Shawn's Story

On May 20, Shawn went to the doctor for a procedure designed to open up his esophageous because he had been experiencing  vomiting after eating solid foods for several weeks.  The doctors had determined there may be a blockage and were planning to do a procedure to open the blockage and eliminate the vomiting.  During the procedures, the doctors were unable to remove the blockage and instead biopsied a tumor that was the primary issue.  The results of the biopsy determined that he has esophageal cancer with metastasis to the lungs.  This diagnosis obviously came as a shock to Shawn and Rena.   Starting Monday, June 1st, Shawn will begin daily radiation treatments for 5 days in hopes that it will shrink the tumor enough to allow him to consume foods to build his strength.  He will be getting his port Tuesday and hopefully starting chemo the next week. They are still processing this diagnosis and his most immediate treatments, but there remain many unknowns.  What they do know is that they are surrounded by friends and family who plan to lift them up and fight side by side as Shawn defeats this diagnosis. This page is designed to keep everyone updated-as you can imagine there are so many people who love them and want to help but it is overwhelming trying to stay in touch and keep everyone up to speed.   We will also be posting additional ways people can support and donate to Shawn and Rena during this time as there will be many days Shawn & Rena may need to take off work for treatments and any help we can provide to reduce their stress will be helpful.  Please say prayer that God wraps his loving arms around them and holds them tight during this time-providing support and strength to both of them and his doctors.  As time progresses we will update everyone with how Shawn is responding to his treatment.