Monday, February 18, 2013

When You Think Things Are Back To Normal...

     
So, Shelly, why all the breaks and 'I need a little hiatus' from the internet and social media??


     You always have an idea in your head of what you'll do if a doctor tells you something awful is going on in your body...
     Well, most of you know that I broke my neck a few months ago. I had a rough time with pain and numbness taking over my arms, neck and hands. I still managed to finish Independence on time, and after tons of meds and therapy spinal shots, started to feel a little better. I knew it was only a matter of time until I felt normal again. 
     But a couple of weeks ago, I started having some serious problems. The entire right side of my face, neck and head are numb, but really sensitive to the touch. It's so hard to describe, but it feels like you're scratching a layer of skin off when you touch it. And headaches, which I've never had before, had me basically sleeping the day away because I didn't know what else to do to stop them. Then it moved down to my arm and right hand.
     Naturally, we made an appointment for my doctor. 
     He said he thought it was a condition called Trigeminal Nueralgia, which is a painful condition of the nerves in the brain stem, and sent me out for an emergency MRI. I had the MRI and looked up the condition. It didn't sound good in any light. I prepared myself for the worst. So I wasn't surprised at all on Friday when he told me when I went in for the MRI review that I did have Trigeminal Neuralgia. 
     What I DIDN'T expect, was for him to tell me that I also had a tumor on my pituitary gland. I always imaged my reaction to something like that would be crying, but it was the opposite. I just sat there, unable to react at all. It was like it was a dream and it wasn't until I got in the car with my husband that it hit me. This was real. 
     So...I'm being referred to a specialist Neurologist at Mayo Clinic to start radiation. What does this mean for you? Well, I'm in the home stretch for Wide Awake. No more than 10,000 words at the most and I'll be done. I'm still trying to finish and have it to you before Feb ends, honestly more for me than you, but at this point, no promises. 
   UPDATE: Unfortunately, I wasn't able to finish Wide Awake in time. My hand is pretty useless and with all the 'stuff' going on with my face and head, the Dragon speaking software didn't work well for me either. I'm slowly working on it as I'm able, and you'll be the first to know when I'm finished. I'm sorry about that. 
     But I DO want to finish it, that way it's done and I can focus on what's ahead for me and my family. I want it out of my mind so I can really focus and not have anything extra to worry about. If you're an author, then you know that a story will literally eat at you, and that is what Wide Awake is doing. So I'll finish it, but then my hiatus\break begins. How long? Don't know, but it won't be forever.
     I do have a couple of other releases scheduled this year, but at this time, I'm putting everything on hold. If you know me at all, you know I answer every comment, email and tweet that I see. I'll still be a presence there, but if I don't get back to you right away, please know that I will as soon as I can.
     As for the Boston Author Event in March, I am still hoping that I can come. At this point, it's a week to week plan for me. I'll post any news on that front when I can make a sure decision. 
      For the Significance movie, they have great, awesome things happening, some really great news I got just today from them, and they'll be posting it as soon as all the details are ironed out. Any questions or updates and news for the movie, head to the productions company's Facebook page for that. 
    
     If you know me, you know you can't keep me down for long :) I've held in my problems about this for a while, and I'm sorry if I've seemed off-puttish. And you all were so sweet when I said I needed to take a break to deal with things, and wished me well. You'll never know what each and every single one of you mean to me. I'm trying to be as normal as possible. I have an amazing husband that's able to run his business from home, so he's here with me and is taking very good care of me. Feeling useless and resting is NOT something I'm comfortable with, but I'm learning. I am so incredibly blessed in my circumstances for this situation. It's not ideal, and I'm tired of life's lemons, but it is what it is and you have to work with what you've got. 
    Thank you all. Truly, absolutely, sincerely. 


                                                                            Best wishes and happy endings,
                                                                                      Shelly Crane
     

68 comments:

  1. I don't pray much but I am definitely going to be putting one in for you. I could only imagine.. I've thought about what my reaction would be to a situation similar to what you're going through (don't ask me why I've thought about it, I'm weird that way) and I'm pretty sure we'd be similar.. Dazed shock and then sheer determination. You're going to be fine and I can't wait to read all the amazing books you will write in the future. But for now, take that time to focus on yourself.

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  2. With sincere hope that all turns out well for you! Please take care of yourself all of your paitent and loyal fans will be waiting :)

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  3. I wish there was more I could do to help make your life easier, all I can do is pray, cheer in your corner, and support you in the only ways I can. You keep doing what you need to do for you! You are loved!!

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  4. Don't worry about us! Just focus on getting better. Your fans will still be here! Keeping you and your family in my prayers! Hoping for the best!

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  5. Shelly,
    Take the needed time to heal. You are a great person and care about her fans a lot. I am sure we all understand that your health is first and foremost for you. Gets lots of rest and can't wait to hear from you again.

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  6. You will be in my thoughts and prayers... Hoping you get better fast... You come first and will ALWAYS be here for you!! Love you bunches girl!!!

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  7. Take care of yourself Shelly! Your fans aren't going anywhere!

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  8. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Much love and healing!

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  9. I love you, Crane, my brave friend.

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  10. Keeping you in my prayers. Way to keep fighting through c:

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  11. Prayers from me and my church family Hope you get to feeling better soon! !

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  12. Keeping you in my prayers. I hope you start to feel better soon! Lots of love! <3

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  13. I am adding you to my prayers. I can't imagine. I hope that everything works out for you. You are an awesome lady. Take care of yourself first and foremost.

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  14. I'm only a phone call, text, or tweet away if you need me. I always will be.

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  15. Thinking of you and sending positive, healing energy your way, Shelly!

    Warmly,
    Megan @ The Book Asylum

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  16. Take it easy and take care of yourself! I will be praying for you and sending you healthy and positive vibes! *hugs*

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  17. Praying for you and your family. Try to stay positive and just spend your time getting better. You will have many stories weaving through your head and will have lots of time to put them down at some point. You write about normal and courageous women and you are one of them. So glad you have a good support system. Mayo is a great pplace to get well!!!! Prayers and hugs will be sent your way everyday.

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  18. Wow!!! You are one tough cookie!! I had no idea you were going through all of that and still writing. I applaud you.you will come out of this a stonger person. My grandma had a tumer in the center of her forhead pressing on her brain. The first time it was the size of an orange and the second time it was the size of a soft ball but even being 65 she pushed through got chemo and got them removed. It was hard for her but she got through it and you will too. Its understandable why you would hold off on anymore books because first and formost is your health and the most important if you ask me so take your time to heal. Be strong good luck.. love your books by the way.

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    1. So glad your grandma is doing better. Thank you so much!

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  19. I will definitely say prayers for you Shelly.

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  20. Don't worry about anything, but getting better! Thank you for all of your hard work!

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  21. I sincerely hope everything works out.

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  22. Oh, I am so sorry this is happening to you. You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers! I can't imagine how difficult this is for you. I love your books but it so important to take care of yourself!!! ♥ to you and your family.

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  23. My prayers are with you...Don't let anything worry you just work on getting back to good health...We will all be here when you come back and cheer for you...

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  24. Lots of prayers heading your way. Remember to take care of yourself first. Take all the time you need and we'll be waiting for you whenever you're ready to come back.

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  25. Praying for you!! XOXO

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  26. Shelly you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep your chin up and kick that tumors ass to the curb! You have the love of many with you.

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  27. Thoughts and Prayers from mine to yours.

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  28. My prayer list sits on my writing desk and you are now on it. I will be praying for a speedy recovery and peace for you and the family as you go through this process. ~Michele Miller

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  29. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care of yourself xx

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  30. I am sending you prayers on fairy wings in hopes they will bring you an extra blessing...

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  31. I love you my ghetto twin, my utmost hope is that you get better soon. Call if you need a kidney :)

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  32. Praying for you Shelly! Take care of yourself and I hope that you feel better soon. xoxo

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  33. You'll be in my prayers Shelly. Get well soon! And don't you worry about us, just get yourself better.
    Lots of hugs and kisses xoxo

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  34. don't worry about us, just focus on yourself. the books will always be there, but we need you better and fighting fit to finish them. so look after yourself and take time out to heal. hope you are on the mend. best wishes, tina xx

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  35. Thinking of you and sending prayers your way! <3

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  36. Shelly we are all thinking about you and sending thoughts and prayers your way!!!

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  37. I will have you in my daily thoughts and prayers. Keep your head up. Sounds like you have a great support system, which is key. I know its hard not to finish things you start.. Worry about you, we will be waiting when you are back..

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  38. I'll be keeping you in my prayers Shelly, I wish you a fast and painless recovery through what's ahead, the book while we all love the effort, like many have said it can wait, and once you're back we'll all be here to welcome you with arms wide open, may God bless you and your loved ones always. *hugs* and many feel better vibes will be coming your way!

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  39. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Shelly. Much love.

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  40. Praying for your pain to go away and for you to be healed quickly. I am glad to know your husband can be with you, if he is anything like mine you need your rock and having him near brings you comfort and strength. Hugs and love, Holly

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  41. Oh my goodness, Shelly! I am so, so sorry you are going through all of this. You and your family are at the top of my prayer list. Stay strong - this too shall pass. *hugs*

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  42. From Nick and Desiree`s Nana.....I love you and am praying for you.

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  43. You take care of yourself! We'll all still be here when you beat this! No one is going to be offended if you don't respond to us or you don't put out a book for a while--I think we all just want you to get better! Sending thoughts and prayers to you. Looking forward to hearing all about you dominating through this treatment!

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  44. I'm praying for your total healing!! All things work together for good for all of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28!!! God has a powerful plan for your life and this is just the beginning!!!

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  45. Sending thoughts and prayers your way. I pray for you to not be in pain, and hope the tumor on your pituitary glad shrinks. I had one about 7 years ago after my daughter was born. Hang in there and god bless.

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  46. I really hope u get better soon! U r such an amazing author and hav so much talent, and u hav got so much more 2 share! U will get through this! Ur tough and wont let it get u down! B strong girl...Dont let it get u down! U r amazing! Xx

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  47. I really, truly hope you feel better!! You're an amazing author and trying to get Wide Awake done in your condition, just good luck!!! Be strong!

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  48. I am so sorry to hear what you're going through. It will probably be a hard journey towards recovery, but in the end you'll become a stronger person than you are now. I hope you will feel better soon! Don't worry about finishing the books, I would rather read the books after you are all better. Wish you all the luck in the world :)

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  49. Feel better Shelly! It sounds like you're going through a crap situation, and for that I am truly sorry. Take your time recovering, all your fans will still be here when you get back. Trust me, you are definitely worth the wait!!

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  50. I have been and will continue to be praying for you Shelly! Just remember, we are never given more than what we can handle. The Big Man upstairs knows you are one tough lady and I know you will show that tumor who's boss! <3 you!

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  51. Holy mac and cheese Shelly I had no idea you had even broken your neck a while back. I can only imagine how hard it is to take this new news in. Nothing I can say will make it better, but I do hope you can feel better .

    xx

    Michelle

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  52. You and your family will be in my prayers. May you never lose your smile!

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  53. Thoughts are with you and someone else said "kick that tumors arse", get well soon and us loyal fans will always be here waiting xx :-)

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  54. I really hope you feel better!!!!Be stong!!!

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  55. I really hope that you feel better!!!!!!

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  56. Really hoping that things get better for you! As much as I'm saddened by the news you have to put everything oh hold all your fans will always be here waiting!! So for now just keep workin on takin care of yourself!! You will be in my prayers!!

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  57. Sending you lots of Love, Hugs, and Positive vibes to you lady and your family. Well Wishes & Prayers that you may feel better and overcome this hurdle with immense strength.

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  58. I am so sorry you are having to go through this. Praying for you <3!!

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  59. I am so sorry that you are experiencing life's lemons right now. My mom beat breast cancer and came out a real strong fighter and I know you will too. With all the prayer's that are being summoned on your behalf, God will be there for you. I know you will have many guardian angels surrounding you and your wonderful family through this time. Read these well wishes during those times that you are low and they will buoy you up. I recently came back from being in ICU for an extended period of time and was in critical condition. What helped me was remembering the Footprints in the Sand poem, where it tells us that during those that are the hardest times are the times that we are being carried. May not feel like it at times, but during those low points allow your fans' prayers to remind you of Him carrying you. God bless you and your family!!!

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  60. Shelly, you and your family are in my prayers. Please take your time in getting back to anything but taking car of yourself. We will wait patiently (or not) but your health and family come first. God bless you all.

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  61. I wish you the best of luck during this time. just be strong and let God do the rest.

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  62. Good luck! All of your devoted fans wish you well! And we understand and want you to rest!

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