Sally Shipman's Blog

2007-06-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

Sally Stevens Shipman March 23, 1938 - May 28, 2007

"......Mom and I often compared her journey with leukemia to a marathon. We both have a poster with the following message:

"At 18 miles you wonder why you do this. At 26. 2 it becomes perfectly clear."

She finished this marathon, only she finished this one in Heaven with God welcoming her at the finish line.

As she would say to us all, "Onward"

2007-05-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

May 24, 2007: Thank you family and friends for your prayers, positive thoughts, clever e-mails, cards and phone calls, it means a lot.

Relapse! I am back at Methodist Hospital for chemotherapy which will lead to another bone marrow transplant this summer.

Bottom line, the transplanted marrow of youth and beauty did not triumph over age and wisdom - darn!! This go round I have suggested a male donor in hopes we can be more compatible.

Going home in a few days, please stay in touch, ONWARD.......

2007-05-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

May 11
Remember the country western song ? Detour there's a muddy road ahead.
Two weeks ago after months of Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) . " Irregular cells showed up in the bone marrow biopsy. Thankfully through osmosis your calls, cards, prayers and positive thoughts reach me with every bump along this muddy road.
The immediate approach is stop the steroids and immune suppressants, twice a week visits to Methodist to evaluate what the donor cells are doing to destroy blasts, and experiencing what GVHD is like without immune suppressants. Good news -my brain seems more normal? Challenge - my skin looks and feels like a Gulf Coast sun burn complete with itching. Onward on the muddy road.

2007-03-19T12:55:00.000-07:00

March 19, 2007 - Trucking on.......
Recently a friend asked, "Why have you not updated your blog?" Before thinking I responded, "because the last three months have been ----!"
I am exhausted after working all day, tending to family responsibilities, and yielding to health needs. So there. Instead of a marathon or a roller coaster the "recovery process" is what hauling a truck up a hill must be like.
My body is entering the fourth month of Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD). Steroids and other oral drugs appear to be working as the measles like bumps abate. Every time I become discouraged mentally a phone call or mail from family or friends interupts the piety party. Call it divine intervention or osmosis. Some how some one brings cheer. Your wonderful love and support makes the truck move on like the Little Engine That Could. Thank you so much.

Above the two good looking men are Sergio and Jack. True our daughter had a lot to do with Jacks creation and maintenance, yet he looks like his dad. His second birthday was 2/10/07 and I had fun helping.

April 9 - Within minutes of writing the above update on March 19 food poisoning arrived with vengence four hours after lunch at a fancy resturant NO further words necessary. Five days later because Susan,Carol and I had accepted a friend's invitation to her lovely home in Vail months ago, we did just that. The Colorado Rocky Mountain high really works. Pictures will be posted on the next update. I have promised our family that I will update at least once a month so that you all will know what is going on. June 14 marks my one year transplant anniversary. Onward.......

2006-12-14T12:09:00.000-08:00

October, November, December JOY TO THE WORLD

Thank you so very much family and friends for your continued encouragement. Strength is contagious!

October 22 Susan completed the Nike Ladies Marathon for the Leukemia Team in Training. Firefighters in tuxedos greeted finishers with a Tiffany silver necklace. Our family cheered her on and then spent time touring the wine country in celebration. Susan was the top fund raiser for the Texas Gulf Coast.

I resumed work in October just in time for our long planned Colorado family vacation in Estes Park. Rocky mountain National Park looked beautiful. That's son Mark and me at frozen Bear Lake.

Over a 100 years ago a pioneer Colorado woman built her home and a successful Tea Room along the wagon trail in what is now Rocky Mountain National Park. I felt strong just standing in her footsteps.

November 18 Bob completed the Tour d Tucson 110 mile bike ride with the Leukemia Team In Training. We cheered him on and contributed to the local economy.

Mid-November five months after transplant Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) showed up in the form of a body rash that itches like #*&&. Now at month 6, steroids and a topical cream have it under control. The medical team tells me this is expected. Now I know why athletes take steroids. My energy bounces, my weight continues to move up and I am dangerous. The brighter note is that the 6 month bone marrow biopsy results are good. Onward......

2006-10-16T04:25:00.000-07:00

October 16
Good news. During the 26th annual Womens Week, while canoeing on the Guadalupe with Jan my lungs blew off the mask and breathed fresh hill county air. What a wonderful week of friends and fun. The medical news is also good. I am off the IVs, free of "the port", and my bone marrow biopsy reveals 100 %healthy donor cells. The challenge now is to nurture those healthy cells and achieve full recovery. Onward.

2006-09-22T15:01:00.000-07:00

September 22 - Day 100

I am not sure why day 100 is supposed to be the transplant turning point, but it is. So I tossed the wig. Energy is now about 8 on a scale of 1-10 though I have always been a 15. We enjoyed an AM visit from friends Carter and Sue from Amarillo. Our friendship dates back to UT days followed by years of UT/OU games when Carter and Sue lived in Dallas. Today I also enjoyed my first hair appointment in 9 months. Though my hair is not coming back blond, Brad took care of that. Onward..........

2006-09-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

The Reality Wall - This Monday, Sept. 11 after spending 4 hrs. at Methodist I grabbed a quick lunch and drove to the office for the first time since transplant. My colleagues did a great job of decorating my spot with red hat lady balloons, crepe paper and a colorful welcome back sign. Within minutes the phone rang, people stopped by, and within two hours I was ready for my daily power nap. By 6:00 I could barely make it to the car. Tuesday I worked in the office 1/2 day and Wednesday I worked from home. By the end of the week I accepted the reality that until energy returns tele work makes sense. Thank you ICH and HUD family for accepting my reality wall. Onward...........

2006-09-01T12:34:00.000-07:00

September 1, 2006

Every time I even think about feeling discouraged a phone call, email or cheerful card will arrive from a family member or friend. Thank you for making a difference. I am now into the 8th week of daily IVs to combat the CMV virus. On Monday and Thursday I walk over to Methodist for a chemistry analysis and on site IVs. Twice a week I voice my frustration yet the medical team always wins, the IV stuff again finds a place in our refrigerator, and more jobs are created in pharmaceuticals.

Once off the pole I plan join my colleagues at the office. On September 28 I plan to participate in my 26th consecutive year at Womens Week in the hill country pole or no pole. Onward.....

2006-08-10T15:30:00.000-07:00

August 10, 2006

Drug withdrawal

Starting tomorrow 2 or the "recovery" drugs I am taking will be decreased. Yea! The drugs bring about nausea and fatigue. Each day starts at 4:30 AM with french market coffee, the newspaper and a brisk 6:00 neighborhood walk. I wear my space age mask enjoy the moon through the trees and watch the sun rise. Then work begins. Once home it's drugs, a 2 1/2 hr. IV and the struggle with breakfast. By 1:00 PM fatigue takes over. It is time for a 2 hour power nap. Obviously donor girl is a morning person who appreciates daily brain rest. Late afternoon it is time for the other 2 1/2 hour IV. By 8:00 PM it is nite nite. The journey to become drug free continues. Onward.......... SS

2006-08-02T13:27:00.000-07:00

August 2,2006

Hello world - Last Saturday, for the first time since June 7, I set foot into the outside world. Never thought I would get so excited about wearing heels and hose. Minutes after the picture was taken I put on the outer space mask and we attended the wedding celebration of friends Helen and Roger. The event was a lovely seated luncheon. As other guests prepared to leave one table of eight remained seated and laughing. What fun.

On Sunday Plano, TX friends UT room mate Diane and husband John came by. John and Bob attended A&M and when Diane and I were not at UT we were at A&M also. We laughed about college days and now the joys of grown kids.

Monday Beaumont High school friends Patty, Jane and Nancy delivered lunch. Jane brought a picture of our 5th grade class. For some reason girls out numbered boys two to one, and we could not identify everyone.

By Tuesday I was happily exhausted. Still doing 5 hours a day of IVs with side effects. The good news is that the drugs are working against the CMV and hopefully can be decreased soon.

I am looking forward to experiencing the 37 yr old vigor of my anonymous bone marrow donor. Onward.....

2006-07-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

July 23

Laughter is the best medicine

Lia, a friend from Austin, and her son Derek stopped by this week. Bob took our picture as we laughed about our yearly escapades at Women's Week in the Texas Hill Country.

Lia and I along with other Austin friends have bunked together at Women's Week for what is now 26 years. Lia has a bottom bunk, I prefer the top bunk. We face the Guadalupe River where we swim day and night, canoe ( bow or stern first), kayak ( even when stuck on a rock), float with or without an inner tube, shoot across the river on the water slide, and pretend we are 15 again until muscles tell us otherwise.

My recovery process requires taking one step at a time and laughter helps. This week I started early morning walks in the neighborhood. Neighbors wave and I forget I have on the funny mask. Onward...........

2006-07-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

July 18 Southgate Pharmacy & Infusion Center

When I left the BMT unit at Methodist two weeks ago it was with a bag of pills and no IV pole. Imagine my frustration last week when informed that a virus had showed up that requires infusion. Not to worry. Home health care delivers the goods. With no written instructions for the next 24 hours following the delivery of boxes and a pole I experienced infusion 101.

When not properly hooked to the line infusion bag contents spill on the floor. The telescoping 6 foot pole can slip to 2 feet in seconds. Pole wheels not properly attached roll off. And if the gravity flow system is not clamped off immediately when the bag empties, reverse gravity occurs and a potential donation to the local blood center takes place. Five days later now that I qualify for nurse assistant infusion compatible activities are: reading, eating chocolate, phone talk, lunch, email, chocolate, fold laundry, CNN, and counting the days. Onward.........SS

2006-07-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

July 8
Sally says
Thank you family and friends for your calls and mail. This mental therapy means so much.
I have been at home for one week as a Methodist outpatient. Now I am beginning to understand why this is called "recovery". Fatigue rules even after 8 hours sleep each night and an afternoon nap. The analogy from mile 22 on in a marathon keeps popping into mind. You know you are almost there yet the body doth protest. I am also advised not to go outside as yet. Never thought I would miss Houston's hot, humid air and mosquito's so much. Meanwhile I am reading non fiction books I had intended to read when time permitted. Onward.........

2006-07-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

July 4,2006
Sally says
What a send off.
First, just before I departed the Methodist Bone Marrow Transplant unit, Patient Services stopped by to say thank you for the blog chronology. They presented me a basket of chocolates, that includes chocolate beans, coins, a chocolate picture frame, chocolate cell phone and calculator. Second and even better than chocolate, Dr. Carrum came in with a big smile to say that tests showed my DNA is 100% donor. In other words the transplant is working. In marathon terms we are at mile 22 digging deep to finish. Onward..........SS

2006-06-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

June 30th, 2006: Happy July 4th to all! Dad and I took this photo this morning of Mom's wonderful team of doctors! The people surrounding Mom are members of the Bone Marrow Tranplant team at Methodist Hosptal. Thanks to their expertise and professional care the transplant process has been smooth sailing. In case you are wondering, the wand in Mother's hand was given to her by a terrific nurse so that each morning she could hold court with the medical team. Sally here...... Soon I will become an outpatient and enter another phase of this journey with additional members of the outstanding Methodist team. Onward!

2006-06-28T14:42:00.000-07:00

June 28 Comfort

Back in February during my 1st round of chemo, Susan brought me a teddy bear. We named it Comfort and when ever I had trouble sleeping Comfort helped out. Recently I apologized to a nurse late one night that this grandmother needed Comfort. She smiled and said, "You are never too old for a teddy bear". So here I am surrounded by on the left Comfort, Gertrude the cow, and mother of Comfort tied with balloons.
In my right hand is Godiva chocolate.

The medical team says everything continues on schedule so

Onward....... SS

2006-06-27T16:15:00.000-07:00

June 27

Red Hat Ladies Unite

Wonderful friends at HUD sent me red hat pajamas. Bob located my red hat at home. This morning I greeted the medical team at Methodist as a representative of Austin Red Hat ladies. There followed a discussion about how special red hat ladies are.

With such wonderful encouragement from family and friends we stay in a positive mode. This is important as my strong willed cells discuss with the obviously strong willed donor cells how to get along.

Onward......

2006-06-26T17:35:00.000-07:00

June 26

Imagine my surprise when a young Methodist volunteer appeared at the door and said may I do your portrait. What fun. Imagine my surprise when the portrait looks 37 the age of my female donor. Shelly (Minggian) Xie is a 17 year old senior at Bellaire High School with an art hobby. She plans to attend Harvard and become a physician like both her parents. She speaks fluent Chinese, Japanese and English. Wow. We had a delightful visit.

I am so very grateful for family, friends, the wonderful Methodist team, and people like Shelly that make my daily waiting game just that a waiting game. Engraftment of the donor cells takes about 10 to 20 days, and I am on day 12 without complications.

Onward......... SS

2006-06-23T09:17:00.001-07:00

June 23

Yesterday about 2:00 when I felt less than 100% Bob offered to get Starbucks. One hour later when he still had not returned from what should be a 15 minute trip downstairs I was hosting my own pity party. Then he burst into the room smiling, " I have a surprise for you. Chelsea Smith is here with the Harbor Light Choir and they are coming to sing for you."

WOW I sang with them mask and all. The choir is made up of formerly homeless men from the Salvation Army Men's shelter. They sing from the heart in perfect harmony. The pity party lost out to their signature song "Joy in the Morning". This morning I still felt like I was singing and swaying to their fantastic music. Chelsea is Methodist Community Development Coordinator. She the beautiful young daughter of long time friends Fred and Charmaine Smith Salvation Army Shelter Directors

Onward..........

2006-06-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

June 22. THE VISIT: Lifelong friends, Carolyn and Marsha, from Hunt, TX along with newer friends (of 24 years) Judy, Jane and Deborah came for a delightful visit yesterday. We all rendevous at Camp Waldemar Women's Week annually. Since I must wear a mask while outside the room, I will be a horse this year in the WWW production! The transplant process remains on schedule and the medical team seems very pleased with my progress. I am also pleased! Onward......SS

2006-06-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

Sally says

Here comes Angie one of the fantastic nurses here at Methodist with her second load of stuff for today. I had to capture what looks to be a sales ad for drugs. That's OK because they do work and everything is on schedule. The medical team meets daily and determines the cocktail mix. They discuss what is what and the why with me. Then I promptly forget.

Friends and family out side of Houston you may have heard about the terrible flooding in Houston. So far the Medical Center and our part of town have been spared. Our rain induced boat party was five years ago.

Onward....

2006-06-19T11:19:00.000-07:00

June 19

Sally says,

Just before mother and Mark drove back to Beaumont yesterday Bob took this picture. As all can see Mother and daughter are fine. The other picture of me with the funny air filter mask is my new attire when I leave the room. Air in the room is filtered. I am advised that the mask is necessary even after I go home when I go outside. This makes for interesting breathing while on the treadmill, and for future interesting conversation when I walk in our neighborhood.

Onward........

2006-06-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

2006-06-18T14:18:00.000-07:00

Sally says
Family and friends thank you so very much for your cards, calls, and mail. Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated. Everything remains on schedule with no complications. The medical team informed me today that I make them look bad because, no matter what, I am on the treadmill daily for at least 45 minutes. I thanked them for making it possible for me to feel good enough to use the treadmill. We had a good laugh.

Today Mark drove over from Beaumont with my mother to celebrate Father's Day with his dad and have a very pleasant Sunday afternoon here at Methodist. Unfortunately the camera batteries went out just after one picture. See it with tomorrow's report.

onward.......

2006-06-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

Sally says,

Day plus two from transplant. No energy whatsoever, yet so far so good. Nothing special to write. I have completed the Anderson Cooper book "Dispaches from the Edge". It's a good read.
SS

2006-06-15T12:03:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 15th: Susan here, As you can see, Mom looks GREAT! We are back among the living after a tough day yesterday. If you look closely you can see she is reading Anderson Cooper's book, "Dispatches from the Edge". We bring you: Sally Shipman's, "Dispatches from the Bed"!

Sally says: The transplant yesterday was quite the culmination of a long adventure. The only problem was 12 hours earlier all the drugs of the preceeding 4 days went to war in me. More drugs to combat the nausea caused me to fly around the room. By midnight all was well and today is a great day. I highly recommend Anderson's Coopers "Dispatches from the Edge."

2006-06-14T10:24:00.000-07:00

TRANSPLANT DAY, Wednesday, June 14th: Susan here, Transplant occurred at 11:00am this morning , lasted about 15 minutes and went fine. Mom had a bumpy night and morning here, but she is sleeping comfortably now. We will write later today when she is awake. Thank you all for your prayers, positive thoughts, kind words, cards and e-mails! It means a lot.

2006-06-13T10:45:00.000-07:00

TUESDAY JUNE 13th: Moving on towards tomorrow's transplant. All the physicians opine that the transplant is actually anticlimatic, takes about 20 minutes and is the equivalent to a blood transfusion. Anticlimatic?!? It is a new beginning, a new chapter and a new road forward! Onward!

2006-06-12T15:34:00.000-07:00

June 12
Sally says
From others who have experienced transplant I have learned that there is status in your personal pole and the number of lines. I now have five bags on the pole. This is a real cocktail. Everything is on schedule and going well.
Your messages, prayers and positive thoughts are so appreciated. Onward...........
Thank you
SS

2006-06-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 11th: Susan here. Hi everyone, Mom had a very nice weekend with a lot of company from good friends and family. Son Mark was over Friday night and I resumed at the hospital Saturday morning while Dad, Mark, Sarah, Sergio and Baby Jack were in Glen Rose, TX helping celebrate Grandmother Shipman's 91st birthday!! Saturday evening we had a party with "the gang", aka Dinah, Andrea and Carolyn. Mom was thrilled and as you can see, they put together a very nice "happy hour" and had fun catching up. This morning, Carol, Ken and Derek had a very nice visit as well. As you can see, Mom continues with her positive spirit! We are trying to "live it up" a little, pre-transplant. We're still on for the transplant Wednesday, so please keep the prayers and positive vibes coming - it means a lot to all of us! Hope everyone had a very nice weekend.

MOM SAYS: As you can tell, things are really going ok, on schedule and now almost routine. Drugs, poke, countdown we are at T minus 3.....Onward....SS

2006-06-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Friday, June 9th aka Day 2: Settling in, paper arrived early this morning, brewed coffee in my coffee pot, what better way to start the day than coffee and a newspaper. Chemo has begun, meaning we are on our way. More tomorrow.

2006-06-09T10:19:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 8, was Transplant Day One in Methodist Hospital for us ( Sally-Bob-Susan). Checked in at 9:00AM, set up the room for a month's stay with pictures, books, ipod, walkman radio, computer, tel. answering machine, coffee pot, clothes, food (hosp. food not good), clothes and made arrangements for early AM delivery of newspaper. Yes, we get to haul all this back home in a month.

Doctor Davies, head of ICU, came by and installed a port in Sally's chest, twice. Left side of chest not receptive (scar tissue from the catheter installed In February?).

The real fun began at 3:00 with a trip to Radiation Therapy to do full body radiation as the first step in preparation for the transplant next week. The doc, Dr. Teh had earlier provided a good explanation of the full-body radiation procedure and its effects on the body.

Around 4:30, while Sally was undergoing the radiation (and playing the Dixie Chicks new album) I checked out for the day and Susan checked in for the evening shift.

At 7:00 this morning, Friday, I found Sally ( the one that you know) down the hall on the treadmill smiling a big smile, declaring she had a really good night's sleep. She Is Amazing.

Our good friends, the nurses of the Methodist Hospital Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, are all still there and it literally felt like a family reunion to see them all again. Stay tuned.

Bob

2006-06-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

June 4, 2006

Tomorrow starts the paper work and test prior to "moving in" to Methodist on Thursday for the transplant process. Today I recalled at this point last year training for the San Francisco Marathon. Susan and I were doing 18 and 23 miles on Sunday mornings. So this morning I put on my San Francisco Marathon t-shirt and did the Rice/Herman Park run. It is only 1/3 of last year's effort, but I could still experience the sweat and Houston humidity. My Marathon this summer (the transplant) will at least be an air conditioned environment.

In any race a cheering section really makes a big difference. Please know in advance that I am very grateful to family and friends for cards (to our home address) and email sallyshipman@hotmail.com . Your cheers mean a lot. Thank you and onward............ SS

2006-05-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

Thank you for caring and support
JUNE 8, 2006 (IS THE DATE)

On Thursday immediately after being informed by the BMT team at Methodist that my transplant process would start Thursday June 8, we headed to the Texas Hill Country for the Memorial holiday weekend. My mother Dorothy Stevens, sister Carol Keller, her spouse Ken Keller and our daughter Susan joined us. It is only a 5 hour drive from Houston. After running 7 miles on Saturday with Susan, who is training with the leukemia team for the San Francisco marathon, we returned to Houston and Memorial Day joined newly engaged friends Helen and Roger in Galveston.
Today May 30 as I have given thought to what is ahead I think the fresh air of the hill country and the salty Gulf of Mexico represent the process ahead. Next week I have more tests, radiation, chemo and days later will receive bone marrow from a 37 year old anonymous female. She cares, we care, and I am ready to honor her generous gift of cells. Onward..............
SS

2006-05-21T13:23:00.000-07:00

May 21
It has been 2 weeks since being informed of a donor match. Then the words were don't call us we will call you. I must admit that the wait has created time to enjoy beautiful Houston spring days and....

hug baby Jack our perfect grandchild on Mother's Day. My mother and all three offspring celebrated the day at the Shipman household. Sarah brought baby Jack from Austin, Mark brought my mother from Beaumont, Susan prepared a delicious meal, and our friend Sue Trapani joined us.
Last week Bob and Susan signed up for the Leukemia Team in training. Bob signed on for a 100 mile bike ride, and Susan for her 6th marathon. Each has pledged to raise $4,500. for Leukemia research.
I participated in the River Oaks Business Womens Exchange Club 30 th anniversary celebration. It was a 70's party. That's me in my vintage maternity dress carrying an unknown gender baby. My 70's friend is Sharon Weiss.
Bob and I spent a glorious day at the beach with Beaumont friends Darlene and Clyde Meyers. It seemed like only yesterday when we girls would float the gulf in inner tubes for hours oblivious to sharks, man of war or sun blisters.
On May 20 I participated in " The New Normal" an all day Bone Marrow/Stem Cell Transplant Eductional Forum. It was so informative. In addition to an excellent historical overview, since 1956, a panel of men and women shared their transplant experience. Each was unique and each has a high quality of life today. One young woman ran the Honolulu Marathon only ten months after her transplant.
Last Friday I received a call from the transplant coordinator to meet at 10:00 AM May 25, "we should know more about the donor by then" she said. I am not sure what that means except that the process is moving.
Onward.............................SS

2006-05-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

A Perfect Ten

Good news. The anonymous donor matches my blood profile a perfect 10. The donor must now pass a physical and agree to the timing of the donation. In the meantime the Methodist transplant coordinator will look for other donor candidates just in case. Assuming perfect ten is healthy and interested the transplant could be the end of May or early June.
Please pray the patient learns the art of patience. SS

2006-05-02T03:15:00.000-07:00

May 1, 2006
Donor Match - NO BULL
Why have there been no recent postings? You would not want to read what I had to say.

So put on my wig, attended Bob's high school reunion at Steve Murrin's ranch, hugged a longhorn steer, and 5 days later a donor match appeared. A wonderful anonymous person has agreed to share his/her HLA match with me. We meet with the transplant team this Thursday, May 4 at 1:00 PM.

This will be a long journey. Here in Houston Susan, Bob, and I will keep our wonderful family and friends informed. Your love and support is deeply appreciated. Onward ......SS

2006-04-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

April 18 By popular demand...........
Many have asked about the National Marrow Donor Program that is a phone call away. To be honest I had never heard of such an opportunity until now that I need a marrow donor.

Houston
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
1400 La Concha Lane
713.791.6697

Baylor College of Medicine Donor Center
1 Baylor Plaza
713.798.8411

Dallas
Baylor University Medical Center
NMDP Donor Center
3409 Worth Street
214.820.8165

Carter BloodCare
2110 Research Row, S 613
214.351.8150

Fort Worth
Cook Children's Medical Center
801 Seventh Ave.
682.885.7562

San Antonio
South Texas Blood and Tissue Center
6211 IH10 West
210.731.5555

For major cities in other states check http://www.marrow.org/HELP/join the registry.html

You could be the very person someone needs. I was informed today that a new likely donor has surfaced and agreed to further testing. The results should be known by late next week. Meanwhile the marathon continues. Onward.
SS

2006-04-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

April 9

This week some friends and family asked why update only once a week. Well....... when you hit the wall, or "jest a sittin an a waiten" the aches, fatigue, metal taste, and blah are nothin to write about. Today son Mark drove over from Beaumont with his grandmother and we celebrated his birthday. I baked a chocolate cake, prepared brunch and forgot about all else. This week is off to a moving start. Maybe the donor match will surface.

2006-04-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

April 1 Slow down

"At 18 miles you wonder why you do this" ...... Last week my blood counts were low. This made for low energy. Yet every time I "wonder why do this" words of encouragement arrived from a family member or friend.

Truly devine intervention occurs!

So far the donor match tests have been negative. The wait continues. This is disappointing though not unusual. I accept that running from mile 18 on means dig deep and really apreciate the cheers from others. Thank you so much. The New York Marathon poster reads, "At 26.2 it all becomes prefectly clear". Onward.....

2006-03-27T13:03:00.000-08:00

March 27
The Beaumont High School Class reunion this weekend was great. Such fun to see so many friends now scattered across the United States. We shared many hugs and life altering stories. I had not eaten in a resturant or been around a crowd of people since January. Fried Cajun seafood never tasted so good.
Good news Sunday night when we returned home to a message that three potential match donors are being screened for the transplant. Onward......................

2006-03-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, MARCH 18TH: Woman with the Golden Arm
I completed the second round of chemotherapy (called consolidation) this week and was given a shot in the arm of Neulasta. Neulasta costs $6,000 per injection. Afterwards the nurse said, "be aware that your bones and joints may ache". Thanks for the information.

Now I am on a holding patttern until the call from Methodist that a donor match has been found for the transplant. It could be 4 to 8 weeks. In the meantime I am to avoid crowds, infection, and respect fatigue. So far so good.
The special support of family and friends makes both arms feel golden. SS

2006-03-13T16:36:00.000-08:00

MONDAY, MARCH13: Brief update. Chemo continues and its ill effects caught up with Sally today. Ever feel blah? Can't get comfortable in any position? Food, even ice cream, tastes like kerosene? Chest hurts from the metal thing implanted in there? Pushing the chemo pole down the hall is the highlight of your day?

If so, you are a member of the "chemo buddy" club. The bright light in the tunnel is that she goes home tomorrow.

The wonderful response from all you readers makes a big difference to Sally. Your cards and notes are truly appreciated and are the highlight of her day. Our biggest THANK YOU.

More later,
Bob

2006-03-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, 03/11/2006:
Again thank you family and dear friends for your cards, comments, prayers, and positive thoughts I am so very grateful to each of you.

Three days ago we walked into Methodist again for the consolidation phase of the chemtherapy. Bob and I carried two suitcases packed with coffee pot, PJs, pictures etc. and the New York Marathon poster. Dr. Foote met us at the door and from that point on it was welcome back. Onward with the program. Everthing is going as it is supposed to. I should leave here late Tuesday for an at home recovery process. The best part is that the entire team supports my decision to attend the Beaumont High School reunion on March 24. Hopefully the transplant process will take place mid to late April.

The poster tells it all. We are going from miles 8 to 18 now. The greatest challenge is from miles 18 to 26.2. Onward............

2006-03-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2006

Yesterday I went back to work at my Houston HUD office and discovered all over gagain that I love what I do. So good to see my friends and see the progress they have made. I am really looking forward to being back in touch with my colleagues at the Interagency Council on H0melessness.

Today started with a 3 mile early morning run at Rice. What a joy.

An 11:45 AM appointment with Dr. Foote delivered results from my bone marrow test that shows we have achieved the goal of remission. Thank you for your prayers and positive thoughts. Praise the almighty.
So far so very good.

Thursday I return to Methodist to begin 5 days of consolidation chemotherapy.

I have decided that Leukemia is my. marathon for this year. I have reached mile 9 with 17.2 miles to go. My poster from the New York Marathon reads "At 18 miles you wonder why you do this. At 26.2 miles it all becomes perfectly clear." I am bringing the poster to Methodist with me on Thursday morning.

2006-03-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY, 3/1&2/06 combined:

No pictures today but...... we are home!!!!

Yesterday I walked out of Methodist Hospital just as I walked in exactly one month ago. Well not exactly as I walked in on February 1. Last month my blood count was exteremly low yet I had the usual bundle of energy. Now the blood count is up and the energy is shall we say in the catch up phase. The medical team advised that I resume running so I tried today. OK no comment. I enjoyed the birds singing and admired the blooming azaleas throughout our neighborhood.

My coming home surprise from Bob is that he has planted red geraniums all accross the front of our house. Beautiful. This time off is so nice before I go in for another round of chemo in about ten days.

Thank you family and friends for your prayers, positive thoughts, cards and mail. You are so appreciated.

2006-02-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

TUESDAY 02/28: MATCHMAKER, MATCHMAKER.....MAKE ME A MATCH! "Fiddler on the Roof" Mom's brother, Ken, Mayor of Buffalo, TX rode his Harley to Methodist to have his blood tested. Sister Carol, Ph.d., had her blood tested in San Antonio. Neither proved to be a match for Sally and in fact nor for one another. Mother Dorothy has reassured that all three have the same father! On the brighter side, the internation bone marrow registry identified 200 matches for Mom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very exciting news. Mom says: " Can you imagine 200 Sallys running around on the planet!?!?" Her counts are strong and steady and all the doctors are very impressed. Looks like we'll be home soon to get ready for the next round. Stay tuned........

2006-02-26T09:42:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY/SUNDAY 02/26: So wonderful to visit with daughter Sarah from Austin, who also happens to be the mother of our perfect grandchild. Sarah and Susan drove from Houston to Beaumont to celebrate Mother's 95th birthday this weekend. It is sunny and beautiful here today in Houston and I long to be outside. Looks like I will be soon! My energy has soared by 50% in the last 24 hours, yeah! yeah!

2006-02-25T15:57:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, FEB. 25: (Dr Bob reporting)

All quiet on the Methodist Hospital front but lots of good news. The numbers are great. White blood cell count is way up (thank you Nupragen) and platelets too. Bottom line - home Monday or Tuesday, MAYBE, resting up for the main event - transplant.

Some nausea/upchuck this afternoon. Maybe reaction to sudden abundance of new white blood cells (thank you for that technical explanation Dr. Bob). However, one little shot and she's off to dreamland, breathing loudly at present (snoring!). Anyway, the docs are very pleased with the situation. Said she has done perfectly all the way along, couldn't be better. We credit this to lots of help, please keep praying.

Today was house prep day for her return. Cleaning people did the air conditioning unit and ductwork, cleaned all carpeting and favorite couch. Area rugs and draperies will be returned from their cleaning on Tuesday. At our house it takes a major life event to get all this done!

And by the way, eleven cards and letters today. She was thrilled, a real boost to her feel-good. Thank you so much, you folks are wonderful.

Bob
(p.s. pictures tomorrow, Susan will be back from Beaumont where she, sister Sarah and Aunts Carol and Jane are having a "girls weekend" with Sally's mom, Dorothy, celebrating her 95th birthday)

2006-02-24T10:27:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY

FEB. 24

NOON

Cowgirls Rule

Go Texan Day at Houston's Methodist Hospital brings together one of the world's largest collection of "Dudes" (as in dude ranch). Sally's WWW cowgirl costumes fit right in since most of the doctors could pass as Vets today (the nurses say every day??)......... Bob

"Sally sez" the Med Center has to keep up with the rest of the City on the eve of the world's largest rodeo. U.T. alums say we 'Horns bleed orange. This may be so because my blood has so many chemicals in it no telling what color it is.

I love your cards and letters, emails and comments on this blog. Thank you. More tomorrow.... Sally

2006-02-23T14:29:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 02/23: Another good day, Mom slept really well last night and has had a good day. She is continuing tofocus on flying the plane as Ken has coached and it is coming along beautifully. It looks as though the sun has finally come out in Houston and this also reflects our spirits today. Hopefully by this time next week Mom will be back at their house and in her own bed, always a good feeling! Off to watch more Olympics!

2006-02-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, 02/21/2006: My brother Ken, the Mayor of Buffalo, rode his Harley to the New Orleans Mardi Gras with his best friend Gary. Upon their return I was honored with a half dozen "Aunt Sally's" pralines! Nothing like a Louisiana sugar fix to get me through my day. For you medical afficionadas, my blood count continues to go in the right direction, albeit ever so slowly. On the really bright side, I formed a new friendship yesterday with a woman my age, size, athletic prowess and personality type that experienced AML a year ago. She had the stem cell transplant and looks marvelous as well as leads a very active life. She really lifted my spirits!

2006-02-21T07:48:00.000-08:00

TUESDAY, FEB. 21, 10:00 AM:
Blogger(s) screwed up yesterday and failed to post Monday's comments. Not a big loss since Sally felt generally lousy as a result of (a) mucho antibiotics (b) lack of sleep due to a nightly recurring sinus headache, trips to the bathroom and nurses working their magic, (c) low grade fevers, (d) 3 weeks in the hospital. However, you know Sally - "tomorrow will be a better day".

Today is "tomorrow" and she was right, "tomorrow" is a better day. After a great night's sleep due to meds for headache and other sleep beneficial chemicals, Sally is feeling great this morning. Our nurse-buddy RACHEL and Dr. LAWRENCE FOOTE shared the good news that the white cell count is double what it was yesterday. Dr. Foote also cautioned that going from 2.0 to 4.0 is "like doubling your money when you only have a penny." But it could be the start of the trend we want to see.

Dr. Foote is Houston's best physician/communicator. He shares complete information in a manner that always makes you feel good. For the past three days he was on a trip with his daughter to look at small liberal arts colleges in North Carolina. Next they will go to New England, etc. He told us about their arts programs, study abroad programs, campus life today and current euphemisms such as "hooking up" - means that a couple is having sex. See what all you can learn on a blogsite.

More later today. Bob

2006-02-19T10:00:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY 02/19/06: "Bald is Beautiful"! However I prefer a turban. It serves two functions, the first being it keeps your head warm and second, when it coordinates with other attire, why not??

2006-02-18T15:31:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, FEB.18:

Our buddies, Evelyn, Lea and Norma, ganging up on Sally. This crew is wonderful as are the other staff members in the rotation. Nurses work three 12 hour days plus 4 hours on a fourth day. Twelve hours of tending to sick folks and smiling at the doctor is a real challenge. Whenever you next talk to a practising hospital nurse BE NICE!

Sally is now having full benefit of the dark side of the chemical brew. Hair, headache, fever, metallic taste, lack of appetite, etc. Forewarned we have been but its still no fun when the real world arrives. The "good" news is that the doctors are pleased with the progress. All the numbers are on track. Maybe go home for a while the end of next week.

Sally sez "FATIGUE is the word of the day"

Tune in tomorrow - Sally will have a new look.

2006-02-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY, FEB. 17: Happy Friday to all. Everything continues to go well in Methodist 891. Sally started her day with the treadmill workout, perhaps slightly less vigorously, then got a new, pixie haircut, had some Hagendaas and a really nice afternoon visit with (UT) college roommate, Diane Lister and husband John (Bob's A&M classmate).

Things get quiet on the weekend at the hospital so we will enjoy a less hectic few days. It's amazing how busy the days are with medical related activities, meals Bob and Susan bring Sally from the main cafeteria downstairs, afternoon coffee and/or previously mentioned Hagendaas, going through all the wonderful cards you are sending, phone calls, pole stroll trips across the room to the bathroom, daily housekeeper visit and so on. Definitely not boring. With Sally that's no surprise......
End

2006-02-16T12:10:00.000-08:00

THURSDAY 02/16: My room at Methodist hospital is decorated with cards, photos and artwork from wonderful friends. These two works of art were done by my two beautiful nieces Emma and Ellie Keller of Richmond, VA. Now for the saga of service with a smile, a la the grilled cheese sandwich. One of the effects of chemotherapy is dulled taste buds and a lousy appetite. It is important to eat and therefore time is spent trying to figure out what tastes good enough to indulge in. The other day, after much thought and contemplation, I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich from food service. By the way, all food is ordered here off a menu and not just delivered on a tray at certain hours. With dreams of melted cheese and the flavor of butter I eagerly ordered my sandwich. Alas, what arrived was two pieces of cold bread with a slice of American cheese in the middle. No big deal, I consumed the other stuff and that was that. Well, when the patient liason arrived to ask if I had any complaints, I had to think hard as this is a very nice place with a wonderful, caring staff. After thought, I casually mentioned the disappointment over the grilled cheese sandwich. Before I knew it, the nutritionist visited the room offering coupons for the cafeteria and the head of food services personally came calling to find out what the problem was with the grilled cheese sandwich. After profusely apologizing, she insisted on giving me a $10 gift certificate good at any facility at Methodist, including Starbucks! Lesson learned, these folks take quality of service very seriously and aim to please!

2006-02-15T11:08:00.000-08:00

WEDNESDAY AGAIN - Susan here......see below for Mom's post. Mom is holding a teddy bear from Susan (there's a skiing story behind this :-)) and Dad has decorated the rooms with all the wonderful cards she has received from you guys. Pictures of the beautiful artwork received from nieces Emma and Ellie will be forthcoming! Stay tuned for tomorrow.

2006-02-15T06:52:00.001-08:00

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15: 9:00 AM

Sally says,

Thank you, Thank you.
I am so very greatful for the cards, emails and phone calls from wonderful caring friends and extended family.

So far I have not had the opportunity to be bored. Other than no energy I feel OK, and I am so glad that is the only effect from the chemotherapy.

Please know that your prayers and positive thoughts are making a difference.

Thank you.

Bob sez... sorry to miss the blog update yesterday. I was too busy with Valentine - all the caregivers here in the leukemia unit were recognized with candy and THANK YOU valentines. These folks have been wonderful.

Sally is doing great. All criteria are exactly where they are wanted to be. Every morning when the doctors come by she is down the hall on the treadmill. They are amazed. So am I, thank God

2006-02-13T14:19:00.000-08:00

MONDAY 02/13/2006 - Hi all, here's Mom today watching dvd's and feeling much better today, despite the lack of energy. Notice the smile, the positive attitude continues :-) Due to low energy, we will turning off the phone at 6 p.m. every night for the time being. Although we are past the peaks and into the valley for the next few weeks I think Mom is handling this like a superstar. The chemotherapy is done and they tell us that now the side effects, infections, etc... set in. It is another beautiful day here in Houston and it is great having the sunlight stream through the windows you can see in the photo.

2006-02-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY afternoon......Mom is sleeping at the moment (due to Benadryl, otherwise she says she never naps during the day :-))) She is still in good spirits and exercises in the mornings. The weekends are pretty quiet at the hospital so we are just reading magazines and books and looking forward to more Olympics this afternoon and evening. The nurses come in frequently and are very friendly and professional. More later...... Susan

2006-02-10T10:57:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY 02/10/2006: Susan here...Happy Birthday Baby Jack!!!!! Although Mom and I won't be there today, we are throwing him a birthday party here in the hospital room and are there in spirit! Jack turns 1 today. This photo of Mom on the treadmill was taken yesterday morning. She exercises every morning after the wonderful French Market coffee brewed in her personal coffee pot Dad installed! Tonight we are looking forward to the Olympics in Italy and hoping Bode Miller wins when he races.

2006-02-10T07:35:00.000-08:00

THURS. FEB 9: (delayed until 9;40 am on Friday due to *%#& computer).

Thursday was a quiet day. Sally continued to feel great and reveled in the stack of cards and letters that arrived. Thanks to all for sending.

Highlight was at the end of the day when the nurse brought in Bag#7 of 7. Yea.

FRIDAY AM, FEB.10: The computer problem referenced above involves trying to get photos inserted into this message. Previously we were able to include photos easily but not last night nor today so far. Susan will try again later.

When I got here this morning just after 7:00 Sally was down the hall on the treadmill walking as fast as it will run. Dr. Lea came by to say hello. He heads the "infectious disease team" that responds when a transplant patient has a fever/infection. Chances are good we will need his services in the next week so he comes by just to keep tabs on how it's going. He was amazed at when he saw Sally pounding and puffing away. He proclaimed that in 30 years of practising infectious disease medicine she was the first leukemia TP patient he had ever seen on a treadmill! Sally's WWW friends will be interested to know that Dr. Lea was Camp Stewart camp doctor for many years while his son was a camper and knows Marsha, et al, well.

When bag # 7 finishes later today or tomorrow, we will begin a waiting period to let the stuff do it's work. After about a week we start over again with the chemo, leading eventually to the transplant. As golfers say, "drive for show, putt for dough". We are still in the "drive for show" stage but Sally has hit the ball 300 yards right down the middle of the fairway!

Cheers. End.

2006-02-08T17:01:00.000-08:00

WED. FEB 8: Home, sweet home? Day 6 of first round of chemo, one more day to go. Then we see what the results are.

As mentioned before, they are attempting to wipe out leukemia cells and white blood cells so that the stem cells that will be transplanted will be received into a hospitable environment. If there are any white blood cells remaining they will attack the transplanted stem cells, which means this whole process was a waste of time. Ditto for any leukemia cells we may have missed.

So, after a week of observation (rest) we will do all this over again followed by another week of observation. Then, maybe, we will go home for a couple of weeks so Sally can catch up on washing, ironing, and wax the floors. You know I'm just kidding. Right? Anyway, we then come back here for the main event with all fingers and toes crossed,the transplant. More than you wanted to know.....

Sally has felt great today. One hour on the treadmill here on the floor - as fast as it will run!

Keep those cards and letters coming. They are great and really brighten her day. End.

2006-02-07T15:37:00.000-08:00

MORE TUESDAY - Susan here....Mom has received some pole decorations! She has a beautiful and special rosary from friend Carolyn Watson and some Valentines love bears from Dad. Here she can be seen talking on the cell phone with a good book in her hand. Keep the calls coming! Today was round 5 of chemotherapy and so far so good. We will be back on the air tomorrow!

2006-02-07T15:27:00.000-08:00

Tuesday - Sally here. As the song goes we are here becasue we are here because we are here.............So I am dancing with a pole. The red fuzzy robe and pink slippers keep tangling on the tubes. Fun?????

2006-02-06T15:27:00.000-08:00

Even more photos! Susan here again- This is a photo I personally love (partially because I am in it :-))) Mom fully intends for us to run another marathon when she is past this "life interruption". This was taken here in her hospital room (note she is in style with turquoise courderoy Talbots pj's) Her spirits have been exceptional and she spends time every morning on the treadmill - no joking! Today was spent receiving more chemo and visiting with friends and family on the telephone. Two chaplains came by with guitars and performed for us. It was wonderful! True to form, Mom even drank a large vanilla McDonald's milkshake today. She's watching movies every night on her new laptop computer.
SEEKING DONOR: AML patient (see above photo), model gorgeous is seeking a stem cell donor. The following qualifications are preferred: BOSTON MARATHON RUNNER
STRONG SWIMMER
BACK BOWL BLACK DIAMOND SKIER
HARVARD GRADUATE
FLUENT FRENCH SPEAKER
FINE WINE AND CHOCOLATE LOVER

See y'all tomorrow..........

2006-02-06T15:21:00.000-08:00

More photos! Hi all, Susan here. Dad and I are still learning the "blog" thing so bear with us! This photo was Saturday (or day4) of Grandmother Dorothy (Sally's mom) who turns 95 this month. She is showing mother her support by lifting Mom's new handweights. Mom and I thought pink hand weights were a great way to stay in peak shape.

2006-02-06T15:11:00.000-08:00

ONLY ONE MORE MONDAY, FEB.6:

This proves she is still beautiful and well loved. Surrounding her are son Mark, Mother Dorothy, and your bloggers Susan and Dr. Bob.

2006-02-06T15:00:00.000-08:00

STILL MORE FEB. 5: This ain't all fun and games as you can see but the good stuff ( the stuff that hangs from the roll-around pole ) is yet to come.

Sally asks that all 'Horns and Longhorn sympathizers to please note the color of her PJs.

2006-02-06T14:45:00.000-08:00

MORE MONDAY - FEB. 5: Sally in her new SRO (single room occupancy) quarters. Unfortunately the roll-around pole is not visible.

2006-02-06T14:38:00.000-08:00

MONDAY, Feb. 6: Finally we can provide some visual proof Sally is "in hospital". Here she goes out the door early last Wednesday, February 1.

Sally chose this date to begin treatment because Dr. Lawrence Foote ( a teasip ) said she would be in the hospital "for a month" and February is the shortest month.

2006-02-05T18:27:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY, Feb. 5: Wow! It looks like Dinah is in the lead for the pole decorating contest but there have been hints that more ideas are on the way. One of my Aggie buddies called to ask if it might be alright for him to suggest something along the lines of an exotic dancer he once saw using a pole for a prop. Definitely out - no, no, NO. Methodist Hospital does not allow pole dancing on the premises. (Ask your husband, boyfriend, son).

Sally started today with French Market ( New Orleans ) coffee in bed along with the New York Times and the Houston Chronicle, courtesy of yours truly. Picture this - 5:00 AM, Bob on his touring bike with headlights/tail light/helmet lights blazing to keep from getting run over. On board is a thermos of coffee, a mug, bottle of fresh, hand squeezed orange juice and two huge Sunday newspapers. Upon arrival at her room, she is asleep with a smile on her face, no doubt dreaming of her forthcoming coffee and newspapers in bed. This IS a true story.

After a couple of hours struggling with the above situation, she strolled her pole down the hall to the treadmill and "walked" for an hour for exercise before room service brought her breakfast ( in bed ). How was your morning?

The weekend doctor said she is doing great-keep it up-looks like she may handle the chemo real well. Appearance, attitude, energy level, all normal tonight (Sunday night) after 57 hours of chemo medicines. At Super Bowl kickoff time she was on the recumbent bike that sits next to the treadmill, pedaling away.

I may get in trouble for this but here's her direct phone line (713) 441- 1556. Please limit calls to a few minutes if she will let you. Also please do not be offended if Susan or I answer and say she cannot talk just then. There may be times when she will quickly say I've gotta go and hang up (Review all those symptoms I described in Friday's message).

She also can receive email at: sallyshipman@hotmail.com

I know, I know, I promised pictures. Later. Christmas present digital cameras and accompanying software are a challenge to some of us, not to mention the interface with my computer which is mainly still a mystery to me. To put this in proper perspective, please understand that this entire message was created using only two fingers.

Good night and keep praying.

Bob

2006-02-04T14:51:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, FEB. 4: Short message today. Chemo treatment began yesterday and has continued without interruption to present (Saturday 4:55 PM). Treatment consists of 3 chemicals hanging from her roll-around pole*, each with a tube leading to a semi-permanent "port" surgically installed in her chest. From the port a tube is fed into her chest cavity to her heart's aorta. From there the poisons and other chems. are distributed into her blood stream system. This is supposed to produce the results described in yesterday's posting.

Well anyway, this all got started yesterday and so far today none of the dire consequences have materialized. She says "I told you so". (I try to keep her fully informed of all the bad possibilities). She also says I can make a beautiful blue sky completely overcast within 5 minutes.

Sally is feeling fine/normal today and is enjoying a visit with her mother. Ms. Dorothy, who will be 96 this month, sometimes has trouble with: "dates, did I eat breakfast, where is my wallet-glasses-house key- etc." but she has had no problem being on top of Sally's situation. So, we are happy that Susan brought her over from home in Beaumont for the weekend. Our son Mark showed up with a new laptop loaded with custom software and DVD capability and maybe a dozen movies. Where were all these people when I broke my leg?

*We need to decorate Sally's roll-around pole. Please send your suggestions for doing this. I will post them, let Sally pick one and announce the winner. The winner gets an all expense paid trip to Methodist Hospital to visit (unless you live out of town).

Bob

2006-02-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

FRIDAY, FEB. 3: Hello and thanks for tuning in. Sally is occupied with IVs, nurses, pills, paperwork .. well you get the idea, so daughter Susan or I (Bob) will be posting updates on what is going on and how it's going.

Sally entered Methodist Hospital Wednesday morning, Feb. 1. Armed with books, mags, family photos and pajamas of wild colors, we walked over since the hospital is literally two blocks from our home, in the Texas Medical Center. After two days of forms, blood tests, and being advised that she will feel terrible for the next three weeks, chemotherapy began this morning. The chemo will continue for the next seven days, 24 hours per day. Side effects may include loss of appetite (first time ever for Sally), extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash (face, chest, arms, back) and sores in the mouth and throat. And she may get to use her new wig.

Bad stuff - not a lot of fun.

Please understand the following. The chemo destroys all her white blood cells ( along with the leukemia cells ) with the result that she will have absolutely no ability to resist germs leading to infection. Serious business. This means that we will work hard to limit exposure to sources of infection which includes people, flowers, fruit, certain foods, basically anything from "the outside world". So, no visitors for a while.

I'll talk about phone calls to her room a little later but let's just see how it goes for now. I will return calls at night from our home phone which has voice mail, (713) 520-8221.

She loves the cards she has received. They are a real bright spot and I know she will continue to appreciate them. Best address is our home, 1905 Swift, Houston 77030.

We will also monitor her email as time allows, sally_shipman@hud.gov. Since it's a federal government email service, please respect taxpayer dollars.

We appreciate your prayers and especially the warm friendship with which you have blessed Sally.

Bob Shipman
"As we grow older, it's not the things we did that we regret, it's those things we didn't do"