Day 18
December 18, 2004
Today we are to attend a Christmas Party hosted by Rick & Lee Rinaldi. The have an annual Christmas Party at their home dubbed the "Winterberry Ranch". The theme of thier party is "Toys for Tots", each of the guests are asked to bring a donation toy which is placed in a sleigh. For the last four years Rick & Lee have given a stuffed bear as a gift to each of thier guests. Each year the bear is named by Rick and Lee. Rick & Lee were told of Shelby's medical condition by my sister Raquel. Raquel worked for Rick at SEVEN BRIDGES Construction. Anyway, Rick & Lee were touched by Shelby's story and named this years bear "The Shelby Richter Christmas Bear".
We arrived at the party at about 2:30 pm. They have the most beautiful ranch house complete with horses,roosters,donkeys and a cow. I can't forget to mention the huge peach orchard that encompasses the back of the property. They stable for the horse's was very impressive and all of us enjoyed petting 3 of the 4 horses, Rick's horse (Colby) was a biter.
I have to say Rick and Lee really know how to throw a party. They have a fire pit in the back yard complete with marshmellows and hotdogs to roast. The had a excellent DJ, and a fellow who dressed in many different costumes throughout the day. Facepainters who dressed like Mrs. Clause and an elf. Great catered food and a fully stocked bar, complete with bartenders.
Two activities that they had for the children were horse rides and hayrides. Which Shelby,Justin and Victoria Mancinelli did both. It was very exciting for us (Char and I) to see the smile on Shelby's face as she rode on the horse. It was the first time she was ever on a horse. She really enjoyed it and is probably a new interest for her.
At about 4 pm Santa arrived via the Hayride trailer. He greeted the chidlren, took some photographs and then handed out a toy to each little boy and girl. Rick and Lee think of everything.
We enjoyed everyone's company, had some really great food and Shelby had an awesome day. Rick made an anoucement to greet his crowd and then introduced Shelby to his guests, of course she was embarrassed.
When it was time to leave Rick gave us some extra bears to give to Shelby's friends.
I can't tell you how grateful we are to Rick and Lee for what they have done for Shelby, a little girl they had never met. We are forever in your debt.
Shelby had a Great Day
(By the way - so did Charlene,Justin,Victoria and me)
Day 19
December 19, 2004
Today was a normal day for Shelby as we went to Shea's for Sunday breakfast. Shelby did not finish her breakfast becuase she started feeling nauseas and tired. We went home and Shelby spent some time on the computer doing homework and IM'ing her friends.
Shelby watched the Simpsons and Desperate Housewife's (A Sunday Night tradition in our house), then some football. Bart came over with a liquid solution for Shelby to drink for her morning test. She fought having to drink it the entire time, she complained the whole time.
A Fair Day (More Good than Bad) 
Day 20
December 20, 2004
Charlene, Bart and Shelby and I came to the hospital today for some routine tests. Shelby had to drink another dose of that awful liquid to assist with her procedure (A CT Scan). She did not do it willingly but like a champ.
Today would not be a routine day. Dr. Orsey would finally give us our diagnosis. It was not something we wanted to hear. Shelby has a rare cancer and needs immediate treatment. She is checked into her room (3S10 - 3 South Room 10). Her diagnosis is "undifferentated sarcoma". She has a long road ahead for recovery. She starts her chemotherapy in the morning and will hopefully be home for Christmas Day, then she returns for a 5 day stint of more chemotherapy. We are all very scared but trying to remain strong for her. She will likely lose her hair - so be prepared when you see her. But DON"T feel sorry for her, because we feel if this is the worst that she has to go through - then so be it. We don't know how long her treatments (months or years) are going to last only the cancer knows that. My emotions won't let me write anymore right now.
Day 21
December 21, 2004
Shelby's day started out with a minor operation but for major reasons. Dr. Flake had to "install" if you will the tube (medical term - BROVIAC) that will be used for Shelby's Chemotherapy. This tube will remain in Shelby until her treatment is over. She also had an EKG to make sure her heart is up to handling the chemotherapy. She was explained everything by Doctor Orsey & Adamson. She accepted her prognosis very well. As well as can be expected. Better then most adults I can tell you that! Anyway Shelby is preparing for her first dose of Chemo. She will take 5 different types of aggressive drugs. She takes 2 of those now, then goes home. We will return in the 2nd week of January for a 5 or 6 day stay, when she will get the other 3 drugs to complete her "chemo cocktail". This will go on for about a year. She has accepted the fact that she will lose her hair and has picked out some wigs made for children going through this. Bart and I have decided to shave our heads to show her that it is "okay" to be bald. Of course Shelby's hair will grow back - I am not sure about mine (haha). This is life!
I will update you tomorrow but we expect her spirits to be down in the dumps. Bart and Charlene are handling this extremely well.
Me - I am going out of my mind, I am sooo mad 
- but we all must remain strong!
Day 22
December 22, 2004
Today is a monumental day because it is the day Shelby starts to treat her cancer. It is a day we all have been waiting for and a day we all dread. "The neccessary evil".
It was going VERY well. She was in great spirits until she had a bad reaction to one of the anti-nausea medications. She had uncontrolable twitching. It was tough to watch and she was extremely annoyed. We had to wait almost 2 hours for the drug to reverse the reaction. She then fell asleep, probably from exhaustion. Charlenes' Aunt Darlene and Uncle Joe came up for a visit, Shelby was pretty out of it though.
She woke up about 11:30 at night. She called Charlene at home to wish her a good night (this made Charlene sleep much better). Shelby then watched some DVD movies with her Dad and then went back to sleep about 3 am.
A pretty good day - 
with one really bad hour 
.
Day 23
December 23, 2004
Shelby had a very uneventful day - which is great. Her spirits were very high. Off to a good start! At Shelby's request Charlene and I went to the Attales School to video tape her Christmas Party. She could not be there but felt this was the next best thing. To further her "feeling" of the party, we brought her some of the pizza they had, as well as some cupcakes and party bag.
When we arrived she watched the videotape, she laughed out loud quite a few times. That was a good feeling for everyone!
Aunt Dawn sat with Shelby while all of us (Bart,Shannon, Charlene and I) went to the learning center classroom for some "hands on" training. We had practical training in some of Shelby's homecare. This is very important homecare, because she need injections daily and we must keep her Broviac -extremely clean. If she gets an infection it would be huge set-back for her recovery.
Shelby is doing great - she is eating well, going to the bathroom and in little pain. All goods thing! Dr. Adamson tolds us she is going home tommorow!
Bart, Shannon, Justin and Aunt Dawn went home for some rest, and Shelby is wrapping presents (for some of her best friends) with her mom on her bed. It is 9:17 pm and Shelby just finished her first batch of chemotherapy.
The Best Day YET! 
Day 24
December 24th, 2004 (Christmas Eve)
Shelby was discharged from CHOP today at 1:00 pm. She is over her Dad's house for some rest. She has some daily medical treatment and then will return to CHOP in the 2nd week of January for her next batch of Chemo. Of course this is if she does not have any complications such as fever or infection.
Merry Christmas to all !! 