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