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

Happy Anniversary Erin and Shawn!!!

Shawn Update:

I am sorry it has taken me this long to post. It's been kind of crazy around here. Shawn's outpatient surgery to implant the chemo port was successful. Shawn was tired and sore all day Saturday and Sunday, but he is in fairly good spirits today. He will more than likely begin his radiation treatments on Wednesday. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. We did receive word tonight that Shawn and Erin's house has been completely framed out and the roof will be put on tomorrow. I will be posting some pictures tomorrow.

Shawn is having outpatient surgery Saturday morning at 6:00 to implant the port for his chemotherapy treatment.

Shawn Update:

Shawn and Erin met with the chemotherapist today. Shawn will have outpatient surgery on Saturday to have a port put in his chest. The medicine will go right into his bloodstream. He will have a medicine-filled pouch he'll carry with him (similar to a fanny pack). Tomorrow Erin and Shawn will attend a Chemo 101 class. A home care nurse will come by the house on Monday to hook up the chemo medicine to the port. After two hours with the nurse, Shawn will leave for his first radiation treatment. He will have to go to the chemo office every Monday for blood work, and see Dr. Huber every other Monday. Radiation will be administered Monday. The doctor did mention that with the FAP syndrome that Shawn has, he does need to have an upper GI scope every 3 months to watch the polyps in his stomach. Apparently the cells have shown signs of dividing but have not mutated (become cancerous) yet. He is on Celebrex right now to shrink the polyps.

Keep Praying!!

Erin and Shawn are both working late tonight...aren't they cute?

I wanted to take a minute to thank you for visiting Shawn and Erin's site. A special thank you to those who continue to stop by on a regular basis. We appreciate you so much! Darryl

Shawn Sees the Radiation Therapist

Shawn and Erin met with the radiation therapist today. They really liked her! He will probably start radiation Monday. It will depend on how things progress with some fertility issues, that must be delt with first. He will have it every day for five weeks. The last 2-3 weeks are supposed to be the worst. Today they made marks on his pelvis area. On Thursday, they will make those marks permanent. Basically, according to Erin, Shawn will lay on a table and the machine will go around him, similar to what happens with a CAT scan. The machine blasts radiation into the body where the marks have been made. The process takes about 15 minutes. Shawn has an appointment with the chemotherapist Thursday at 10:40.

Erin has been busy with her camera.

Shawn Update Correction

Both of Shawn's appointments next week will be consultations. His chemo will not begin on the date originally indicated. More information soon. Thanks, Darryl

Shawn Update:

Shawn will have some lab work done on Tuesday at 1:00 PM, followed by a consultation with the radiation doctor at 2:00. Radiation will start late next week or early the following. His first chemo treatment is Thursday at 10:40 AM.

University of Louisville Hospital

I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post. The blog has been down for a few hours. Today was a long day for Shawn and Erin. They arrived at the hospital at 2:30 PM and didn't leave until after 6:30 PM. Shawn was one of the last patients to see the doctor. She told Erin and Shawn that the cancer had indeed spread into the tissue of the rectum wall. When this occurs, there is a greater chance of the cancer coming back and/or spreading. According to the doctor, Shawn will begin both radiation and chemotherapy treatments next week. The treatments will continue Monday through Friday at Baptist East Hospital for 4-6 weeks. He will then need to wait 4-6 weeks for the medicine to exit his system before undergoing the first of two surgeries. The first surgery will include the removal of his colon and rectum. For several weeks he will have an external colostomy pouch. During the second surgery the small intestine will be manipulated to act as his colon, thus eliminating the need for the external pouch. It's going to be a long few months for Shawn and Erin. This blog will continue to track Shawn's daily progress. Please consider stopping by from time to time to drop Shawn and Erin a note. Thank you again for the way you have loved and prayed for them. They are the most courageous, caring, and loving young couple I have ever known.

Shawn and Erin are Settled In

Erin and Shawn are settled in here at the Glass home. Things are going very smoothly. We are so glad that they are here!! People keep making cakes and things for Shawn and it has really been a benefit to us all;-). As soon as we get the results from tomorrow's ultrasound, I will post something here on the blog. Thank you again for your paryers. We love you Shawn!

Please don't forget to pray for Shawn as he'll be going in for his ultrasound on Wednesday at 3:00