DHi my name is Sheana (Shaw-nah) Green, a.k.a. Ginger or Big Red!
I'm originally from Denver, CO; had a short stint in Iowa; and have found my forever home in California. I'm a proud mother of three: Felisha (F:25) who lives in California, works as a paramedic, and is working on her Bachelors' in Nursing School; Shelby (M:22) who lives in Colorado and is attending college for mechanical engineering; and last but not least, Brownie. She's my 9 year old, 4 legged, German Shepherd/Chihuahua mix. She keeps my life spicy!
I'm a practicing vegetarian and Buddhist. My passion for life is supported by my beliefs, family, and friends. In March 2016 I realized just how important these components of my life are when I was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). About 12 months ago I started experiencing sinus infections. After a few months, I went to the doctor for a stronger decongestant. During this visit my blood work reflected my infection, but otherwise looked normal. As time passed, I still wasn't tackling my sinus infection and had developed two lumps on the right side of my neck over Christmas. I was referred to a Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist for a biopsy in February. In preparation for the biopsy, the ENT Specialist advised me to prepare my family and myself for the news of cancer.
The ENT Specialist ran blood work and ended up performing a Tonsillectomy. He discharged me with inflammation. As time passed, I began struggling with light headiness to the point normal day activities (like going to the bathroom) were a challenge. My daughter and adopted-mother encouraged me to get a second opinion. It wasn't until my Urologist reviewed my biopsy and blood tests (from the ENT Specialist), became concerned and said, "Sheana, I don't want to scare you but Cancer is back on the table. You need to get a second opinion immediately." This is when I decided to visit my Primary Physician.
On March 4th, 2016 I stepped through the hospital doors not knowing what was in store for me. My Doctor was immediately concerned and couldn't believe the ENT Specialist dismissed me with inflammation. She knew something wasn't right and ordered in-depth blood work, x-ray, and an EKG. As I was leaving the hospital, wasn't even out the door yet, her nurse called me. "Sheana, your hemoglobin is a 5.0. You need a blood transfusion and will be hospitalized for a few days."
Within a matter of a few hours I had walked into a hospital and was admitted into my own private room. My sister came to be with me and together we learned I had almost ran out of blood. The next morning I was transferred by ambulance to a larger hospital that had an oncology unit that was better equipped to dig deeper. It was in this larger hospital I was officially diagnosed with ALL and began my chemo treatments.
My next admittance will be March 29th for my 2nd round of chemo. My formal diagnosis is ALL -T and has 50/50 chance of survival in the first 24 months. I'll need a bone marrow transplant from friend, family or stranger and stem cell replacement. Currently, my Oncologist believes my aggressive treatments will last for 8 months with maintenance treatments for 24 months from date of diagnosis.
Today I'm home where Brownie still spices up my life and my hair is still Big Red. I'm overwhelmed with support and love from my family and friends.
I'll be damned if I let Cancer keep me down! Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please keep in touch for updates via my planner/journal.
I Have Set Up An Go Me Fund Account For Medical Expenses, Damn Cancer Is Expensive.
https://www.gofundme.com/sheanagreen
Namaste
***If you're not already a donor or donor applicant for bone marrow, please consider doing see. A simple cheek swab could open the door to saving a life.***
