Sharon's health (Stan's Facebook updates)

[Stan Sakai]

I know this should go under Ronin Ramblings, but I wanted to make sure you all know about it so posted this in the Main Forum.

If you were at WonderCon, you probably noticed that my wife, Sharon, was not up to her usual perkiness. She has a brain tumor. It is benign, but inoperable. It was first discovered in 2004, when she suddenly went deaf in her left ear. It is inoperable and she underwent radiation therapy, which seemed to control it.

However, it is back, and quite aggressively. Because she had radiation quite recently it is not an option, so she is undergoing chemo therapy. The tumor has paralyzed the left side of her face, affecting her mouth, eyes, etc. It has also frozen the left side of her vocal chords. They have been artificially "plumped" so she can speak, but sometimes unclearly and in a hoarse whisper. It has also deteriorated her skull where it connects to the spinal cord, making her unable to turn her head up, down, and sideways. There are a lot of other side effects caused either by the Meningioma tumor or her medication--high blood pressure, rapid heart beat, dehydration, diabetes, etc--but these are the most obvious. She has also lost a lot of weight and moves slowly and tires easily.

I've been taking her to the doctors' 2-3 times a week. This is the reason I have been declining invitations to travel and am behind on deadlines (Dark Horse has been great about this). There has been no growth in the tumor in the past few months, which is the best news we can hope for right now.

Sharon really enjoys going to Comic-con, and will see a lot of you there. I'm bringing this up because you will wonder what is wrong with her. All the problems are physical. Her wonderful personality is the same. We've hired a friend to help us at the booth, and I want to limit Sharon's time at the booth. But, like I said, she really enjoys the con and seeing all of you.

[madman31]

Happy and safe travels, and she'll be in my prayers. I hope all of you have a spectacular weekend. See you Wednesday!

[Shadowfax]

Stan;
Thank you for letting us know, it can't be easy to share such important personal news. Prayers and best wishes for Sharon and for you too. Care-givers work incredibly hard, and you both deserve admiration and understanding!

JVF

[Mayhem]

Wow... I remember Sharon saying she couldn't hear me in one ear when I spoke to her in the past, but never thought it was due to something like this. I think I speak for us all in wishing her all the best for the future, and that we hope for a full recovery. A friend of mine has been going through similar recently, and he was recommended some supplements by a mutual friend of ours to take which has helped with his recovery. I will see if I can find out what they were to pass along.

[Todd Shogun]

Hey Stan, thanks for informing us. I had not known but did see a difference in her condition at WonderCon. I was able to score a hotel in Downtown (the 4 Points Sheraton) so we will be there after all. See you and Sharon on Thursday.

[coolray85]

like the others I'd like to thank you for letting us in on such private parts of your lives, sensei!I am wishing sharon and you and your children strentgh, health, humor(quite important) and only the best of luck!
I usually don't pray, but will include you all in extra prayers in the following days!;)
being around people who love you and her so much is surely going to contribute to her inner strength I'd say...
I don't know what to write at the moment I just hope that everything will turn out good in the end!!!
greetings, marcel

[Maka]

Dear Stan,

God bless Sharon and your family. I'm glad DH has been supportive too.

Have a great time at SDCC.

Peace, maka

[Steve Hubbell]

Stan, I have never had the fortune to meet Sharon when you have visited the Motor City Comic Con, But my wishes and prayers go out to both her and you. From the photos I have seen over the last half dozen years in which Sharon has appeared, I would never have believed she was dealing with such serious health problems.

Steve

[runnah4life808]

Sharon will be in my prayers Stan. Thanks for the update.

Matt

[Stan Sakai]

Stan, I have never had the fortune to meet Sharon when you have visited the Motor City Comic Con, But my wishes and prayers go out to both her and you. From the photos I have seen over the last half dozen years in which Sharon has appeared, I would never have believed she was dealing with such serious health problems.

Steve

As I said, she has had her deafness since 2004, but everything else manifested itself in the past 8 months. We all thought the radiation therapy had stopped the tumor's growth, so everyone, especially the doctors, were surprised it had returned.

[TigerRider]

I would never have thought, that Sharon had/ has this serious problems, when we met in 2010. She is such a kind and friendly person and is obviously sharing your fun in travelling.

My best greetings and wishes to her and to you and the family, Stan.

Jens

[Stan Sakai]

Today is our 35th wedding anniversary! We met in high school.

[plasticplayhouse]

Wow that is a lot to deal with. She sounds like she's got the heart of a warrior. Congrats on your 35th anniversary! That's a major milestone and to be high school sweethearts is something even rarer. I shall keep your family in my prayers. Best wishes for the upcoming con. I'm sure it'll lift her spirits

[Maka]

Happy Anniversary! That is wonderful! Peace, maka

[Steve Hubbell]

Happy Anniversary and best wishes for many many more!