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

Smiling ear to ear...

Janeen had some special visitors that made her day and then some. Bill and Jadeyn came to visit Friday through Sunday. Though the hospital has restricted those 12 and under from visiting due to the swine flu outbreak, Janeen was able to visit Jadeyn quite often through the adjoining hotel.

It put that Janeen smile on her face- squinted eyes, grinning ear to ear. It was a permanent fixture throughout the weekend.

Working hard and staying strong...

Janeen thankfully experienced no awful side affects such as nausea with the 3 days of chemotherapy, just a little fatigue. She is currently undergoing 21 days of physical rehab with PT, OT and speech therapy after which she will be reevaluated and a new course of action will be determined. Options are another round of chemo or they might switch over to radiation.

Physically, Janeen's biggest challenge is her balance and the weakness on her right side. Assistance is needed for her to stand or walk. She also tends to favor her left hand, while being teased that she's just wanting to join the rest of the lefties in the family (ex: John, Jadeyn and Jolee).

This past Saturday Janeen and John went on a special date to a program called WAGS. Where dogs are brought in as therapy for patients. Janeen became quite taken too by a black lab named Zeke, to which she tossed a tennis ball for quite awhile. This did, however, trigger Janeen's desire to want a dog even more!

Janeen is not impatient nor complaining but is working hard, knowing she has a job to do before she can return home to her beautiful girls. Jadeyn and Jolee are doing great but naturally miss their mom and dad.

From now on news will be posted as it is received; however we are now in the long haul with the main focus on therapy, therapy, therapy. Please feel free to leave comments for Janeen, for the messages are shared with her from time to time and mean so much!!

Miracles happen when our will and God's power cooperate.

Day 1

After many meetings all day yesterday, the review board decided that radiation will, in fact, be put on hold for the time being. There was concern that the radiation could deter her physical rehabilitation, which could potentially result in permanent damage. Instead they will immediately begin with 3 days of chemotherapy followed by 21 days of rehab, after which Janeen will be reevaluated as to where they will go from there. Another round of chemo is an option....

Getting Janeen back to where she was physically is just as important as treating the cancer, and this way they will be able to treat both at the same time.

Janeen is a fighter with more strength than any of us could ever imagine. Her determination is unwavering while her courage is truly heaven sent.

Your thoughts and prayers continue to move mountains, so please keep them coming.


I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. Matthew 17:20-21

Full speed ahead!

The review board met this evening and discussed Janeen's treatment further, however more is being reviewed tomorrow before anything is confirmed. Due to the fact that adult medullablastoma is so rare they are covering all the bases.

Janeen will start simulation radiation tomorrow morning. She will be taken to a facility to get everything set up, measurements, markings, etc. before they begin. When discussing the side effects of the radiation, hair loss was brought up on several occasions from numerous doctors. They said if she was going to cut her hair to go ahead and do it because it would affect the measurements and calibrations. After talking it through, Janeen decided to go ahead and shave her head now instead of allowing it to come out in handfuls in the shower or bed (which would be really hard to go through). Janeen even reassured everyone that she's not worried about her hair. God love her! For those of you that don't know, Janeen and Jadeyn are big advocates of Locks of Love.... So much so that Jadeyn has no problem making you feel ashamed for having hair beyond the recommended cut-off length... So they plan to use Janeen's hair as a donation to Locks of Love.

Janeen has been a saint through all of this, nothing short of amazing. She has been lifted by your positive spirits, continued prayer and enlightening encouragement. Janeen and her family feel truly blessed to have you all behind them. Though she misses you all dearly, she is determined to beat her cancer and return home as soon as possible.

Per Janeen and her family's request.......Her new do......




I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Needed by tomorrow!!

We apologize for the last minute notice, however we just became aware of this as well.... The review board at MDAnderson meets tomorrow and has requested any video of Janeen in the past year or two. If you have anything, please comment with your contact information and we will contact you shortly.

Thank you so much! This will be so helpful for the doctors tomorrow!

No stone unturned....

Janeen's team of doctors have been working on her course of action since the day she arrived at MDAnderson. The past week has consisted of reviewing her situation and planning proper steps to take next.

Please understand that this is a process and though it may be frustrating to not know more information, everyone working with Janeen is leaving no stone unturned in determining the treatment plan and schedule that is best for her particular case.

Tomorrow we will update in more detail with further information on her progress and plan of action as it is received.

For those of you that would like to send Janeen any mail her address is:

Sarah Janeen Rheinecker
Room #P808
P O Box 300206
Houston TX 77230

Until then...



In room at MDAnderson






Before she left...

Safe and sound in Houston..

Our apologies for just now updating, however since Thursday Janeen has been in line for a bed/room to open up at MDAnderson.   They were finally called last night and she was  admitted this morning.  Her new facility is an upgrade from her previous location and everyone is anxious to get the ball rolling.  Janeen and her family are currently meeting with her doctor. Treatments will begin very soon. 

We will keep you updated as we receive more information.  

Headed in the right direction....

Tomorrow Janeen will be transported to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas, to begin radiation and further rehab.

A very special doctor was able to contact MD Anderson and within hours’ time Janeen was admitted and under the care of Dr. Charles Conrad, one of the best Neuro-Oncologists in the country.

Janeen remains strong and is holding her head high. She is anxious to arrive so that she can begin treatment and complete her road to recovery successfully and return home as soon she is able. We are told that treatment and rehab could take as long as 7 weeks.

Your thoughts, prayers, emails, comments and messages will continue to lift Janeen’s spirits and provide encouragement, so please keep them coming! We will update you with her temporary address and more information as soon as it becomes available.


It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle...
-Psalm 18:32-34

BOUYA!

Prayers have been answered!! Janeen’s test came by clear!!
The way it has been described by one of her doctor’s would be "BOUYA"!

The results being clear means there are no cancerous cells found in the fluid in the spinal cord or surrounding the brain.

Though this is one step in the right direction Janeen and her family will meet with the Doctor to discuss her plan of further treatment.

Thank you truly does not do it justice to express to each of you how much your prayer and persistent encouragement means to Janeen and her family. With this type of strength behind her, no one can fail!

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. -Isaiah 40:31

The next step.....

“God didn’t promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.”— Author Unknown

The day before yesterday Janeen was told of her diagnosis.  Her tumor is, in fact, malignant…. Brain cancer explained as Medullabastoma. This type of cancer is mainly found in children, except for the special cases found in adults. For all of us it feels like we just got the wind knocked out of us. However, Janeen’s reaction with unspoken words was much different.  Her facial expressions and body language did the talking, as she adjusted her seated position to raised shoulders, conveying a sense of strength. It seemed she was really wanting to say, “What a relief to know!  Now let’s get going, because it’s go time!” 

Tomorrow morning Janeen will be undergoing crucial tests to determine the course of her treatment going forward.  At this time it’s important that we focus our prayer in the next 24 hours for positive test results and clear direction.

Here is one of Janeen’s favorite Bible verses which is comforting and encouraging her each day:   
“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
 
Now, more than ever, Janeen and her family ask for your positive thoughts and powerful prayers. We will keep you updated as more information is received.
 

Janeen wanted to share this...

I showed this to Janeen tonight as I was reminded of it this weekend when I was at a wedding (Thanks Gunter). She said "Put this on my blog" and then "Play it again"

Please continue to keep her in your thoughts and prayers...
Trey

Patient and Peaceful

Janeen is in full swing of Rehab. By her facial expression and very soft but short spoken words it is quite certain she would much rather be at home with her family. However that time will come as soon as she can walk herself out the door on her own.

Cox rehab facility is working with her everyday on a regimented schedule that consists of physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Due to her busy schedule visiting hours have been restricted. During this time it is important for her to focus on a successful recovery.

Your positive thoughts and powerful prayer have allowed Janeen to remain patient and peaceful during her stay, knowing that in time she will be exactly where she wants to be.

Please continue to pray for her patience and endurance during this strenuous recovery process.

The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. -Deut 30:14

One step at a time...

Janeen's list of To Do's may be longer than she would like. Doctors, nurses and loved ones are encouraging her each day to push herself one step further along the road to recovery. Her speech is a bit strained while she continues to work through it each day, and her movement as far as walking is a definite work in progress. Through it all, however, she can still manage a beautiful smile and a good ole belly laugh every so often.

Tomorrow Janeen will probably be moved to Walnut Lawn in preparation for rehab. It is the best kind of "medicine" (aka therapy) to get her walking on her own, and for her to find strength within herself to proceed with her everyday activities.

Every now and then we have been able to update Janeen with your blog comments and Facebook messages. The tears of joy she sheds is sure indication of how much she greatly appreciates each and every one of you.

Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid , for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. -Isaiah 41:10

You are our sunshine.

Each day the light seems to be getting brighter in the life of Janeen Rheinecker. Today she took very short but successful steps and has been indulging in some of her favorite foods. We thought you all might enjoy a few pics of her doing just that! (Thank you Gary!)

Resting Comfortably

We have good news to report! Janeen’s MRI came back clear, which means Dr. Strang got all of the tumor. She continues to improve daily, though she has a long road of recovery ahead of her and she still needs a lot of rest.

As we all know, Janeen has been through a lot these past few days. Though she is making progress and is now out of ICU, the move has worn her out. Though before her surgery Janeen asked many of you to visit her during her hospital stay, it would be in her best interest to give her a chance to rest and recover for a few days so she will be able to return home as soon as possible to be with her girls. Due to the activity she has already experienced this morning and the plans they have for her to begin physical therapy, her family has requested that she not have visitors outside her family for a little while longer.

We truly thank you for your loving support and your constant prayers. We will continue to keep you updated on Janeen's progress.


"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." -Exodus 14:14

The sun is shining!

Her smile is bright, her color is glowing and her spirits are high!! Janeen is improving as expected,and the mood of the room is picking up.

She a ran quick errand today to get an MRI. We are still waiting on the results.

It is truly amazing how much Janeen is loved. Your support and prayer continues to encourage her on the way 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 everyday. 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

Peaceful Recovery

Janeen is feeling all your powerful thoughts and prayers for she has been resting soundly as she recovers.

Though you are all anxious to see her, we greatly appreciate your restraint and leaving her to a quiet, speedy recovery, as the doctors have requested. When she is ready and able to receive visitors I know she looks forward seeing you all and cannot wait for that day to soon come!

We will keep you all updated as we receive more information.

Again thank you so very much for all the outpouring of love and support Janeen and her family have received during this time.

Recovery Update

Though the road to recovery after brain surgery is not always the most pleasant time, Janeen remains stable. While experiencing expected nausea, she is responding in all the ways requested of her.

Dr. Strang has stressed the importance of quiet surroundings and much needed rest during this extremely important time of recovery.

Janeen will most likely remain in ICU throughout the weekend so she is assured as much attention and rest as need be.

We will keep you all updated....

Thank you all so much for all your thoughts and prayers during this time, they have done wonders for her and her family.

RECOVERY

The Dr just informed us the surgery went well!! They are taking all precautionary measures that come with post op brain surgery, though yet again she is in good hands. We will not know the status of the tumor until at least 5 to 7 days, maybe more. As soon as we receive more information we will let you all know.

Please keep the thoughts of Janeen thriving with the persistent power of prayer!!

I know she could not be more appreciative of each and everyone of you.

Update

Dr Ferguson came out of the OR and said everything is going as planned. So far so good!


We will post more information as we recieve it.

Update

Wanted to let everyone know that Janeen's surgery did not begin until about 3:30. The procedure could take as long as 3 to 6 hours.

We will keep you updated as we receive more information.

Update

The procedure is underway, Janeen's surgery began around 1pm and could be as long as 3 to 6 hours. We will keep you updated as we receive more information.

Please keep Janeen in your thoughts and prayers throughout the course of the day.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Keep the Prayers Coming!!

Hello Everyone....

I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart. First and foremost, I want to thank my very special friends and family for your prayers, love and support! Your texts, e-mails, and special notes have meant more to me than you'll ever know. I feel so loved! I truly have such a wonderful group of people surrounding me, and it has lifted me up and carried me through these trying days. Due to the overwhelming support that I have recieved, I'm unable to respond to each one of you. Please understand how grateful I am and know I honestly appreciate all the thoughts, notes and powerful prayers.

I want you all to know how amazing Dr. Strang is. Not only do I feel safe and secure, I also feel very blessed that God brought him into my life. I have all the faith in the world in him and feel so lucky to have such a skilled surgeon performing this procedure. Not to mention the fact that he has sweet hair....what is my obsession with hair lately??? :)

We all know how powerful prayer is! Keep 'em coming!! Please leave a comment-I'll look forward to reading them and hearing from all of you. Also, my dearest friends will keep you updated on my progress and I will be back soon.

Much Love to you All,

Janeen

"If God brings you it, He'll bring you through it"

Some Wisdom from a Wise Soul

I want to share with all of you something that was sent to me from my actual first love, my Dad. I refer to this often for guidance and hope when it comes to living life, in general.

Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio :

To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay check.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful..
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion; today is special.
22. Overprepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.

Announcement Letter

Hello everyone. I'm sorry that I didn't have time to call each and every one of you, it's been a crazy couple of days-especially the last 24 hours.

They found a place on the MRI i had this past week. It is unanimous, I have a brain tumor that has to be removed by surgery this Wed. Though they don't know the specifics about this tumor, they know it could be 1 of about 5 things. Unfortunately, where this tumor is in my brain, there is no chance to biopsy or test it in any way without doing the surgery.

Time is of the essence. I don't have time to go around and find "the best". I believe I already have found him :) i saw 2 neurologists, Dr. Sami Khosyomn at St. Johns and Dr. Rob Strang at Cox. They are both amazing and I feel 1000% confident that either of them would complete the job no question. I went with Dr. Strang not only because many people around me trust him, but because what my gut tells me.

Within a matter of minutes of being diagnosed, my dad had John Ferguson on the phone (he's vacationing in Colorado) and we had a second opinion in the works. I was in the room when Dr Workman read my MRI. Dr. Strang came back to his office just to see me after being in the OR that day. I have a feeling I wouldn't have been able to get into anyone that quick, especially at 5 pm on Friday of Labor Day weekend! Right now, I'm more upset with the fact that I may have to drop my classes this semester and I haven't had my hair done and it's been 8 weeks! Not that big of problems as it relates to life, but that's how confident I am that I will be back to normal in no time, quickly scheduling a girls dinner.

I am going to need a lot over the next month (at least). However, all I'm asking from you all is to keep me in your hearts, minds, and prayers during this very difficult time. More than anything, please remember how precious life is and it's supposed to be fun.

A couple of quotes I love:

“My WORRY shows my lack of FAITH in God. If I really give it to HIM, then I don’t have to worry!!”

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." -Jeremiah 29:11-13