WOW! What a year it's been! Can you believe that a year ago, Patrick was born?! We can't. He is such a precious baby that has brought our family so much joy. Patrick is an amazing gift from God. We are so blessed to have him in our family.
Patrick is the coolest, laid-back, happy baby! He has quite a funny personality. At bedtime/naptime, just when we think he is asleep in our arms - or pretty close to being asleep - and is transferred into his crib, Patrick almost always rolls over, sits up, then stands up and tosses his head back with a belly-laugh. We melt. How can you not laugh when he does that? Just this week, Patrick has begun walking. He takes a few steps, then sits down. He is so proud of himself.
Patrick babbles "Momma" and "Dadda" and something that sounds a lot like "Georgia." He LOVES his sister. As soon as Patrick climbs the stairs, he beelines into his sister's room to play with her American Girl Dolls and other toys left on the floor. I think he's actually looking for Georgia - even though she's at school or elsewhere. When he's not playing in his sister's room, Patrick is playing with his trucks and cars in his room. He LOVES all things with wheels ... including Georgia's American Girl Doll wheelchair. He just spins the wheels and seems to never get bored by them. I caught him the other day checking out a friend's wheels on their SUV parked in our driveway! Patrick even like the wheels on his pack-n-play! Who knows what all this means.
Tomorrow is Breast Cancer Awareness Day at Georgia's school. In addition to her pink uniform shirt with gray uniform jumper, she plans to wear her pink Chuck Taylor's, our Patrick's Platoon tshirt worn as a cape, my oversized Avon Walk pink ribbon around her neck that states "Every Three Minutes a Woman is Diagnosed with Breast Cancer," my pink camoflauge breast cancer hat, and maybe more. Georgia is so mature when it comes to talking about my breast cancer. She has been amazingly strong throughout this whole journey and I am so proud of her!
I'm doing well - just tired from being the mom of an active baby/toddler who sometimes doesn't sleep all night. I love it though. Patrick's first year has gone by so fast ... I try to savor every moment. My next follow-up appointment with my oncologist is November 9. I expect (hope) that all continues to look good. I sure do feel good.
Happy birthday to my dear son.
Love to all!
Jana
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Early summer musings
Just back from a quick trip to Georgia for a celebration of my Great Aunt Margaret's life. I'm so glad that I could be there with my children. I loved being able to introduce Patrick to my extended family. Had a great time at Uncle Les and Brian's for a birthday party for Julie (1), Oliver (4) and Georgia (9). Thanks guys for going all out with the balloons, gourmet cupcakes and slip & slide!
Today, my new friend Sara is beginning chemo. She is about 27 weeks pregnant. Please keep her in your prayers. You can read her blog at supportingsara.blogspot.com.
My Georgia turns 9 tomorrow! Hard to believe. She just began three weeks of day camp at Game On! Sports Camp for Girls held at Lake Forest College. We are preparing to send her to my former camp - Keystone in Brevard, NC for two weeks in July. My baby is growing up!
Patrick has two teeth and is teething the top two. He developed croup yesterday after battling a bug while down south. I'm trying to catch up from the Avon Walk, etc. So excited to go to Waussakee, WI this weekend for a couples retreat with my book club.
Happy summer!
Jana
Today, my new friend Sara is beginning chemo. She is about 27 weeks pregnant. Please keep her in your prayers. You can read her blog at supportingsara.blogspot.com.
My Georgia turns 9 tomorrow! Hard to believe. She just began three weeks of day camp at Game On! Sports Camp for Girls held at Lake Forest College. We are preparing to send her to my former camp - Keystone in Brevard, NC for two weeks in July. My baby is growing up!
Patrick has two teeth and is teething the top two. He developed croup yesterday after battling a bug while down south. I'm trying to catch up from the Avon Walk, etc. So excited to go to Waussakee, WI this weekend for a couples retreat with my book club.
Happy summer!
Jana
Monday, June 7, 2010
We did it!
We did it!! Friday night we all got together at the beautiful family home of Karen Uihlein. (Thank you Karen!) Lots of family and friends came together for this special event. We had a little welcome ceremony with champagne toast to introduce the out-of-towners to my local friends. I handed out gift bags to each of us loaded with all things pink including our team t-shirt, pink camo with our team name "Patrick's Platoon" across the back. Then it was early to bed for a good night sleep. We woke up at 4:30 a.m., grabbed a muffin and some fruit and loaded into the van (with Larry, our awesome driver). We got to Soldier field at 6 a.m. for the welcome ceremony and we were off and walking by 7 a.m.!
Some of the girls were faster than others, so we broke up into several smaller groups. The scenery was beautiful and the weather was lovely until around 10:00 a.m. as clouds rolled in and the drizzle turned into a steady rain. Luckily, my sister Rebecca handed out rain ponchos to each of us. By the time we got to lunch at mile 10 we were pretty wet, but the rain tapered off and the skies cleared (we even saw the sun again!) Our van was coming to pick us up around 4 p.m., half of the girls finished the walk by then...26 miles!! (those girls really moved!!) the other half finished close to 17 miles! We all hit the wellness center for some much-needed yoga to stretch and the massage chairs (glad we got there early!) Then in our van and headed back to the house. In the van we discussed all of our various injuries...many blisters, sore legs and hips and overall aches and pains. This was much harder than any of us thought! At the house we all showered and enjoyed much needed massages. The dinner was amazing, but we were all exhausted and headed to bed. The next morning was crazy hard to get motivated, but we rallied and got out the door by 7 a.m. Larry brought us coffee and donuts and even wore pink in honor of our walk. We were bandaged and back at the starting gate by 8 a.m. The day couldn't have been prettier. Sunny skies in the 70's with a slight breeze. 13 miles today, the group staggered a little bit but we all met up at the 10 mile mark for lunch and then it was just 3 miles to go. The cheering fans along the way and all the horn honking really helped to motivate! We crossed the finish lines with our families in tow (such a special moment!) the weather changed again and it began to rain, the families left and we headed to the closing ceremony. I put on a "Survivor" t-shirt and joined the 300 other survivors for this moving end to an incredible weekend.
Thank you to my dear teammates for walking with and for me and raising nearly $33,000 for the Avon Foundation to support breast cancer programs.
Some of the girls were faster than others, so we broke up into several smaller groups. The scenery was beautiful and the weather was lovely until around 10:00 a.m. as clouds rolled in and the drizzle turned into a steady rain. Luckily, my sister Rebecca handed out rain ponchos to each of us. By the time we got to lunch at mile 10 we were pretty wet, but the rain tapered off and the skies cleared (we even saw the sun again!) Our van was coming to pick us up around 4 p.m., half of the girls finished the walk by then...26 miles!! (those girls really moved!!) the other half finished close to 17 miles! We all hit the wellness center for some much-needed yoga to stretch and the massage chairs (glad we got there early!) Then in our van and headed back to the house. In the van we discussed all of our various injuries...many blisters, sore legs and hips and overall aches and pains. This was much harder than any of us thought! At the house we all showered and enjoyed much needed massages. The dinner was amazing, but we were all exhausted and headed to bed. The next morning was crazy hard to get motivated, but we rallied and got out the door by 7 a.m. Larry brought us coffee and donuts and even wore pink in honor of our walk. We were bandaged and back at the starting gate by 8 a.m. The day couldn't have been prettier. Sunny skies in the 70's with a slight breeze. 13 miles today, the group staggered a little bit but we all met up at the 10 mile mark for lunch and then it was just 3 miles to go. The cheering fans along the way and all the horn honking really helped to motivate! We crossed the finish lines with our families in tow (such a special moment!) the weather changed again and it began to rain, the families left and we headed to the closing ceremony. I put on a "Survivor" t-shirt and joined the 300 other survivors for this moving end to an incredible weekend.
Thank you to my dear teammates for walking with and for me and raising nearly $33,000 for the Avon Foundation to support breast cancer programs.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Patrick's Platoon!
We are one day away from the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! When I signed up for this in January, it felt like it was years away!! But it's HERE! My team of 14 is gearing up. We have are practically giddy with excitement! We are decked in pink, have pink nails, pink flip flops, cute pink camo t-shirts that say "Fight Cancer" and "Patrick's Platoon," pink camo bandaids and on and on.
Tonight and tomorrow night, we will all stay together in our friend's large guest house. At 5 a.m. tomorrow, we will be picked up by a van to take us to Chicago to begin the 26 mile walk. Opening ceremonies will be at Soldier Field and we will end in Warren Park at a special Wellness Village. Our driver will take us back to Lake Forest where we will be met by 3 massage therapists and dinner. Early to bed to begin again on Sunday at 8 a.m. for 13.3 miles back to Soldier Field. Our spouses and children will meet us at Buckingham Fountain and some of the kids will walk this final mile with us. My children - Georgia and Patrick will cross the finish line with me! I am so excited to actually cross this finish line and put my whole breast cancer experience officially behind me!
Thanks for all your support, prayers and love!
xxoo
Jana
Tonight and tomorrow night, we will all stay together in our friend's large guest house. At 5 a.m. tomorrow, we will be picked up by a van to take us to Chicago to begin the 26 mile walk. Opening ceremonies will be at Soldier Field and we will end in Warren Park at a special Wellness Village. Our driver will take us back to Lake Forest where we will be met by 3 massage therapists and dinner. Early to bed to begin again on Sunday at 8 a.m. for 13.3 miles back to Soldier Field. Our spouses and children will meet us at Buckingham Fountain and some of the kids will walk this final mile with us. My children - Georgia and Patrick will cross the finish line with me! I am so excited to actually cross this finish line and put my whole breast cancer experience officially behind me!
Thanks for all your support, prayers and love!
xxoo
Jana
Monday, May 24, 2010
Pray for Sara!
Dear all,
I know I have neglected to update this blog since I finished radiation on March 19. My days are now filled with carrying for baby Patrick instead of daily doctor's appointments. I've done a little traveling - to Georgia for 18 days for Spring Break; to New Orleans for a long weekend to celebrate Maureen's 40th birthday; and Indianapolis to chaperone 50 third graders for a two-day school trip. I'm training and preparing my team of 14 dear friends and family for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Chicago on June 5-6. Patrick now has 2 teeth and Georgia is about to wrap up another school year. P.J. is great and is enjoying having a baby boy to watch the Hawks and Cubs with on tv.
My life was changed forever by breast cancer and I am thankful to have the chance to help another woman in my same situation. Today, my new friend and breast cancer sister, Sara is having a double mastectomy. Sara is also 25 weeks pregnant. Coincidentally, she is also having her surgery at Evanston Hospital and is with the same oncological surgery group, plastic surgeon's group and maternal fetal medicine group that as I was. My heart hurts for Sara and her family. Getting to know her has brought my memories flooding back. I'm reliving my own journey through her as she prepares for chemo, childbirth, more chemo and possibly radiation. I knew I would meet another woman some day in a similar situation; I never thought it would be so soon and she would live so close to me. When you read this, please take a moment to say a prayer and send positive thoughts Sara's way.
I promise not to let so much time go by before I write again. My journey through cancer is nearly over, but I'll be dealing with the aftermath for a long time.
Thank you!
Love,
Jana
I know I have neglected to update this blog since I finished radiation on March 19. My days are now filled with carrying for baby Patrick instead of daily doctor's appointments. I've done a little traveling - to Georgia for 18 days for Spring Break; to New Orleans for a long weekend to celebrate Maureen's 40th birthday; and Indianapolis to chaperone 50 third graders for a two-day school trip. I'm training and preparing my team of 14 dear friends and family for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Chicago on June 5-6. Patrick now has 2 teeth and Georgia is about to wrap up another school year. P.J. is great and is enjoying having a baby boy to watch the Hawks and Cubs with on tv.
My life was changed forever by breast cancer and I am thankful to have the chance to help another woman in my same situation. Today, my new friend and breast cancer sister, Sara is having a double mastectomy. Sara is also 25 weeks pregnant. Coincidentally, she is also having her surgery at Evanston Hospital and is with the same oncological surgery group, plastic surgeon's group and maternal fetal medicine group that as I was. My heart hurts for Sara and her family. Getting to know her has brought my memories flooding back. I'm reliving my own journey through her as she prepares for chemo, childbirth, more chemo and possibly radiation. I knew I would meet another woman some day in a similar situation; I never thought it would be so soon and she would live so close to me. When you read this, please take a moment to say a prayer and send positive thoughts Sara's way.
I promise not to let so much time go by before I write again. My journey through cancer is nearly over, but I'll be dealing with the aftermath for a long time.
Thank you!
Love,
Jana
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Five more radiations!
The finish line is in site! Only five more days of radiation for me! Then I am FINISHED!!!! What a relief! The next day begins Georgia's spring break - so we are headed down south. It will feel good to have all this behind me and just spend time with my family!
I have to share this sweet photo of precious baby Patrick. He is one funny dude and such a good baby. We all adore him. Our family has never felt more complete!
Hard to believe Patrick will be five months old in a few days. What joy he brings to our household every day! We are so blessed!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
xxoo
Jana
Monday, March 8, 2010
Eyelash-less
Hey there. I'm doing fine. Radiation is going quickly. I have completed 19 of 28 treatments. My body continues to change as a result of all the cancer treatments. Over the past week, I have lost almost all my eyelashes and eyebrows. My doctors say that it is due to my whacked-out hormones combined with chemo still in my system and something about how the hair growth cycle works. A little of my hair on my head is shedding. Meanwhile, I still have to shave my legs! The expected burn from radiation has just appeared on my chest. It's going to get worse before it gets better. Fortunately, the feeling in my toes is almost completely back after being numb since early December. There's always something happening with my body.
Over this past weekend I had a 36-hour bug which left me unable to do anything but sleep. It was just awful; my sinuses ached so did my throat, ears, head, joints. Fortunately for me, P.J. kept the baby and Georgia away while I recouped behind closed doors under the covers. I felt so terrible that I couldn't even watch tv or read. Today, I am better. Glad it was nothing serious. It feels great to feel good again.
Between all this craziness, I am attempting to train for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I haven't been to the Fitness Center as much as I had in the previous weeks, but have walked outside three times in the past week. I've organized a team of 13 walkers (so far) called 'Patrick's Platoon.' It's comprised of family and dear friends with some flying in from Atlanta and Washington, D.C. to walk with me. Please consider making a donation to support us at http://www/avonwalk.org/goto/janasjourney. If this link doesn't work, please look up www.avonwalk.org and locate the donate tab and type in my name. I will put up the link for our 'Patrick's Platoon' web page once I personalize it.
Patrick continues to bring us so much joy! Georgia was born to be a big sister. She is a natural. She does make us laugh when she dresses Patrick in her Build-a-Bear gold dress and plays Alvin and the Chipmunks version of Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' for him to "dance" to. He just goes along with it. They are cute together.
Thanks for keeping me and my family in your thoughts and prayers. I'm almost there!
Love,
Jana
Over this past weekend I had a 36-hour bug which left me unable to do anything but sleep. It was just awful; my sinuses ached so did my throat, ears, head, joints. Fortunately for me, P.J. kept the baby and Georgia away while I recouped behind closed doors under the covers. I felt so terrible that I couldn't even watch tv or read. Today, I am better. Glad it was nothing serious. It feels great to feel good again.
Between all this craziness, I am attempting to train for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I haven't been to the Fitness Center as much as I had in the previous weeks, but have walked outside three times in the past week. I've organized a team of 13 walkers (so far) called 'Patrick's Platoon.' It's comprised of family and dear friends with some flying in from Atlanta and Washington, D.C. to walk with me. Please consider making a donation to support us at http://www/avonwalk.org/goto/janasjourney. If this link doesn't work, please look up www.avonwalk.org and locate the donate tab and type in my name. I will put up the link for our 'Patrick's Platoon' web page once I personalize it.
Patrick continues to bring us so much joy! Georgia was born to be a big sister. She is a natural. She does make us laugh when she dresses Patrick in her Build-a-Bear gold dress and plays Alvin and the Chipmunks version of Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' for him to "dance" to. He just goes along with it. They are cute together.
Thanks for keeping me and my family in your thoughts and prayers. I'm almost there!
Love,
Jana
Saturday, February 20, 2010
One year anniversary of breast cancer diagnosis
Dear all,
Time flies when you are having fun! It's amazing to believe that a year ago today my entire world was turned upside down when I received the diagnosis of breast cancer. What began as a regular mammogram (on 2/6/09) followed by a self-breast exam (on 2/8/09) revealed itself as cancer on 2/20/09. Needless to say, a lot has happened in a year!
Our son is now 4 months old and I have already had 8 treatments of radiation. Four more weeks of daily radiation - Monday - Friday - are left and then I will be done with all my treatments!!! I can't wait! Right now, I take Patrick with me to radiation at the hospital and he waits for me with the receptionist/scheduler "Grandma Jean" until I'm finished. Everyone fawns over him and he loves the attention.
Patrick and I try to go to the Lake Forest Health and Fitness after radiation. It is conveniently located in the same complex as the hospital. Patrick goes to the childcare center while I attempt to train for the Avon Walk. Today Patrick and I participated in a Pre/Post Natal Yoga class where we were the only ones in attendance. I was happy to learn ways I can exericise while spending time with Patrick. What a treat to have a private class!
This week I received the results from my BRACAnalysis. I am overjoyed that showed that I do not have the genetic markers indicating that my cancer is hereditary. This means that it must have been caused by environmental factors. And that my sister and my children do not have an increased chance of getting breast cancer. I also am not at a higher risk for ovarian cancer. This good news is a HUGE relief! Woo-hoo!
Thanks for all your continued support!
Love,
Jana
Time flies when you are having fun! It's amazing to believe that a year ago today my entire world was turned upside down when I received the diagnosis of breast cancer. What began as a regular mammogram (on 2/6/09) followed by a self-breast exam (on 2/8/09) revealed itself as cancer on 2/20/09. Needless to say, a lot has happened in a year!
Our son is now 4 months old and I have already had 8 treatments of radiation. Four more weeks of daily radiation - Monday - Friday - are left and then I will be done with all my treatments!!! I can't wait! Right now, I take Patrick with me to radiation at the hospital and he waits for me with the receptionist/scheduler "Grandma Jean" until I'm finished. Everyone fawns over him and he loves the attention.
Patrick and I try to go to the Lake Forest Health and Fitness after radiation. It is conveniently located in the same complex as the hospital. Patrick goes to the childcare center while I attempt to train for the Avon Walk. Today Patrick and I participated in a Pre/Post Natal Yoga class where we were the only ones in attendance. I was happy to learn ways I can exericise while spending time with Patrick. What a treat to have a private class!
This week I received the results from my BRACAnalysis. I am overjoyed that showed that I do not have the genetic markers indicating that my cancer is hereditary. This means that it must have been caused by environmental factors. And that my sister and my children do not have an increased chance of getting breast cancer. I also am not at a higher risk for ovarian cancer. This good news is a HUGE relief! Woo-hoo!
Thanks for all your continued support!
Love,
Jana
Monday, February 8, 2010
I have tattoos!
Now that I've got your attention - it's true ... I just received my first tattoos! I never imagined I would get a tattoo, not to mention three. They are really small spots or "markers" to be used by the technician to line up the machine for radiation. At the radialogist yesterday, I was given a CT scan and a mold was created to hold my head and shoulders in place while I receive radiation. I will begin radiation on tomorrow and go daily (Monday - Friday) until March 19.
Since I last wrote, I have completed my 12 rounds of chemo (since Patrick has been born). The last day was January 25. It felt so good to be done!
Yesterday was the one year anniversary of me finding the lump in my breast. Hard to believe it's been a year since all this started. To say that a lot has happened is an understatement. I've have a double mastectomy, finished remodeling our house, turned 40, undergone 18 rounds of chemo, countless blood tests, had a baby, had breast reconstruction, begun training for the 39.3 mile Avon Walk and am preparing to begin radiation. What a year!
Got to run. Baby Patrick is crying!
All my love,
Jana
Since I last wrote, I have completed my 12 rounds of chemo (since Patrick has been born). The last day was January 25. It felt so good to be done!
Yesterday was the one year anniversary of me finding the lump in my breast. Hard to believe it's been a year since all this started. To say that a lot has happened is an understatement. I've have a double mastectomy, finished remodeling our house, turned 40, undergone 18 rounds of chemo, countless blood tests, had a baby, had breast reconstruction, begun training for the 39.3 mile Avon Walk and am preparing to begin radiation. What a year!
Got to run. Baby Patrick is crying!
All my love,
Jana
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Christmas Photos
Yes, I know I look like Mrs. Claus. Santa hats are always in fashion when you are losing your hair during the holidays.
Big sister proudly introduces Patrick to Santa.
Big sister proudly introduces Patrick to Santa.
I'm still here!
Please accept my sincere apologies for taking a vacation from blogging since the baby has been born. Patrick is nearly 3 months old now (on the 19th) and is doing very well. He is a pleasant baby who smiles and laughs a lot. Patrick is sleeps throughout the night and is beginning to get on a schedule. We are thrilled to have such a good baby!
I am pleased to report that I have completed 10 rounds of chemo since Patrick's birth. I have two rounds left and will finish on January 25. Afterward, I will take a 3-week break before beginning 5 1/2 weeks of daily radiation (Monday - Friday) at Lake Forest Hospital. It's surreal to be so close to the finish line!
Speaking of finish lines, I have just decided to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer here in Chicago on June 5-6. It's nearly a 40-mile walk (39.3 miles actually). Some of my friends and family will be walking with me ... we have a team of 13 so far. I welcome anyone else to join and/or sponsor us!
Again, I'm sorry about my lack of blogging. Caring for a newborn while undergoing chemo is exhausting! I'll catch up more when I can.
xxoo
Jana
I am pleased to report that I have completed 10 rounds of chemo since Patrick's birth. I have two rounds left and will finish on January 25. Afterward, I will take a 3-week break before beginning 5 1/2 weeks of daily radiation (Monday - Friday) at Lake Forest Hospital. It's surreal to be so close to the finish line!
Speaking of finish lines, I have just decided to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer here in Chicago on June 5-6. It's nearly a 40-mile walk (39.3 miles actually). Some of my friends and family will be walking with me ... we have a team of 13 so far. I welcome anyone else to join and/or sponsor us!
Again, I'm sorry about my lack of blogging. Caring for a newborn while undergoing chemo is exhausting! I'll catch up more when I can.
xxoo
Jana
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