Uplifting Support

Some examples that demonstrate Shermance's comment, "How can I be down when so many people are lifting me up?"

...at her work - an amazing Dentist's office in Georgetown (Tradewinds Dental) they've gone out of their way to accomodate the numerous cancer appointments. They've cleared her schedule and have vowed to work with her through this whole fight to allow her to work (if she chooses) and will hire a temp (as needed) if the chemo gets too bad. WOW! The total support is AMAZING! Shermance wants to work because she is a people person and she gets energy from talking to people.  She even avoided taking a narcotic pain pill after the surgery and opted instead for Advil (and more pain) so she could drive and work the day after the sentinel node biopsy surgery when they also inserted the chemo access port.  She also washed her hair under the faucet and took a sponge bath since a shower wasn't allowed...that's dedication. Many people after being under general anesthesia and receiving that 2-hour surgery choose to take it easy, not Shermance! :)

Her work even sent out an email to their clients to explain the cancer bout.  Even though Shermance has just been there 5 months, clients called, emailed, and stopped by to see Shermance yesterday.  She's especially excited about the Nikken Kenko comforter she was given by a patient she's only seen once.  It's for her chemo treatment.  The queen-size blanket uses far-infared technology to regulate and respond to body temperature.  Sounds cool!

...in our neighborhood and families - immediate families, dental hygiene families, Tae Kwon Do families, Cub/Boy Scout families, high school families (whom Shermance shocked with news of being bald at the upcoming 25 yr reunion), football families, and neighbors are all coming together and offering so much support.  We love the stories.  We love the prayers.  We can't say enough about how grateful we are for the notes, cards, gifts (anything pink!), movies and things to do while being in the chemo chair 3-4 hours each week, offers for food/support, ties to support networks (love the name the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls), and your help carting around the boys or running errands.  FANTASTIC!  WE LOVE YOU!

...at my work - Applied Materials. It's important for co-survivors (Komen's term for me - thanks Bryan) to have support as well!  Even though it's a culture of hard-work, long hours, and business critical escalations, the support has been amazing.  My staff has responded by taking on extra work and covering meetings.  My director was stunned and he has been completely encouraging and supportive.  I get daily hugs from the resident hugger (you know who you are) and my collegues are stepping up to cover anything that I need during these first appointment-filled weeks.  The IMs, talks, support and encouragement gives me strength.  Even the VPs with whom I work, have been super supportive of putting family first.  One went as far as to say he's honored to be included in the communication. You all ROCK!

We are so blessed!  Your support is amazing!  Yet you are also critical for Shermance's well-being.  You make it possible for her to heal!  You give her strength!  You make her laugh.  You lift her up!  We need you!

Thank YOU!