What is happening with Chuck?
"Fortitude" is what turns our hearts to Gratitude in times of challenge. Fortitude is our strength, commitment, and dedication to co-creating a world waking to the power of Love in Gratitude.
CHUCKSBLOG.WIMMERMACHINE.COM

Run for Chuck

Hi

Below is an email from my niece who is a student/Asst. Crew Coach for Drake University. She is team member of triathonal team who is raising money for the Leukemia/Lymphomia Society. I was very excited to receive her email this morning. We are very proud of her and Chuck would be honored by her efforts......

For those who do not know, my brother Steven, Jaclyn's father is a "Cancer Warrior" of Lymphoma Non-hogkins for the past 25 years......we are blessed everyday that he chooses to stay with us.....

"I have some very exciting ...<< MORE >>

Posted by Dayna Shearer at 11/6/2009 5:59 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Orange is the color

We (the boys, Meg and myself) are going to honor Chuck by wearing something Orange (not Home Depot orange) next Saturday. Orange is the color of Leukemia cancer awareness and burnt orange/copper has become our signature family color. We invite you join us.
This is a time of mourning but also a time to Celebrate Chuck's life. It's a time to remember how he inspired us to "want" to be a better person and humbled us to "know" that we can.

See yu'all next week.....

Have a blessed day...

Love,
Dayna

...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 10/22/2009 6:55 AM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Celebration of Life

It was a beautiful fall afternoon when Chuck took his last breath, yesterday. He was not in any pain and we were grateful to with him when he passed.

There will be a memorial Service to Celebrate his life on Saturday, October 31 @ 11:00 am. The service will be held at Valley Forge Presbyterian Church in PA. We will be at the church by 10:00 am. ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 10/21/2009 11:43 AM | View Comments (4) | Add Comment

Coming to the end


Hospice is finally on board and Chuck is on oxygen. He's had a high fever the last couple of days that we have been trying to keep at bay. It keeps going up and down.

Our goal is keep him comfortable so every few hours we work to get the "comfort" medications into him. His breathing is labored. All of the signs are evident that time is getting shorter....

The kids (who are all grown up) have been wonderful as we all stay vigil by his side. It's good to be together at this time. We all ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 10/20/2009 10:05 AM | View Comments (10) | Add Comment

Saturday, October 17

Chuck's "posse" (Damon, Jeff and Dennis) arrived early Thursday morning much to Chuck's surprise and delight. That was a "Good" day. He was energized in the love and laughter that always so "them".

As the "boys" came for him, Jeanine came for me.

She and my dear friend Robyn along with the "Posse" kept us entertained and feed. It was good, it was healing. It's been difficult to accept that after such a valiant fight to live, Chuck will be leaving us. He has not been in any pain since he's been home. He was smiling and ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 10/17/2009 4:48 AM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Monday, October 12

Today is Chuck's 47th birthday.

The last couple of days have been aweful for Chuck (and me), so much, that I've a difficult time dealing with it all let alone writing about it. The pain has gotten to the point that Chuck spends most of the time heavily sedated with pain meds and anti-nausea medicine. He hasn't been able to keep much of anything down for days and everything goes right through him. What we were using for the anit-nausea before no longer is effective for Chuck. This new medicine makes him very sleepy. He is still on the ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 10/12/2009 7:46 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Tuesday, October 6

I wish there was something positive to write about Chuck and his that quality of life has improved. But there is not and It has not. I spend hours just watching him breath b/c I am afraid that I will miss his last breath.

Yesterday was another aweful day for him.

They had snowed him with pain meds over the weekend and in attempt to convert the pump meds to pill form; their recommendation on the dosage seemed "over the top"; we wanted to be more conservative considering what he was on when I had admitted ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 10/6/2009 6:59 AM | View Comments (3) | Add Comment

Sunday, October 4

The past couple of days have been very difficult and stressful. We have been faced with some difficult challenges and decisions.
Yesterday was not one of our better days. Chuck has some setbacks which caused him much discomfort that required alot of Dialatta.That is always a bad thing all around.

 He has not been able to urinate through his bladder since last monday and he's had cronic diareahh so his body is not absorbing some of the medications.

Our objective is to manage his "cronic" pain with extended pain meds and something for his "acute" pain. They ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 10/4/2009 8:55 AM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Thursday, October 1

Today was better. I was able to get some answers and direction. Chuck's procedure went well, they have hooked back up to the PCA pump for pain meds and 24/7 TPN nutrient line. The objective is to keep him comfortable and his pain managable.

WE have an appointment with a pain management specialist tomorrow. They are thinking that some of the pain is "nerve" pain and they can block it. Where were they 3 months, ago? But better late than never and hopefully someone will make a note to consult "pain management" when a patient needs the kidney lines. ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 10/1/2009 6:56 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Wednesday, September 30

Feeling very frustrated with  what is and what is not happening here this time. As it turns out, Chuck has 2 separate infections to be treated. It's been a bit of a "cluster".
I told them whoever comes through his door better have their "game on" b/c  I am way past "ankle " bitting and going straight for their A--.

In all fairness, the nurses are doing everything that they can for him and have been their usual wonderful support.

Tomorrow, they are suppose to take him down to IR and change out his tubes. There ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/30/2009 5:24 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Monday, September 28

We had a wonderful visit with Damon, Kellie, Cheryl and Crystal on Saturday. Chuck said is it was good to laugh. Damon is always good for a story or two about his little girls that always brightens our day.

Mom and Brandon were down Sunday to watch the Eagles with us.

Unfortunately, the pain in his kidneys increased considerable over the weekend.He started with a fever over night.

As we mark the "1" year, he will be admitted back into MUSC with another infection. They feel it will only be for a couple of days ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/28/2009 11:27 AM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Authentic Success


Shortly after Chuck was diagnose last year, I found out that a former co-worker back in PA was also diagnosed with AML Leukemia. Glenn was and is always a "team player" and incredibily supportive. He is blessed with an incredible wife and family that have been inspirational to their circle of people through this journey. Glen had not one but two stem cells transplant and is presently in day 55+ of the most recent.

Below is a reading that Amy (his wife) had shared on their blog that I found to truly inspiring. I thought ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/26/2009 8:21 AM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Friday, September 25

Chuck had another difficult night added by tending to the TP line. I appologize for being unclear about the nutrition line (TP). Originally, the doctors spoke to us of options for the nurtrition source. One being, inserting a tube directly into Chuck's belly, another would  be just hooking him up through his pick line in his arm. Both have options have pro's and con's but b/c of his pain in the belly area they opted for the pick line which was a relief.

Today didn't go as expected. WE got to the IR early in hopes to they would find ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/25/2009 7:31 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Thursday, September 24

Well, I learned something new today. The doctors decided that it would be best to start Chuck on the nurtrient IV (TPN) line tonight.Chuck weighed in at 103 pounds this morning. We were at the clinic by 7:30AM. He is still dealing with the "C-Diff" bacteria that is causing severe diarreah thus his body is not absorbing nurtrients. Another culture was taking and results tomorrow will tell them if they need to change the medication.

 The team arranged for home infusion to deliver supplies to the lodge and a nurse came by this afternoon to show me how to hook up ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/24/2009 5:05 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Wednesday, September 23

Today was a "down" day. Chuck was up most of the night as usual  but now he tries to make sure he eats or drinks something as much as possible. This has become another stress that he doesn't need. He really doesn't want to have another tube in him but I  fear it may be our only solution; if only temporarily.

The bladder is flowing clear today due to the Amicar but he still has pain when he relieves himself. The BK is cycular and the bleeding will return. The days just don't change.

The bladder is ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/23/2009 7:23 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Tuesday, September 22

Today was a better day at the clinic. Chuck recieved platelets and blood and is doing better. The doctors talked to us a length today about how every thing he is feeling (the extreme fatigue and lack of appetite) is normal for what he his body is going through. To date there is still no evidence of the Leukemia.

They did share that they are concerned about his lack of nutrition and not gaining any weight. He weighed in around 105 pounds. They understand that he has many reasons for not having any appetite, not able to eat, etc....but ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/22/2009 7:49 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Monday, September 22

Though it is wonderful to be home. Chuck continues to have a difficult time of things. He grows weaker each day. Adjusting the medications have stirred things and left him feeling very fatigued. He eats less every day.
We head back to Charleston/clinic tomorrow and see what develops from there.

Thanks for checking in on us...... ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/21/2009 9:06 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Friday, September 18

We are excited to be home until Tuesday....we have been waiting so long for this moment...... we are hoping that he will only need to visit the clinic 2x weekly so we can just make "day" visits and go home.

Chuck is doing real well as we continue to wait for the bladder to heal. We stopped at the shop today on the way home and he was excited to back there.

I am truly grateful for every "good" moment that he has. It's just been so long..... ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/18/2009 7:35 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Thursday, September 17


Its' amazing what you learn to do when necessary. Both of Chuck kidney lines leaked at the connection valve. I made a call to one of nurses and she told me that sometimes the surgeon leaves the stiich too long and it causes the valve not to thread securely.

Sure enough, I had to disconnect the valve from the line that goes directly into his kidney and there was a black thread. With very fine scissors, I was able to snip the thread and reconnect his valves.  YEAHH!!  no more leaking.

At the clinic, I am ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/17/2009 7:26 PM | View Comments (3) | Add Comment

Monday, Sept 14

We had a great weekend and back in Charleston. Chuck's counts are all good today at the clinic. The doctor even said if he continues to do well all week, he can go home for the weekend with their blessing. LOL!
All is flowing good, the colors are good and the pain minimal, he is doing well.
Since, starting the bladder medicine again, his appetite is gone but we can work with that...

I am grateful for every "good" moment/day that we have and count each one as a blessing. ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/14/2009 5:19 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Aflac for the month of September

Aflac Duck For the entire month of September, Aflac is matching donations made to the Aflac Cancer Center through Facebook up to $1 million. It’s the biggest Causes grant in Facebook history, and we can all be a part of it. http://bit.ly/wOype

Please visit the website and make a difference.....check out my wall on facebook and read some of the stories... ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/11/2009 5:37 PM | Add Comment

Friday, September 11

I woke up this morning thinking that I was having a "heat flash". Here Chuck thought I was cold and covered me with his electric blanket. LOL!!  He so sweet....

He had a typical night, I think his back kidney lines get "tugged" while he sleeps and it becomes painful. The draining has decreased considerably and we "think" this is a good thing. The color looks better so it seems like the bladder medicines is already working....

I was able to get him out today to Lowes. He has to wear a face mask but he enjoys ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/11/2009 5:06 PM | Add Comment

Thursday, Sept 10

Today was spent at the Clinic getting blood and platelets. The doctors had stopped the bladder medication almost 2 weeks ago to see how the bladder would react. After acouple of painful days and alot of bleeding from the kidneys, they have restarted the medication. This medication reacts quickly so Chuck should be back on track of healing within a couple of days.

He contracted another bacterial infection but the doctors tell us not to be "too" concerned with it and he'll just need to add another pill to his arsonal for a couple of weeks. What's another ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/10/2009 6:33 PM | Add Comment

Wednesday, Sept 9

I arrive at the Hope Lodge to find Chuck in alot of stomache pain. It's seems the bladder is still a mess and the doctors are not sure how to handle things. Do they put him back on the bladder meds? do they increase the steriods? It seems to be anyone's guess at this point. Meanwhile, he struggles to pass more blood and clots through his bladder. It seems as if any reprieve he may get is short lived.

He looks more frail every day and his color is not good today. He is very fatigued from the ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/9/2009 9:34 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

Tuesday, Sept 8



Chuck was discharged on Sunday and is back at the Hope Lodge. He is not experiencing the extreme pain and discomfort as he was last week. Is appetite is improving and he is eating more. Hopefully, he will start to gain some weight.

His kidneys still bleed especially the left one. It makes us nervous but they tell us it's normal.

We had a great weekend visit with Drew, Meghan and Jeanine.

The Good Lord has definitely blessed us with wonderful family and friends...

Chuck feels things are getting a little better ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/8/2009 5:37 PM | Add Comment

Where's Chuck??

Chuck is currently at MUSC (Medical University South Carolina) in Charleston.

...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 10/1/2008 5:05 PM | View Comments (272) | Add Comment

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. Please check back soon for new entries.

We would like to thank you for visiting this page. We have received an amazing amount of support in just the few short days since the diagnosis. We greatly appreciate all the love and support we are receiving in this difficult time. We will try to keep this page as current as possible, so please check back frequently. ...<< MORE >>
Posted by Dayna Shearer at 9/30/2008 6:30 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
Blog Software