Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Many blessings received this Thanksgiving!
Hello Family and Friends,
Had a delightful gobble day with 33 folks at my home! I didn't know if I would be able to handle all the people, the cleaning of the house, the cooking, but I DID IT! We were all thankful to God that he is healing me and that he is blessing me with a little bit more memory gain than I had previously. Praise God for that! It's very frustrating to not remember what you just did or said. I know you all think that you have that problem too. When I tell folks about my short term memory, they tell me they have the same thing. They can't possibly appreciate how frustrating it is. I hope that you don't get it to the extent that I have had it. BUT, my short term memory is starting to come back, little by little. I'm still confused at times, but I am starting to remember more and more!
Bill and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary and it was a delight. Just having Bill home for more than 4 days was really a treat for me. One thing that he's doing for me is downsizing the business. He's gone way too much for me to be handle all that I had been handling. (That's where I've noticed my short term memory loss from.) Been making lots of mistakes, which is something that I seldom do. That will relieve a lot of the stress being placed on me. Don't get me wrong, I know I will have stress in my life, but not the kind I had before my brain surgery.
Hope you are all doing well and that God will continue to bless you. He's blessed me by giving me people like you to pray for me.
Bill and I are making plans to downsize the business and have me travel with him for at least one trip a month. He's 67 and should be retired, and I want to be with him as much as possible. He, my parents and my family have taken extra special care of me. He's a good nurse!!!!
Next doc appt. is on Jan. 9th. Pray that all goes well and that I'm still in remission! I appreciate your prayers more than you will ever know.
In God's love,
Jeanine
Had a delightful gobble day with 33 folks at my home! I didn't know if I would be able to handle all the people, the cleaning of the house, the cooking, but I DID IT! We were all thankful to God that he is healing me and that he is blessing me with a little bit more memory gain than I had previously. Praise God for that! It's very frustrating to not remember what you just did or said. I know you all think that you have that problem too. When I tell folks about my short term memory, they tell me they have the same thing. They can't possibly appreciate how frustrating it is. I hope that you don't get it to the extent that I have had it. BUT, my short term memory is starting to come back, little by little. I'm still confused at times, but I am starting to remember more and more!
Bill and I celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary and it was a delight. Just having Bill home for more than 4 days was really a treat for me. One thing that he's doing for me is downsizing the business. He's gone way too much for me to be handle all that I had been handling. (That's where I've noticed my short term memory loss from.) Been making lots of mistakes, which is something that I seldom do. That will relieve a lot of the stress being placed on me. Don't get me wrong, I know I will have stress in my life, but not the kind I had before my brain surgery.
Hope you are all doing well and that God will continue to bless you. He's blessed me by giving me people like you to pray for me.
Bill and I are making plans to downsize the business and have me travel with him for at least one trip a month. He's 67 and should be retired, and I want to be with him as much as possible. He, my parents and my family have taken extra special care of me. He's a good nurse!!!!
Next doc appt. is on Jan. 9th. Pray that all goes well and that I'm still in remission! I appreciate your prayers more than you will ever know.
In God's love,
Jeanine
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO ME! I'M IN REMISSION!
Well Folks,
The treat was on me today! Went in to have my MRI, bloodwork and visit with Dr. Maher and was told that I am in Remission!!!! Praise God for all the good that he does in this world. Praise God for the scientists that work so hard to find cures for these horrible diseases.
I have to go back on January 9th for another follow-up, but that's ok. I will have to do that for another year. I'm just thankful that nothing else had formed!
I have many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. My hubby and I will be married 31 years and our anniversary is on Thanksgiving this year.
Rejoice with us as we give thanks to our heavenly Father! Thanks for your healing prayers!
In God's love,
Jeanine
The treat was on me today! Went in to have my MRI, bloodwork and visit with Dr. Maher and was told that I am in Remission!!!! Praise God for all the good that he does in this world. Praise God for the scientists that work so hard to find cures for these horrible diseases.
I have to go back on January 9th for another follow-up, but that's ok. I will have to do that for another year. I'm just thankful that nothing else had formed!
I have many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. My hubby and I will be married 31 years and our anniversary is on Thanksgiving this year.
Rejoice with us as we give thanks to our heavenly Father! Thanks for your healing prayers!
In God's love,
Jeanine
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Almost another month has passed since my last post!
Hello All,
My oh my how quickly time is passing. I was shocked to see the date of September 16th on my last blog. I will try to do much better to keep you informed. When nothing is really going on, it's hard to remember to post something (that's a GREAT thing)!
Waiting for next appt. on 10/31. One of the greatest things that has happened in the last week is that the swelling on my head is gone! Praise God! Since I had surgery, every morning when I would get up, the top of my head around my incision would be swollen. We were genuinely concerned that it might never go down (or away). My doc kept telling me that it would go away and this was normal; but to me, I didn't know what normal was. They see this type of situation every day and they are used to it. I wasn't and neither was any of my family. We had tons of questions which usually ended up with the same answer "this is normal". I feel I can be a better witness to others because God did give me the "normal" and now it really is the "normal". Hope that makes sense! Anyway, I no longer have the knot on top of my head. A very dear friend of ours, Joe Thomas, used to call me "knothead". He has since passed away, but he would have had a blast calling me knothead!
Please pray for my friend, Margaret Thomas, (Joe's wife) and her family. Her son-in-law, Floyd, passed away on Sunday. His wife, Pam, (Margaret's daughter)and their four grown children, and many grandchildren had a great life together. Margaret won't be able to attend the funeral in Boulder, CO. We just lift this whole family up to you Lord. Take care of them, love them and let them know how special each of them are to you.
My sisters and I are going to get together for sister weekend on 10/26 - 10/28! Should be lots of fun! They will be coming to Dallas and we'll be staying at the Staybridge Hotel in Plano. Anxious to see them again!
PLEASE Pray that I get a GREAT report on 10/31. Please pray for my hubby and my parents as they continue to take care of me. They are such wonderful, earthly treasures and I don't know what I would do without any of them. I love you all.
Hugs and kisses and God be with you til we meet again,
Jeanine
My oh my how quickly time is passing. I was shocked to see the date of September 16th on my last blog. I will try to do much better to keep you informed. When nothing is really going on, it's hard to remember to post something (that's a GREAT thing)!
Waiting for next appt. on 10/31. One of the greatest things that has happened in the last week is that the swelling on my head is gone! Praise God! Since I had surgery, every morning when I would get up, the top of my head around my incision would be swollen. We were genuinely concerned that it might never go down (or away). My doc kept telling me that it would go away and this was normal; but to me, I didn't know what normal was. They see this type of situation every day and they are used to it. I wasn't and neither was any of my family. We had tons of questions which usually ended up with the same answer "this is normal". I feel I can be a better witness to others because God did give me the "normal" and now it really is the "normal". Hope that makes sense! Anyway, I no longer have the knot on top of my head. A very dear friend of ours, Joe Thomas, used to call me "knothead". He has since passed away, but he would have had a blast calling me knothead!
Please pray for my friend, Margaret Thomas, (Joe's wife) and her family. Her son-in-law, Floyd, passed away on Sunday. His wife, Pam, (Margaret's daughter)and their four grown children, and many grandchildren had a great life together. Margaret won't be able to attend the funeral in Boulder, CO. We just lift this whole family up to you Lord. Take care of them, love them and let them know how special each of them are to you.
My sisters and I are going to get together for sister weekend on 10/26 - 10/28! Should be lots of fun! They will be coming to Dallas and we'll be staying at the Staybridge Hotel in Plano. Anxious to see them again!
PLEASE Pray that I get a GREAT report on 10/31. Please pray for my hubby and my parents as they continue to take care of me. They are such wonderful, earthly treasures and I don't know what I would do without any of them. I love you all.
Hugs and kisses and God be with you til we meet again,
Jeanine
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Good morning my family and friends
It's another glorious day to be alive! We've spent a lot of time with family and friends this weekend and things are getting more back to normal. In fact, we celebrated Bill's 67th birthday and our dear friend, Judith Beer, birthday's on Friday night. I felt like I had overdone a little bit on Friday, so we took them to dinner at LePeep's. Bruce, Judith, their daughter Rachel, our neice Kara, Bill and myself enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Here's a plug for them, they have a coupon from Kroger's and Tom Thumb for $4.99...anything on the menu. YAY! I love discounts and that one is great! Then back to the house for Bill's favorite cake (chocolate sheet cake - homemade) and he was delighted! We played a super fun game, Sequence, and had a blast! They went home about 10:30 as we all had plans for Saturday.
With the new day on Saturday, Bill and Kara took his rental car back and came back to the house and took me to breakfast! They're so sweet! Then I decided I felt pretty good, so asked Bill if we could invite all of my family over for a "thank you for taking care of me" dinner. Had a meatloaf (in the shape of a heart), baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, grilled pineapple and a new recipe of stuffed cabbage that was cooked on the grill. It was delicious! Our dessert was the remainder of the chocolate cake and vanilla bean ice cream. And guess what else we did? We played Sequence again and had another blast! We do so enjoy that game and more than anything we praise God for all the blessings and fellowship that we shared!
I overdid it again yesterday, so stayed at home this morning while Bill went to church. He is the Eucharistic Minister for the 7:30 mass and that was a little too early for me. Jan came over and stayed with me while he went to church. He had to be there at 7:00 this a.m., and it was nice to stay in bed. By 7:50 I was up though. I was feeling really guilty for not going to church with him. Watched and taped several religious programs on television. Our God is so mighty and powerful. The television programs were wonderful!
Going to get River Forest Directories delivered to the neighbors today. Hubby asked if there was anything that I needed to do today. I told him that if he needed this day, that I wanted him to take advantage of it. He's been such a wonderful spirit through this ordeal and I absolutely adore his attitude and gratitude.
Keep me in your prayers and thanks for your prayers for Tiffany, Melissa and Janet. They're working!
P.S. I wanted to add, that the wig that I am wearing in my most recent photo is on loan from my dear friend Judith.
Count your blessings,
Jeanine
With the new day on Saturday, Bill and Kara took his rental car back and came back to the house and took me to breakfast! They're so sweet! Then I decided I felt pretty good, so asked Bill if we could invite all of my family over for a "thank you for taking care of me" dinner. Had a meatloaf (in the shape of a heart), baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, corn on the cob, grilled pineapple and a new recipe of stuffed cabbage that was cooked on the grill. It was delicious! Our dessert was the remainder of the chocolate cake and vanilla bean ice cream. And guess what else we did? We played Sequence again and had another blast! We do so enjoy that game and more than anything we praise God for all the blessings and fellowship that we shared!
I overdid it again yesterday, so stayed at home this morning while Bill went to church. He is the Eucharistic Minister for the 7:30 mass and that was a little too early for me. Jan came over and stayed with me while he went to church. He had to be there at 7:00 this a.m., and it was nice to stay in bed. By 7:50 I was up though. I was feeling really guilty for not going to church with him. Watched and taped several religious programs on television. Our God is so mighty and powerful. The television programs were wonderful!
Going to get River Forest Directories delivered to the neighbors today. Hubby asked if there was anything that I needed to do today. I told him that if he needed this day, that I wanted him to take advantage of it. He's been such a wonderful spirit through this ordeal and I absolutely adore his attitude and gratitude.
Keep me in your prayers and thanks for your prayers for Tiffany, Melissa and Janet. They're working!
P.S. I wanted to add, that the wig that I am wearing in my most recent photo is on loan from my dear friend Judith.
Count your blessings,
Jeanine
Sunday, September 9, 2007
url to Knights of Columbus
Hello Family and Friends,
http://www.mdkofc.org/mcgivney/membership.htm
Just wanted to give you all this url so you can see what Sir Knight Nichols will be looking like when he gets his regailia. They really are doing wonderful things! I'm so proud of him! The first page is what I want you to see, but the other tabs will explain all the items, if you are interested.
Thanks for checking! I'm a proud Lady Knight!
Jeanine
http://www.mdkofc.org/mcgivney/membership.htm
Just wanted to give you all this url so you can see what Sir Knight Nichols will be looking like when he gets his regailia. They really are doing wonderful things! I'm so proud of him! The first page is what I want you to see, but the other tabs will explain all the items, if you are interested.
Thanks for checking! I'm a proud Lady Knight!
Jeanine
Sir Knight Nichols
Hello Family and Friends,
Sir Knight Nichols (Bill) was knighted last night, 9/8/07. It was a lovely day and I wanted to attend everything there was because it was such a special day for him. He was the most handsome guy there! I'm not prejudice, huh?! Pictures will be added just as soon as I can get Kara to upload them. He really was handsome and I love him so! Our agenda started with registration, mass, luncheon, knighthood (which the women didn't get to attend), followed by photos of the knighting and then the banquet! It was awesome and my Sir Knight was so thrilled. He's always wanted this and his dreams have come true! He will have a red cape with a white feathery cap. It has a name, but I don't recall what it is. He has a sash and a sword. Very sharp looking men.
I'm doing great, but was a little too tired to go to church this morning. Bill should be home shortly and we'll have lunch and then a nap?!!!
Hope you all are doing well. I will update the blog later tonight with photos!
Love and prayers to each of you,
Jeanine
Sir Knight Nichols (Bill) was knighted last night, 9/8/07. It was a lovely day and I wanted to attend everything there was because it was such a special day for him. He was the most handsome guy there! I'm not prejudice, huh?! Pictures will be added just as soon as I can get Kara to upload them. He really was handsome and I love him so! Our agenda started with registration, mass, luncheon, knighthood (which the women didn't get to attend), followed by photos of the knighting and then the banquet! It was awesome and my Sir Knight was so thrilled. He's always wanted this and his dreams have come true! He will have a red cape with a white feathery cap. It has a name, but I don't recall what it is. He has a sash and a sword. Very sharp looking men.
I'm doing great, but was a little too tired to go to church this morning. Bill should be home shortly and we'll have lunch and then a nap?!!!
Hope you all are doing well. I will update the blog later tonight with photos!
Love and prayers to each of you,
Jeanine
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
GREAT NEWS!
Hello Family and Friends,
Well, I'm gonna live!!!! YAY! Went to see the docs today and they told me that my MRI looked great, they didn't see anything that they thought was bad and I don't have to take those nasty chemo pills. YAY!!!! My blood counts were great: White Blood Cells - 6, Plateletts - 250! YAY! I don't have to go back to see the team until 10/31/07! YAY! My surgeon told me that I don't need to see him until I have a problem. YAY! We're gonna keep praying that I don't ever have to see him!
Thanks to each and every one of you for your prayers and love. I thank God that you have all been in my life and your love and prayers have touched me more than you will know. I do give God all the glory! He is an awesome God and he watches out for his own!
Please pray for my nieces, Tiffany and Melissa, and my very dear friend, Janet. They are struggling through difficult times right now and need all the prayers we can give them. I'm living proof that prayers DO WORK! Thank you God!
My doctors did remind me that I am still recovering and asked that I be most cautious. They are so overly protective!!! They said it would be about another year before I'm totally in the clear!
Love and Rejoicing,
Jeanine
Well, I'm gonna live!!!! YAY! Went to see the docs today and they told me that my MRI looked great, they didn't see anything that they thought was bad and I don't have to take those nasty chemo pills. YAY!!!! My blood counts were great: White Blood Cells - 6, Plateletts - 250! YAY! I don't have to go back to see the team until 10/31/07! YAY! My surgeon told me that I don't need to see him until I have a problem. YAY! We're gonna keep praying that I don't ever have to see him!
Thanks to each and every one of you for your prayers and love. I thank God that you have all been in my life and your love and prayers have touched me more than you will know. I do give God all the glory! He is an awesome God and he watches out for his own!
Please pray for my nieces, Tiffany and Melissa, and my very dear friend, Janet. They are struggling through difficult times right now and need all the prayers we can give them. I'm living proof that prayers DO WORK! Thank you God!
My doctors did remind me that I am still recovering and asked that I be most cautious. They are so overly protective!!! They said it would be about another year before I'm totally in the clear!
Love and Rejoicing,
Jeanine
Passed today with flying colors!!!
Prayers answered, as the followup with the doctors and her MRI today indicated she is "doing just fine". She does not have to resume the chemo! I am in San Antonio until Friday, so I am asking Jeanine to update this blog with the details for everyone. (I don't have all the details; I am just so excited in the good results that I could bust)
Wanted you all to know this much at least.
God Bless.
Bill
Wanted you all to know this much at least.
God Bless.
Bill
Monday, August 27, 2007
A Good Weekend!
Jeanine had a good weekend. Didn't seem to get overly-tired, and enjoyed several things we did. We went to 11:00am Mass, followed by picking up Jan and going to lunch. Jean really looked nice in her outfit. Said she felt "special" too. This morning, she and Jan are going to (in her words, not mine) "go get our claws done!" This partially in preparation for our trip tomorrow to Las Vegas. This is her first trip-of-any-substantial-distance, and her first time to fly since the seizure of May 2. It's a business trip for me and we are staying in a hotel off of the strip. She hasn't booked anything firm as far as tours or whatever; she is going to stay loose, and take it as she feels like it. We are going to stay an extra day after I finish the audit. We know she can't even take the Texas heat very well, so I'm sure she won't be spending much "time in the sun".
More later, and hope everyone has a good week. God Bless each and every one.
Bill
More later, and hope everyone has a good week. God Bless each and every one.
Bill
Monday, August 20, 2007
Concerns relieved!
Howdy. I spoke with Dr. Mickey's office today (Sue) and was assured that the swelling is in fact in the full range of normal. In fact, I may never completely seal. The fluids leak back and forth from the scull cavity. Any dizziness would not be associated with the fluid accumulation. I feel much relieved after I finally got a straight answer out of someone that this really and truly is within a "normal". Just hearing "that's normal" all the time is not enough explanation for me, and I might have ticked off a couple of medical folks earlier today about "communication". Hopefully that is resolved now, and Jeanine will see Dr. Maher (Chemo) and Dr. Mickey (Surgeon) both on September 5th. Like I say, I feel much relieved now that I have had a lay person communication with the medical professionals.
The Lord moves in mysterious ways.
God bless you all and I will keep posted.
Bill
The Lord moves in mysterious ways.
God bless you all and I will keep posted.
Bill
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Ok Friday, but kind of a rough Saturday.
Hi Folks.
Jeanine experienced a couple of "little dizzy spells" on Saturday, and Saturday Night. She slept well enough throughout the night last night, but "felt funny" in a lack of distinct direction whether she was sleepy or not!? About midnight we went to bed, and she seemed to sleep well all night. The swelling in her head did not go down completely yesterday, as it usually does. Those two concerns (dizzy and swelling) are causing us to contact the Doctor tomorrow (Monday) morning, just to make sure all is well. Jan came over to spend the evening, and she remained here all night, to stay with Jean while I go to 7:30am Mass on Sunday. We don't want to wait until September 5th, if she isn't showing continual signs of getting better. We don't want any "back sliding". Please keep her in your special prayers. She is confident that everything is going to be ok. She continues to exude her same positive self, over and over.
I'll keep you informed of any changes.
God Bless you all.
Bill
Jeanine experienced a couple of "little dizzy spells" on Saturday, and Saturday Night. She slept well enough throughout the night last night, but "felt funny" in a lack of distinct direction whether she was sleepy or not!? About midnight we went to bed, and she seemed to sleep well all night. The swelling in her head did not go down completely yesterday, as it usually does. Those two concerns (dizzy and swelling) are causing us to contact the Doctor tomorrow (Monday) morning, just to make sure all is well. Jan came over to spend the evening, and she remained here all night, to stay with Jean while I go to 7:30am Mass on Sunday. We don't want to wait until September 5th, if she isn't showing continual signs of getting better. We don't want any "back sliding". Please keep her in your special prayers. She is confident that everything is going to be ok. She continues to exude her same positive self, over and over.
I'll keep you informed of any changes.
God Bless you all.
Bill
Friday, August 17, 2007
It's been a few days!!
I don't mean to be remiss in posting to her blog, but we have been very very busy. I was quite far behind in a bunch of work at the home office, and she has been feeling well enough to be very helpful to me trying to get caught up again; and we are getting closer. She is feeling pretty darn good. Still has her moments, and some hours and days in fact that she isn't "up-to-snuff", but all and all we are pleased for now. We anxiously await the Dr. appointment on September 5, which will be another MRI and address the possible resumption of the chemo. Keep her in your prayers please, that this terrible thing is in remission. She doesn't have to have 100% babysitting anymore, and she is relieved at and enjoying that. Still no driving. Dr. has said that she can fly, and I have a business trip to Las Vegas the 28th of this month, and using her frequent-flyer miles, she is going with me. We are looking forward to it. We were married in Las Vegas some 31 years ago. She has been there several times with the various companies, but I haven't been there since before the Luxor was finished. They were still building it. (Of course I was there in the 60's when McCarren airport was "waaaaaaaaay" out of town.
For now, that's it. Will post again as soon as have some interesting or informative details.
God Bless you all .
Bill
For now, that's it. Will post again as soon as have some interesting or informative details.
God Bless you all .
Bill
Friday, August 10, 2007
What happened?!
Howdy Family and Friends,
I posted a long blog yesterday, corrected it (I think I deleted it) and now it's not here! Oh well. This technology is something else!
My next doc appt. is Sept. 5th at 9:30 a.m. I'll be going for an MRI, bloodwork and then to see the doc herself. We will make plans for the next year as to what will happen. Our original plan was to take the chemo pills (I can't take as they messed up my body) for 5 days in a row and then be off for 23 days. They say that I will probably be on some other type of chemo pill and I am anxious to see what will be taking place.
Please pray for my hubby. He is absolutely saturated with poison ivy. He has been a bit grumpy these last couple of days and I know it's because of it being so hot and he has these big blotches all over him. I would be grumpy too! He did go back to the doc today and was given more steroid pills, a different type of ointment and a lotion.
That's it for now. I'm having a pretty good brain day, so have been working at it pretty hard. While Bill was at the doc's office I got a lot of things accomplished. We're still playing catch-up from me having my brain problems. Lots to do, and getting it done! We have wonderful clients who do understand the situation! Thank you.
You're in our prayers and we thank you for your prayers too. It's so nice to be loved, wanted, needed and appreciated. Love, Jeanine and Bill
I posted a long blog yesterday, corrected it (I think I deleted it) and now it's not here! Oh well. This technology is something else!
My next doc appt. is Sept. 5th at 9:30 a.m. I'll be going for an MRI, bloodwork and then to see the doc herself. We will make plans for the next year as to what will happen. Our original plan was to take the chemo pills (I can't take as they messed up my body) for 5 days in a row and then be off for 23 days. They say that I will probably be on some other type of chemo pill and I am anxious to see what will be taking place.
Please pray for my hubby. He is absolutely saturated with poison ivy. He has been a bit grumpy these last couple of days and I know it's because of it being so hot and he has these big blotches all over him. I would be grumpy too! He did go back to the doc today and was given more steroid pills, a different type of ointment and a lotion.
That's it for now. I'm having a pretty good brain day, so have been working at it pretty hard. While Bill was at the doc's office I got a lot of things accomplished. We're still playing catch-up from me having my brain problems. Lots to do, and getting it done! We have wonderful clients who do understand the situation! Thank you.
You're in our prayers and we thank you for your prayers too. It's so nice to be loved, wanted, needed and appreciated. Love, Jeanine and Bill
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Greetings earthlings!
Hello Family and Friends,
Wanted to give you a quick update on myself and hubby. I'm doing great, but still not 100% and won't be for a while. Even though I look good, my mind isn't totally there and I get confused very easily. I want to do so many things (like drive), but the docs say "NO", so I have to listen to them. They did tell me that I could go to Las Vegas with hubby and that I can now be left alone. That is such great news because that's the one thing that was really difficult for me. I love having my parents here to take care of me in the evenings and they can still spend the night if they want to. I will still sleep with you Mommy!!!! I just hated having to be baby sat everytime Bill went to the store or to visit a client or was out of town. If I couldn't ride with him, then someone had to come watch me or Bill would take me to their house. Our FREEDOM is such a wonderful thing and I pray that I never have to give that up again.
Bill is suffering terribly from poison ivy, so can you please include him in your prayers? Thank you so much. He's such a sweetheart and is handling it as well as can be expected, but I have no idea how he cannot scratch the heck out of his body. We're doing everything we know to do and the pharmasist told us we just have to wait and time will heal it. Did we ever tell you that TIME is not either of our virtues?!
After the blood work that was done on Tuesday, the nurse scheduled my next appt. for 9/5/07 at 9:30 a.m. I will go for an MRI, then for the blood work and then at 11:00 will see Dr. Maher and her nurse Lisa. We will then decide what the next steps are. The 5 days of chemo pills and the 23 days off is what we have planned for a year. I don't know that it will work, but I will certainly give it a try. That was our original plan until the chemo pills started messing my with body! I'll let you know what's decided.
Going to go get a passport photo taken. My hubby may be taking me to places that I've never been to! Wouldn't that be great?!
Y'all, thanks for your prayers, your gifts, your food, your love. I am so truly blessed to have all of you in my life. Thank you again.
Jeanine
Wanted to give you a quick update on myself and hubby. I'm doing great, but still not 100% and won't be for a while. Even though I look good, my mind isn't totally there and I get confused very easily. I want to do so many things (like drive), but the docs say "NO", so I have to listen to them. They did tell me that I could go to Las Vegas with hubby and that I can now be left alone. That is such great news because that's the one thing that was really difficult for me. I love having my parents here to take care of me in the evenings and they can still spend the night if they want to. I will still sleep with you Mommy!!!! I just hated having to be baby sat everytime Bill went to the store or to visit a client or was out of town. If I couldn't ride with him, then someone had to come watch me or Bill would take me to their house. Our FREEDOM is such a wonderful thing and I pray that I never have to give that up again.
Bill is suffering terribly from poison ivy, so can you please include him in your prayers? Thank you so much. He's such a sweetheart and is handling it as well as can be expected, but I have no idea how he cannot scratch the heck out of his body. We're doing everything we know to do and the pharmasist told us we just have to wait and time will heal it. Did we ever tell you that TIME is not either of our virtues?!
After the blood work that was done on Tuesday, the nurse scheduled my next appt. for 9/5/07 at 9:30 a.m. I will go for an MRI, then for the blood work and then at 11:00 will see Dr. Maher and her nurse Lisa. We will then decide what the next steps are. The 5 days of chemo pills and the 23 days off is what we have planned for a year. I don't know that it will work, but I will certainly give it a try. That was our original plan until the chemo pills started messing my with body! I'll let you know what's decided.
Going to go get a passport photo taken. My hubby may be taking me to places that I've never been to! Wouldn't that be great?!
Y'all, thanks for your prayers, your gifts, your food, your love. I am so truly blessed to have all of you in my life. Thank you again.
Jeanine
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
"Holding" at the moment!
With the radiation treatments completed, and awaiting September 5 Chemo Dr. Appointment we are just going along each day. She seems to be showing good signs of not being so tired so often. Still, when it's time to lay down and rest; "it's time to lay down and rest". She is eating better, and more things appeal to her taste buds. (She still won't try my tuna-fish-ice-cream-topping!) She didn't care for the wig she ordered, so she is exchanging that. Judith and Bruce invited us over for dinner Tuesday evening, and they tried on wigs. Judith is lending her a couple, and one of them looks really cute. Jean likes it too. After we returned from her blood work today, (platelets came in at 195 HOORAY) we drove over to my barber friend, and we both got a haircut. Ken has been in our shoes before, and he cut her hair just right. Following that, he peeled me too. Jean looks much more comfortable without that longer hair on the back of her head, and she feels comfortable too, and not nearly as self-conscious of her hair. Unfortunately we have a funeral mass to attend tonight (a good friend of ours from the Re-membering Group), and after that and a brief trip to the reception, we are going to see Mike and Deb near the end of a CATS game tonight. (Hopefully it will cool a bit, as she just cannot take the excessive heat. Or cold for that matter. Things have to be just about right for her to be very comfortable.) (The CATS games are an established tradition with us and Mike and Debbie. And of course Bubba.) She was napping this afternoon, so hopefully she will be able to enjoy an active evening.
God bless and keep you all.Bill
Sunday, August 5, 2007
..a pretty darn good weekend.
Hi All. Jeanine and Shelley went garage-saleing early Saturday. She was good for about two or three hours. After a late breakfast, she was ready to nap, and did. This morning, (Sunday) she got up early again and went to 7:30 mass with me. We did some "greeting" work at the doors as it was our Remembering groups turn. We both enjoyed that. After that we went to breakfast, a stint to Sam's club where we met Rocky and Judy for a while. Back home and rested for the evening. Tomorrow she is to call her chemo Doctor, and hopefully get some direction on the continuation of the treatment. We anxiously await the results of that advise.
God Bless you all and we hope you have a wonderful week.
Bill and Jeanine
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Our Friend Cindy Boland
I should have posted this picture long ago, because it was shortly after Jeanine returned from surgery. Cindy made this beautiful stained-glass angel for Jeanine. It now hangs in a prominent place in front of the window in our living room. Cindy is an angel-on-earth herself, and we just love her.
Friday, August 3, 2007
..if it isn't one darn thing after another!
Hi Folks. Well, a couple of days ago, I noticed what appeared to be fire-ant bites on my right arm. Nothing serious, as I have had many before. Wash well, a little cortisone cream, and all is well. Not this time! This morning, the rash began to expand. Rapidly! Both sides of my arm, the back of my hand, and the inside of my elbow now, on the left arm. Some of the rash, became "sores", and began to "weep". NOT WHAT I NEED AROUND JEANINE!. I made registered on-line with "Care Now" in Grapevine, an was called in about 3:30. "Poison Ivy" everywhere, and spreading fast! They gave me a shot (steroids), and prescribed Benadryl and some Rx creme. Couple of hours later, and the itching is subsiding, and the "weeping" is stopped. Am keeping the creme applied. Dr. said that it's not all that contagious, but under the circumstances with Jeanine, I must keep my hands clean, and "sanitize" before touching her.
We washed all the bedding, just as a precaution. She just don't need nuth'in like that right now.
We think that her platelets are holding up. We watch closely for signs like extra fatigue, little red spots on her legs and stomach etc. She does have some swelling at her nose bridge on her right eye, and we are keeping an eye on that. No pain however. She has had some pretty good energy the last couple of days, but when it comes time to rest "it is time to rest!". The Lord is on our side, and this last episode with me just keeps us sharp.
Blessings to all.
Bill
We washed all the bedding, just as a precaution. She just don't need nuth'in like that right now.
We think that her platelets are holding up. We watch closely for signs like extra fatigue, little red spots on her legs and stomach etc. She does have some swelling at her nose bridge on her right eye, and we are keeping an eye on that. No pain however. She has had some pretty good energy the last couple of days, but when it comes time to rest "it is time to rest!". The Lord is on our side, and this last episode with me just keeps us sharp.
Blessings to all.
Bill
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
It's HUMP Day!
And I haven't had to go to the doc since Monday. It has been SUPER nice to be able to stay at home and get some things done around the house. I am trying to help Bill with his business, but it still gets confusing when I try to accomplish more than one task at a time. I did make lunch for us, beef stroganoff, and it was delicious! I find that I have to eat what sounds good to me at the time or I just can't eat. You'd think I'd lose weight, but I haven't because all of those good sounding things come to me right before going to bed. I'm not fat - but I am fluffy!!!!
I'm a great aunt again! Whoo hoo! My niece, Melissa Jean (named after me), had a little boy last night. His name is Caiden Jack Throckmorton and I don't recall all the birth details. We're going to call him "Jack" after my Dad. My twin sis, Jan, is the Grandma and we're rejoicing in the celebration of life. Please do offer prayers up for my niece and Caiden. Everyone needs prayers and they do too! Thank you.
Corrected update on my Mom's eye. She only had the left eye operated on for the crystal lens. See how I screwed that update up? The other will eye will be operated on near the end of September/beginning of October. My youngest sister, Sandy, is flying my parents out to Indiana so they can celebrate my niece's twin daughters 1st birthday. We're so excited about having them. They are so precious and two totally different girls. What a joy!
Well folks, trying to decide what I want for dinner. Nothing sounds good but I know I have to eat. Maybe I'm just not hungry enough yet!?!
Enjoy your evening and keep Bill and I in your prayers. We seem to have a need to get to know one another again since our lives have been so interrupted!
Blessings and love,
Jeanine
p.s. Spring Creek BBQ sounds pretty darned good! YUMMERS!
I'm a great aunt again! Whoo hoo! My niece, Melissa Jean (named after me), had a little boy last night. His name is Caiden Jack Throckmorton and I don't recall all the birth details. We're going to call him "Jack" after my Dad. My twin sis, Jan, is the Grandma and we're rejoicing in the celebration of life. Please do offer prayers up for my niece and Caiden. Everyone needs prayers and they do too! Thank you.
Corrected update on my Mom's eye. She only had the left eye operated on for the crystal lens. See how I screwed that update up? The other will eye will be operated on near the end of September/beginning of October. My youngest sister, Sandy, is flying my parents out to Indiana so they can celebrate my niece's twin daughters 1st birthday. We're so excited about having them. They are so precious and two totally different girls. What a joy!
Well folks, trying to decide what I want for dinner. Nothing sounds good but I know I have to eat. Maybe I'm just not hungry enough yet!?!
Enjoy your evening and keep Bill and I in your prayers. We seem to have a need to get to know one another again since our lives have been so interrupted!
Blessings and love,
Jeanine
p.s. Spring Creek BBQ sounds pretty darned good! YUMMERS!
Monday, July 30, 2007
Graduated and Praise the Lord!!
Are we happy or what! Today was her last day of radiation! They gave her the "mask", and presented her with a certificate of completion. She is feeling pretty good, but still gets tired. She (and I) both feel that she "hit the bottom" as far as getting sick, and is now slowly progressing and working back to whatever "normal" is. ((we don't know what the chemo resumption will cause, if anything)) When we arrived home today, the house was decorated as you see in the pictures. (Shelley was the pixie) Jean was so excited, thrilled, and thankful. Later Kara brought balloons over and helped me get this blog updated with the excitement.
Jean never quits smiling, but today her smiles were of gratification. I baked her the cake myself!! (ta-dah)
Praise the Lord for the blessings he has bestowed upon us. Blessings which include the sincere loyalty of old friends, and the placement of new friends in our path. God Bless each and every one of you.
We are awaiting calls from the chemo doctor to see what the story is with that treatment. She has been off of the chemo for something like 5 weeks now. It has taken that long to get the platelet count back. She has had many many platelet infusions, as the count kept getting so dangerously low. She received an infusion last Friday, and as of today, the "count" had held and an acceptable level. Our prayers are that whatever the body-process is that creates platelets, is "kicking back in", and she will be able to "make her own".
I'll keep everyone posted with the results as they develop.
Again, God love and keep you all.
Bill
Saturday, July 28, 2007
1 More Radiation Treatment
Hello All,
Monday will be my last day for radiation! Very thankful and very hopeful that the rest of my platelets, WBC, etc. will go equally as well. The nurse for my chemo called today and asked that after I have my treatment on Monday that I go for more blood work. That's the part that is scarey to me. I am supposed to be on chemo pills for 5 days and then off for 23, but I've been off the chemo pills for over a month now and my platelets and WBC continue to go down. I gotta tell ya kids...that stuff has kicked the pants off of me. So, please keep those prayers coming. I need them, but there are so many others out there who need them just as bad.
Bill's oldest son, Chris, is in town and we have had the pleasure of having him stay with us. He arrived about 7:00 tonight, 7/28, so Bill went to pick him up and my sis came over to stay with me. We straightened up the house because I wanted the house to look a little more presentable. It's such a delight to have Chris here!
Quick updates on my parents. Dad went to doc and is now cancer free - That's what we've been wanting to hear!!! Praise God! Mom had crystal lenses put in both eyes and they were bothering her a little bit. One eye she can see out of great...the other is really fuzzy. We still have time for the drops to work on her and they told her she should be seeing fine by Monday. I know she'll do fine. Thanks for your prayers!
All of you - thanks for taking this journey with me. It's been a long and hard road, but we will see the end in sight soon. Let's just give God the glory. I am seeing so many folks who are in such worse shape than I am. What I have is nothing compared to their struggles.
Many blessings to you all,
Jeanine
Monday will be my last day for radiation! Very thankful and very hopeful that the rest of my platelets, WBC, etc. will go equally as well. The nurse for my chemo called today and asked that after I have my treatment on Monday that I go for more blood work. That's the part that is scarey to me. I am supposed to be on chemo pills for 5 days and then off for 23, but I've been off the chemo pills for over a month now and my platelets and WBC continue to go down. I gotta tell ya kids...that stuff has kicked the pants off of me. So, please keep those prayers coming. I need them, but there are so many others out there who need them just as bad.
Bill's oldest son, Chris, is in town and we have had the pleasure of having him stay with us. He arrived about 7:00 tonight, 7/28, so Bill went to pick him up and my sis came over to stay with me. We straightened up the house because I wanted the house to look a little more presentable. It's such a delight to have Chris here!
Quick updates on my parents. Dad went to doc and is now cancer free - That's what we've been wanting to hear!!! Praise God! Mom had crystal lenses put in both eyes and they were bothering her a little bit. One eye she can see out of great...the other is really fuzzy. We still have time for the drops to work on her and they told her she should be seeing fine by Monday. I know she'll do fine. Thanks for your prayers!
All of you - thanks for taking this journey with me. It's been a long and hard road, but we will see the end in sight soon. Let's just give God the glory. I am seeing so many folks who are in such worse shape than I am. What I have is nothing compared to their struggles.
Many blessings to you all,
Jeanine
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Back to the doc today
Hello All,
Guess what? I only have 2 more treatments after today! YAY! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!
That's the radiation portion of my treatment. There's still about another year's worth of treatments (using chemo pills, etc.) to cure this disease. I'm sure it will include having to be transfused, but that's ok. As long as I am alive I can handle that!
Thanks for the many prayers being sent up to God for my parents. Mom has her procedure at noon today and Dad had his yesterday. All went well and we give God the glory. I miss those two when they aren't around to take care of me.
Gotta get ready for radiation treatment. Just think after this treatment - 2 more to go! Whoo hoo!
Blessings,
Jeanine
Guess what? I only have 2 more treatments after today! YAY! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!!!
That's the radiation portion of my treatment. There's still about another year's worth of treatments (using chemo pills, etc.) to cure this disease. I'm sure it will include having to be transfused, but that's ok. As long as I am alive I can handle that!
Thanks for the many prayers being sent up to God for my parents. Mom has her procedure at noon today and Dad had his yesterday. All went well and we give God the glory. I miss those two when they aren't around to take care of me.
Gotta get ready for radiation treatment. Just think after this treatment - 2 more to go! Whoo hoo!
Blessings,
Jeanine
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Tomorrow is Platelet Transfusion Day
Hello Friends and Family,
Today was another happy day! Didn't have to receive platelets, but will tomorrow. It's already been pre-arranged, so once I have my radiation treatment, I will go upstairs to the transfusion room and get those life-saving platelets! My doctors are really taking good care of me and I'm thankful to have them. YAY doctors!
I need to ask for your prayers for my parents. Tomorrow Dad will have another procedure to check for his cancer. And then, my Mom will have cateract surgery on Thursday. They are so precious to me and I want to be with them so badly, but I can't. So, if we can all lift them up to the Lord for a healing and then have them sent back to us whole, that would be the greatest gift of all to me. They have been with me through this journey and have been wonderful. It's nice that my family is here to help me.
Bill is out of town and will be back tomorrow night. Kara, my niece, is staying the night with me since I can't be left alone. Then my sis-in-law, Shelley, will be taking care of me tomorrow. She's going to take me to my appointments and trust me, she will make me behave! I'm just getting to have all kinds of slumber parties too! So, if any of you would like to volunteer to spend the night, then come on over! Just kidding. I really prefer my slumber parties with my family members at this time! Once I'm well, we can have slumber parties all night long!
It's exhausting to sit around and not do a lot of things. I can't work very long at all, and I can't stay focused on reading a book either. When my platelets were getting really low, I would come home from treatments and go right to bed for rest. Since I am healing, which is hard to believe with all the hospital stays, etc., I've been getting to come home! It's like WOW! What am I supposed to be doing right now?!!!
I thank all of you for your prayers. They have been working so greatly. My body is just not used to having the chemo pills which has caused it to turn my body upside down. But, I coming back and can't wait to be more myself. I will remain strong, so continue to pray for me.
Thank you God for giving me all of you!
Jeanine
Today was another happy day! Didn't have to receive platelets, but will tomorrow. It's already been pre-arranged, so once I have my radiation treatment, I will go upstairs to the transfusion room and get those life-saving platelets! My doctors are really taking good care of me and I'm thankful to have them. YAY doctors!
I need to ask for your prayers for my parents. Tomorrow Dad will have another procedure to check for his cancer. And then, my Mom will have cateract surgery on Thursday. They are so precious to me and I want to be with them so badly, but I can't. So, if we can all lift them up to the Lord for a healing and then have them sent back to us whole, that would be the greatest gift of all to me. They have been with me through this journey and have been wonderful. It's nice that my family is here to help me.
Bill is out of town and will be back tomorrow night. Kara, my niece, is staying the night with me since I can't be left alone. Then my sis-in-law, Shelley, will be taking care of me tomorrow. She's going to take me to my appointments and trust me, she will make me behave! I'm just getting to have all kinds of slumber parties too! So, if any of you would like to volunteer to spend the night, then come on over! Just kidding. I really prefer my slumber parties with my family members at this time! Once I'm well, we can have slumber parties all night long!
It's exhausting to sit around and not do a lot of things. I can't work very long at all, and I can't stay focused on reading a book either. When my platelets were getting really low, I would come home from treatments and go right to bed for rest. Since I am healing, which is hard to believe with all the hospital stays, etc., I've been getting to come home! It's like WOW! What am I supposed to be doing right now?!!!
I thank all of you for your prayers. They have been working so greatly. My body is just not used to having the chemo pills which has caused it to turn my body upside down. But, I coming back and can't wait to be more myself. I will remain strong, so continue to pray for me.
Thank you God for giving me all of you!
Jeanine
Monday, July 23, 2007
..made it home without another hospital stay!
Jeans white blood cell count went up significantly; a GOOD thing! Platelets going down still. She claims to feel bunches better than yesterday, but when I spoke to her about 3pm, she was ready for a nap.
Notes in passing - she (nor Jan nor I) cared for the wig she had received, so she is going to exchange it for something more color-appropriate for her. Not too much to add for today, except that the white cell count going up is really really important. She had radiation today, blood draw, saw Dr. Ramsis(spel) and returns for radiation again tomorrow. There should be 6 remaining radiation treatments.
Love to all.
Bill
Notes in passing - she (nor Jan nor I) cared for the wig she had received, so she is going to exchange it for something more color-appropriate for her. Not too much to add for today, except that the white cell count going up is really really important. She had radiation today, blood draw, saw Dr. Ramsis(spel) and returns for radiation again tomorrow. There should be 6 remaining radiation treatments.
Love to all.
Bill
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Another weekend - Plans for Monday
Good evening all. This weekend has been quiet, because of the "isolation" we have had to ensure. We didn't go anywhere to avoid exposure to any nasties that might give her grief. Jan did come over and stay with her Sunday morning so I could go to mass. Jan wore her little mask. Jeanine had a bit of an upset stomach all day long. We watched her closely, but no fever or anything bad like that. We did sit on the back porch for a bit, and she couldn't stand the weeds in her flower bed, and pulled some of those. It was pretty hot, so we didn't stay too long.
Tomorrow, she is supposed to resume the radiation treatments. (she only has 7 left) There will no doubt be blood work to see if the white blood cells have come back, and hopefully the body-machine that makes the platelets has kicked back in. There is always the possibility that she will have to go back to the hospital until those critical items are corrected. We should know more after tomorrows session. Including, when she will resume the chemo. I have to go to St. Paul, MN for 2 days; will return Wednesday evening. Again Mom and Dad Ezzell will stay with her constantly.
Love and prayers always.
Bill
Tomorrow, she is supposed to resume the radiation treatments. (she only has 7 left) There will no doubt be blood work to see if the white blood cells have come back, and hopefully the body-machine that makes the platelets has kicked back in. There is always the possibility that she will have to go back to the hospital until those critical items are corrected. We should know more after tomorrows session. Including, when she will resume the chemo. I have to go to St. Paul, MN for 2 days; will return Wednesday evening. Again Mom and Dad Ezzell will stay with her constantly.
Love and prayers always.
Bill
Saturday, July 21, 2007
She's having a good Saturday. Being very cautious.
Howdy: (Us Navajos would say "Yah-ta'Hey")
Jeanine is having a pretty good Saturday. She slept in late, but her sleep was deep, sound, and undisturbed.
During the last post, I couldn't think of the word for her low white blood cell count. Here 'tis: neu·tro·pe·ni·a (nōō'trə-pē'nē-ə, nyōō'-) Pronunciation Key
n. An abnormal decrease in the number of neutrophils in the blood
Also, the shot that they gave her was "Pedfilgrastim". (Biologic response modifiers)
(Ok, that's way over my head)
Thanks for your prayers that this will work, and get her started back on the path of treatments. She only had 7 days of radiation remaining when this all started. We believe the radiation treatments will resume Monday, but we have no idea about the chemo.
Love to all
Bill
Jeanine is having a pretty good Saturday. She slept in late, but her sleep was deep, sound, and undisturbed.
During the last post, I couldn't think of the word for her low white blood cell count. Here 'tis: neu·tro·pe·ni·a (nōō'trə-pē'nē-ə, nyōō'-) Pronunciation Key
n. An abnormal decrease in the number of neutrophils in the blood
Also, the shot that they gave her was "Pedfilgrastim". (Biologic response modifiers)
(Ok, that's way over my head)
Thanks for your prayers that this will work, and get her started back on the path of treatments. She only had 7 days of radiation remaining when this all started. We believe the radiation treatments will resume Monday, but we have no idea about the chemo.
Love to all
Bill
Friday, July 20, 2007
Home again but with many precautions!
Well Folks, Following another 4-day stay in the hospital, Jeanine is home again, but we are warned that precautions must absolutely be taken to prevent her from getting any possible kind of an infection, cold, flu, or anything like that! Regrettably we have had to post our doors with signs requesting "no physical contact at this time". When receiving any visitors, she will have to wear a mask. Anything that she comes in contact needs to be wiped down with a disinfectant first. It's a tough go for Jeanine, because you all know what a loving "hugger" she is! That ability will return after her platelets and the white blood cell count get back to where she has some immunity of her own. Everyone is so generous with flowers and food and all, be we have to ask that this be halted for now. She isn't even supposed to eat uncooked fruit and vegtables for risk that contaminates or chemicals many not be completely removed. We know that everyone will understand while we go through this not-uncommon delicate stage in her treatment. She received some kind of a major shot today that to aid in increasing the white blood count. Yesterday she received another infusion of platelets. We just need to be super careful for a while until her own body functions can protect her.
God Bless you each and every one; and she is going to beat this thing! Special prayerful thanks to Jan and Shelley for spending the long nights at her bedside in the hospital.
Bill
God Bless you each and every one; and she is going to beat this thing! Special prayerful thanks to Jan and Shelley for spending the long nights at her bedside in the hospital.
Bill
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Lots of things low, but NOT her faith-fight-spirit!
Good evening all:
Jeanine remains in the hospital tonight, whey the get her low platelet count, low white cell count, and low blood pressure back where they should be.
I'm still in Harrisonburg, VA, and will be home tomorrow night. (can't wait)
Her phone in the hospital is 214-645-1311. (her cell battery is low,(no pun intended) and the charger is at home. Chances are that she will go home tomorrow, but don't want them to push it until those things are well controlled. She is also very susceptable to colds, flu, etc., so we have to use care around that. (low white count)
God Bless you all, and thanks much for your continued prayers.
Bill
Jeanine remains in the hospital tonight, whey the get her low platelet count, low white cell count, and low blood pressure back where they should be.
I'm still in Harrisonburg, VA, and will be home tomorrow night. (can't wait)
Her phone in the hospital is 214-645-1311. (her cell battery is low,(no pun intended) and the charger is at home. Chances are that she will go home tomorrow, but don't want them to push it until those things are well controlled. She is also very susceptable to colds, flu, etc., so we have to use care around that. (low white count)
God Bless you all, and thanks much for your continued prayers.
Bill
Monday, July 16, 2007
Surprise and Caution
Hi Folks. I landed in Charlotte, NC today after having left the wife some 3.5 hours earlier and she was feeling very good. And she had a good weekend. Then the surprise! Her appointment for her radiation treatment and every Monday appointment with the Dr. (following blood work) landed her right back in hospital (St. Paul) for more platelets. Also, white blood cell count is very very low. Moving I guess with caution, they are going to put her in isolation, to prevent her "catchin" something, or getting an infection. It is so strange, because she has felt the best she has since the surgery, during all these last 2 or 3 days. She insists that I stay with my commitment to this audit. I will be home Wednesday evening. I know that she is in good hands. First those of the Lord; Mom and Dad Ezzell, and all the family. I have instant communication with them and her if necessary for me to head back immediately. But I am assued, by the Doctor through Jeanine, there is no need for panic.
Keep us in your prayers please. I'll keep you posted.
Bill
Keep us in your prayers please. I'll keep you posted.
Bill
Saturday, July 14, 2007
She's having trouble with her personal blog sign-in
..... so here is the contents. (we'll ask Kara to fix it so she can go back in directly)
From Jeanine:
Hello Everyone!
Just had to let you know what a great brain day I've had today! It's great to be alive and thanks for your love and prayers! I don't know how long this will last, but golly does it feel good to feel good!
They changed my prescription today on the radiation and I am in the final 7 days of treatment. I don't know what is going to happen once my treatments are done because I'm not able to take the Temodar pills (chemo). That's what has caused me to have my platelet count problem. But I guarantee you one thing...as soon as I know you all will be the first ones to know!!!!
Keep checking my blog: http://www.jeanineupdate.blogspot.com
Love to you all,
Jean, Jeanine, Aunt Jean
From Jeanine:
Hello Everyone!
Just had to let you know what a great brain day I've had today! It's great to be alive and thanks for your love and prayers! I don't know how long this will last, but golly does it feel good to feel good!
They changed my prescription today on the radiation and I am in the final 7 days of treatment. I don't know what is going to happen once my treatments are done because I'm not able to take the Temodar pills (chemo). That's what has caused me to have my platelet count problem. But I guarantee you one thing...as soon as I know you all will be the first ones to know!!!!
Keep checking my blog: http://www.jeanineupdate.blogspot.com
Love to you all,
Jean, Jeanine, Aunt Jean
Friday, July 13, 2007
She's having a GOOD Friday this 13th!!
Dear Friends and Family:
I took her for her radiation treatment today. (first that I have been able to do for a while, as have been traveling) - (Thanks God for Dad and Mom Ezzell). Gotta tell you that she is doing and feeling the best today that I have seen! She helped prepare supper, and ate well! She has done some work around the office, and in her words is "having a good brain day"! I fell asleep in my chair after supper, and woke with a start. She was not where she normally is! (she never stays where I put her) Quick tour of the house; couldn't find her. Noticed front door unlocked- lo-and-behold, she was out front trimming the flower basket. This might seem insignificant, but it is rare that she feels like going outside for anything, let alone do something like that.
Praise the Lord! Keep them good days a-com'in.
God Bless you all and have a safe weekend.
Bill
I took her for her radiation treatment today. (first that I have been able to do for a while, as have been traveling) - (Thanks God for Dad and Mom Ezzell). Gotta tell you that she is doing and feeling the best today that I have seen! She helped prepare supper, and ate well! She has done some work around the office, and in her words is "having a good brain day"! I fell asleep in my chair after supper, and woke with a start. She was not where she normally is! (she never stays where I put her) Quick tour of the house; couldn't find her. Noticed front door unlocked- lo-and-behold, she was out front trimming the flower basket. This might seem insignificant, but it is rare that she feels like going outside for anything, let alone do something like that.
Praise the Lord! Keep them good days a-com'in.
God Bless you all and have a safe weekend.
Bill
Jeanine is having a great brain day!
Hello Friends,
Wow - what a difference platelets have made in my gal. It's been an amazing change since her platelet level was boosted from 29 to 133! God is good and we are rejoicing in him by the minute! Rejoice with us - we all give God the glory!
We went to the radiation treatment today and then to lunch. She wasn't tired, but she seemed a little weary at first. I know this is taking a toll on her, me, the families and friends. It's like God performed a little miracle this afternoon. She went from being a little weary to being able to complete a whole file of work this afternoon and she didn't miss a beat! Whoo hoo! She found files that I couldn't find and hasn't slept at all today (which is usually what happens when she returns from radiation). These may seem like little strides to you, but trust me, they are big steps towards a healthy recovery!
Her right eye is almost back to normal from the allergic reaction the other night at Baylor Medical Center. That reaction caused her eye to swell shut within 30 seconds! It was an amazing thing, but here again, we give God the glory for giving the doctors the knowledge to know how to handle these types of situations!
Keep us in your prayers because they are working for the better! Thanks again and hope to give you just as great a report on Monday! She will have another platelet count done and we're praying that she will be producing her own platelets on her own.
Maw Squaw and Dad, thank you for taking care of my precious wife, your precious daughter. She loves you so much and I do too! Without your help, I wouldn't be able to continue working.
Have a great weekend and we'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacccccckkkkkkk!
In God's love,
Bill
Wow - what a difference platelets have made in my gal. It's been an amazing change since her platelet level was boosted from 29 to 133! God is good and we are rejoicing in him by the minute! Rejoice with us - we all give God the glory!
We went to the radiation treatment today and then to lunch. She wasn't tired, but she seemed a little weary at first. I know this is taking a toll on her, me, the families and friends. It's like God performed a little miracle this afternoon. She went from being a little weary to being able to complete a whole file of work this afternoon and she didn't miss a beat! Whoo hoo! She found files that I couldn't find and hasn't slept at all today (which is usually what happens when she returns from radiation). These may seem like little strides to you, but trust me, they are big steps towards a healthy recovery!
Her right eye is almost back to normal from the allergic reaction the other night at Baylor Medical Center. That reaction caused her eye to swell shut within 30 seconds! It was an amazing thing, but here again, we give God the glory for giving the doctors the knowledge to know how to handle these types of situations!
Keep us in your prayers because they are working for the better! Thanks again and hope to give you just as great a report on Monday! She will have another platelet count done and we're praying that she will be producing her own platelets on her own.
Maw Squaw and Dad, thank you for taking care of my precious wife, your precious daughter. She loves you so much and I do too! Without your help, I wouldn't be able to continue working.
Have a great weekend and we'll be baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaacccccckkkkkkk!
In God's love,
Bill
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Need more prayers, please and thank you!
Hello Friends,
Thanks for your continued prayers and thoughts of Jeanine. We seem to require so many of them these days and ask for more, if you don't mind. We're having lots of problems with her platelets dropping to a dangerous level and they have to keep giving her platelet transfusions. Tonight was her 3rd one and her poor arms are looking like a "pin cushion"! Just kidding...they're looking more like a "target board"! She does have lots of bruises from being poked on so much. But, being the trooper that she is, she never complains. She does what each of her doctors tell her to do and she does it with a song in her heart. I have to admit, I do miss hearing her sing because she sings all the time. When I do hear her sing, it tells me that she's at least feeling a little better! I can't wait until the day I have my girl back!
Keep us both in your thoughts and prayers. She'll be back for all of us to enjoy again. Also, say a prayer for the Lady Byrd Johnson family. She was a great lady and we're happy that she has passed on to such a grander life!
Many blessings, Bill
Thanks for your continued prayers and thoughts of Jeanine. We seem to require so many of them these days and ask for more, if you don't mind. We're having lots of problems with her platelets dropping to a dangerous level and they have to keep giving her platelet transfusions. Tonight was her 3rd one and her poor arms are looking like a "pin cushion"! Just kidding...they're looking more like a "target board"! She does have lots of bruises from being poked on so much. But, being the trooper that she is, she never complains. She does what each of her doctors tell her to do and she does it with a song in her heart. I have to admit, I do miss hearing her sing because she sings all the time. When I do hear her sing, it tells me that she's at least feeling a little better! I can't wait until the day I have my girl back!
Keep us both in your thoughts and prayers. She'll be back for all of us to enjoy again. Also, say a prayer for the Lady Byrd Johnson family. She was a great lady and we're happy that she has passed on to such a grander life!
Many blessings, Bill
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Very tired on the weekends
.. and this weekend is no exception to that. She remains off of the temadar, but daily radiation treatments seem to get her down by Saturday. She needs lots of rest. She says she is "okay" today, and rather than have to get dressed and all to go to church today, she is watching the religious programs that she likes on tv. (Lots and lots of music which she loves)
I'm going out of town again Monday, and the folks (Dad and Ma Squaw Ezzell) will sit again. I am so very thankful for them. They are gracious and never complain. I will return Wednesday evening late.
Thanks for all the love and prayers.
Bill
I'm going out of town again Monday, and the folks (Dad and Ma Squaw Ezzell) will sit again. I am so very thankful for them. They are gracious and never complain. I will return Wednesday evening late.
Thanks for all the love and prayers.
Bill
Friday, July 6, 2007
Another bag of platelets
It's Friday 7/6/07 approximately 4:15pm. Jeanine has just returned with her brother and sister-in-law (Don and Shelley) from another treatment of radiation, followed by another bag of platelets. She is to remain off the temador until the platelet thing is resolved completely. With the platelet infusion, they gave her a benadryl and a couple of tylenol. That zonked her completely. When they got home, she could hardly keep her eyes open, so we plunked her into her bed, where she will remain until she wakes up naturally. When she needs to sleep, she "needs" to sleep.
So long for now. More later. Have a great weekend.
Bill
So long for now. More later. Have a great weekend.
Bill
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
She's B--a--a--a--aa-aa-aa-aaa--k!
Hi Folks -
The transfusion of platelets worked, and uncreased the count to a level that allowed her to be released and returned home at 3:00pm today. She will remain off of the Temador until her Chemo Doctor indicates she should resume it. Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts, and hope each of you have a safe and fun 4Th.
Bill
The transfusion of platelets worked, and uncreased the count to a level that allowed her to be released and returned home at 3:00pm today. She will remain off of the Temador until her Chemo Doctor indicates she should resume it. Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts, and hope each of you have a safe and fun 4Th.
Bill
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
A non-emergency return to hospital today
Hello Folks:
Yesterday, Jeanine noticed small red pinpoint spots on her legs and stomach. At her regular radiation treatment today, she showed the radiation Doctor. He sent her immediately to the Chemo doctor, Dr. Maher. The did blood work, and discovered that her platelet count was way too low. This of course due to the chemo pills. (Thank God they watch this closely) They sent her straight way to St. Paul hospital, where she began receiving platelet transfusions this evening. The numbers don't mean much to me, but when she started the chemo, her number was "350". The once previous test showed it had lowered to "175", and today it was "26". They tell us once the numbers reach "50" again, she can return home. They have temporarily suspended her from taking the Temador; but that will resume when the platelet count returns to an acceptable level. She feels fine. The radiation is really taking a toll on her hair now however. We are ordering her a cute little wig to wear until this thing is over, and her natural hair returns.
Continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated, and we hope you have a fun and safe 4th.
Love you all./
Bill
Yesterday, Jeanine noticed small red pinpoint spots on her legs and stomach. At her regular radiation treatment today, she showed the radiation Doctor. He sent her immediately to the Chemo doctor, Dr. Maher. The did blood work, and discovered that her platelet count was way too low. This of course due to the chemo pills. (Thank God they watch this closely) They sent her straight way to St. Paul hospital, where she began receiving platelet transfusions this evening. The numbers don't mean much to me, but when she started the chemo, her number was "350". The once previous test showed it had lowered to "175", and today it was "26". They tell us once the numbers reach "50" again, she can return home. They have temporarily suspended her from taking the Temador; but that will resume when the platelet count returns to an acceptable level. She feels fine. The radiation is really taking a toll on her hair now however. We are ordering her a cute little wig to wear until this thing is over, and her natural hair returns.
Continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated, and we hope you have a fun and safe 4th.
Love you all./
Bill
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Jeanine feeling fatigued, but tarrying on
Hello Everyone,
Wanted to give you yet another update on Jeanine. She is doing ok, but does feel a lot of nausea and is taking her anti-nausea pills. And, unfortunately, she is losing her hair (and there is hair everywhere)!
Her routine is this: Monday - radiation and doc visit, Tuesday - radiation and nurse visit, Wednesday - radiation and have blood checked, Thursday - radiation and x-rays and Friday is just radiation!
All of her doctors seem to be pleased with what has been transpiring. Jeanine is really fatigued and does require an extra nap here and there! She works when she can, but when her body tells her to stop, then she listens to it and stops!
We both went to church this morning and she appeared to have been doing great, however, when she got home she took an anti-nausea pill and took a nap. This silly thunder woke her up and now we're going to the movies.
Thank you all for your prayers. They are working in miraculous ways!
Many blessings,
Bill
Wanted to give you yet another update on Jeanine. She is doing ok, but does feel a lot of nausea and is taking her anti-nausea pills. And, unfortunately, she is losing her hair (and there is hair everywhere)!
Her routine is this: Monday - radiation and doc visit, Tuesday - radiation and nurse visit, Wednesday - radiation and have blood checked, Thursday - radiation and x-rays and Friday is just radiation!
All of her doctors seem to be pleased with what has been transpiring. Jeanine is really fatigued and does require an extra nap here and there! She works when she can, but when her body tells her to stop, then she listens to it and stops!
We both went to church this morning and she appeared to have been doing great, however, when she got home she took an anti-nausea pill and took a nap. This silly thunder woke her up and now we're going to the movies.
Thank you all for your prayers. They are working in miraculous ways!
Many blessings,
Bill
Monday, June 25, 2007
Feeling the continued and greater effects of treatment
Hello faithful friends:
Jeanine felt pretty rough during this last weekend. Especially Sunday. I don't know for sure the collation, but it seems that after each weekend, the previous weeks treatments maybe "accumulate". Then, on the weekends it is time to just rest! She slept most of the day yesterday. Jan came over while I went to 7:30am Mass; and she stayed around most of the day while I did some much-needed yard work.
Last week, our dear friend Janet visited from South San Francisco. She was here all week, watching over, and taking care of her while I was in Sacramento. I have to go to Milwaukee tomorrow, but Mom and Dad Ezzell will return to take care of her until I return Thursday night. We are so blessed to have them, and so many of you friends that care about us.
I have suggested that Jeanine update this blog herself in the next couple of days, and that would give you a better perspective of exactly how she feels from her point of view.
Love you all and thank God for each and every one of you.
Bill
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Feeling the effects of the radiation treatment
Hi 'y'all-
Jeanine received her 9th radiation treatment today! Yesterday we met with the radiation doctors, and they indicated everything looks fine, and told us that the treatment is very aggressive. She had a slight sore throat, which the indication is sinus drainage. We are keeping an eye on that. After Fathers Day weekend rest, she was doing great on Monday. She felt, looked, and acted "sharp". After today's treatment, she needed a few hours rest.
Our dear friend Janet V. is visiting here from San Francisco. She will remain the rest of the week. I have a business trip to Sacramento tomorrow. Janet will stay with her this time (her folks usually do) and will take her to the radiation treatments Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.God Bless You All.Bill
Friday, June 15, 2007
Informative Pictures
Thanks to Kara, the pictures of Jeanine in the radiation treatment room appear right below this post.
Bill
Bill
Thursday, June 14, 2007
The radiation treatment
Howdy folks -
Jeanine continues to do well. It is apparent now, from her getting tired and all, that she is "under treatment". The radiation seems to have a larger impact on how she feels. She seems to be tolerating the chemo just fine. Couple of little complaints of nausea, but no severe illness or anything.
I was allowed to enter the treatment room with her today, and see and understand the process. It is amazing! I had to leave for the actual "treatment", as does everyone else. There is no one int he room but Jeanine, and the moniter her on closed circuit TV. Everything is controlled from the exterior of that room.
The techs were kind enough to take some pictures of Jeanine in the treatment room, being setup for the treatment. I am e-mailing the pictures to my niece Kara to put on this blod. I just ain't that smart yet...... She is our uncomplaining source for tech help.
Hope you enjoy the pictures. It gave me a much better understanding of what was going on. I thank God for giving the scientists and doctors and techs the ability to engineer, build, develop, and use such marvelous and healing equipment. It still all goes back to HIM.
More later, as I have to get the pix sent to Kara.
Bill
Jeanine continues to do well. It is apparent now, from her getting tired and all, that she is "under treatment". The radiation seems to have a larger impact on how she feels. She seems to be tolerating the chemo just fine. Couple of little complaints of nausea, but no severe illness or anything.
I was allowed to enter the treatment room with her today, and see and understand the process. It is amazing! I had to leave for the actual "treatment", as does everyone else. There is no one int he room but Jeanine, and the moniter her on closed circuit TV. Everything is controlled from the exterior of that room.
The techs were kind enough to take some pictures of Jeanine in the treatment room, being setup for the treatment. I am e-mailing the pictures to my niece Kara to put on this blod. I just ain't that smart yet...... She is our uncomplaining source for tech help.
Hope you enjoy the pictures. It gave me a much better understanding of what was going on. I thank God for giving the scientists and doctors and techs the ability to engineer, build, develop, and use such marvelous and healing equipment. It still all goes back to HIM.
More later, as I have to get the pix sent to Kara.
Bill
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Sunday Afternoon
She seems to get some of her best sleep in the mornings until about 9am or so. (That is also the scheduled time each morning for her anti-seizure medication) She had a good Saturday, but we pre-arranged to have Jan come over and stay with her this morning while I went to 7:30 mass. (My Sunday again as one of the extraordinary-ministers for the Eucharist.) When she rises in the mornings, the area of the surgery is still quite swollen. As she gets more active each day, the swelling will go down considerably. Sleeping in the recliner has not proven to be significant in preventing the swelling.
My Mother used to say "if it doesn't taste bad, the medicine isn't working". I can tell in Jeanine's case, "the medicine is working". She is doing very very well, but even though she isn't sick to her stomach, hurting, or anything; it is evident that she must listen when her body tells her to "sit down and take it easy".
A Blessed Sunday to all, and more will follow.
Bill
Friday, June 8, 2007
Friday Marks the Second Day
Good Afternoon:
Jeanine took her second chemo pill at bedtime last night, and this morning she received her second radiation treatment. This afternoon has been a bit rough for her. She says that even though there was no pain associated with the radiation treatment, "I can definitely tell that i've been zapped this time"! So far, no adverse reaction to the chemo pills. She takes the pills every night at bedtime, but no more radiation until Monday. She is staying very very strong, and all the prayers and encouragement from everyone is very important to her and her recovery efforts.
Blessings to all.
Bill
Thursday, June 7, 2007
First Evening and Day of Treatment Completed
Howdy all!
Last night, Jeanine took her first dose of oral chemo. That was preceded 30 minutes, with a little pill to keep her from getting nauseous. She slept well all night in the recliner. (Which is now in the bedroom so she is more elevated during her sleep period to help prevent swelling) She still had some swelling this morning, but was rested and "ready to get up". Not sick or anything adverse. At noon we took her to Southwestern Medical Center for her first radiation appointment. (The "mask", and "body liner" were made last week, and were ready for this appointment.) We were there a total of about 30 minutes; about 20 minutes of which included getting her set, and the treatment itself. No pain, burning or anything so far. Said she opened her eyes once and saw a blue light, but that was it. No problem breathing or anything with the mask. We go again tomorrow, which will conclude the radiation treatment for this week. She will take the chemo each night however.
All prayers being answered so far, and thank you for including her in yours. More follows as anything develops.
God Bless You All.
Bill
Last night, Jeanine took her first dose of oral chemo. That was preceded 30 minutes, with a little pill to keep her from getting nauseous. She slept well all night in the recliner. (Which is now in the bedroom so she is more elevated during her sleep period to help prevent swelling) She still had some swelling this morning, but was rested and "ready to get up". Not sick or anything adverse. At noon we took her to Southwestern Medical Center for her first radiation appointment. (The "mask", and "body liner" were made last week, and were ready for this appointment.) We were there a total of about 30 minutes; about 20 minutes of which included getting her set, and the treatment itself. No pain, burning or anything so far. Said she opened her eyes once and saw a blue light, but that was it. No problem breathing or anything with the mask. We go again tomorrow, which will conclude the radiation treatment for this week. She will take the chemo each night however.
All prayers being answered so far, and thank you for including her in yours. More follows as anything develops.
God Bless You All.
Bill
Friday, June 1, 2007
First treatment day changed
Howdy - Well Jeanine got her phantom-of-the-opera mask made yesterday. The actual process that she went through was slightly different than we had understood originally. She will be lying down rather than sitting; there is also a "form" made that rigidly supports her entire body, as well as her head. She will be positioned on her back, and the rear of the mask attaches firmly to the platform. The first treatment is now scheduled to begin June 7th. She will receive the radiation treatment in the afternoon, and then begin the oral chemo that same night. In her own words "I'm ready to get on with this". She gets a little weary in late afternoons, she needs to rest, and there is still some swelling over the trauma site. Doctors assure us that all is well.
Gods blessings to all.
Bill
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The "mask" process
This is the process for the "Mask". (This picture is not of Jeanine or her techs. It is just an indication of what the "Mask" looks like before it is molded to her face and head.
Bill
Bill
Through Memorial Day
God Bless our troops!
Jeanine had kind of a rough day yesterday! She was pretty active Saturday and Sunday, then yesterday, she just felt "kinda puny" all day. During the early evening, we noted that she had some swelling over the surgery area. We elevated her a bit more during the night. She had a rough time going to sleep. Slept well after she did. She awoke this morning, and the swelling was pronounced and very noticeable. Placed a call to Dr. Mickeys office, and at 2:30 pm the call was returned. Discussions indicated again that this swelling is "normal". The area where the scull was removed and replaced hasn't "sealed completely", thus the fluids seep into the area above the scull and below the scalp. Thus, "swelling". Now we did notice, even before the Dr. returned the call, that the swelling has begun to diminish some. She feels less "pressure" than she had last night and earlier today. Thank God, webelieve all is well. I only wish that I knew a bunch more about the things that can be "normal" than I do; but Dr. is good to answer our questions and relive our minds. This afternoon now, she feels good, and is busy hustling about. She has been making calls to various pharmacies concerning the intended chemo drugs. Needless to say, we are shocked at the cost of these drugs, and the relatively small portion paid for by the insurance company. But, that too is in Gods hands, and he will guide. Thursday we will see the radiation specialist for the "mask", and then treatments start June 4. Will post more later, or as anything develops.
God bless you all.
Bill Nichols
Jeanine had kind of a rough day yesterday! She was pretty active Saturday and Sunday, then yesterday, she just felt "kinda puny" all day. During the early evening, we noted that she had some swelling over the surgery area. We elevated her a bit more during the night. She had a rough time going to sleep. Slept well after she did. She awoke this morning, and the swelling was pronounced and very noticeable. Placed a call to Dr. Mickeys office, and at 2:30 pm the call was returned. Discussions indicated again that this swelling is "normal". The area where the scull was removed and replaced hasn't "sealed completely", thus the fluids seep into the area above the scull and below the scalp. Thus, "swelling". Now we did notice, even before the Dr. returned the call, that the swelling has begun to diminish some. She feels less "pressure" than she had last night and earlier today. Thank God, webelieve all is well. I only wish that I knew a bunch more about the things that can be "normal" than I do; but Dr. is good to answer our questions and relive our minds. This afternoon now, she feels good, and is busy hustling about. She has been making calls to various pharmacies concerning the intended chemo drugs. Needless to say, we are shocked at the cost of these drugs, and the relatively small portion paid for by the insurance company. But, that too is in Gods hands, and he will guide. Thursday we will see the radiation specialist for the "mask", and then treatments start June 4. Will post more later, or as anything develops.
God bless you all.
Bill Nichols
Friday, May 25, 2007
Radiation consultation completed today
Hi Folks: Still moving along. Radiation consultation today. Concluded that Jeanine will go back on May 31, at which time they will form a "mask" to her face and head. In its present form, it looks kinda like a white fishing net. The netting is quite close, and is roughly the shape of a head and face. We're told this will be placed over her head, warmed, and it will then conform to every detail on her head and face. Cooled, it will be stiff. This "mask" is then "marked" with the areas that the concentration is to be targeted to. Dr. Chang did an excellent job of explaining that the "microscopic tentacles" that could not be removed surgically are the targets. The Chemo weakens the cancer cells, and the radiation zaps them. Tolerances are very very close, especially around the optic nerve and around the ear. They have to get very "close", but use care not damage those tissues. Back to the "mask" she will be seated in a special chair. The "mask" will be very rigid and is the device that will hold her head perfectly still during the radiation therapy. She should have no pain. Will probably lose a patch of hair, and could have some skin irritation that would be treated with ointments as if for a sunburn. She will go to daily (5 days a week) for 33 days. The chemo and radiation are administered at the same time. Chemo at home each night, (pill form) and radiation each Monday through Friday. She will be monitored with blood work to make sure the platelets and white and red cells stay in the right range. Also, there will be periodic MRI's. We continue to learn just how very serious and delicate these treatments are. We are assured that "she made it through the big one", the surgery. The actual treatments will begin June 4. We are convinced that we have the right medical team, and pray that God guides them along this path. We feel he has already.
Blessings to all, and hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day.
Bill
Blessings to all, and hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day.
Bill
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Invitation to Celebrate Tom Jones' Life
Hello Family and Friends,
I just wanted to invite you to my home Friday, 5/25, after the 2:00 memorial service of Tom Jones. Sandy, nor Tommy, have enough space to gather after the service so I am offering my home for their friends and loved ones to have a place to gather. There will be plenty of food, so please join us to give them your love and sympathies.
My address is: 3108 Andrew Court, Bedford, TX 76021
I will get more information to you regarding how to get to my home. I look so forward to seeing each of you and helping out my dear friend Sandy.
Love and blessings,
Jeanine
I just wanted to invite you to my home Friday, 5/25, after the 2:00 memorial service of Tom Jones. Sandy, nor Tommy, have enough space to gather after the service so I am offering my home for their friends and loved ones to have a place to gather. There will be plenty of food, so please join us to give them your love and sympathies.
My address is: 3108 Andrew Court, Bedford, TX 76021
I will get more information to you regarding how to get to my home. I look so forward to seeing each of you and helping out my dear friend Sandy.
Love and blessings,
Jeanine
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Chemo Consultation today
Good evening all:
Chemo consultation went very well. Dr. Maher spent over a hour going over every last detail of the procedure; what to expect, and what to ignore. We are both very comfortable with her and her staff. All of the newest procedures and technics are in play. The chemo will be by mouth, and she will take that at home every night. The radiation procedure will be at Southwestern Medical center (13 miles), and she will do that 5 days a week for about 6 weeks. There will be weekly monitoring of blood and other tests, including periodic MRI. Dr. Maher also indicated that she was prescribing medication for sick-to-the-stomach, and she says it is very effective. Tomorrow we go to the radiation specialist. We're told they will make a "mask" that will be marked for the "target" areas for the radiation.
Anxious to see how that goes. She will lose "some" hair from the radiation. (Only in spots)
That's it for now. More follows tomorrow after the radiation consultation.
Prayers work y'all! Thank you for them!
Bill
Chemo consultation went very well. Dr. Maher spent over a hour going over every last detail of the procedure; what to expect, and what to ignore. We are both very comfortable with her and her staff. All of the newest procedures and technics are in play. The chemo will be by mouth, and she will take that at home every night. The radiation procedure will be at Southwestern Medical center (13 miles), and she will do that 5 days a week for about 6 weeks. There will be weekly monitoring of blood and other tests, including periodic MRI. Dr. Maher also indicated that she was prescribing medication for sick-to-the-stomach, and she says it is very effective. Tomorrow we go to the radiation specialist. We're told they will make a "mask" that will be marked for the "target" areas for the radiation.
Anxious to see how that goes. She will lose "some" hair from the radiation. (Only in spots)
That's it for now. More follows tomorrow after the radiation consultation.
Prayers work y'all! Thank you for them!
Bill
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Swelling is coming back down!
Hello all: There was a marked improvement in the swelling around her eyes today. We are grateful and much less concerned. Tomorrow is her first day of consultation about the treatments. We are anxious for a better indication of what that will bring.
Until tomorrow.
God Bless.
Bill
Monday, May 21, 2007
Sad News for Sandy Jones from HP
Hello Folks,
Been quite a hectic day today. I awoke to swelling around my eyes and as Bill said in his blog posting it was due to the fluids and sleeping flat instead of being elevated.
I received a call from my dear true friend Sandy Jones. She and I worked together at HP and I believe a lot of you know who she is. She informed me that her husband, Tom, had passed away from a heart attack today! I was so totally shocked (still am). She and I will be planning the funeral arrangements, which I know are going to be as few as possible. Tom was a very private person and that's how he wanted his death to be too. I ask that you pray for Sandy and her family. I know that Tom went to heaven...that's the only place he could go.
If you would like to send her a sympathy card, then please send to my address at:
Sandy Jones
c/o Jeanine Nichols
3108 Andrew Court
Bedford, TX 76021
We have many things to be thankful for and Tom was one of them. Thank you God for giving us Tom. Be with Sandy as she grieves for the loss of him.
Many blessings to each of you,
Jeanine
Been quite a hectic day today. I awoke to swelling around my eyes and as Bill said in his blog posting it was due to the fluids and sleeping flat instead of being elevated.
I received a call from my dear true friend Sandy Jones. She and I worked together at HP and I believe a lot of you know who she is. She informed me that her husband, Tom, had passed away from a heart attack today! I was so totally shocked (still am). She and I will be planning the funeral arrangements, which I know are going to be as few as possible. Tom was a very private person and that's how he wanted his death to be too. I ask that you pray for Sandy and her family. I know that Tom went to heaven...that's the only place he could go.
If you would like to send her a sympathy card, then please send to my address at:
Sandy Jones
c/o Jeanine Nichols
3108 Andrew Court
Bedford, TX 76021
We have many things to be thankful for and Tom was one of them. Thank you God for giving us Tom. Be with Sandy as she grieves for the loss of him.
Many blessings to each of you,
Jeanine
Dr. advises swelling normal - elevate head when sleeping
Good Monday afternoon:
Jeanine woke this morning, noticing her eyes were swelling from the nose outward, and a "soft" area where the skull had been removed for the surgery. The swelling did not get any better, in fact it enlarged. We initiated a call to the surgeons office. When the call was returned, and after we described the occurrences, we were informed that this is pretty normal, and mostly because she has been sleeping "flat". She needs to be upper-body-elevated at least 6 inches when she sleeps. A quick trip to the home medical supply store, and we have two wedges. One has a 7" rise and the other a 12" rise. She will experiment with both tonight. Dr. advises that it could "take a few days" for the additional swelling to go away. Needless to say, we are much relieved, and continue to thank God for all the improvements as well as a clean explanation of issues that caused us concern this morning.
Will continue to keep you all informed.
God Bless
Bill
Jeanine woke this morning, noticing her eyes were swelling from the nose outward, and a "soft" area where the skull had been removed for the surgery. The swelling did not get any better, in fact it enlarged. We initiated a call to the surgeons office. When the call was returned, and after we described the occurrences, we were informed that this is pretty normal, and mostly because she has been sleeping "flat". She needs to be upper-body-elevated at least 6 inches when she sleeps. A quick trip to the home medical supply store, and we have two wedges. One has a 7" rise and the other a 12" rise. She will experiment with both tonight. Dr. advises that it could "take a few days" for the additional swelling to go away. Needless to say, we are much relieved, and continue to thank God for all the improvements as well as a clean explanation of issues that caused us concern this morning.
Will continue to keep you all informed.
God Bless
Bill
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Howdy from Jeanine
It's Sunday and I've been to church with hubby! We have so much to be thankful for and I know that God is going to use me to be a witness for him.
We've had a busy weekend so far and will try to get ourselves back to the real world before Monday rolls around.
Friday Bill took me to see Shrek 3 and we had such a fun time! It was such a great movie and I took all of my Shrek animals with me to enjoy the movie!!! I wore my Shrek ears and got lots of comments on how adoreable I was! Gee, I'm blushing!!!!Yes, I'm one of those Shrekish kind of gals and just enjoy everything that has to do with Shrek! Been to McDonald's and purchased one of everything that they have to offer! I'm just having soooooooooooo much fun!
Then, yesterday my bro Don and his wife Shelley went with Bill and I to Hico, TX for the 4th annual steak cook-off. We usually go to the Magnolia, Arkansas steak cook-off, but because it was so far away, and we didn't know how my body would be responding, and because my step-son Raymond told me that I couldn't go, we went to Hico instead!!! Raymond had told me that his mother (who had a brain annurism about 3 years ago) had difficulties with her brain dehydrating from heat and he felt that I needed to stay close to home due to the many unknown things that could happen to me. So, I decided that I didn't need to suffer any of the problems that she went through. I was just so fortunate to see that Hico was having their steak cook-off! The weather was perfect and we had such a wonderful time. I am so blessed to have such a loving family and that they enjoy doing what I enjoy doing! Steak cook-offs are my thing and we go to as many as we can! So, next time you hear of one, let me know and we'll see what we can do about getting there!!!!
Today is another beautiful day. We went to church and I got to love on all the folks there that knew I had had a brain tumor operation. They all had been reading my blog page and were really delighted to see me up and about. I keep telling all of you that you will know God before he is done with me! He just has so much to do with me before I say farewell to you. After church we were invited to go have breakfast with some of our dear neighbors and we thoroughly enjoyed their company! We are so looking forward to all the opportunities we have with our friends, families and neighbors.
I want to thank each of you for your love, kindness, prayers and support throughout these last few weeks. I would have never in a million years thought that this would be happening to me. I didn't suffer from a headache or anything to give me an indication that I had brain cancer. Now, that's God working!
I thank you so kindly from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love you have bestowed to Bill and I. Your prayers, flowers, cards, food and mostly love have sustained us. Please continue to pray for Bill and I as we walk through this journey. We don't know what will happen, but we know with the love and prayers from each of you that we will never ever walk alone. Not only will you be with us, but God is the one who will never fail us.
Bill, thank you for taking such good care of me. I love you more than you will ever know.
If there are those of you who would like to send an email, then here is my email address: jeaninenichols@sbcglobal.net
If there are those of you who would like to send snail mail, then the home address is: Jeanine Nichols
3108 Andrew Court
Bedford, TX 76021
817-793-6764
Keep your love and prayers coming my way! I love you all!
In God's love,
Jeanine
We've had a busy weekend so far and will try to get ourselves back to the real world before Monday rolls around.
Friday Bill took me to see Shrek 3 and we had such a fun time! It was such a great movie and I took all of my Shrek animals with me to enjoy the movie!!! I wore my Shrek ears and got lots of comments on how adoreable I was! Gee, I'm blushing!!!!Yes, I'm one of those Shrekish kind of gals and just enjoy everything that has to do with Shrek! Been to McDonald's and purchased one of everything that they have to offer! I'm just having soooooooooooo much fun!
Then, yesterday my bro Don and his wife Shelley went with Bill and I to Hico, TX for the 4th annual steak cook-off. We usually go to the Magnolia, Arkansas steak cook-off, but because it was so far away, and we didn't know how my body would be responding, and because my step-son Raymond told me that I couldn't go, we went to Hico instead!!! Raymond had told me that his mother (who had a brain annurism about 3 years ago) had difficulties with her brain dehydrating from heat and he felt that I needed to stay close to home due to the many unknown things that could happen to me. So, I decided that I didn't need to suffer any of the problems that she went through. I was just so fortunate to see that Hico was having their steak cook-off! The weather was perfect and we had such a wonderful time. I am so blessed to have such a loving family and that they enjoy doing what I enjoy doing! Steak cook-offs are my thing and we go to as many as we can! So, next time you hear of one, let me know and we'll see what we can do about getting there!!!!
Today is another beautiful day. We went to church and I got to love on all the folks there that knew I had had a brain tumor operation. They all had been reading my blog page and were really delighted to see me up and about. I keep telling all of you that you will know God before he is done with me! He just has so much to do with me before I say farewell to you. After church we were invited to go have breakfast with some of our dear neighbors and we thoroughly enjoyed their company! We are so looking forward to all the opportunities we have with our friends, families and neighbors.
I want to thank each of you for your love, kindness, prayers and support throughout these last few weeks. I would have never in a million years thought that this would be happening to me. I didn't suffer from a headache or anything to give me an indication that I had brain cancer. Now, that's God working!
I thank you so kindly from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of love you have bestowed to Bill and I. Your prayers, flowers, cards, food and mostly love have sustained us. Please continue to pray for Bill and I as we walk through this journey. We don't know what will happen, but we know with the love and prayers from each of you that we will never ever walk alone. Not only will you be with us, but God is the one who will never fail us.
Bill, thank you for taking such good care of me. I love you more than you will ever know.
If there are those of you who would like to send an email, then here is my email address: jeaninenichols@sbcglobal.net
If there are those of you who would like to send snail mail, then the home address is: Jeanine Nichols
3108 Andrew Court
Bedford, TX 76021
817-793-6764
Keep your love and prayers coming my way! I love you all!
In God's love,
Jeanine
Friday, May 18, 2007
Chemo Specialist appointment
Howdy all:
We will be seeing Dr. Marr, also in Southwest Medical Center, at noon this coming Wednesday. An update at this blog will follow each of the visits Wednesday and Thursday.
Bless you all.
Bill
We will be seeing Dr. Marr, also in Southwest Medical Center, at noon this coming Wednesday. An update at this blog will follow each of the visits Wednesday and Thursday.
Bless you all.
Bill
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Radiation Consultation Scheduled
Hello all:
Events are moving rather quickly. She received word today that a consultation with the radiation specialist is set for May 24. We assume treatments will begin shortly after that. She continues to improve each day from the surgery; getting stronger and stronger. She is in great spirits, and her faith is absolutely unshaken.
More as it happens.
God Bless
Bill
Events are moving rather quickly. She received word today that a consultation with the radiation specialist is set for May 24. We assume treatments will begin shortly after that. She continues to improve each day from the surgery; getting stronger and stronger. She is in great spirits, and her faith is absolutely unshaken.
More as it happens.
God Bless
Bill
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Report following pathology findings
Hello All:
Well, the news is not all good, and not all bad. The pathology findings direct that the tumor is malignant, and Jeanine will be needing followup radiation and chemo treatments. She is being referred to two Doctors that work closely with Dr. Mickey at Southwest Medical Center. One is a professional in radiation, and the other in the chemo treatments. She will need daily radiation treatments for about 6 weeks. The chemo will not require a "port". It will be administered orally, and may or may not partially be in conjunction with the radiation treatments. We expect to hear from the doctors next week, and the assumption is that she will begin the daily treatments in about 2 weeks.
Jeanine is in great spirits and feels good. We are all optimistic that the treatments will be effective, resulting in a full recovery, and a long and normal life. (so far the worst pain she has suffered was when the Dr. removed all those stitches today) Dr. Mickey did not downplay or sugar-coat the seriousness of this cancer, and compared the results rate somewhat to that of breast cancer.
It goes without saying that all the prayers have brought us this far, and God will continue to direct us. Please continue to include Jeanine in your prayers
because we can attest that prayers work!
A sincere thank you from myself and all the family for all your concern, thoughts and prayers. We will add to this blog as we go along and try to keep everyone updated.
Bill Nichols
Well, the news is not all good, and not all bad. The pathology findings direct that the tumor is malignant, and Jeanine will be needing followup radiation and chemo treatments. She is being referred to two Doctors that work closely with Dr. Mickey at Southwest Medical Center. One is a professional in radiation, and the other in the chemo treatments. She will need daily radiation treatments for about 6 weeks. The chemo will not require a "port". It will be administered orally, and may or may not partially be in conjunction with the radiation treatments. We expect to hear from the doctors next week, and the assumption is that she will begin the daily treatments in about 2 weeks.
Jeanine is in great spirits and feels good. We are all optimistic that the treatments will be effective, resulting in a full recovery, and a long and normal life. (so far the worst pain she has suffered was when the Dr. removed all those stitches today) Dr. Mickey did not downplay or sugar-coat the seriousness of this cancer, and compared the results rate somewhat to that of breast cancer.
It goes without saying that all the prayers have brought us this far, and God will continue to direct us. Please continue to include Jeanine in your prayers
because we can attest that prayers work!
A sincere thank you from myself and all the family for all your concern, thoughts and prayers. We will add to this blog as we go along and try to keep everyone updated.
Bill Nichols
Monday, May 14, 2007
Pics from after the surgery
Here are some pics of Jean after the surgery. You'll see her beautiful view from her hospital room and some shots of the incision. 
Pics from before the surgery
Enjoy some pics of Jean from before the surgery. You'll notice some beautiful tapestries in some of the pics. The hospital was full of them! 
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Mothers Day Update
Hello everyone. It's Mothers Day, and Jeanine has had a couple nights of pretty good rest. She's been sleeping in her recliner. Tonight, I think she will return to her regular bed. She is doing great. We take walks together outside, and she presses further and further.
This morning, she went with me to 7:30 Mass. It was a little cold in church, so she wore a ballcap that I had in the car. Her head gets cold! Keep that warm, and she complains about nothing.
Today was a very special day for me at church, as it was my first time as a Eucharistic Minister. Very special indeed, because Jeanine insisted that she be in attendance. We are truly blessed in many many ways.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Bill
This morning, she went with me to 7:30 Mass. It was a little cold in church, so she wore a ballcap that I had in the car. Her head gets cold! Keep that warm, and she complains about nothing.
Today was a very special day for me at church, as it was my first time as a Eucharistic Minister. Very special indeed, because Jeanine insisted that she be in attendance. We are truly blessed in many many ways.
Hope everyone has a wonderful day.
Bill
Friday, May 11, 2007
Homecoming
To All:
I am delighted to report that I came home at noon today, with Jeanine at my side! She was discharged from the hospital this morning, and is feeling great. With all the excitement of leaving, she was a bit tired when we arrived. However, she wanted "a piece of cheese" (that she has been craving for 3 days) for lunch. She had some cherry tomatos, a couple of slices of ham, and some bites of avacado that Ray and Juanita had left. She is glad for all the beautiful flowers that had been brought home earlier. The "plants" will be carefully placed in our garden somewhere so they continue to grow and flourish. (I'll get Kenneth and Belinda to help me chose spots because they are so good at that, and have added flowers in our front yard that are beautiful. Ray and Juanita chose a beautiful rose that they too will help me select a location for.) There were also a ton of cards in the mail that has accumulated for the last several days. She is now seated in her recliner with a letter opener and enjoying each and every one of those. I think however, in the next few minutes, cuddled under her "prayer blanket", she will get some good sleep for a few hours.
Thanks again to all for your prayers, cards, gifts, flowers and gifts, and I will have more posted later. Kara will be visiting her parents in Oklahoma City this weekend, but I have some pictures to send to her for posting. (That's way over my head!)
God Bless each and every one of you.
Bill
I am delighted to report that I came home at noon today, with Jeanine at my side! She was discharged from the hospital this morning, and is feeling great. With all the excitement of leaving, she was a bit tired when we arrived. However, she wanted "a piece of cheese" (that she has been craving for 3 days) for lunch. She had some cherry tomatos, a couple of slices of ham, and some bites of avacado that Ray and Juanita had left. She is glad for all the beautiful flowers that had been brought home earlier. The "plants" will be carefully placed in our garden somewhere so they continue to grow and flourish. (I'll get Kenneth and Belinda to help me chose spots because they are so good at that, and have added flowers in our front yard that are beautiful. Ray and Juanita chose a beautiful rose that they too will help me select a location for.) There were also a ton of cards in the mail that has accumulated for the last several days. She is now seated in her recliner with a letter opener and enjoying each and every one of those. I think however, in the next few minutes, cuddled under her "prayer blanket", she will get some good sleep for a few hours.
Thanks again to all for your prayers, cards, gifts, flowers and gifts, and I will have more posted later. Kara will be visiting her parents in Oklahoma City this weekend, but I have some pictures to send to her for posting. (That's way over my head!)
God Bless each and every one of you.
Bill
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thank you from Bill
I cannot begin to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and prayers for Jeanine. Her recovery is remarkable, and continues to improve day-after-day. Dr. Mickey is discharging her from the hospital tomorrow (Friday). On Tuesday, we have a meeting with Dr. Mickey, when we will go over all the M.R.I.'s, and he is confindent that we will have results of the pathology by then. Those results will be addressed also, plus an understanding if any further treatment is required. I will have more to add later, but for right now God Bless each and every one of you. "Prayer Works!"
Bill
Bill
Thursday Update
Good morning!
I went to visit Jean last night. She is still doing well. She gets up and reads her blog and we sat and watched a storm come in through her window last night. Bill and I left around 8pm, just when they were coming to take her for her MRI. She will not be going home today, but most likely tomorrow. She has her moments of not feeling very good, but in 30 minutes or so, she's up and at it again. Bill's son and his wife are heading home this morning. So, all of the out of town guests have left now and life is slowly returning to normal.
I went to visit Jean last night. She is still doing well. She gets up and reads her blog and we sat and watched a storm come in through her window last night. Bill and I left around 8pm, just when they were coming to take her for her MRI. She will not be going home today, but most likely tomorrow. She has her moments of not feeling very good, but in 30 minutes or so, she's up and at it again. Bill's son and his wife are heading home this morning. So, all of the out of town guests have left now and life is slowly returning to normal.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Wednesday Update
Good morning all!!
Jean was moved to a regular room last night and she is doing great. The family did not go down last night and we let her get some much needed rest. She will be having another MRI this afternoon and if all goes well, she could be going home tomorrow. Hallelujah!!
Her new phone # is 214-645-4506.
The address is:
Zale Lipshy Hospital
5151 Harry Hines Blvd. Room #506
Dallas, TX
Thanks!
Jean was moved to a regular room last night and she is doing great. The family did not go down last night and we let her get some much needed rest. She will be having another MRI this afternoon and if all goes well, she could be going home tomorrow. Hallelujah!!
Her new phone # is 214-645-4506.
The address is:
Zale Lipshy Hospital
5151 Harry Hines Blvd. Room #506
Dallas, TX
Thanks!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
More Good News!!
I just heard that she is doing so great. She has the color back in her face and she is in no pain! She had two breakfast trays this morning and is back on her regular hospital diet. She's watching TV and is in good spirits. She should be moving to a regular room hopefully this afternoon, or as soon as one opens up. When I have that info I will pass it on. Thanks again!
Morning After Update
Good morning!!
Things are going very well so far. Jean was taken for a CAT scan at 2:30am and they said that everything looks good from that. She is alert and talking and can move and everything. I am working a little today, so the posts won't be as frequent. Again, thank you for your prayers. Prayers work!! It's a long recovery process, so keep them coming. Thanks again!
Things are going very well so far. Jean was taken for a CAT scan at 2:30am and they said that everything looks good from that. She is alert and talking and can move and everything. I am working a little today, so the posts won't be as frequent. Again, thank you for your prayers. Prayers work!! It's a long recovery process, so keep them coming. Thanks again!
Monday, May 7, 2007
Jeanine's Doing Well
I just got to go in and see her. She is definitely exhausted. She knew who we all were and she laughed a little. She's doing really great. I just want to thank you from Bill and Jean for all of your prayers. They definitely work! God is good and he always provides the best for his children. I think this will be the last update of the day. I'll be back up here tomorrow and will let you know anything else we find out. Please try not to call Bill tonight. He's really tired but relieved. I will let you know contact info as soon as she gets out of ICU. There are no cell phones allowed in her room right now and there is not a room phone either. She cannot have flowers or anything there either, so as soon as she can be contacted I will let you know. Thank you again and God bless!!
Update
We just got word from the doctor. He said that she looks really good. She knows who she is and she can move her arms and legs just fine. We won't know all the details about the tumor until the pathology reports come in in a few days. She will have a CAT scan in the morning to check her progress from the surgery. Bill will get to go in and see her in about 15-20 minutes. Keep praying for good news tomorrow and a speedy recovery!
ICU
We are waiting in the ICU waiting room. We won't really know much until Jean wakes up. I'll update later tonight once we know more. Thanks for your prayers and keep them up!!
Surgery Update
The doctor came out about 15 minutes ago and said they didn't even get started on the surgery until almost 3:30pm. They do not expect to be done before 7:00pm. He said that things are going very well and that Jean is doing great so far! Keep praying and I'll update you as soon as we know new info!!
Holding Room
The nurses just came about 10 minutes ago and rolled her out to the holding room where they will prep her for surgery. The doctor came in and said the actual surgery will start somewhere between 2 and 2:30pm. It should last somewhere around 3 1/2 hours. I will keep you all updated as we hear from the staff here. Bill is in the holding room with her and will be joining us in the waiting room once they take her in for her procedure. Keep praying for us all!
An Update from Jeanine
Hello My Precious Friends,
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to know that God has led all of you to pray for me. It is so very meaningful to know how really loved I am.
I want all of you to know that I am praying for you too. We often times forget to pray for our caregivers and those who are praying for us. I lift each of you up to the Lord and ask that he keep you protected always. I want you all to know that God is with you and will provide everything you need, if you will only ask him. I am in his perfect hands and the surgeon is the vessel. God is the surgeon.
My neice Kara will keep this blog page updated. She has been a true God send for me and my husband. She is taking wonderful care of her Uncle Bill and she made sure everything at home was ready for our out of state company. That is helping Bill so much and ask that all of you to pray for him. We are so much a part of each other's lives and he is my everything, as I am his.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. God is going to make me a blessing to all of you. I love you dearly and need each of you in my life.
Jean, Jeanine, Aunt Jean, Grandma Jean
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to know that God has led all of you to pray for me. It is so very meaningful to know how really loved I am.
I want all of you to know that I am praying for you too. We often times forget to pray for our caregivers and those who are praying for us. I lift each of you up to the Lord and ask that he keep you protected always. I want you all to know that God is with you and will provide everything you need, if you will only ask him. I am in his perfect hands and the surgeon is the vessel. God is the surgeon.
My neice Kara will keep this blog page updated. She has been a true God send for me and my husband. She is taking wonderful care of her Uncle Bill and she made sure everything at home was ready for our out of state company. That is helping Bill so much and ask that all of you to pray for him. We are so much a part of each other's lives and he is my everything, as I am his.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. God is going to make me a blessing to all of you. I love you dearly and need each of you in my life.
Jean, Jeanine, Aunt Jean, Grandma Jean
Before Surgery Update
Well, there are about 16 family and friends here this morning. We will be gathering to pray for Jeanine before they roll her out to the surgical floor. I would like to ask you all to join us this morning in prayer. Jean's spirits are high. We all fully believe that God is in control and that this surgeon is the vessel and God is going to be doing the work. They have moved the surgery to noon today instead of 1pm. I will post more this afternoon when we get updates. Also remember Bill in your prayers and sitting and waiting is the hardest part. Thank you for all of your prayers and support.
Saturday, May 5, 2007
Saturday Update
Just wanted to give you all a quick update. Jean and Bill met with the surgeon this morning and he said that the tumor is larger than we thought. It is 3.5"x2.5" and to correct my previous post, it is on the left side of the brain, not the right. Jean was in good spirits today and her sister Sandy flew in from Indiana this afternoon. She had a room full of loved ones this evening. She should be getting a good nights sleep, thanks in part to the wonderful invention of the sleeping pill. Bill is doing well. He is already in bed, which is quite early for him. His son Ray and his wife Juanita will coming in tomorrow afternoon along with Jean's oldest sister, and my parents, Bill and Connie. Jean's room is filled with the most beautiful flowers and she loves them!! Other than that, no new news. I'll update tomorrow. Please keep sending your well wishes. Jean read most of them this afternoon and was very touched by some of things you guys said. Thanks again and keep praying!!
Friday, May 4, 2007
Welcome and get up to speed
Good evening. I have created this blog for Bill and Jean to be able to easily keep you all up to date on Jean's medical situation. This is the place to come for the most updated info without having to call. We will be updating this blog daily. Please feel free to leave thoughts and well wishes in the comments as all will be passed on to Jean.
Here is a quick re-cap of this week.
Wednesday afternoon Jean was sitting at her computer at home and working. She began to have a seizure. Her mom was here with her and was able to get the neighbor's help to get Jean to sit up and then called 911. Bill was out of town on business and drove through some mega-storms to get home that night. Jean was admitted to the ICU and they ran a CAT scan and an MRI. The tests revealed that she has a 3"x3" tumor in the right frontal lobe of her brain.
Thursday came and we spent all day at the hospital fighting those crazy visiting hours in the ICU. They finally moved her to a regular room around 3pm. The nurse came in and said that the brain specialist they want to have operate on her does not practice at HEB and that she will be moved to another hospital. Sure enough, by 6pm she was packed up in the ambulance and we were on the road to downtown Dallas. She is now at the Zale-Lipshy Hospital. She arrived by 7pm last night and had a solid night's sleep.
Friday morning the doctor came in and they talked about some things and then he said he would be back later that afternoon. Jean asked him to come back at 5:30pm because the whole family would be there to hear everything at the same time. Jean had a more detailed MRI today and had a lot of company and some beautiful bouquets of flowers delivered. We were all in attendance when the doctor came in to discuss the surgery. He has scheduled surgery for Monday, May 7th at 1:00pm. They will go in and remove the tumor. We do not know what this tumor is until they get it out and send it to the lab. Even then it may be up to 10 days before we know exactly what it is. The surgery will be at least 4 hours long and she will be in the hospital 4-5 days after the surgery. Her recovery time will be based upon what they find on Monday. She will need to have some therapy that is very common after any brain surgery.
The address at the hospital is:
5151 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX
Room 526 (until Monday)
The direct phone # to her room is:
214-456-4526 (until Monday)
We appreciate all of your calls and concern. Please keep Jean and Bill in your prayers as they go through this trial. We know that God has all of this under control and has had His hand on every step leading up to this surgery. Also, please lift up all extended family and friends as this is a test for us all. God bless you all and we will post more tomorrow.
Here is a quick re-cap of this week.
Wednesday afternoon Jean was sitting at her computer at home and working. She began to have a seizure. Her mom was here with her and was able to get the neighbor's help to get Jean to sit up and then called 911. Bill was out of town on business and drove through some mega-storms to get home that night. Jean was admitted to the ICU and they ran a CAT scan and an MRI. The tests revealed that she has a 3"x3" tumor in the right frontal lobe of her brain.
Thursday came and we spent all day at the hospital fighting those crazy visiting hours in the ICU. They finally moved her to a regular room around 3pm. The nurse came in and said that the brain specialist they want to have operate on her does not practice at HEB and that she will be moved to another hospital. Sure enough, by 6pm she was packed up in the ambulance and we were on the road to downtown Dallas. She is now at the Zale-Lipshy Hospital. She arrived by 7pm last night and had a solid night's sleep.
Friday morning the doctor came in and they talked about some things and then he said he would be back later that afternoon. Jean asked him to come back at 5:30pm because the whole family would be there to hear everything at the same time. Jean had a more detailed MRI today and had a lot of company and some beautiful bouquets of flowers delivered. We were all in attendance when the doctor came in to discuss the surgery. He has scheduled surgery for Monday, May 7th at 1:00pm. They will go in and remove the tumor. We do not know what this tumor is until they get it out and send it to the lab. Even then it may be up to 10 days before we know exactly what it is. The surgery will be at least 4 hours long and she will be in the hospital 4-5 days after the surgery. Her recovery time will be based upon what they find on Monday. She will need to have some therapy that is very common after any brain surgery.
The address at the hospital is:
5151 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX
Room 526 (until Monday)
The direct phone # to her room is:
214-456-4526 (until Monday)
We appreciate all of your calls and concern. Please keep Jean and Bill in your prayers as they go through this trial. We know that God has all of this under control and has had His hand on every step leading up to this surgery. Also, please lift up all extended family and friends as this is a test for us all. God bless you all and we will post more tomorrow.
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