Brave Mama – Shana’s Surgery Was a Success!

By
Molly
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90
6953

Great news, Mamas!  Shana is out of surgery and in recovery.  She underwent a double mastectomy this morning and everything went as well as these things can.  S's doctors tested a number of lymph nodes and they believe, with 90-95 percent accuracy, that the cancer has not spread.  A full biopsy of the removed tissue is necessary, but what this means is that she will probably (hopefully!) be spared a grueling round of chemotherapy.  Please send her your thoughts, prayers and good vibes for a speedy recovery.

Over the past several weeks, it has been difficult to know what to do or say.  But as I spoke to S. yesterday afternoon, sounding more blue than I have ever heard her, I was once again (and it's happened a lot) humbled by her ability to be present, patient and positive with her babies no matter what.

Between snipets of conversation about the surgery, ANMJ and other news, I listened to Pax's high pitched howls of distress as Shana narrated his temper tantrum.  "Pax is mad," she soothed.  "You got frustrated with your train, and now you're mad because it's broken.  Let's put it back together."  As the howls subsided, I thought about how I might have handled the situation differently–less patiently, probably much less successfully, and definitely with less grace. 

We returned to our fractured conversation.  Two moms.  With tired, unreasonable little ones, digging out from under a laundry pile after long summer vacations.  One with a life changing surgery just hours away and all the time in the world to walk her toddler son through his emotions.  And me, reminded once again by Shana's example, of how blessed I am and how easy–and wrongheaded–it is to take this precious time for granted.

Thank you, Ms. S., for being the amazing woman, wonderful mom and incredible friend that you are.  You are brave and strong and beautiful, and we are all cheering for you as you put this part of your life back together. 

xo,

M.

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90 COMMENTS

  3. Glad to hear there is good news… xo Wishing you the best during your recovery, Shana.
    Thank you for the story of being patient and present with Pax – an amazing feat of bravery and love. This will stay with me always. Thank you.

  8. This whole thing made me cry. I’ve been thinking about Shana all day, and I don’t even know her. Thanks, M… beautiful update.

  9. Shana,
    I am praying for your recovery and health. God bless you, your husband, and precious children.
    With love, Lacey

  10. So happy to hear everything went well!! I have definitely been thinking about you, fellow Michigander 😉 You’re strong and I hope you recover quickly. Un Abrazo, from Mexico 🙂

  15. So so so so glad. I’ve been thinking of her and her precious family all day today. Stay strong Shana! Hopefully the worst is behind you and it’s all healing and recovery from here.

  20. thank you so much for keeping us posted. despite not knowing nor ever meeting her, i thought about her all day. i’m sending lots of positive thoughts and vibes her way. thanks, again.

  21. Thank you so much for the update. I have had her and her family on my mind today. Such good news to hear. The positive thoughts and healing wishes are still being sent her way along with lots of love and support.
    Shana- you are truly an inspiration for so many, many reasons.
    xoxo

  24. This post brought tears to my eyes. So happy to hear the positive outcome and sending all good wishes for a speedy recovery.

  27. Such good news. I have been thinking about her today. Let her know there are mamas all over the world sending her love.

  28. I’ve been thinking of you today, Shana. I’m glad to hear that it went well. Please rest and take care of yourself. I will continue to send positive thoughts and prayers your way.

  29. THANK YOU! YAY!! for the update!! Please keep us posted….we don’t know each other but I feel like we do..I can’t stop thinking about her and her family…

  31. Thank you for these beautiful words, wishes, and prayers. I’m sitting here, next to a sleeping Shana, overwhelmed by the love from our friends and family. It humbles me to know that our friends include 1000s of beautiful mothers around the world that are all connected through this blog.
    With much love and gratitude,
    Mike D.

  32. Thank you for the update (and such a great parenting example). I’m so glad to hear good news. Fingers crossed for no chemo needed!! Lots and lots of healing love!

  38. I’ve been waiting to hear all day…have been thinking about her and worrying like she’s my BFF. It’s amazing how you can connect with someone you’ve never met xoxo

  39. So glad you’re doing well Shana. I’ll be praying for a quick recovery with minimal pain and an extra measure of cuteness from your littles.

  42. Tearing up reading this. Great news for S. If there’s anything I (as another blogger)/we as readers can do to help, let us know.

  50. I’m thinking of you, Shana– you are an inspiration in so many ways, and I hope all the good energy you’ve shared with so many through this blog and elsewhere is returning to you now to bring you comfort, strength, and healing. So glad to hear the surgery went well!

  53. Praising God for your successful surgery, Shana. Here’s a link to the blog of a friend who is also fighting cancer (www.thekennedycrew.blogspot.com). She is going through chemo and it sounds like (thankfully) you won’t have to, but she is nonetheless a kindred spirit who understands the dark times. Blessings to you!

  54. Yay Shana! Sending good vibes your way for a smooth recovery!
    Through the time I’ve been following your blog, I’ve loved how you are both stylish and smart, and how you also model a loving, child-centered mothering style, while still being real and honest about all the crazy situations we find ourselves in as mothers.
    ((hugs))

  58. Makes me want to be a better listener and more patient with my kids…thank you for the update, love to Shana 🙂

  62. Thank you for updating us all! And yay for successful surgery! What high praise for Shana and such a humble attitude as we are all reminded to be thankful for lives, our little ones, and the little things in life. We are all there with you in spirit as you recover!

  69. I am so moved and inspired by Shana’s spirit. She is truly amazing. For as long as i have followed this blog i wished i had a friend like her in real life. I wish her speedy recovery and complete healing, mind body and soul with all my heart!

  70. I am so moved and inspired by Shana’s spirit. She is truly amazing. For as long as i have followed this blog i wished i had a friend like her in real life. I wish her speedy recovery and complete healing, mind body and soul with all my heart!

  71. Thanks for letting us know how things went, M.
    I have been thinking of you, Shana, and I continue to send love, strength and peace to you and your family.

  73. It’s amazing to feel connected to someone via this blog that I’ve never met but feel deeply for your situation. I pray for your healing and that you will feel God’s presence as you recover.

  74. Lurker who never comments, but reads the blog daily:
    Shana, you are such an inspiring, powerful woman, and we are all rooting for you. So pleased to hear that the surgery went well!

  77. First – SO glad all went as well as could be hoped! M, this is a beautiful post.
    Shana, I’ve been trying to find the right words for you since your first post on your diagnosis. In so many situations words can do powerful important things. The right words can shift the tide. They can even appease a sweet toddler’s tantrum! So it is REALLY annoying when words cannot do what you want them to do, ya know?
    I finally acquiesced to the fact that this is just one of those crap moments where words fail. Damn. But in this odd cyber world, words, it seems, are all there is to offer. So, along with so many others, I am (and have been) sending you and your family lots of virtual hugs, love, and strength and wishing I could do more.
    You are an awesome, inspiring mama. And how cool is it that you have love and good wishes coming to you from all over the world! That is some serious mom power coming at you. Rock on, strong mama! Hoping you will be home snuggling with your babies very soon. xo

  78. S, I hope with all my heart you recover quickly and are back on your feet in no time! I know this couldn’t be easy and I’m among the throngs of mamas pulling for you. And thank you for the beautiful post and update, M. And for reminding me to handle my little rugrats’ freak-outs and tantrums with a little more grace as well. 🙂

  79. All the best to you awesome mama! You’re my inspiration with your humor, wit and perseverance, not to mention fabulous style! Sending positive vibes your way for a swift recovery and many many more years enjoying your kids, future grand kids, and future great grandkids.

  80. Tearing up as I read these beautiful words to describe an AMAZING person who is so much to so many. Best wishes for a speedy recovery and fingers crossed for good news to come!

  81. So glad for YOU and your family that the surgury went so well. 🙂 I love this blog and I thought the very least I could do in return for the (enjoyment/relateableness/entertainment/fashion tips you provide….)was to reach out and say “yay! yay! yay!” 🙂 So relieved for you! I hope you recover quickly and everything is smooth sailing from here!
    xoxoxo’s,
    Angela, 2 yr old George and soon to be baby brother!

  85. Such good news, Shana! Was waiting for this update, thinking of you, my internet friend. Still praying for you, don’t be afraid to take the pain meds!! Thanks for the update, M!

  86. wishing strength and patience and comfort through the recovery. I’ve been down this road myself, and I’m cheering you on. one medicated night at a time!

  88. Man..she is one strong lady I must say. Prayers, hugs and many thoughts go her way. I have 2 little ones and can not imagine how hard this journey is.

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