Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Howdy from TX!

Hello, All!
I just wanted to drop you a quick line/update to tell you how things are going.
Everyone at the clinic is really nice. I especially like the doctor who is heading up my case, Dr. Kubove, and the head oncologist, Dr. Yi. Both are very knowledgable and seem to really listen to my concerns and desires.
Yesterday was my first day at the clinic and they started me on PB (Sodium Phenybuterate) which is metabolized in the liver to become an antineoplastin, which fights cancer on a cellular level. Work with antineoplastins is what Dr. Burznynski is best known for. I am on a step therapy of PB.... Yesterday I took 1 pill every 3 hours, to equal 4 for the day. Today I am taking 2 pills every 3 hours.... tomorrow I will take 3, etc., on up to 6 pills every 3 hours, to equal 24 day if I can tolerate that much. We will find out what the best dose is for me.
Today, in addition to increasing the PB, we added Xeloda, a chemo drug. According to their treatment plan, I will be taking about half of the standard dose, because they believe it will be a theraputic amount, but less toxic. I expect to have to deal with burning skin sensations on my hands and feet, but should not really lose my hair or be very ill.
Tomorrow we will add another medication called Tykerb, which will help control the HER2Neu receptors on my cancer cells. This will probably have some side effects for me to cope with, as well, but I am willing to do what is needed.
I am optimistic about my care, and want to assure all of you that I am continuing to seek the Lord's guidance in everything I am doing. I trust Him completely, and know that He will lead me as I ask. I also know He has carried my burdens, and I have no reason to fear. He will make the load light upon my shoulders.
I am blessed.
Once again, I thank all of you who helped make this visit to the clinic possible. I am touched and grateful beyond measure.
More to come.
xo,
Jenny

Friday, March 23, 2012

Big Birthday!

Who wants to get her first new cancer treatment on her birthday?
ME! ME!
I wanted to update you all and let you know I leave for Houston on Monday, March 26th, and meet with the doctor & get started on Tuesday, March 27th (yes! my bday!!). Thanks to all of you, I have already received an amazing abundance of gifts -- that of donations from so many kind souls!
I am so grateful for the help we've received to make this treatment possible for me. :')
We have now raised just over $23K!!! WOW!!!
I love this: One loving friend optimistically penned on the notes line on her check what she was purchasing at the fundraising garage sale last weekend:
"1 miracle."
Amen, Amy!! Amen!
I hope to have many many many more birthday milestones to celebrate!
I will keep you posted on progress! Please pray for me!
XO,
Jenny

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Fantastic Fundraisers!!

This is a bit overdue -- but I wanted to give a BIG THANKS to all of those who came out to the 5K fundraiser on 3/10/12! We had a good turn out and it was tons of fun!! I am so grateful to Lorene Eisenhauer, Tara McMurdie, Jim Dilworth of 3D Promotions (for the Tshirts!) and everyone else who did so much to make it happen! Kudos to our winners: Mark Shields for the men, and Alish a Rose representing the chicks! Thanks also, to our celebrity, John Rhode (winner of season 12 of Biggest Loser) for attending and showing support! It was so great having him there!























Just an update... As of now, we have about $19,000!! We are so amazed by all of the donations we have received, many of which have been anonymous. Our hearts are full beyond measure. Hoping to head to TX in the next few days! We will keep you posted as things come together! Again, thank you so much for everything!! It is all humbling and powerful and overwhelming all at once! We will keep you posted!!!