Overwhelming Reactions (13)

We have been very touched and a bit overwhelmed by the response to our "news". Almost immediately after we sent out the email the phone(s) started ringing and the emails came flooding in. Everyone is very thoughtful and kind. I had already had a very long exhausting day of talking about cancer so I just had to let Brett field a couple of calls and leave the rest for another day. Thanks for everyone's love, prayers and concerns. Sorry I couldn't talk to everyone today. We're gonna have to take this one day at time! Here's just some of the email responses I received the first day. (That doesn't include the many phone calls and the 13 texts):

* Robbie Stephens-  Hi Shay, Wow. What a load to carry! And you are a stinker! Next time you need a sitter, please call me! Here's the deal--ANY time you need ANYthing, you call us. Please! No questions asked and any time of day or night. Glory can come play during the day, the other kids can come after school. If you need stuff from the store and don't want to see anyone, text me your requests and I'll deliver them to your door (w/the option of seeing me or not--even though I know you just love my smiling face). Seriously though, do you need anything? How bout I watch Glory for you on Monday (the 16th) so that the girls still get a chance to play together? And no mention of that nasty 'C' word (or would it be 'BC' word?) when I see you unless you want to bring it up-deal? So, that said, can I have access to your blog so I'm in the loop? Scott too. Good Grief. No other words, just we love you and you and your family are in our prayers. Call if you want to talk or just scream and then hang up :0) Love you, Robbie

* Jenn Woodruff- Oh our sweet girl! Our prayers are with you. Please send us an invite to the blog. We will do ANYTHING we can to help. Send hugs to everybody!! Love you, Jenn and Crew

*Heather Swanson- Shay, I just read your email. I am shocked and don't know what to say. I am praying for you and your family!! I know you are a true fighter and you will beat this!! I have a friend, Lauren, who is going through breast cancer right now. She lives here, is a faithful member of the church, a wife, a mother to 3 young children, and one of the most upbeat people I know. She blogs about her experience with cancer and I would like to share her blog with you. You can read it at http://thehammondsandournewnormal.blogspot.com/, if you would like. You really do inspire me in lots of ways!! I am so glad to be able to call you my friend!!!!! I hope to be able to call you soon, if you are up to talking:) P.S. I would love to be invited to read your new blog too:) Love, Heather Swanson

*Randy Crump- Shay and Family, I was driving into the driveway coming home from work tonight and got a call from your Mom. She sounded OK at first and then she broke down sobbing and said what did I know about Shay? I thought she was just learning about your move and was reacting to you moving away. NOT!!! I was shocked to hear this but I share the belief that We attack this with a positive attitude and with humor when possible! Our Prayers are with you and please admit us on your blog. I will try to call but I honor your privacy till you want to talk.  I Love You All ! Dad

* Millsaps- Hey Shay - Wow - I don't even know how to respond! We want to help out but we feel helpless - We would love an invite to follow your blog. Please let us know when you get that set up. You are most definitely in our thoughts and prayers . . . . Love, Daron, Mariann, William, Molly, and Paige

* Lana Seamons- We want to be invited to the blog. You'll probably have to give me instructions on how to access it. We love you all. I would go thru this for you if I could. If you need to talk or cry, I've got time. Love, Lana

* Hill family-  I want to be a part of your blog. Also know that our family has you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know how we can help. We love you guys.

Love, Daniel, Jill, Tayci, Abby, Luke and Levi

* President Ransom-  Sister Seamons, so sorry to hear of your cancer. Our prayers will be with you and your family as your begin your treatment and we hope that this will be a minor bump in life's adventure. Please let us know if we can be of any assistance. Warm regards, Pres. Ransom

* Deb Stephenson-  Hello Shay, boy you know how to wake a person up! I cant believe what you are going through! My love and prayers are with you and your family, the challenge will now begin huh? Make sure you let me know if you need anything, I am open (usually) after 3pm. I know it will be hard going through this cancer, but the Lord will always be there for you, I know, if he was there for me I know he will be there for you! If you need an upbeat moment, I have those CD's on Time Out For Women, you can borrow them if you want, I like to watch them once in a while, they are wonderful mood lifters! ok, well I will let you go, remember I am only a few blocks away from you if you need anything!!  Love ya! Deb

* Christine Layton- Oh, my gosh.  I don't know what to say.  I'll call you tomorrow.  Please invite me to your blog.  I'll say some prayers FoShay!  Love you. 
* Becky Disher Oh wow, Shay. Holy cow. I don't even know what to say. I'm so sorry and we will definitely keep you in our prayers. Please include me in your blog list and let me know... Hugs, Christine

*Shawn Roehrich (Justice's teacher)- Oh, I am so sorry to hear this news.  As you know, I just finished this battle last May.  I would be so happy to talk if you ever need it.  Will you be going to the Roger Maris?  Who is your oncologist?  I had the same type of cancer.  I had a lumpectomy (two times to get clear margins), chemo and radiation.  I would be happy to help in any way.  One thing that I will tell you is that it stinks, but is not nearly as bad as I imagined it would be. We also called it a bump in the road.  As I look back at the last year, I have to say that life went on and I was able to still participate in most things (just needed extra naps).  I also joined the Breast Friends support group.  That was really helpful. Please let me know if I can do anything for you.  Call or email any questions.  I know that it feels like all you do is talk about "it" and understand if you don't want to.  Just know I am here if you need me.
*Julie McPherson- Hey lady, I talked with Brett tonight and when I asked how your doctors appt went, I sure didn't expect the answer that followed!! I'm sure I'm not close to as shocked as you!! I just want you to know that I love you, you will be in my prayers constantly! I'm glad you can look at this in a positive way! I want you to know that I will help in whatever way I can! I will bring you food, I will cry with you, i will laugh with you, I will come hold your hand at the doctors, I will take your kids when you need some time to just sleep, I will bring your kids home from school, go shopping for you....anything you need!!! You are very important to me! I would like to be invited to your blog, please. I will chat with you soon! :) Love ya

*Julie Wright- Had a feeling this was coming after talking with you last week. You are in our thoughts and prayers and have passed your news along to Amy and Matthew. Sorry that we are leaving for two months but please keep us informed through your cancer blog. Your family is an inspiration to us and we love coming to visit your family every month.