She's in recovery

I just s/w Dr. Janciek - he felt good about what he was able to accomplish and mentioned he'd like to get her on chemo in the next couple weeks so we can begin to get ahead of the disease and get her back on the road to remission.  He expects she'll be in the hospital until Friday (Jan 2) - more to follow as she recovers.

She's off to the OR

It's 4:27 pm local time and they just took her off to surgery.  Dr. Janicek told us she's his second and LAST patient of the day and he's in NO HURRY to get home tonight - he intends to spend as much time as needed to clean things up.  I'll post an update later tonight after I speak with him.

Round 2 - DING DING!

Hi guys! It's the morning of my surgery and things have gone a lot smoother this time around, I have no doubt that the same will be said about the surgery and recovery. I feel really good and a lot stronger emotionally - thanks for all the prayers and positive energy you're sending my way - don't forget to pray for Dr. Janicek and his staff as well! I'll be at Scottsdale Healthcare - Shea likely until Friday (link to hospital). Jerry will update the blog later today from the hospital - so check for updates!

There's more work to be done....

Family & Friends. Last Thursday we were caught off-guard by the news of some abnormal blood results we received. Angie was scheduled for her six month follow up with Dr. Janicek's nurse (Kelly), but instead we were re-directed to a lab for a PET scan. The procedure went off without a hitch, the difficult part was having to wait a week to meet with the doctor to view the results. In typical Angie style, she put her game face on and just "lived life" during this period of uncertainty. We even attended the holiday party for my work last Saturday, which I was concerned that she may be challenged to "hold it together" as so many people approached her commenting on how good she looked. Without skipping a beat - she was herself and we enjoyed the party. Leading up to today has been a little awkward, this morning it was very difficult for us to focus on anything. Her appointment was scheduled for 1:30, in typical Dr, Janicek fashion he was about an hour and 15 minutes behind - so we didn't get to see him until almost 3. He brought us over to his computer to show us the PET SCAN, a very detailed view inside Angie's body. The test itself involves a "nuclear sugar" that allows the doctor to see cancerous cells as they react to the sugar. There is a lower section of her bowel that stood out as an area of concern. While this was not the news we wanted to hear, the doctor IS encouraged that it's localized to one area - there's no indication of any other areas that are of concern. We asked about the possibility of treating it with chemo, but Dr. Janicek was convinced that the best way to insure ultimate success is to go back in and cut out that section of the bowel. We agreed and Angie is currently scheduled for surgery on December 29 at 2:30 pm local time. I can't say enough about the strength and courage I witnessed first-hand. While there were tears, she was almost more concerned that Dr. Janicek was feeling bad that the first attempt did not do the job. He joked about how he felt like "The Grinch". What Angie and I discussed on our way home was how amazing he really is. There's a quiet confidence about him that even as he was delivering this news that you know he did not want to deliver, we were both in a place where we felt complete trust in his care. She will follow up the surgery with another round of chemo, Dr. Janicek commented that this treatment routine would be different from the last and will be easier on her system...he even mentioned NO HAIR LOSS! At times like these we are reminded just how NOT IN CONTROL we really are and that there's a plan for us all and it's how we choose to deal with these rough times that really defines us. We are truly grateful that we have a Lord and Savior whose birth we get to celebrate this time of year. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and ask for your continued prayers. We're looking forward to 2009!

The results are in.....

Hi Everyone! Well, I have very good news to share with you all. I recently had a Doctor's appointment with Dr. Janicek to go over the results of my PET Scan (a very strange process that I won't go into) that I had a couple of weeks ago. This is the scan that shows if there are any remaining Cancer cells that need to be treated. The results are great! According to Dr. Janicek, everything looks good and there are no areas of concern. WHOO-HOO!! It's hard to describe the absolute elation I felt upon hearing the results. I'm beyond happy...I'm so excited to get on with life. I'm extremely Blessed to have each and everyone of you in my life. I often think and pray for those who are going through something similar without the wonderful support that I've been so blessed with. Thank you all for every single prayer, every kind thought and every ounce of positive energy that you have sent my way during this very difficult time in my life. I have always believed that the Lord answers prayer, it's no longer something I believe..it's something I know! God Bless you all. Love, Angie <><

The ports are gone and I'm moving on.

Hi Everyone. I wanted to give you all an update on my continued healing & recovery progress. Last Tuesday was a very special day, it was the first time since February that I didn't have to go for treatment every 3rd week. I think that day was more celebratory for me then was my last day of treatment only because on my last treatment I knew I still had to go through several days of not feeling well. Just yesterday 7/3, I had minor outpatient surgery to remove both my lower and upper ports which was another huge step in my recovery. The surgery was a breeze and I'm feeling great! Next week we do a PET Scan and have an appointment with Dr. Janicek in 2 weeks to go over the results of the scan. I expect nothing but GREAT NEWS!

The weekend after my last treatment my parents came in from Southern California for a surprise visit, I was so happy to see them! My brother Matt and his daughter Haley came in from Tucson, as did "old faithful", my sister Patty. We had a great time visiting, we especially had fun laughing and watching one another play Nintendo Wii (Jer purchased for me thinking it would aid in my recovery).

The weekend after that a very good friend of ours, Jerry's childhood buddy and best friend since Jr. High, Mike Hamada came into town. Mike lives in Hawaii (Maui) and was in Vegas and made a side trip to see us. We hadn't seen Mike in about 6 years since the last time we vacationed in Maui. Jer and Mike got to spend some quality time together on the golf course, brave soles in 111 degrees! We all had a couple of great dinners together and caught up on all the family stuff. It was an awesome visit!!

I'm looking forward with great anticipation to the return of my hair. With the weather being what it is here in the desert, Ive abandoned my head wear and opted for the "Mrs. Clean" look. I'm always surprised at how uncomfortable it makes some people, however it did offer me the chance to meet a survivor one day while I was having lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. Here's a recent picture of Jer and I with Mike click here

Today we're Grillin' - we purchased some Kobe Beef from AJ's and are going to make some serious burgers. Happy 4th to you all!

I'M DONE WITH CHEMO!!!!!!!!!!

I've been looking forward to this day for over 4 months now and it's finally here. Today has been a very emotional day for me, lots of tears but all tears of joy and gratitude. It felt like my Birthday and Christmas and every other Holiday all combined into one big day of celebration and surprises. My first surprise of the day was a very pretty flower arrangement from our dear friends Chuck and Cheryl. You both have been there for me from day one, and I thank you for all of your support, prayers, encouraging words and love. Love you guys! There was a special E-Card from my sister Beth - loved it and love you! There were also two very special emails from my brother Shawn and my mother-in-law - hugs to you both. The chemo lounge was pretty packed when we arrived, thankfully there were two chairs left that were right next to each other...funny how things just work out like that. There hasn't been a day that Jerry wasn't sitting right by my side during treatment, all 4-5 hours of it. He has been rock solid in his support, love and encouragement and has never waivered for even a moment. I love you Jerry with all of my heart and couldn't have gotten through this without you! Early into my treatment, Jerry looks at me and says, "Cookie Carol" is here. Carol is one of my Tuesday Chemo Girlfriends, and she would always bring in fresh baked cookies for everyone. Her last day of treatment was my second to last (3 weeks ago), she mentioned that she might stop by today to see me, and to my utter surprise there she was! The fact that she took the time to stop by to congratulate and celebrate with me touched me deeply. On top of that she had a grocery bag FULL of fresh backed cookies and brownies, baked from scratch and made with love. Thank you Carol, you are a gem! Shortly after Carol left I got another surprise visitor...my friend Leslie. This visit was a huge surprise to me and completely unexpected. I was still recovering from how overwhelmed I felt by Carol's visit and then to see Leslie standing there I was in total disbelief. It was the first time that we've seen each other since my diagnosis and it was long overdue. We sat and chatted and got each other caught up on life. It was awesome to see you today, Leslie. Thank you for being a kind and caring friend to me, love you girl! Before I knew it, the lounge had cleared out and Jerry and I were the only ones left, but it wasn't long before Kristy, Michelle, and Lynette walked in carrying roses, dessert, flowers, a card and the coolest balloon bouquet that I've ever seen. One was a giant Champaigne bottle and another was a Champaigne flute which said CHEERS, so cute!! These are my girlfriends from the neighborhood and we all live in the same cul-de-sac. These girls rock! We had the best time with them! We talked and laughed, we wore colorful Hawaiian leis, ate cake from Tammie Coe (ooh-la-la), we drank Sparling Cider in Champaigne flutes...we celebrated the day in style and it was a blast! Thank you Kristi, Michelle, and Lynette for being such great loving and supportive friends. The girls from the neighborhood also caught the florist at our door and brought with them a beautiful arrangement of tulips and lillies from my sister Patty. Patty, I know how much you wanted to be there with me today - just know that your always with me! You have been one of my biggest cheerleaders - I love you girl!. We arrived home and Kyle had a bouquet of flowers and a handmade card with a very loving note - THAT's MY BOY! I can't thank the Doctor and his wonderful Staff enough - they are truly THE BEST at what they do. Thank you Vicki, Kelly, Dr. J, Bernie and Shaqilla - you truly were sent from above! And lastly, thank you ALL for contributing to this BLOG and going on this journey with me - you have all been so good to me and I'm truly blessed to know each and every one of you. You have helped me through one of the most difficult times of my life and I'm forever greatful. I LOVE YOU ALL! Click here for a few photos from today