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