It's finally me!!

Hi everybody. It's finally me!! A lot has happened since the January 20th posting, and I'm sorry that I haven't been able to get this updated until now. I don't know if anybody is even still following...but in case you are.... :)



After I finished my proton radiation, I stayed in Houston until I had my 30-days post-radiation MRI...which came back clear!! Cancer free now!



We came back to Springfield and, after a nice 30th-birthday party given by my Dad and Julie, I spent the month of March in-patient at the Rehab Institute of Chicago. It was a great place (one of the top-rated in the country) and they really know what they're doing. I think it was a good continuation and progression of the therapy I started in Houston.



Upon my discharge I came home. And I was REALLY glad to be home! A little different to be in the condition I am in, but as they say in therapy, "a new normal." We got a puppy, a great yellow lab and her name is Louise (her sister's name is Thelma!...she lives with John's brother Jeff). She is GREAT! Jadeyn and Jolee are great and busy with summer activities of tennis, golf, swim team and gymnastics. John is doing a great job of taking care of me and running our home, with "never a dull moment" getting us to all the different places at the right times!



I started therapy at Ozark Neuro Rehab Center. I go 3-4 hours a day, 5 days a week. I'm also going to pool therapy 2-3 times a week at St John's. I'm working hard every single day and, after evaluations every couple of weeks, they say I "haven't hit a plateau yet" so that's good. Working hard on my core strength, balance, and fine motor skills.



We returned to Houston for follow-up MRIs in April and they came back clear! For now, they want me to have MRIs every two months. So for the one in June, they said I could have it here in Springfield and send the results to Dr Tremont at MDAnderson in Houston (which is a lot more convenient!). It came back clear too!



I feel the power of prayer and love is what has kept me going, and I'm so thankful for all my family and friends. I will try to keep this blog updated, now that I can actually do it myself with just a little help. Again, my love and thanks to all my friends and family, near and far, for your love and concern!



From Matthew 6:

25 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life...

27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.



And...From 1 Peter 5:

7 Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you.



Love,

Janeen

PS My hair is starting to grow back!!

GONG!!!

Janeen has successfully completed her 6 weeks of PROTON radiation!! She rang it in with a loud ring of the gong! John and her parents were there to witness the success while staff members embraced her with many hugs and congratulations.

She will remain in Houston continuing her PT/OT/ST at TIRR while awaiting her 30-day post radiation follow up MRI. Janeen and her family are evaluating all rehab hospitals to determine where Janeen will go next to continue on her road to recovery.

More information will be posted as it received. Please continue to keep Janeen in your thoughts and prayers. She is truly grateful for the out pouring of support she has received. Hopefully soon Janeen will be making a blog post herself…

On a mission....

Janeen and John were able to make a short but sweet visit back home to celebrate the holiday with family and a few friends. It meant so much to them to spend time with their girls on Christmas. Janeen was also able to meet and hold her dear friend’s Alice baby boy Charlie. It was obvious how quickly that warmed her heart.

When they arrived in Houston on the 27^th they immediately started back with radiation. She will complete the treatments mid- January. However her next mission will begin shortly after. Further rehab is the up most important thing for Janeen. She is ready to do whatever she has to do to get back to functioning on her own. Difficulties still exist in her speech, balance and ability to walk.

Janeen has come to the realization that this is a mission she will take head on no matter what is required. She is ready to fight hard so she can return home fully recovered, surrounded by her girls with nursing school on the horizon. She is determined to win, however long she will have to fight to get there.

Please keep Janeen in your thoughts and prayers for her journey continues.

“Sometimes we must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the life that is waiting for us.” -Joseph Campbell

Randy Rogers & Radiation

Janeen and John made the most of their Thanksgiving and cooked up a feast for the two of them to enjoy. Though it wasn’t the ideal situation they enjoyed one another’s company and the food they indulged in.

For their anniversary on Friday, November 27^th, John and Janeen celebrated by attending one of their favorites—a Randy Rogers concert! They had good seats and John said it was one of the best concerts he had ever seen. The drummer’s girlfriend just happened to be sitting by them during the concert and took interest in their obvious liking to the band. After the concert she took them back to meet the drummer and gave them a free t-shirts. It was definitely a well deserved night to remember for both John and Janeen.

Janeen’s radiation has begun, and she has now successfully completed 3 rounds of the 30 treatments for Proton Radiation at MD Anderson Proton Outpatient facility. She has to be sedated before each hour long treatment, and as expected, Janeen has experienced much fatigue after each round. However, she has no other side effects thus far. Therapy is mixed in throughout the day as well.

For now John and Janeen’s days speed by, wrapping up each evening with a nice home cooked meal prepared by John. Janeen’s daily schedule doesn’t allow her to be the night owl she is known to be, as her bedtime now naturally calls for her around 8pm.

This weekend Janeen and John have much to look forward too. Jadeyn, Jolee, Bill, Julie, Trey, and Tara (Trey’s girlfriend) are coming to visit until Sunday. Of course Janeen is counting down the days!!!

Please continue to post comments to Janeen, for John reads them to her each time they are received. Your thoughts and prayers continue to move mountains during this process. Janeen and her family could not be more appreciative of all the love and support she has received.

Change of scenery...

Janeen has successfully completed her second round of chemotherapy! Because of that the doctors have discharged her from MD Anderson as an inpatient, but she will continue as an outpatient for her proton radiation therapy, which is scheduled to begin Nov. 30th and last 6 weeks.

At the beginning of next week Janeen will have her initial evaluation at TIRR Memorial Herman. Her physical, occupational, and speech therapy will begin shortly after the evaluation.

John and Janeen have moved into a fully furnished apartment 2 miles from the hospital, making the commute a short ride over. They are happy to be out of constant florescent lighting and into an apartment that gives them more peace and quiet.

Janeen's smile remains wide and her spirit is high, as she has her eye on the prize.

Please make note of her new address:
Janeen Rheinecker
8181 Fannin Street
Apt. #1913
Houston, TX. 77054-2985

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she begins her next step to recovery.


Have no fear for what tomorrow may bring. The same loving God who cares for you today will take care of you tomorrow and every day. God will either shield you from suffering or give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. - St. Francis de Sales

Address

Feel free to continue to send well wishes to Janeen through blog comments or cards/letters. However please note that her room number has changed to the following address:

Sarah Janeen Rheinecker
Room P825
P.O. BOX 300206
Houston, TX. 77230

The comments and letters are read to her as they are received and they without a doubt bring a smile to her face.

Thank you for the outpouring of love and support!!!

Strides

It has been decided that Janeen will undergo another round of chemotherapy. She handled the first like a champ, so we are very hopeful this round will go the same way. Like before, she will again do rehab for 21 days after the chemo treatments. Then radiation is planned which will continue for 6 weeks.

During the daytime Janeen’s focus has been on her balance and hand-eye coordination, working on everyday things we all take for granted. She is making great strides and is now able to dress herself on her own.

Please be reassured, prayers are being answered!! Janeen had a follow up MRI which was cancer free!

Her spirits are consistently high. Though she misses everyone so much, she just wants to do what she has to do so she can return home healthy and happy and be surrounded by her family and friends.

Janeen has been looking forward to this weekend for some time. Not only is Jadeyn back to visit but Jolee is able to come as well. Donna and Barb made the trip with these prized possessions. Janeen could not feel anymore fulfilled than she is now, having her girls in her sight.

Please continue to pray for Janeen and her family. Though there is a light at the end of the tunnel, patience in the process is key.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9