Big Day... Not So Big :)

It's official- my center of gravity has changed. I assume all went well, as I cannot remember it. I spent most of the day sleeping or talking in a very groggy state of mind. Bruce has been my rock today- it has been really nice to have some quite time together.
The pain meds make me slightly nausiated, especially while trying to concentrate (type), so this will be short.
I just want you all to know that I'm doing well emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers!
Love, Jeanel

Miracles and Loving Friends

Busy week with lots of great updates.
Chemo #12 was on Wednesday. It was a long day because I got my monthly bone treatment, my regular chemo, and a triple dose of Herceptin. I was also able to meet Amber, who has been battling Inflammatory Breast Cancer for over a year and has a young family. It was nice to talk with her and I look forward to getting to know her better.
After chemo I spent most of the day in my room trying keep my activity level down because of the PET scan on Thursday. I also had to eat a high protein/low carb diet that day-- just about killed me.
On Friday we got my PET scan results back which show that all of the previous sites (3+ bones, liver, lymph nodes, and right breast) have resolved, except for the thyroid area. A mighty miracle!! I kept reading and re-reading the results with such a grateful heart!!
On Friday we also excepted an offer on our lot and expect to close mid October.
This week I also was surprised with an ipod and gift cards from my grad school friends. I am so grateful for their generosity and thoughtfulness. I'm excited to have something that I will use all of the time that will remind me of them and the fun times we shared. The timing is great, as I will be laid up for the next month+ and luckily I will see my nephew, Spencer, so that he can get things figured out for me.
I was also surprised by a gift from friends at church who had donated to the Susan Koman Cancer Fund to win opportunities to win a quilt. Lucky for me they were successful and now I have a beautiful, comfy quilt made by the Utah Quilting Guild. It is awesome! Thank you so very much. I will feel of your love frequently as I wrap up in my new quilt.
As I look back on this week and think about how I have felt the past little while, I realize that even when I am sad at night, wishing for the days when my cares were much more simple, God has been with me. It has not been easy and there have been times when my sadness has been overwhelming, but I know that the Lord has strengthened me that I might bear this burden. I am so grateful for the miracles I have experienced along the way and have faith that there will be more.
Please continue to pray, especially as I head into surgery this week. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Love, Jeanel

Last Chemo Before the Big Day

Today is Jeanel's last chemo treatment. It will be a looong day. She allowed this quick glimpse into what she has been doing for the last number of weeks. Your prayers are needed to help her get through her surgery next week. Again, I awe at her mighty strength. The Lord has truly blessed her with an inner fight and a never ending will!!! AMAZING WOMAN!!!

Mindful

11 treatments down- just one more to go. This week I had some numbness in my hands, feet, and face, but it got less as the days went by.
On Thursday I went to the Social Security office to change Landon's card. While I was there talking to the worker at the window, one of the managers came by to see if he could help. He told me he would call me later to work out some issues. When he called we began to talk and realized that his wife also has inflammatory breast cancer. He told me that he never comes to the windows, but felt that he should come and talk to me. I am so grateful he did and will have the opportunity to meet his wife on Wednesday when we are in the chemo lab receiving our treatments.
Saturday, the boys spent the morning at Brooke and Sherms's while Bruce and I went to the temple. Thanks! We had a wonderful time together.
Suzette came up and spent the night on Saturday and spent most of Sunday with us. I am so lucky to have been blessed with my sister as my best friend. We had a great time and talked about a chic's weekend to NY!
Another development is that we have had three people call this week who are very interested in buying our lot. Nothing is in writing, but one step closer.
The Lord is mindful of us and He answers our prayers. So, thanks for all of your love, faith, and prayers.
Jeanel

Recent Pics

We have not posted any pics of Jeanel, her hubby and the kids lately. So we did a photo shoot. Jeanel's oldest was not there, but he will add him ASAP!!!! Jeanel's strong, amazing spirit continues to shine through her eyes. We can only wish to have half of her strength. We LOVE You Jeanel!!!!!

Park City

Sorry about the delay in posting. I've been having some computer technical difficulties.
Things continue to move along as we try to come up with a plan of attack. I had my 10th chemo on Wed. and on Thursday I had a CT guided biopsy of the thryoid mass (finally). The slides made from the biopsy aren't very good (there is more connective tissue than tumor cells), but they think the tumor is thyroid cancer not breast cancer. I'm not sure if that is good news, but it is news and does change things. At this point the surgeons are thinking that I should have my thyroid and the mass removed 2-3 weeks after the mastectomy. The verdict is not in and the experts have yet to weigh in, so I will keep you posted.
We had a wonderful weekend as a family in Park City. Bruce had a conference on Thursday and Friday, so we met in on Friday-Sunday. The boys had a great time exploring the hotel, swimming, doing the alpine slide and coaster, and having some family time. Its always nice to get away.
My learning moment this week was when I realized there are only 2 ways of living life- God's way and not God's way. There is no in between. That realization has helped me more fully put everything in the Lord's hands as I fight this fight.
Love this time of year! Enjoy the fresh air!
Jeanel

Surgery Scheduled

Hello everyone! This week was a good one...I had a wonderful surprise this week when I received a digital scrapbook from my classmates in grad school. I got it in the mail and chose not to open it for a few days because I didn't want to get emotional. What a wonderful surprise to see the "glory days" in full color. It was so fun to reminisce. I also had a fun visit with Suzette on Thursday.
I had my 9th chemo on Wednesday. My blood counts continue to look good. I was feeling a little sad, so I was very grateful for the benedryl that they inject before chemo because it knocks me out and by the time I woke up, chemo was almost done and I was feeling better. :) On Friday I had my appointment with the surgeon who will do the mastectomy. It is on the books for the 30 Sept. Although it is a difficult step, I am looking forward to this milestone because it is a sign of progress.
As my journey continues, I am continually reminded of both the tragedies and blessings of life. No matter what our life experience is, the Lord Jesus Christ is our strength, our comfort, and the very focus of our faith.
Have a great week. Thanks for your continued faith and prayers!
Jeanel