4-29-10

One more day until the weekend and I look forward to being pain free. It is amazing how these body aches travel in waives and leave behind varies levels of pain. The pain has been bearable today, however at times very discomforting. I am proud to say I have not had to take any pain meds this week and I don't plan on it. I think it is a pride thing....

Everyone have a wonderful weekend and enjoy some R&R.

4-28-10

My one wish this week, no body aches. Well unfortunately it did not come true. They are right on time starting last night and continuing today. If my memory serves me correctly they should decrease tomorrow and I will start to feel better. I keep telling myself only 2 more treatments and the side effects will be gone. At least the major side effects.

4-26-10

Chemo #6 down and what an experience. First off the nurse couldn't get my port to work to access blood. She had the needle in, however it wouldn't give any blood. So she had to stick me two different places on my arm to draw blood the regular way. With one of the medicines they gave me, my port was working by the time I was ready for chemo.

Secondly, my appointment ran behind an hour half behind, which put my chemo an hour and half behind. Thirdly, this time I had a reaction to the Taxol. It was a very quick reaction and a little scary, however the nurses came over fast and fixed the issue with meds.

All in all a very long day but I am glad I had my step mom Susan here to ease the stress and pain. It was great to catch up and enjoy good company.

Feeling drained and ready for bed!

4-22-10

Recovery week is still going well. I am happy to say I have been able to exercise this week and do a little extra with the help of my co-workers. They have pushed me to start doing the stairs two times a day. Keep in mind we work on the 10th floor and let me tell you it is a workout.

So thank you ladies we will continue to tone our legs and butt at work....

4-20-10

Recovery week is here. Feeling pretty good just very tired. Hoping to find energy after work to get to the gym. Looking forward the enjoying the weather this weekend.

Hope everyone is having a great day!

4-18-10

What an amazing weekend. I can't even begin to explain the wonderful joy I felt this weekend.

Team Rock Pink was a great hit at the race and I want to thank all of my friends and family who came to support me. I have never had a team created for me before so it was a honor and I know a lot money was donated to a good cause, so thank you to all. I also want to thank the great team from Harrison that walked for me as well! I am blessed to have such a great work family as well.

I was not sure I would be able to make the 3 mile walk but I did. It took a lot out of me and did require a nap later in the afternoon, but it was blessing to energy and strength to participate in the race.

The party was just what I needed. It was great to catch up with everyone and enjoy good food, music, weather, and company. I will be honest, I have never had so many people step up to ask what they can do to help. I am usually the type of person to try and do it all on my own and not ask for help. But I know the party was the way people wanted to help and it did. We all know how stressful this has all been for me and now I can say a lot of that has been lifted through my family and friends. What great friends I have. Words can't explain what this weekend and my friends and family mean to me.

A special thank you needs to go out to Joe's Butcher Shop for donating the meat for the party. They have the best meat in the area, hands down. Visit them at http://joesbutchershop.com/

Also another big thank you to Randall Trumbull at Tees for donating and making such fantastic shirts! Everyone was able to Rock Pink!!! Visit Tees at http://tees.randalltrumbull.com/

4-15-10

Today is much better. The body aches have decreased and seem to be allowing me to manage. I pray for a great weekend and some fun with all the festivities. I know the weather will be a little cool, however I am looking forward to seeing everyone and participating in such an important event.

A quick fun note, I was asked to do a short interview via phone for WIBC Radio tomorrow morning. I am excited and honored they would ask me to share my story.


Oh and by the way, Randall the shirts are awesome. Thank you so much for donating your time and services to a great cause.

Marianne and Steve thank you for allowing us to use your home. I am looking forward to the party and your place will be perfect. And an early thanks to all of Adam's friends for putting the party together. Words can't describe what it means to me and how blessed I feel to have you all as friends.

4-14-10

Side effects are here...boo... The body aches started last night and are hitting me hard today. Not sure how long they will last but praying they will be gone by the weekend. I can handle being tired but the body aches are the worst. It makes it hard to do much of anything.

Tomorrow is a new day and it can only get better right?

4-12-10

So another round of chemo done. Taxol went fine. No reactions at all just a long process. Feeling good thus far, just tired from all the benadryl they give you. Praying for a good week and less side effects from the drug.

Dad and Sue thanks for coming today. I know it might have been a little boring for you two, however it was good company for me. Well when I was awake..ha ha

Keep you all posted on how the week goes.

4-10-10

Finally relaxing after being busy. With work, enjoying the weather, and exercise I have loved these last few days. Dinner last night was great and we will be doing dinner with some friends tonight as well.

My dad and Sue will be in town tomorrow night for dinner and chemo on Monday.Very glad they are taking me as I am not sure how I will react to the new round of Taxol.

Also looking forward to my sister being in town next week. I miss her a lot and can't wait to catch up.

04-09-10

It is Friday and a great day! Yesterday and today have treated me well, the weekend should too.
Tonight I am taking Adam out for a celebration dinner. Adam has was offered a great position with Prudential as a Financial Advisor. He gladly excepted and will officially start in about a week.

I am extremely happy for Adam and feel this is a great fit that will bring success and happiness to him and us in the future. Very proud of you babe!

Everyone have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine.

04-06-10

Out of the hospital....Yay!!!! My WBC was good and Dr gave the ok to go. I have never been so happy to be home. Although Clarian North is a wonderful hospital and the nurses were amazing, I couldn't take one more day trapped. It is crazy what little things I realized I take for granted and never will again as in taking a shower, using the restroom without restrictions, and being able to move my arm. All little things that I promise I will cherish moving forward.

Thanks for every one's encouraging words and prayers. All the positive energy got me home and is allowing me to heal.

04/05/2010

Well still in hosp..boo... I was hoping to be out by now but that is not the case. Although my temp is normal and I am feeling much better, my WBC is still very low. My Dr. said he would like it increase before I can leave. So praying for that to happen tomorrow.

Happy Easter

It is Easter and I would love to be with my family enjoying the day, however I am at the hospital for a little stay. As most of you know yesterday I woke up with tons of pain in my head/jaw and was in bed all day. Then about 4 am this morning I woke with a fever, so we headed to ER. After looking at my WBC the DR. decided it would be best to admit me to monitor my counts and my fever. At first I was not loving that idea, however glad I did as my pain is still pretty high and they have the meds...ha ha

My dad and Sue are driving over from Ohio tonight to see us for Easter. Of course Adam is here toughing Easter out with me at the hosp. Oh when will Normal happen again?

04-03-2010

Well I guess I spoke too soon when I said I have yet to have a day when I can't really get out of bed. Oh that day is here unfortunately. Last night was a night of severe pain and continued to today. The worst is the pain in my mouth/jaw. It feels like someone is just pulling on my gums with rubber bands. I definitely have taken pain meds and am trying to get some rest.

I do pray this passes as it has been very rough on me.

Just needed to vent.....

04-02-2010

Good Friday and I am off work. The weather is gorgeous and warm and I am going to do my best to get out in it, however today might be rough for that. Don't sleep much these days and hate these body aches, but mind over matter right?

I want to thank all of you for the kind words/emails/comments regarding the article. You all inspire me on a daily basis and keep my pressing forward. I know this is a fight, however I have a lot to fight for and I am reminded that on a daily basis thanks to all of you.

Love,
Jess
Happy Easter Weekend!

04-01-10

April 1st and the Article is out. If you would like to see it online, click the link below. My story is in there as well.

http://bit.ly/dya5k0

What a good lift to a not so hot day!