Shawn’s Story

Site created on May 13, 2018

Well it’s been an interesting few days and I thought I should bring y’all up to speed on what we know so far. 
Shawn had 2 appointments today at Providence. One with the radiologist oncologist and the other with the vascular surgeon. Yesterday she met with the neurosurgeon. Last week we met with the general surgeon who is putting this team together but basically nothing can happen until we get the results of her biopsy. Unfortunately after many consults the initial biopsy was determined to be inconclusive therefore she requires another biopsy which couldn’t be scheduled until Monday (x-apple-data-detectors://2). So nothing can happen until they figure out what this mass is inside of her. So best case is she has the biopsy on Monday and then we have to wait another week or maybe two to get the pathology results from that biopsy. 
What we did learn today is that if it is a sarcoma then it needs to be treated with radiation. The radiation treatments would be six weeks every day five days a week for 10 minutes. And after that six weeks They would be able to operate. Assuming that the mass has shrunk. The radiologist was great, we really liked him and he gave Shawn some better anxiety medicine. What we also learned from him was that the radiation could possibly impact her ovaries and therefore her ability to have children. This was a tough one as she and Alex have talked about having children but have never really made any decision. If they think that they want to have children then they will need to harvest eggs from Shawn which means that they would have to wait until she is ovulating and that would impact the turnaround time of starting radiation. So that was a tough one that she and Alex are going to have to talk about.
Some good news that we did find out today was that the mass is pressing on her veins, her external iliac artery and her pelvic bone but is not encompassing those things and hasn’t deteriorated her bone. so if all goes well those things can easily be moved off of the tumor and the tumor can be removed after she has radiation. So at least those things are not inside of the mass. 
I know this is a lot to digest and as you can imagine it’s been a lot for us to take in as well. But wait there’s more because of course we need to have a second opinion. We have a great sarcoma center here in Portland called OHSU and finally her referral from her insurance came through in time for her to meet with the oncologist surgeon at OHSU tomorrow. So tomorrow we go in the morning for another MRI as they need a pelvic MRI. And then in the afternoon we go meet with Dr. Skye Mayo at OHSU. Who knows what he is his team are going to recommend that we have to find out.
Shawn is doing great trying to keep it together through all of this and it seems like she’s got some good pain management but we still have a long road ahead and I will update you as we learn more. I am really thankful that I don’t live too far away and I can be here to help her because Alex needs to be focused on the shop since Shawn cannot work. 
Love you all and keep her in your thoughts. 

Newest Update

Journal entry by Wendy Schumer

Hey Everyone - it’s been so very long since I posted an update which is long overdue so here goes. (It’s a lot so sit back and enjoy). 

Lots of exciting news to report. Shawn is doing so well! Keeping in mind her nerves and feeling in her left calf and foot haven’t regenerated, she’s a warrior. Her motivation to heal is inspiring. She’s been riding her recumbent bike (inside) and working hard to build muscle and energy. She’d love to explore the possibility of actually riding a recumbent bike outside and that may be the next step (if we can find one affordable) but in any event she has set her sites on doing a 5k walk on Sept 7th! This is huge given what she’s been through this past year! She’s formed a walking team which you can follow or support virtually here https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/shawn-stackpoole/Dragonslayer-Portland

On the pain front she still suffers but thankfully she has a good palliative care dr who is able to manage her pain successfully. She is going to try to wean a bit off the opioids after “the big day” so we can only hope this isn’t too difficult. She’s been attending th Vocational Rehab facility here in hopes of being able to find work and her disability FINALLY came through. Being homebound is her biggest challenge right now. 

As as far as the BigC- she was clean on her scan in April which was great news. She goes in again in September and she gets the scan results on 9/11. Keep positive energy heading her way so this one is clean too. 

The biggest news - in case you didn’t know - is the wedding !! Yes, after 6 years of engagement she and Alex are tying the knot. The big event takes place on August 31 in a beautiful location in the Columbia Gorge - Hood River. It will be attended by 80 of her closest friends and family. It’s been wonderful to see how many out of town guests that have decided to attend. It should be beautiful!  Her grandmother passed in April which was tragic as of course she wanted her there. Before she passed she generously sent money to help with the event and she also promised Shawn her wedding rings but sadly they won’t be used. No need to elaborate on that drama. We are just so excited to see everyone and celebrate their love. It’s going to be a wonderful weekend surrounded by friends and family who love them. 

I’ll try to be more regular with updates but you can always reach out to her directly and check in. 

Much Love - Wendy 
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
Help Shawn Stay Connected to Family and Friends

A $25 donation to CaringBridge powers a site like Shawn's for two weeks. Will you make a gift to help ensure that this site stays online for them and for you?

Comments Hide comments

Show Your Support

See the Ways to Help page to get even more involved.

SVG_Icons_Back_To_Top
Top