospital for 19 days. What an adjustment it has been to go from thinking you are fine to landing here at Huntsman and told within hours you have leukemia and will be staying for a period of time. Wow! July is one of my favorite months by far. I love fireworks, and parades, and all the fun time spent with family. All that has been replaced with heart monitors, medications, sleepless nights, anxiety, fatigue, and mouth sores. Most of all I miss not seeing my kids and husband every day and just being a mom and all that comes with it. I even miss changing my little guy's diapers.

Some how this experience has not kept me from putting a smile on my face and laughing. This is my journey and I don't have to look far to find joy in it. My favorite thing is knowing that my 2 year old lights up when the phone rings and he wants to talk to mom. The only words he says are hi and yes but they are the sweetest hi and yes I have ever heard. Then my six year old daughter loves to ask me about my day and what I am doing. She always gives me updates on how dad is doing and what his mood is. She just tells it like it is. My sweet seven year old daughter just misses her mom and wants to know when she will be home. My kids bring me joy! I look forward to their visits and giving them hugs and kisses.

So many family members, friends, past co-workers, neighbors, ward members have visited, called, or emailed and that has brought me so much joy. Many days my cup is filled by those who come to visit and it keeps me going.

The doctors, nurses, aids, and staff here at Huntsman are amazing. The nurses cry with me, laugh with me, and encourage me. They are my cheerleaders.

I have made friends with other patients and what a blessing they have been to me. I have met a woman who was diagnosed one year ago with my same cancer and we were able to share our experiences with each other. I have also met many others who are strengthening me with their courage.

I find so much strength in knowing that this experience is part of my journey. All things happen for a reason and many lessons can be learned. My faith brings me joy!

Round one of chemo is complete and I am on day 17 of treatments. The chemo is doing its job and basically cleaning out my bone marrow. My blood levels are low which means a very high chance of illness so transfusions are given when necessary. That is the reason for the long hospital stay after the chemo because the high risk of getting an infection. My body should start recovering and building new blood cells in the next week. The doctors tell me I am doing well and everything I am experiencing is to be expected. This is definitely not easy. It starts to take a toll on you mentally, emotionally, and physically.

When it gets hard I just remember all the things that bring me joy :)

Hey There Chicken Noodle

As I sit and think about what everyone wants to know, I imagine that more than anything, people want to see Shantel.  For most of us that isn't possible (due to a myriad of reasons)...so I'm bringing Shantel to you!

Doesn't she look GREAT?!  (Ps if that isn't an Emma face, I don't know what is!). Notice there is NO I.V. hooked up to her. And this is after completing her first round of chemo!  Amazing people, just amazing.

Turns out that a side effect of chemo for a majority of patients is mouth sores.  Sort of like canker sores, (but a lot of them,) and they can even fire up in patient throats.  Isn't cancer fascinating? Shantel has started to get sores. Not fun, but that is why the hospital provides yummy smooth food like room temperature water and Chicken Noodle soup, which this cute patient of ours seems to handle pretty well.  

So, HELLO, Chicken Noodle!  Thanks for being "born."  We appreciate ya!

Friday July 12, Visiting Update

Please do not visit the hospital Friday July 12, 2013 after noon-ish.  Thanks!

Also visitors must be over the age of 14.

Sometimes it's yucky

I want to keep it real here -- along with my silliness, because both are just who I am.

It turns out that chemo is a persnickety little beastie and sometimes it's just yucky.  Shantel is doing so so good that its CRAZY-town, but even she has bad days.  Yesterday, she said "it's just caught up to me" and she felt yucky. But seriously can you imagine being poisoned?!  Eww. That would make any person feel gross.

However, the fighter keeps her fists up!

And today?  Of course she is back to being her awesome self.

VISITING UPDATE: The hours are the same, but as she feels sicker, please be mindful of her needs including nutrition.  If you are visiting around meal time, keep that in mind so she can be sure to get her three squares in, as that helps her fight. And if the bouncers (aka nurses) kick you out, which they are stepping up their game on, please DON'T be offended!  They are helping Shantel!  

Have Faith Not Fear

I first want to express my deepest love and thanks to my dear husband who has picked up all the pieces at home and with our children. He is truly my Rockstar!

This past week has been a whirlwind. Grasping the fact that I have cancer and wrapping my head around all this has been very faith building. I am so grateful and feel blessed beyond words for this refining experience. It has taught me that when we exercise faith in the atonement, our Savior, and the will of our Heavenly Father, we are truly blessed.

I want to thank my dear parents, my brothers and their dear wives, Lance's family, aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends, and ward members for your love, support, fasting, and many prayers. It is amazing the power that comes when so many people exercise faith in behalf of someone they love and care about.

I feel so good I almost feel guilty! I complete this first round of chemo treatments tomorrow then wait as my body rebuilds and my blood levels rise to a point that is safe for me to go home. This is just the beginning of a long road and I know there will be hard days ahead when I will have to dig deep and keep fighting. I am a fighter!

Another Round Bites The Dust

Do do do, another one bites the dust...do do do, another one bites the dust!

Two rounds of Chemo down, and she hasn't slowed a bit!

She got a pile of blood Sunday to boost her up and is as glowing as ever! (Almost like pregnancy!). And she has a good appetite which means no nausea yet.  Can anyone say blessings! I'm in awe.

Visiting time: the totally cool nurses are on a mission to help her sleep. They posted notice to please keep visits under 15min.  Linger-ers will get bounced if it gets to be overwhelming!

Time is still 10-12 and 2-4.

And now because it's fun...pictures of no people!

This last one is particularly awesome.  Someone broke the pull on the black out shade!

Konnie

First Day Of Chemo

We have an update already!  Today, the Chemo began.

It went great!  She did really well.  She says she doesn't feel like it went well...but then again, she is getting poisoned. ;-)

Also, visitors that are headed up the hill, please come between the hours of 10am-12pm or 2pm-4pm.  For those who didn't know, she is having a rough time getting sleep, so we want to try to help her out the best we can.

Awesome view from her window.

- Konnie 

Cancer Basic Information -

Hello Blog World!

I started this blog on behalf of my dear friend Shantel Wesche.  As you may know, she is a caring person.  She cares so much, that she wanted to update everyone and be able to have a place to collect thoughts, comments, and well wishes from all of YOU, that we set up this blog!

So, some basic information to start with.  Shantel has cancer.  Isn't that a bummer?!! 

She was diagnosed (officially) on June 27, 2013 with APL Leukemia, basics can be found here, but note that not everything you read on the internet is reliable!  She begins this ride at Huntsman Cancer Hospital with a wonderfully caring and intelligent staff, and fantastic doctors who tell her things like, "You are no good to us dead!"

For the layman, this is a form of cancer that affects all her blood and bone marrow.  This is a very treatable cancer.  They are currently boasting a 90% success rate!  Her journey will include lots of fun drugs (like chemotherapy -- Do you think she'll glow in the dark?!!), a long treatment, and time spent laying around boring hospitals doing nothing but being poisioned and feeling sickish (Boo).  Her journey will also include lots of ridiculousness offered by her co-author in arms for this blog...me!  Okay, some serious stuff too! ;-)

Now for what you really came here to read...HOW IS SHE?!!

This girl, is a fighter to the end.  Her heart is too big and wonderful and happy and full to just sit idly by and let this cancer get the best of her.  That said, her treatment begins tomorrow, with initial rounds of chemo.  The doctor told us today that this first phase will be the worst, and the toughest.  She is, at present, gathering all her strength and emotions, and sharpening her sword in preparing for this first round of battle.

HOW ARE THE KIDS?!  The kids are great!  They are being loved on by way to many family members to count, and are being well taken care of.  They sure miss their mom, but they get to visit occasionally and will be excited to have her home in about a month, give or take.

ARE THEY STILL MOVING?!  Yes.  The Wesche's sold their home, and close in July.  Their new residence will be with Shantel's wonderful parents up the hill in Bountiful.

GIFTS/HELP/SERVICE: I am sure no one has asked, but I got good info today that I feel I ought to share.  Sometimes we like to send flowers to sick friends, and that is usually great, but unfortunately for her, real flowers are a no no while she is in treatment, they could make her sick.  So if you MUST send her something, let it be silk!  For now, there is so much amazing family support that aside from prayers, nothing needs doing.  I will coordinate items that need doing through the ward relief society and also list on this blog.

CAN SHE RECEIVE VISITORS? You know, she would love to host a hospital wide party, and invite each of you and spend the evening gabbing till her throat is sore.  Unfortunately, she has that obnoxious sort of cancer (all of them) that makes her super prone to infections and illness.  And in order to get well -- which she will -- she needs to stay healthy.  She would like you all to know that she is so grateful for the thoughts and prayers, and hopes that you will all mark your calendars for visiting hours once she is able to come home.  We will post dates and email out the address when that time comes.

In the meantime please feel free to leave comments and questions for her here!  She will have internet access to read them.

I am a lucky girl to know this amazing lady, and we are both dually luck to live in this amazingly warm and service oriented ward.

Thank you, from the Wesche's in advance for all the service and help, prayers and love!

Konnie Giddings