March 31, 2009

I enjoyed another wondeful day, feeling stronger than I have for a while. Please pray that I continue to get stronger before I start my chemo on Thursday.

I enjoyed some nice company today and even got to sit outside in the sunshine for a short time.

I'm excited about starting chemo this Thursday but a little nervous. As always, I truly value your prayers and appreciate your love and concern.

March 30, 2009

I have been so blessed to have someone willing to stay with me every night. I'm so thankful that my mom is staying with me during the week and at times when she has had to go home to go to her Dr., my sister Julie and my sister-in-law Robin have come to stay with me. On the weekend, I want my mom to be able to go home to my dad and I want to thank Gloria, Misty, Betty Bath, and Joellen for offering to stay with me. I totally appreciate all the help and especially how Kelsey has stepped up too! I love you all and thank you very much!

I also want to thank the many of you who have helped with meals. You have all brought some delicious food and we are totally greatful for all of it, and especially your generosity.

Today was a wonderful day! I felt great and my mom, Kelsey and I went to get "my new doo" today. I wasn't brave enough to pick a different color hair, but it is a new style and Kelsey really likes it too. You'll all probably see it soon because I am scheduled to start my first chemo treatment this Thursday, April 2nd. Please be praying that all will go well with chemo.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

It's been a great day! Got to sleep in then go to my brother's house to celebrate his 50th Birthday with our whole family. (You'll see the new picture on the blog real soon)
Thank you for your prayers for my PET scan all went well just pray for the results.
Love to all of you.

March 26, 2009

I felt the best today that I've felt for a while. Praise God! Tonight I feel very emotional -- mostly concerned about my PET Scan tomorrow. My scan was scheduled for 1:00 p.m. but has been moved up to 7:45 a.m. I would appreciate all the prayers possible. Thank you and I love you all.

March 25, 2009

Today I had my second Zometa infusion and it was administered through my port-a-cath and it all went well.

After my treatment, I felt good and I got my nails done, then my mom and I went to a wig place in Long Beach and bought a couple of hats to have for when my hair falls out.

We got authorization today for my PET Scan and it's scheduled for Friday at 1:00. Once we get the results of the PET scan, I'll be able to start my chemo, so things are moving along.

I continue to feel your support through your prayers and your gestures of kindness and I appreciate everything.

March 24, 2009

Today was an unusual day. Now that I've concluded my radiation, I thought I was done barfing too, but I woke up very nauseated and had three episodes. Needless to say, I didn't eat much.

I enjoyed a visit with my bosses today and they assured me that my work will be there when I get back.

Tomorrow I have my second zometa treatment and it will be the first treatment administered through my port-a-cath. I'm a little nervous, but I know everything will work out.

The good news is that we got the authorization we wanted for the chemo and now we're waiting for the authorization for the PET scan. Hopefully we will get this in the next day or two. Thank you for your continued love, support, and prayers.

March 23, 2009

I Just had a really good day today. Had a lot of visitors today which was fun. Thank you for the delicious lunches and great company! I'm still waiting for a date for my PET Scan. So, I'll keep you all posted. Keep praying!

March 22, 2009

Had a good day today! Got up and went to church which is always uplifting. Had a lot of visitors including some I hadn't seen for years. I also had some calls from friends I hadn't heard from in a long time. We're waiting this week for a "PET Scan" in order to start my chemo so hopefully that will happen soon. I will keep you all posted on upcoming events. Please continue to pray.

March 21, 2009

Today is a relaxing day with several visitors coming over including my nephew from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Yesterday I was able to have surgery to have my port-a-cath inserted. I was scheduled to have it on Maqrch 30th, but they were able to move me up, which I was very excited about. Hopefully this week or next I will be able to start chemotherapy. I'm still having some side effects from my surgery but hopefully they'll be going away soon.

I'm still appreciating all the prayers and acts of kindness all of you have shown. Thank you for all the ways each of you have blessed me.

March 19, 2009

Today was a difficult day for me. I saw my oncologist this morning, and he informed me that my cancer is a cronic disease that I will deal with for the rest of my life with on and off treatment. I was under the impression that I would have my chemo treatment for a specific time period and be healed again. The reality was hard for me to handle and I shed a lot of tears after the news.

This afternoon we went to get a second opinion and the Dr. agreed that this disease will follow me my whole life, but it is very feasible to get it in to remission and it's possible that it might be in remission for a long time. My mom and I both felt more comfort and much more positive about my future.

I know that I have MANY people praying for me and that God is in control of my situation, so I am trying to have peace and know that "all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose".

We went to the surgeon's office this morning also to see if I could have surgery to insert my port-a-cath sooner than originally scheduled, and they moved my surgery up to tomorrow (Friday) at 1:00 p.m. This is great because now I'll be ready for my chemo as soon as I can get it.

Thank you for all your prayers from the bottom of my heart. It's still a long road, but please continue to pray. I love you all!

March 17, 2009

Wow, my pain was much less today than it's been for awhile. I had a good morning and a couple of friends from work came over for lunch and my mom and I were able to get everything ready even with our "lifting" problems (her with only one good arm and me with my weak back). Had a relaxing afternoon with my mom and dad and Kelsey and my brother. All in all, I had a very good day.

I will be going to my doctor on Thurs. morning to find out exactly what my chemo treatment will be. In the afternoon, I will be going to a second opinion Dr. to see if he agrees, then hopefully begin chemo as soon as possible. I would be extremely blessed (as usual) if you would keep me in prayer during both of these appointments.

Once again, your support and encouragement are what keep me so positive. Thank you very much and I love you all!

Monday, March 16

Today I was tired! I tried to get out a little this weekend and it all caught up with me today. After sleeping in, I dozed off for most of the remainder of the day too. Thank you so much for all your blog comments, for the great meals, the abundance of flowers and cards, and all the great gifts. I have been so overwhelmed with all the kindness from everyone! I feel so blessed. God Bless you all!

Saturday, March 14

Friday was just a very fun day of visitors along with lots of encouragment. And when my sister got here, we got to go "OUT" on a fun adventure....(a short one of course). Today, we ventured out to WalMart for a few things because I've been feeling a little bit better the last couple of days. I did, however, need to come home and take a quick nap before my afternoon adventure which will include a 3 year old birthday party for a good friend on mine. I hope tomorrow will continue to bring more strength and healing to my body as it has been. Please continue your prayers.....they mean the world to me!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

I woke up with some nausea this morning, and had a very tired day. I think the radiation caught up to me. Had a relaxing day with friends and my sister-in-law, Robin, just hanging out.
Take care & God bless you all !

Wednesday, March 11

WELL.....I got the results of my liver biopsy today and was told that the tumors are cancerous. This means that in a couple of weeks I will begin chemotherapy, and yes, I will loose my hair, so I want you all to let me know what color hair I should look for. Red is my favorite color, but I'm too chicken to go that drastic.

I must admit I was a bit scared today before we went to the Dr. office, but now I know this is the plan for me and with all the prayers and support I have had thus far, I know I'll get through this too.

I sure would appreciate it, if you would continue to pray!

Tuesday, March 10

My morning started out great waking up to the beautiful singing of the birds, and excited that today was my 10th and final radiation treatment. I am so glad to be done with the radiation and look forward to the healing effects it should have on my back - hopefully real soon. I enjoyed hanging out in my living room today, peacefully listening to a gentle breeze blowing, front porch chimes, and the stillness.

Visitors are more than welcome, I would just request that you call and let me know first. Thanks again for all your continued support and prayers.
Love you all,
Jana

Monday, March 9

Please don't stop praying! I had my 9th radiation treatment today and I had a very good day, but I did barf two times. I want so badly to be done with that! Well, tomorrow is my LAST radiation treatment.

Today I also had a consultation with the surgeon to schedule a surgery date for the insertion of the port-a-cath. We should be getting a date within the next two weeks.

Thank you for the great meals, great conversations, and love and support that I have been receiving from all of you. I love you all!!

Sunday, March 8

Hi everybody, I was very excited to feel well enough to go to church on Sunday morning. I was overwhelmed with the "open arms" I was welcomed with by so many! The words to the song took on a whole new meaning from my perspective: ie., "God's People Caring For One Another", "God giving us health, peace, etc." and really caused my tears to flow.

That was the "outing for the day" so I came home and rested and had visitors sit around my room the rest of the day.

I felt so blessed to be able to enjoy my church family and lots of friends and family this weekend.

Saturday, March 7

Today has been a GREAT day! Praise God! Being a little sceptical as to whether I could withstand an hour of sitting in a chair long enough, Julie did get me out of the house for a couple of hours to go and get a manicure and pedicure with Kelsey. It was just what I needed!! And then I was able to enjoy a very nice lunch "on my couch", provided by Kelsey and Julie, my "weekend caretakers", with no ill effects. Looking forward to a relaxing evening. Love and blessings to all of you.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Yesterday and today were pretty good days. Yesterday's radiation went well. Had some out of town visitors and tried to sit up as much as the day before which made me a little more tired. Had a slight "plumbing" problem which did not correct itself quickly, so endured that until late last night.

Today's radiation went well also where I wanted to just "skip" out of there when I was done, knowing that I have eight treatments down and only two to go! I went without vomiting for a couple of hours, then endulged in an entire apple, which just didn't want to stay down. I spent the rest of the day enjoying nice phone conversations, visiting with family and friends, and rejoicing at how the Lord is blessing me through this trial. I am still not able to sit for long periods of time but have found a comfortable laying down position on the couch -- please pray for that situation and also for strength to be able to walk a little more. I hope you're all well and thank you for continuing to support me through your prayers, blog comments, and all of your special acts of kindness!

Wednesday, March 4,2009

Hi everybody, Sorry I haven't had much chance to write recently.  For those of
you who don't know, my mom--who has been my caretaker--promised my dog last
Wednesday that she would take him for a walk.  She is a very loyal person and
had to "keep her promise", so she took him for a walk in the dark and fell and
broke her left wrist.  We now have to have a chauffer to drive us to all of our
radiation appointments.

Yesterday (3/3/09), I had probably the best time a person should have at the
hospital, having to have my liver biopsy!  We walked in to the most gracious,
loving, kind nurse you could imagine and every chance she got, she kissed my
forehead and told me she was praying for me.  When I was wheeled over to the
room for my biopsy (and I was not sedated),  I served as the "horn" on the bed
and shouted out (not too loudly), "Honk, Honk, would you please tell that man to
get out of the way!"  The man was my dad and he was looking for us anyway.

The biopsy went very smoothly and everyone on the hospital staff was extremely
kind and my day was one of the best of this current trial.

Today is  3/4/09 and probably my 2nd best day in this trial.  I had my 6th
radiation treatment and many "firsts".  Today was the first day I "walked" into
my radiation treatment with NO walker; the first time I was able to "sit" and
wait for my treatment (instead of having to lay down on my back); and my first
treatment that I have had without vomiting!!!! (I have had to endure 4-5 hours
of nausea and vomiting following each previous radiation treatment.)  This is
also the first time I've written this blog myself--previously, I have only been
able to dictate it from laying on my back.  Needless to say, I was VERY HAPPY
today!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope all of you are well, happy and as blessed as I am!

I LOVE YOU!  Jana

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Wow! I got a shower today...and I feel like a new person! I did a pretty good job eating today also. The food and the rest have helped me to gain a little more strength. I have a ways to go but it's a little better than yesterday. I gotta get geared up for my next radiation treatment tomorrow morning. Julie came to play "nurse" this weekend and we had a pretty good time together. I will be going in Tuesday morning to receive my liver biopsy at 8:00. So, as always, keep up the prayers. There can never be too many. Love you all!
Jana

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Today was a welcome relief with no radiation treatments. However, I spent most of the day sleeping and trying to eat whatever I could to restore some of my energy back. I am very weak and the radiation really takes a toll on my body. I was able to eat a couple of eggs, some jamba juice, a little chicken, and some sherbert. I'm praying that tomorrow will bring a little pain relief and a little more energy back to my body. As much as I would like to be writing these updates, I just wanted to clarify that my family is writing them while I dictate to them or just leave it up to them all together. I will have another radiation treatment on Monday and then will go in for a liver biopsy Tuesday morning. Once they do the liver biopsy, they will know how to proceed with the treatment to cure that cancer as well. I thank God every day for all the friends and family that I have praying for me. I don't know what I would do without you!