awareness

Hello all

So today, Dr Elche had to be the bearer of bad news. Shauna now has stage 4 cancer. She has given consent for me to post this blog with all the information in it.

Stage four leukemia is a challenge for all doctors involved. Right now, Shauna's body is unable to cope with any further stress we may put it under, thus for now, we will only be continuing treatments and daily physio. We'll take no further action unless the immediate circumstance gives way for any other surgical procedure. Right now, we all just hope. - Dr Adams (I begged to quote him on the blog).

Well, Shauna's mind hasn't changed much after Dr Elche gave her this bad bundle of crap news. She's still in the fight and we're all supporting her. For now, Dr Elche has amended the shifts for the next few weeks. And we'll be taking things carefully around here. Being at her side and taking constant notes (as if we don't do that enough already). For those of you who are confused about how to react, how to be around her, how to approach things. Don't be, just be yourselves. Be there for her, comfort her, distract her sometimes, let her know you're there, talk to her, give her a reason for hope, inspire her, motivate her, make her smile, make her laugh, let her feel loved, care for her, just don't avoid her! She's still very much the same person. Respect her for her decision to keep on fighting, its a brave choice. Also, don't be afraid to ask her things about her situation and Dr Elche has said if you have any questions or concerns, you are most welcome to let him know and he will assist you as far as possible.

On another note, a local church, one that Shauna played in the band for will be having a special prayer service for Shauna and many other patients suffering from cancer on Friday. I know some of you are all far out and many of Shauna's friends are, but I appeal to you all to take part. And this is how:

The service will be a candle lit one, remembering those who have passed on and this will happen at 20:00 our time (Harare +2) and I have no idea of how it will work around the world, please forgive me. But never the less, if you manage to figure it out please at 8PM (our time) light a candle and have just a moment of silence for Shauna and those around the world fighting this fight. Doctors, nurses, patients, those who have lost their lives, those who have lost family and friends and then in a united fight against cancer. It sounds extremely corny, but I'm serious when I say it makes a difference.

Also, we're asking those who are attending the service to wear an orange garment in support and thought of Shauna. Orange is the ribbon colour for leukemia, so we're appealing to as many people as possible to wear an orange garment on friday.

I'm appealing that you try to get as many involved as you can. To show their support for Shauna. She needs it now more than ever.

She unfortunately won't be able to attend the service, however we'll all be here with her as her family goes to church on Friday.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask myself, Shauna or Dr Elche.

Thank you so much for reading.

Kelly :-)