tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62420316532347960312024-03-13T12:01:30.614-07:00Serious Breast Cancer Butt Kickin'No Pouting!kickin' it!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08963130931973726510noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-33889574213345326392012-07-15T23:15:00.000-07:002012-07-15T23:15:00.086-07:00Baby Steps!! (a little good news)Hey friends!!!<br />
<br />
Here I am, making a long overdue post. :)<br />
Just wanted to make a quick update. I had a PET/CT scan and also a brain MRI at the end of June. The results were <span style="font-size: large;">a bit a good news</span>... The brain MRI looks great-- no sign of recurrence (hallelujah!) ... The lymph nodes under the arms are now all clear. The SUV numbers, which reflect how aggressive or "hungry" the cancer is, are lower all over the board. Also, the number of lesions we have been watching has gone<span style="font-size: large;"><i> from 10 spots to just 4!!</i></span> As you can see, definitely some good news!!<br />
That being said, we are still keeping a close eye on the 2 spots on my sternum, as well as another couple of areas. We feel that the treatments prescribed by the Burzynski Clinic have been effective. We have spoken to my doctor their, Dr. Kubove, and have determined to keep on the same regime for the time being.<br />
I appreciate all of the prayers and ask respectively that you<span style="font-size: large;"> keep them coming</span>!<br />
Below are a handful of photos I've been meaning to post since March. Enjoy!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPUAINslpH8/UAOv5cKs4II/AAAAAAAAAFI/f3VJT0q6_As/s1600/DSCN1684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPUAINslpH8/UAOv5cKs4II/AAAAAAAAAFI/f3VJT0q6_As/s320/DSCN1684.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Dr. Kubove, my head physician.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lqTH3OH6t0/UAOv_Zgxg9I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/4a-9e7XRikw/s1600/DSCN1715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lqTH3OH6t0/UAOv_Zgxg9I/AAAAAAAAAFQ/4a-9e7XRikw/s320/DSCN1715.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....with THE Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWbEGdidoqc/UAOwBD1YWWI/AAAAAAAAAFY/5z-O3gHMN64/s1600/DSCN1716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWbEGdidoqc/UAOwBD1YWWI/AAAAAAAAAFY/5z-O3gHMN64/s320/DSCN1716.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Burzynski Clinic oncologist, Dr. Yi.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DT34xlyJuCE/UAOwGYtoMpI/AAAAAAAAAFg/NLwXA08w49s/s1600/DSCN1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DT34xlyJuCE/UAOwGYtoMpI/AAAAAAAAAFg/NLwXA08w49s/s320/DSCN1689.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's kick it!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />No Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-1668782612270522162012-03-28T17:22:00.002-07:002012-03-28T17:59:36.337-07:00Howdy from TX!Hello, All!<br />I just wanted to drop you a quick line/update to tell you how things are going.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />I am blessed.<br />Once again, I thank all of you who helped make this visit to the clinic possible. I am touched and grateful beyond measure.<br />More to come.<br />xo,<br />JennyNo Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-84419150901627983292012-03-23T08:53:00.002-07:002012-03-23T09:17:33.432-07:00Big Birthday!Who wants to get her first <span style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;">new cancer treatment</span> on her<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> birthday?</span> <br />ME! <span style="font-size:130%;">ME!</span><br />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 (<span style="font-style: italic;">yes! my bday!!</span>). Thanks to all of you, I have already received <span style="font-weight: bold;">an amazing abundance of gifts </span>-- that of donations from so many kind souls!<br /><span style="font-size:180%;">I am so grateful </span>for the help we've received to make this treatment possible for me. :')<br />We have now raised just over $23K!!! <span style="font-size:180%;">WOW!!! </span><br />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:<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />"1 miracle."</span></span> Amen, Amy!! Amen!<br />I hope to have many many many more birthday milestones to celebrate!<br />I will keep you posted on progress! Please pray for me!<br />XO,<br />JennyNo Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-61727258024575515962012-03-18T21:39:00.022-07:002012-03-18T22:29:26.573-07:00Fantastic 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! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 314px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721472580977689362" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cXflxmhRmiA/T2bA_61QAxI/AAAAAAAAAEw/l4d-y418l-w/s320/scott%2Bjen%2B%2526%2Bkids%2B1.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWdnCKNF-nE/T2a_ujQSCyI/AAAAAAAAAEM/q8RgBzCduvg/s1600/jen%2Band%2Bwinners%2B1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721471183079213858" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWdnCKNF-nE/T2a_ujQSCyI/AAAAAAAAAEM/q8RgBzCduvg/s320/jen%2Band%2Bwinners%2B1.jpg" /></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721469268912251058" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C0jP_hy9HU4/T2a9_IbUILI/AAAAAAAAADE/5bkPa3UQNzA/s320/2012Jenny%2527sRace-090.jpg" /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fsSzVmY3aI/T2a_hWFjWAI/AAAAAAAAAEA/DavqhpmJuGk/s1600/2012Jenny%2527sRace-088.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721470956206249986" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fsSzVmY3aI/T2a_hWFjWAI/AAAAAAAAAEA/DavqhpmJuGk/s320/2012Jenny%2527sRace-088.jpg" /></a><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 339px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 222px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721469513114973090" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fj6uiiWsJAo/T2a-NWJx86I/AAAAAAAAADQ/KuEwX__m1rk/s320/2012Jenny%2527sRace-018.jpg" /> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZbBVRt2sp4/T2bAfEM8M3I/AAAAAAAAAEk/eYcz2Em92Fw/s1600/jen%2Brun%2B1.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 367px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 238px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721472016557290354" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZbBVRt2sp4/T2bAfEM8M3I/AAAAAAAAAEk/eYcz2Em92Fw/s320/jen%2Brun%2B1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B35Jn97kEwg/T2a_-UkU0DI/AAAAAAAAAEY/bFpP0nlzuCQ/s1600/2012Jenny%2527sRace-030.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 254px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 332px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721471454014656562" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B35Jn97kEwg/T2a_-UkU0DI/AAAAAAAAAEY/bFpP0nlzuCQ/s320/2012Jenny%2527sRace-030.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Was3cxA5vdo/T2bBNuv-xvI/AAAAAAAAAE8/w7hPkqcxb0A/s1600/2012Jenny%2527sRace-078-2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 375px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721472818252531442" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Was3cxA5vdo/T2bBNuv-xvI/AAAAAAAAAE8/w7hPkqcxb0A/s320/2012Jenny%2527sRace-078-2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />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!!!<br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>No Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-85766838529063051842012-02-28T22:43:00.002-08:002012-02-28T22:51:54.928-08:00Book Proceeds for Little Me?? :D<span style="font-weight: bold;">Check this out!</span> My friend, Alisha, told me that her <span style="font-size:130%;">beautiful</span>, <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;">talented</span></span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">benevolent</span>, strong, <span style="font-weight: bold;">SURVIVOR</span> sister-in-law, Holly Rose, is currently donating <span style="font-weight: bold;">100% of the proceeds</span> from her book, <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Live and Give</span></span>, to me!! I am so honored that a warrior like her would be so gracious as to donate earnings to benefit me in my fight! Thank you, Holly!! You are an amazing woman!<br />To order Holly's book, go to <a href="http://www.liveandgive.net">www.liveandgive.net</a>.<br /><br />--and don't forget Yoga-for-Jenny on Wednesday nights at Alisha's! (see post below) Hope to see you there!No Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-30875114363854864162012-02-21T22:14:00.000-08:002012-02-21T22:25:15.410-08:00"Yoga for Jenny"<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Alisha Rose presents "YOGA FOR JENNY" </span><br />starting this Wednesday, February 22, beginning at 8:3opm, at her house in Norterra. Address: 28119 N 17th Dr., Phoenix 85085 Phone: 801-694-5299<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">All donations will go to Jenny's "No Pouting" Breast Cancer fight! </span><br />(Thank you, Alisha!!)<br />The class will be a one hour restorative yoga session. It is a calm and peaceful way to end the day and to help us all stay in a positive mindset for wellness!<br />We hope to make this a regular event. As our group grows, Alisha will scout out a larger location.<br />Let's get into wellness!<br />So excited!<br />See you there!!No Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-72589459255243381702012-02-18T17:39:00.000-08:002012-02-18T17:53:24.217-08:00Upcoming Fundraiser -- 5K Run!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XG-wgo4d0o/T0BTK41Xh8I/AAAAAAAAABM/OAdGFrVjO5A/s1600/Jenny%2527s_Race.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 287px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 311px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710655774025811906" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2XG-wgo4d0o/T0BTK41Xh8I/AAAAAAAAABM/OAdGFrVjO5A/s320/Jenny%2527s_Race.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>It’s a 5K WALK/RUN, as well as a One Mile FUN RUN for KIDS!<br />Saturday, March 10th, 2012, beggining at 8am.</div><br /><br /><div>The Event will commence and end at the Weathersby’s Ranch:<br />28015 N. 37th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85083</div><br /><br /><div>Cost for adults is $20/person if you pre-register <em>(This fee includes the event T-shirt!)</em> Day of event, registration is $25 per adult. Kids’ registration is just $5!<br />...Of course, additional donations are always appreciated!</div><br /><br /><div>To participate, please email Lorene @ <a href="mailto:Ikeof3@yahoo.com">Ikeof3@yahoo.com</a> for a registration form.<br /></div><br /><br /><div>See you there!! And, as always, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!</div>No Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-60763879021808449212012-02-15T20:05:00.000-08:002012-02-15T20:09:48.733-08:00Dain Bramage??<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> 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mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Get comfy. This is a long one. :)</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">On Wednesday, December 7, 2011 my world basically turned upside down. You might say it was a <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >day of infamy</span> for me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That morning, I didn’t feel quite right. (In fact, others tell me that for a few days leading up to that, I had not been “myself,” but I was unaware.)<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But that morning and early afternoon, due to some unusual experiences, I knew something was wrong with me. I was watching a documentary on the internet (The Burzynski Movie!) when I realized that I could not read letters or numbers, nor could I write.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Soon thereafter, I lost the ability to speak in full sentences. My husband rushed home from work, and <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >I soon began to seize</span>. He called 911 and I was rushed to the hospital.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Long story short, it was discovered that<span style="font-size:180%;"> my breast cancer had metastasized to the brain</span>, and I had two tumors that had to be removed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I, of course, was oblivious to all of this. Minutes before my seizures on Wednesday, Scott had me lay on the couch to rest . . . <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>and immediately I felt myself shutting down, like a dark curtain were coming down. The next thing I knew, I awoke on Saturday night, recovering in the ICU. I’d had surgery on Friday afternoon/evening.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">During this ordeal,<span style="font-style: italic;font-size:180%;" > our friends and family were amazing!!</span> We were showered with support, love, service, and gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some amazing angels broke into our home and decorated our Christmas tree and our home, inside and out. Gifts magically appeared under the tree! I woke in the hospital to find my brother had flown in the day of my surgery. I also woke to find myself sporting a new pair of cozy Christmas socks, and covered in a new, hand-made Christmas blanket.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Rumor has it that the ICU waiting room was packed with loving friends, such that there was scarcely a chair for anyone else’s family and friends!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Thanks to all of you for your amazing love, support, and prayers!!</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Despite the challenges of this new metastasis and all that it entails, I had some <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">miraculous blessings</span></span> which I would not trade for the world! There were two in particular: <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>For one thing the Lord showed us that he was absolutely aware of us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At the moment of my first seizure, my friend Lorene felt a strong prompting to call me. She was busy at the time, and almost dismissed the thought, but it would not leave her. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Right after Scott called 911, Lorene called my cell phone only to have him inform her that I was seizing. She was there by my side within minutes, and her husband was just behind her.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>She was able to assist the paramedics who attended me, and her husband, Bruce, was able to help Scott to administer a priesthood blessing before I was whisked into the ambulance. </p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">The second miracle is that, to me, I truly feel that the Lord has been guiding me on my path. Most of you know that since my diagnosis almost 3 years ago, I have felt prompted that the standard treatment of chemo and radiation was not right <b style="font-style: italic;">for me</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I have been seeing naturopathic doctors and taking the best and most sensible treatments they could offer me (high dose Vitamin C, Iscador, Thymus, Laetrile, etc.).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Six months ago, after my July PET scan (the one referenced in my last post-- where things seemed to still be stabilized--better than the previous PET actually!), my oncologist had warned me that the type of breast cancer I had will often metastasize to the brain. She admonished me to watch for signs, which included headaches, blurred vision, and/or confused thought. If I were to experience any of these, she would order an MRI of the brain, she’d said. Well, I experienced none of those symptoms. That is, not until the very day of my seizures.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The miraculous part of this struggle is that I know that all of my experiences of that day were<span style="font-size:130%;"> leading me on a path</span> the Lord wanted me on.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Allow me to explain:</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">For years a handful of women in my life had been telling me to look into the Burzynksi Clinic for treatment.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A year or so into my cancer journey, I did contact the clinic, but felt that it was too expensive to afford, so I had dismissed it. Well… Late Tuesday night, Dec. 6<sup>th</sup>, I saw where my dear friend Cheryl posted on FaceBook a news story about her cousin, Margaret Manning, who had been cured of her cancer by Dr. Burzynski.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Despite the late hour, I watched the news clip and also read the transcript of the story, crying through the entire thing. At the bottom of the article, there was a link to more information about Dr. Burzynski:<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><a href="http://www.settingthemfree.org/">www.settingthemfree.org</a><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That took me to a page where the entire Burzynski Movie was embedded. I clicked the link and watched about half of the documentary before I gave in to exhaustion and went to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I resumed the film the next morning after taking kids to school and performing my usual routine.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This is what I was watching when the symptoms showed up. When my husband came home that day (in response to me not being able to speak full sentences!), I pointed at the computer, and he asked, “Is this where you want to go?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Yes!!</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">After my surgery, the brain surgeon told my husband that he was astonished at how healthy I was, and indicated that I was so viable for the procedure because my cells were so healthy, because I had not taken chemo. Validation!</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">I did know that I wanted to pursue the Burzynski Clinic, though I did not know how, as the cost is a bit prohibitive, but our friends kept asserting that we needed to figure out what we wanted to do, and they’d “make it happen.” We had enough money to send them me records, and they accepted me as a patient, saying that I was a “good candidate” for his treatment. We were thrilled!</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">My niece’s wedding was on February 4 – the perfect timing—in Houston. So Scott and I made plans to go, and also made an appointment with the Burzynski Clinic.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Again, God stepped in, and miraculously we had enough money for the trip and for the appointment!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>And an even further blessing—we found out from the financial counselor whom we met with, that our brand new insurance (as of 1/1/12) is the ONE AND ONLY insurance plan in the world that pays 80% for their treatments! It is still going to cost us a lot of money, both up front and ongoing, (which we don’t have, but are trusting God will provide), but we were thrilled with that news.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">The Lord has truly opened doors for us and led us on this path. I am so grateful for the blessings of knowing that He is mindful of little me. He is working in my life. Despite all of the challenges that come with cancer, I can honestly say I would not trade my experiences for anything. God loves me. This I know.</p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">More to come! Stay tuned! </p>No Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-11465019086009214792011-07-22T14:41:00.000-07:002011-07-22T14:50:37.223-07:00PRAYER REQUEST! :DHey Friends!<br /><br />Quick update... On Monday, 7/25/11, at 11:00am, I am having yet another PET scan. It has been six months since the last one. I am quite anxious (and a little excited!) to see where things stand. I am even more excited than in times past to see the results, because I am currently under three treatments I have never done before:<br /><br /><ul><br /><li><strong>Iscador</strong>, which is an injectable drug made from mistletoe, and a proven cancer fighter in Europe</li><br /><li><strong>Thymus</strong> supplement, which stimulates the Natural Killer cells in our bodies to fight disease</li><br /><li><strong>Protandim</strong>, which many/most of you have heard about. It is an antioxidant, anti-aging supplement which is getting a lot of attention for its success in fighting cellular oxidative stress, which is at the root of most disease. There is a lot of buzz about this little pill...</li></ul>These three are in addition to other supplements and diet which I have maintained.<br /><br />I trust in God completely, that whatever His Will is in this is what is best for me. But I am pleading more than ever before to receive some kind of encouraging results. I feel like I need a lift ... like I need additional evidence that I am still on the right path. For that reason, our family is fasting this coming Sunday. If any of you are willing and able to join us in this fast, it would be so greatly appreciated! It would be an honor for me to have you participate!<br /><br />Thank you for all of the continued love, support, well-wishes and encouragement that I consistently receive from all of you. I love you!!<br /><br />Let's kick this thing's biscuits!!<br /><br />xo,<br />JennyNo Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-60080681270585247622011-03-17T18:54:00.000-07:002011-03-17T19:10:48.115-07:00I Got My Fishes!Well!<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong> <span style="color:#ffccff;"><span style="font-family:courier new;">Belated Happy New </span><span style="font-family:courier new;">Year</span></span></strong><span style="font-family:courier new;"> </span></span>to all! I am long overdue for an update, I know. Much has happened, and I am excited for the opportunity to share my experiences w/you all. <em><span style="font-family:georgia;">Get cozy…</span></em> This is a bit long. Sorry!!<br /><br />As you all know, since <strong>the fall</strong> I have been getting treated by my naturopathic doctor, having 2 full regimens (20 total treatments) of intravenous Vitamin C, and also hyperthermic (heat) treatments off and on. (I have many of you to thank for making these treatments financially possible!) I have also been exercising, making dietary changes, and taking supplements to fight cancer.<br /><br /><strong>January</strong> rolled around, and my oncologist and I determined it was time for another <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">PET scan</span> to evaluate the status of the cancer. This was a “you win some, you lose some” kind of victory. The spots on the ribs, pelvic bone, and tailbone appear to have vanished! <span style="font-family:courier new;">(</span><span style="font-family:courier new;">Hooray!)</span> However, the spot on the sternum has grown a bit, and a handful of lymph nodes in and around the chest and armpit areas are still lighting up. So… we are still fighting the same fight. I feel fortunate that I have not really lost any ground.<br /><br />That being said, I have felt a <span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">renewed determination</span> to get even more aggressive. I felt that something was lacking in my current care, but didn’t know what that “<span style="font-size:85%;">something</span>” was… Then, from an unlikely source, I heard of a holistic/naturopath doctor in Scottsdale named Martha Grout who was reportedly <strong>“curing cancer.”</strong> (<span style="font-family:courier new;">She, of course, does not make that claim, or she’d be shut down by the powers that be</span>!) I researched her and discovered that she offered many of the treatments I had read about two years ago, but didn’t think anyone in Arizona offered them! (such as diagnostic blood work from Europe, and treatments like alpha lipoic acid, and IPT, which is a low-dose chemo) She was an MD for 25 years prior to becoming a natural/holistic doctor. I had a phone consultation with her and was greatly impressed. Scott and I then met her and liked what she had to offer.<br /><br />It was at this point that I had another faith-building experience. The fee for what Dr.Grout wanted to do—just diagnostically to get the ball rolling—was about <em><span style="font-size:130%;">$4000</span></em>. It was for a Biofocus blood test, which would be sent to a lab in Germany. This test would find and isolate circulating tumor cells in my blood and test them extensively to find out what treatments are most effective to defeat the cancer. It would test all of the different chemotherapies, as well as heat treatments, mistletoe extract, and other therapies. If specific chemos proved effective against my tumor cells, I<strong> </strong><span style="font-family:times new roman;">was prepared to begin a regimen of Insulin Potentiation Therapy</span>—IPT, or personalized low dose chemo, which uses a fraction of what conventional oncologists are prescribing, but targets the cancer using its weakness for sugar. This made sense to me, and I was willing. The initial lab bill, however, caused some hesitation. <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">$4000</span>?!</strong> I was far short of that in my medical bank account, having depleted funds in financing the Vitamin C treatments. But each time I prayed about what to do, I felt incredible peace that I was on the right track and that the Lord would provide. Of course, the adversary works on us, as he always does, and left me doubting. Would exhausting all the funds (and using credit if needed) be reckless? <span style="font-size:85%;">Would I be a foolish steward over that sacred money that was supplied by brotherly love?</span> <span style="font-family:courier new;"><strong>Or would taking that leap be an act of faith and trust in God?</strong></span> I wavered for days despite the answer Scott and I both had already been given. <strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Then, one morning I had the Lord tell me in black & white…<br /></span></em></strong><br />I knelt to pray, as I always do in the mornings, in the same spot at the foot of my bed. There I found our church magazine, the Ensign, sitting square beside my spot. I quickly flipped thru it and landed on an article titled, <em><span style="font-size:130%;">“The Savior’s Compassion”</span></em> by S. Kent Brown. I noticed a blurb indicating it was an article about the miracle of the fishes. I assumed it was a reference to the Savior feeding the thousands with the fishes and loaves, and decided that <strong><span style="font-size:85%;">if anyone needed a fishes and loves kind of miracle, I did</span>.</strong> I decided to read it that morning over breakfast. It actually turned out to be an article about the miracle of the fishes almost causing the fishermen’s nets to burst and to practically sink two boats, and how in that miracle, the Savior showed his compassion for his newly called apostles. I realized upon completion of that article that this was <strong>PRECISELY</strong> what my Father in Heaven wanted me to read that day, and that He wanted me to know He would provide. I prayed and received that confirmation yet again. After that, I would not turn back or doubt my decision to pursue the expensive testing. (<span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><strong>Interesting note: When I tried to quickly flip to that article easily that night to show Scott, it was hard to find! It was not at the centerfold or any dog eared pages. The fact that I landed on it so easily that morning was further testament to me that I needed to read it. Here is the link to that article, if you’re interested: </strong></span><a href="http://lds.org/ensign/2011/03/the-saviors-compassion?lang=eng"><span style="font-family:courier new;font-size:85%;"><strong>http://lds.org/ensign/2011/03/the-saviors-compassion?lang=eng</strong></span></a><span style="font-family:lucida grande;">)<br /></span><br />The doctor was kind enough to let me pay for <em>just half</em> of the blood test up front. When the Biofocus lab received my specimens, they discovered <strong>NO circulating tumor cells</strong>! Which is GREAT NEWS! It means my body is doing its job to keep the cancer at bay. Other good news: Because they found no circulating tumor cells, they could not perform all of the diagnostic testing, and for that reason, the lab bill was less than half of what was anticipated! The Biofocus lab folks did test my blood for NK cell activity (Natural Killer cells), and discovered my NK activity to be very low. <span style="font-family:verdana;">To build that up</span>, the decision was made to put me on thymus, and also Iscador (a mistletoe extract). Iscador comes from Europe and is not cheap, but is far less expensive than chemo!! I will self-inject it into my stomach 3x/week. I was taught there and then, on the spot, and injected myself with my first dose. When we settled up the bill, I had a credit from my previous payment, and not only did it cover the Iscador and the thymus, but it left me with $8 extra to go toward a future appointment, as well as a bit of funds still in the M&I medical account. <em><span style="font-family:verdana;">God DID provide!!</span></em> I thanked Him fervently! I am so blessed that He has let me know time and time again in this battle that he is ABSOULTELY aware of me, and is here for me!<br /><br />I still have an <em><span style="font-size:130%;">uphill climb ahead</span></em>, and I know I will continue to need help, but I am optimistic that I will KICK this thing in the pants. It will not beat me. I am ready to keep up the fight, and I am happy!<br /><br />Thanks for all the continued love and support! I love you all!<br /><br />JennyNo Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-38100231869862628262010-11-21T14:40:00.000-08:002010-11-21T14:55:02.248-08:00Emotional Hangover!!<strong>HELLO BLOG READERS!</strong><br /><br />I want to thank EVERYONE who came out yesterday to the fundraiser at Adams Academy! It was a great time! I am forever indebted to all of those who did so much to put it together -- especially <span style="font-size:130%;">Tara McMurdie, Cheryl Weathersby</span>, and <span style="font-size:130%;">Janna Carlos</span>. I know there are TONS of <span style="font-size:130%;">others</span> I am missing... I am so <span style="font-size:130%;">grateful</span> to all of you who donated items, created items, or sacrificed your time to be there and to serve. It is all so humbling and overwhelming... I have cried so many tears of gratitude and they continue to flow. :')<br /><br />One of the highlights of the day for me was signing the <span style="font-size:130%;">Pink Heals firetruck</span>. It was an honor (an emotional one) to add my name to that beautiful rolling edifice.<br /><br />I am grateful to Mrs. Malone and Mrs. Olson at the school for being there for us! I am also thankful for the <span style="font-size:130%;">Girl Scouts </span>(Debi's girls!) who made those beautiful headbands and flowers, and the <span style="font-size:130%;">Junior Honor Society</span> at Adams for all of their work in helping with setting up, with food, etc. There were so many young <span style="font-size:180%;">smiling</span> faces there! It was beautiful!!<br /><br />Lastly, I want to thank all of those who came out and showed support, whether bidding on auction items, taking a class, teaching a class, cutting hair, painting nails, giving massages (mine was DIVINE!), or just eating good food (Abuelos' salsa and queso! Que bueno!) and spending time with us. I am touched by the outpouring of <span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>love!</strong></span><br /><br />May all of you have the opportunity, at some time in your lives, to be the recipient of such love and service is my prayer. And if so, I plan to be there to "pay it forward." Thank you again!! <em><span style="font-size:130%;">I am blessed</span>!!!</em><br /><br />JennyNo Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-65440615977064127272010-11-16T07:32:00.000-08:002010-11-16T07:47:54.551-08:00MAKE A DIFFERENCE!<h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: center;">There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow men. There is no greater contribution than to help the weak. There is no greater satisfaction than to have done it well. </h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="text-align: right;">Walter Reuther<br />
</h3><div class="post-header"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: white; font: 8px Verdana;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></span></span></b></i></span></div><div style="font: 11px Georgia; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font: 12px Georgia; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">We have a great opportunity to come together and help out a wonderful woman fighting breast cancer. <a href="http://breastcancerbuttkickin.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Jenny Christensen</span></a> is a mother of two, who is currently fighting breast cancer for the second time. She is an amazing example of perseverance, courage, and strength. As many of you know, the fight against breast cancer can be very expensive. We have a chance to help ease some of the monetary stress for the Christensens.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 18px Georgia; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">On Saturday, November 20th, from 8am-4pm</span>,</span></b></span></div><div style="font: 11px Georgia; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Adams Traditional Academy</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> with the help of the National Junior Honor Society, will be hosting a fundraiser at the school to help earn funds to go directly to the payment of Jenny’s cancer treatments. </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 11px Georgia; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">There will be classes offered:</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 11px Georgia; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">8am Yoga</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">9am Martialcise Aerobics/Self Defense</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">10am Pilates</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">11am Childrens Dance Class</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Noon Zumba</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">1pm Teen/Adult Dance Class</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444; font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">We will also have <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">massages, hair cuts, “Glitter Toes”, adorable hair clips, “Forever Is Better” shirt sales</span></b> (owned by Jenny Chirstensen), <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">breast cancer bracelets</span></b>, and a <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">SILENT AUCTION!</span></b></span></span></span><span style="font: 12px Georgia; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 11px Georgia; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font: 12px Georgia; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font: 14px Georgia; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> </span> </span></span></div><div style="font: 11px Georgia; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">We’ve already had some amazing items donated to our silent auction, including horse rides, photography sessions, massage gift cards, restaurant gift cards, babysitting, one month of HCG, a vegan cleanse, hotel gift certificates, gift baskets, and much, much more! The silent auction items will be available to bid on all day. <b>The auction ends at 3:45pm sharp</b>.</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 11px Georgia; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">There are so many families affected by cancer and in need of some extra help. This is a great opportunity to come together and give service to one of those families. </span></span></span><span style="font: 12px Georgia; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></span><span style="font: 14px Georgia; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></b></span><span style="font: 12px Georgia; letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="font: 11px Georgia; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="font: 12px Georgia; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Please mark your calendar’s for this </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Saturday Nov, 20th,</span></span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> and plan on attending. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about this great event and help us to make this a success! Adams Traditional Academy is located at 2323 W Parkside Lane (23rd Ave south of Pinnacle Peak) in Phoenix</span></span></span></div><div style="font: 11px Georgia; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">If you would like to help with this event, or have any questions, please email Tara McMurdie at: </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="mailto:misstarasdance@gmail.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">misstarasdance@gmail.com</span></a></span></b></span></div><div style="font: 11px Georgia; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> You can keep updated on this event and class times by checking the school website at: </span></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://adamstraditionalacademy.org/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">https://adamstraditionalacademy.org</span></a></span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">.</span></span></b></span><span style="font: 10px Verdana; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"> </span></span> </span></div><div style="font: 13px Verdana; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Help make this a success!</span></span></b></span></div>kickin' it!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08963130931973726510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-42991190774026432762010-11-04T10:19:00.000-07:002010-11-09T07:06:27.365-08:00COLD STONE CREAMERY FHEDave and Cyndi Eisner of <b><i>Cold Stone Creamery</i></b> have so generously offered to have a fundraiser at their store at 8215 W Bell Rd. on Monday, November 15th from 5pm to 9pm.<br />
<br />
This can be a wonderful source that evening for Family <strike>Home</strike> Outing Evening treats! <b><i>Cold Stone Creamery</i></b> (this store only) will be offering 50% of the proceeds to Jenny! <br />
<br />
Dave and Cyndi have done some wonderful fundraisers in the past for other friends with various health battles. They have some great ideas to streamline the process to avoid the long wait in line. They will be offering 3 creations (their most popular... of course) already mixed and ready to scoop in 2 sizes: small (which isn't really small at all) $5.50, and medium (which is more like a small mountain) for $6.00. They would prefer that we bring cash that night, but can accommodate if you need to purchase by credit card. There will, of course, be all your favorite flavors available that evening, but they will have premixed: <br />
<ol><li>Oreo Overload</li>
<li>Chocolate Devotion</li>
<li>Birthday Cake Remix</li>
</ol>Please join us for yummy<b><i> Cold Stone Creamery</i></b> treats and so many of our favorite people gathered in one place in support of Jenny on Monday, November 15 from 5-9pm!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">See you then!!</span></div>kickin' it!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08963130931973726510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-15698413395443224552010-10-31T16:29:00.000-07:002010-10-31T17:44:06.987-07:00What a Wonderful WorldAs I was getting ready to start this post, I was singing Louis Armstrong's <i>What a Wonderful World</i> and realized that's a great name for this post!<br />
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So many wonderful friends showed up for our movie night and bake sale. It was a huge success and everyone was so generous... and what a fun night! You all made a big difference and Jenny was so appreciative and touched. <a href="http://funwithphotography.blogspot.com/">Amy Lee</a> took some wonderful pictures and sent them to me.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Thank you to everyone that came and to everyone that supported but couldn't come!! </b></span></div>kickin' it!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08963130931973726510noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-39326660570719622542010-10-20T20:09:00.000-07:002010-10-20T21:07:20.494-07:00Getting Juiced Up!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_awfxUDkWXjs/TL-vFCHUF9I/AAAAAAAAAA4/LZAiTRrjsZM/s1600/1020001119.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5530331368436013010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_awfxUDkWXjs/TL-vFCHUF9I/AAAAAAAAAA4/LZAiTRrjsZM/s320/1020001119.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-family:georgia;">Hi everyone!</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Just checking in for a little update.... Long overdue, I know. I will try to do better!</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I have been keeping busy with the whole WELLNESS world.... Exercising 5 days a week, studying, <span style="font-size:130%;">juicing</span>, making green smoothies, going to my yoga/wellness group (which I LOVE!), taking supplements, meditating . . . along with other non-conventional therapies I have started. Honestly, it is a full-time job trying to be diligent with my wellness. It is <strong>all-consuming!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">In addition, this week I started my <span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff6600;">Vitamin C</span> treatments. I get approx. 50,000mg via I.V. twice a week for five weeks. Then I will take a break for a week or so, and repeat the routine for another five weeks. After that, it will be sporadic I.V. treatments. So far the side effects have not been too terrible-- mostly just fatigue, which they say is normal. Today I had the therapy on an empty stomach, and I left there feeling <span style="font-size:85%;">a little nauseus</span> and tired. When I got home I sacked out for two hours!</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">One of the fringe benefits of this therapy is that, since it takes an hour and half, it forces me to have some down time! I am using this time to work on the book I am writing <span style="color:#ffccff;">(<em>No Pouting, No Doubting</em>)</span> about my experiences in coping with cancer. I love writing and wish I could just work on it all day long. I am learning so much and I feel <span style="font-size:180%;">so blessed</span> to be given this road to navigate, uphill though it may often be!</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I wanted to say how grateful I am for all the work the <strong>Weathersby family</strong> is doing to put together these fundraisers for me! It is very humbling for me to have them--and many of you-- come to our aid like this. Scott and I are grateful also to all of <em>you </em>for your love and support. I could never endure all of this without you! Thank you so much!</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">I hope to see many of you Saturday (10/23) at the Weathersby ranch for movie night! It should be a great time!!</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Love & Health,</span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;">Jenny</span>No Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-68521867846762823602010-10-13T04:02:00.000-07:002010-10-13T04:09:04.549-07:00November Fundraiser<table class="uiInfoTable mvm profileInfoTable"><tbody>
<tr><th class="label">Time</th><td class="data"><div>Saturday, November 20 · 8:00am - 4:00pm</div></td></tr>
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<tr><th class="label">Location</th><td class="data">Adams Traditional Academy <br />
<div>23rd Ave and Pinnacle Peak Rd (just south of Pinnacle Peak)</div></td></tr>
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<tr><th class="label">Created By</th><td class="data"><div class="uiCollapsedList uiCollapsedListHidden" id="u760652_1"><span class="visible"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=541030616"><span style="color: #3b5998;">Tara Weathersby McMurdie</span></a></span></div></td></tr>
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<tr><th class="label">More Info</th><td class="data"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4cb59136820c90ede31a5">Jenny Christensen is an amazing woman who is fighting cancer for the second time around. Her story is amazing and her faith and strong willed attitude inspires everyone she comes in contact with. She is a wife and mother of two beautiful children. She works full time, runs a t-shirt business on the side, and is working 24/7 on kickin some cancer butt! However, beating cancer is not cheap. We all feel so helpless and powerle<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">ss when watching a friend or loved one go through something like this, and this is a small way for us to help in the fight. On Saturday, Nov 20th, we are going to have a HUGE FUNDRAISER to help earn money to pay for Jenny's cancer treatments. Fundraiser events for the day will include:<br />
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DANCE CLASSES<br />
YOGA <br />
PILATES<br />
ZUMBA<br />
MARTIAL ARTS AEROBICS<br />
HAIR CUTS<br />
GLITTER TOES<br />
MASSAGES<br />
T-SHIRTS FROM 'FOREVER IS BETTER'<br />
YUMMY FOOD<br />
A SILENT AUCTION <br />
(we need more donations for the silent auction, so if you'd like to donate something for this, please send a message to Tara McMurdie)<br />
AND MUCH MORE TO COME!!!<br />
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Please mark this date on your calendar and invite all your friends and family to come help support this great woman in her fight against cancer! We can make a difference!</span></div></td></tr>
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This post was on Tara´s facebook page. If you need to contact her but are not friends with her on facebook (why not?) you can leave your email on a comment for this post and she will get a hold of you. We love you all and are so grateful for the response from wonderful friends!<br />
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Don´t forget about the October fundraiser posted below this post!!<br />
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Thanks again! and adios, from Spain,<br />
Cherylkickin' it!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08963130931973726510noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-3714235267012473512010-10-07T08:59:00.000-07:002010-10-07T08:59:34.137-07:00It's a date!Let's plan on Saturday evening October 23rd for a drive-in movie night at my house! I know this probably doesn't work for everyone, but we gotta start somewhere... and Saturday won on the poll... we can't waste a good poll, can we?<br />
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BRING:<br />
<ol><li>Something to sit on (ie. blanket... front row, lawn chairs ooooorrrrr..... couch... back rows, see how this works?)</li>
<li>picnic dinner (if you'd like)</li>
<li>your family ;D</li>
<li>some goody to sell at the bake sale</li>
<li>something warm, as we'll be outside</li>
</ol>This is by donation only so everyone is welcome and anything you can donate that night is wonderful and appreciated.<br />
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Hmmmmm..... what movie should we show?<br />
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Another poll?<br />
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Okay.<br />
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See right side bar... again.<br />
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Other suggestions? Leave it on the comments. Family friendly, please.<br />
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Details will follow when I get back from Spain.... just mark your calendars and hype up the fam!<br />
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<i>PS- I kind of need an idea of how many to expect.... maybe let me know if you plan to attend and how many.</i><br />
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Love ya all,<br />
Cherylkickin' it!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08963130931973726510noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-30865334965321299522010-09-27T10:02:00.000-07:002010-09-27T10:09:16.784-07:00If you're wonderingSomeone wonderful... no, not me... opened a bank account for Jenny to assist in the overwhelming bills. If you feel so inclined to donate to her account, you can go to any <a href="https://www.mibank.com/">M & I Bank</a> branch <a href="http://hosted.where2getit.com/mibank/">(Click here for locations)</a> and give them Jenny Christensen's name. They will know what to do. Thank you for any donations, large or small, everything helps!<br />
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Also, we have some great fundraisers planned. In October there will be a family drive-in movie night at my house. We want to have a bake sale that night as well. Dates are not set in stone yet. Lets do a survey... I love surveys. Check up on the top right side of the blog -> -> -> . Take the survey please.<br />
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Another FUN fundraiser is in the works for November. More details to come!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Also, since I don't know how to get this to sign my posts as 'Cheryl' instead of 'Kickin' it', I'll just have to sign it myself....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cheryl</span><br />
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</div><div style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><span style="background-color: white;">October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month</span></span></span></div>kickin' it!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08963130931973726510noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-49526295215947026932010-09-22T11:13:00.000-07:002010-09-22T20:35:17.657-07:00My First Blog Post!! :D<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I am speechless.<br />If you know me well, you probably think that’s unbelievable.<br />But the truth is I don’t even know how to begin submitting my comments for something such as this, which has both touched me profoundly, and overwhelmed me completely! I guess I will begin with the same reaction I had when I first (unknowingly!) clicked on the link for this blog.<br /><br />“Wow . . .” <em>(And a lump formed in my throat. Not the cancer kind of lump, mind you.)</em><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Thank you, Cheryl, for starting this blog!!</span><br /><br />I guess I should tell my story.... I am actually writing a book (<em>No Pouting, No Doubting</em>) about my experiences, hoping they will someday help someone else. But for you loyal blog readers, I will summarize the best I can....<br /><br />Most of you know I was diagnosed last May (2009) with cancer of the left breast. I opted for a double mastectomy, being as proactive as I could be. I was thankful to learn that I had NO cancer in my lymph nodes, nor any place else in my body. There was some initial confusion, as one doctor diagnosed me as Stage 1 cancer, while another said Stage 3, and yet another Stage 2! My oncologist prescribed a treatment plan of radiation and chemotherapy, and I began to prepare physically, mentally and emotionally for those treatments. I had all the preliminary scans done, blood work, and picked out a wig. In the weeks leading up to my chemo start date, however, I could not shake the feeling that something was not right with my treatment plan. I could not pinpoint it . . . I thought perhaps radiation was not in my best interest. Then I dismissed it all as fear and pressed forward. Still the feeling remained. Something was not right. I went to the temple and prayed for guidance. I felt impressed that neither chemo nor radiation was right for me. <em>But how could they not be? It’s what you do!</em> It’s just what you do, right? My husband thought so, too.<br /><br />On June 25, 2009 I had surgery to place a port in my chest for IV access, and the next day I was set to start chemo. That night I could not shake the feeling that this was wrong, and I knew it wasn’t fear. I had battled that fear and left it behind. I’d been to girls camp the previous week as a leader and felt energized and ready to fight and stand tall. But that morning I got down on my knees and prayed, and again I knew. This plan was all wrong. I encouraged Scott to pray, too. Then he gave me a blessing. A beautiful blessing! And we both knew. I had been receiving promptings of the Spirit that I needed to heed. We decided to postpone chemo, at least for that weekend, as we prayed more and visited the temple again. It didn’t take much for us to have our answer confirmed. Chemo was wrong for me, and so we sought out other options for care. My oncologist disagreed with my decision, but respected it and supported me. Through the help of some wellness doctors, I worked to build up my immune system. I changed my diet, exercised more, and took supplements. I began to take much better care of myself and felt great!<br /><br />In November of 2009 I had a PET scan as a check up. My oncologist practically cartwheeled into the room to announce, “You must have a guardian angel!” My PET was perfect.<br /><br />Fast forward six more months to May 2010. It was time for a follow-up PET scan again to make sure I still had a clean bill of health. Had to bust through some red tape: The insurance company denied the authorization, saying there was “no evidence of tumor recurrence.” It took two months of appeals and a new submission by my doctor’s office before they finally agreed to approve the scan. Suddenly there was trouble... Some lymph nodes lit up, as well as a few other possible problem areas in my skeletal system (But didn't I have spots in my skeletal system before? And they went away?!). After three failed lymph node biopsies, I was able to find a new specialist who performed a node biopsy with precision. True to his instinct, there was no cancer under my right arm. But under my left arm, the node biopsy came back positive, and my oncologist painted a bleak picture . . . six months of chemo, and a lifetime of an IV drug called Herceptin. I was devastated. I gave myself a nano-second to cry, then I squared my shoulders and got ready to fight again, and fight harder.<br /><br />Once again, I have felt incredible promptings that I need to pursue the naturopathic route to wellness instead of the conventional treatment prescribed. I am not anti-chemotherapy by any means. I know there are valid uses for that treatment. But there has been way too much gray area regarding my diagnosis . . . And besides that, when you receive a direct answer, you <em>just know it</em> (title of a chapter in my book!). I have had some spiritual experiences that are too sacred, too precious to me to post on the world wide web . . . But suffice it to say, I am certain my decision to seek holistic care is correct. It is important to me that my friends and family understand that, as my husband puts it, “not doing chemotherapy should NOT be confused with doing nothing!” It is quite the contrary. I am engaged nearly every minute of everyday in battling this terrible disease. Diet, supplementation, alternative medication, exercise, meditation, and especially nutrition are a full-time job, and most of it does not come easily for me! I only wish insurance would cover naturopathic care, as it is effective and much less costly than chemotherapy. There are also some additional therapies that I wish to do when finances allow (such as Vitamin C IV infusions). Like many people in this economy, our financial situation is precarious. But, knowing we are doing His will, Scott faithfully decrees, “The Lord will provide.”<br /><br />I have felt confident in my decisions. I have felt the hand of the Lord in my life and have no doubt that His Spirit has given me guidance. I am humbled by the love I have felt from Him, and the knowledge that He is mindful of little me. Nearly every morning there is temptation to fear, to be discouraged, but I choose not to listen to that voice. I am happier than I have ever been. And I know I will win this fight.<br /><br />This recurrence of breast cancer has been surreal for me. I had a brief moment or two of grief, but otherwise have felt completely peaceful and calm. I know that cancer is my refining fire. It is my companion now, and I don’t have to be afraid of it. It brings me to my knees . . . and that is when I can stand tallest.<br /><br />During this difficult time for our family, so many people have offered help, even financially. It has been a huge blessing. My dear friend, Lorene, is pounding the pavement to help promote my </span><a href="http://www.foreverisbetter.com/cart/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=3&cat=Breast+Cancer+Tee"><span style="font-size:100%;">“No Pouting” tee shirts</span></a><span style="font-size:100%;">. Money for a juicer was graciously given by a family member. This fundraising blog was started! Without any solicitation on my part, my realtor and friend, Jennifer Moore, has sent out over 2000 letters to business associates promoting my shirts and asking for donations. She even established a bank account in my name. I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of help.<br /><br />I am so grateful for all of you who are part of this <em>Army of Angels</em>, who have such giving and loving hearts. I am grateful for your frequent messages of encouragement, prayer, and support, which truly carry me. Thank you for loving me and my family. Words are inadequate to express what your sustaining love means to me, to us.<br /><br />So.....How’d I do?? Kinda long. I’m new to this blogging thing! :D<br />More to come soon. . . .<br /><br />With love and blessings,<br />Jenny</span></span>No Pouting!http://www.blogger.com/profile/06888962636784719756noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6242031653234796031.post-56984177720010747602010-09-18T12:26:00.000-07:002010-09-18T14:20:22.962-07:00Do it now... ask later!My friend, Jenny, has a battle with Breast Cancer. She's a strong woman, and I fully expect her to come away from this blowing the smoke off of her pearl-handled pistols. She's chosen to do something that some haven't got the courage to do, but she feels strong and impressed to handle it this way. I'm not going to write what she's doing, I'm hoping that she will choose to share her story with her army of friends. An army that's standing behind her, ready and waiting for her command to join forces with her. Although this is a battle that in some ways, only she can fight, we can assist in other ways. I'm talking about ways to help her fight with the chosen arsenal (which will NOT, for the most part, be covered by insurance). I'm putting together some fundraisers that will be.... SO. MUCH. FUN!! Stay tuned for that! <br />
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I titled this post Do it now... ask later, because.... Jenny is NOT aware of this blog as I am posting this.... but she'll know soon. Wish me luck!<br />
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The name of this blog I took from a Facebook post by Jenny. She said "Got some serious breast cancer butt kickin goin on over here!" I loved reading that and thought it was a good theme for a blog... so... I did it!<br />
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All my love and support,<br />
Cheryl Weathersbykickin' it!http://www.blogger.com/profile/08963130931973726510noreply@blogger.com7