Jeanne's Journey

Reflecting

2015-04-27T16:03:00.001-07:00

I know I'm inconsistent with posting my blog updates and for this I apologize. I know my family and friends think about me and pray for me daily. I so appreciate and love you, words cannot express.

Before giving an update on what's happening in my life I wanted to reflect on a very special friend that is in her final journey to the Lords arms. I'm deeply saddened that she will be gone from this earth. She gave me so much support and inspiration. Unfortunately, this disease brought us closer together as she knew exactly what I was going through. I was so inspired by her support and how positive she was but she too allowed me and understood my bad days. I did speak to her a couple of months ago and she seemed very well and upbeat. This is a reminder on how quickly things can change in the mestastic world. I will miss my sweet friend terribly. Her family will need all the love and prayers as they continue in this world without this beautiful soul. May the angels light Lorena's path into the arms of the Lord. You will never be forgotten my sweet friend.

So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since, then, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, therefore I spoke,” we too believe and therefore speak, knowing that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and place us with you in his presence. Everything indeed is for you, so that the grace bestowed in abundance on more and more people may cause the thanksgiving to overflow for the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 4:12-15

My medical update! Since my last entry a lot has happened! I did post on Facebook a video after I was released from the hospital in November of last year. Well since then fortunately not a lot has happened to me medically. I've been on a new chemo medicine since November of last year when I was released from the hospital. The medicine is called Xeloda and I take 3 pills, twice a day. I've been responding pretty well since my last scan in January of this year and my labs from last month. I will probably have another scan next month. I feel pretty good just a lot fatigue.

Personally, I took a little trip to New Orleans in February of this year. It wasn't a trip to see all the sights but just to visit with my friends. It was so nice and amazing to see everyone. My friends are so special it's like time hasn't passed by. We were there during Mardi Gras so we were able to see some parades which was awesome. My friend Susan from Florida traveled to meet us and stayed a few days with us. My sister, Tina and her husband also stay a few days with us. I wasn't able to see everyone but maybe I will travel there again sometime.

My next planned trip is to Las Vegas in October to see Donny & Marie! Some of my friends are going too and I can't wait, it's going to be a blast!!! I know D&M is not for everyone but I so appreciate them coming to celebrate! We have 16 confirmed so far meeting us in Las Vegas. Let me know if your interested and I can send you the details of the trip.

Until next time may you have joy and love in your life always!

Love and God Bless You!
Jeanne

Pinktober-Educate

2014-10-05T12:01:00.002-07:00

This month is as you guessed it......it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month! We have a whole month to celebrate, honor, remember, support, encourage and educate!

I've already had some uplifting sentiments said to me. I want to say thank you for your thoughtfulness, patience, love and support. I can't imagine going through this journey without you. Seriously, I know many women who have families and friend who are not supportive or loving. It just breaks my heart.

If you are on facebook you probably notice I am posting a lot of information about Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC). We in a challenging position as we are trying to educate a wide audience about Metastatic Breast Cancer. Earlier this week.... we accomplished a lot! The TODAY show is shining the light on breast cancer, our little community on FB actually did get the TODAY show to include MBC. Here is the back story : TODAY Show back story link

UPDATE on my health: My radiation oncologist re-examined my scans and spoke to a few of her colleagues about my case and recommended that I qualify for cyber knife radiation. It's relatively new in the past 5 years. There 2 really good benefits to this procedure :

1) I would only need 1 treatment! 2) the procedure could actually shrink my tumor!

The treatment is so exact by milliliters they usually get pretty good results. I asked what type of criteria made me qualify. She said they were only treating one area and that the area was not scattered everywhere. The edge of the tumor were identifiable enough to treat. The side effects would be the same, fatigue, inflammation to the site. The main risks were the same as all the others: some damage to the nerves and I could end up paralyzed. 🙀 blah blah blah.

Folks to tell you the truth I pretty much made up my mind to go ahead with the previous plan, I told her she had me at 1 treatment😆 haha

Guess what? I already had my treatment, Tuesday, September 23! I did have a couple of really bad days. But I think the worst is over. Yeah! Sorry, I didn't say anything sooner it just went so quick I really didn't have time to do much. I don't want to be premature in saying anything, but I think this treatment did a really good job of reducing my pain. Praise God. There is actually a 6-month recovery period. But it's mostly fatigue and I have to be careful not to lift or doing anything that would hurt my spine. But so far so good! I'm very pleased!

Next stop more scans, labs, tests and then I will be starting the next clinical trial drug on October 13.

Speaking of October 13....please spread the word! October 13 National Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

Pause-Play

2014-09-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since my last update! I'm sure you thought I gave up on my blog. I really did want to update it so many times but, I didn't have the energy and when I did I was doing other things. Also, I found I couldn't concentrate to fill-out simple paperwork.

It's like someone pressed the "pause" button and today I pressed the "play" button! ;)

That clinical trial drug really kicked my butt!!! It was suppose to be minimal side effects but that just wasn't the truth for me anyway. I went on full time disability a week (December 2013) after I started taking this new drug. For 3 months I was basically home bound most of the time. When I look back it was brutal. The good part it was working really well so they allowed me to reduced the dose till I felt I could tolerate it and get good results in my scans. BYL719+Letrozole worked really well for 8 months.

My last scans looked stable, but my pain has been increasing. The scans look good just starting to light up more in the place where the pain is increasing. My doctor is recommending. radiation (ugh) and another clinical trial.

Yep... another clinical trial! See that's the name of the game in Metstatic Breast Cancer.

Treat...(2-3months) Scan....repeat!

So my health update is everything stable so far and the 2 spots on my lungs have been reduced from 2.5 CM to 6-9mm. In my last scan one spot on my lung didn't even register on the scan. It's still there, it's just too small to be noticed with all the other normal nodules on my lungs. So that is good! The name of the game is keep this cancer away from my organs.

My upcoming treatment is I have 5 radiation treatments every other day in San Francisco! Anyone up for a trip? Haha after a one week break I start the new clinical trial drug. I will post about it in my next blog update. I promise to update soon!

Personally, I'm doing well and feel blessed. Jack has been wonderful and I really don't know what I would do without him. Spiritually, this by far this has been a test of faith on so many different levels.

I know this post seems very clinical, so I promise the next posts will have more life events.

Before I go, just want to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Hugs!
Jeanne O.

Merry Christmas - 2013!

2013-12-23T15:01:00.002-08:00

I can't believe Christmas is almost here! When I checked back on my list I made earlier this month I see I wasn't able to do all my things on my list. Let's see... I did finish my shopping on time, however my wrapping isn't done. I didn't go caroling , however, I did go to a Christmas party where we sang some caroling songs. Jack and I saw some wonderful Christmas lights while we are in San Francisco last week. So all in all I don't think I did too bad. How about you did you get all that you wanted to get done this Christmas season? I really love this time of year so full of hope and love!

Some of you are already aware that I did get accepted to the clinical trial at UCSF. Praise God! My first day was Wednesday (12/18) of last week. Let me reiterate and say that I'm in this clinical trial not because I don't have other options, it's because my cancer is slow-growing and my doctor thought that I would benefit from this clinical trial. If this clinical trial doesn't work I do have other options drugs.

I may get kinda clinical in my explanation but it's only for other ladies who may have the same diagnoses. I hope you never have to understand or know these terms. This trial is for metastatic breast cancer patients who are ER+PR+HER- It's called the Study of LEE011, BYL719 and Letrozole (Femora) in Advanced ER+ Breast Cancer. It's in Phase II in the study they are determining dosing and side effects. This is an international study being done in the USA, Australia, France, Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, and Spain. Only 300 patients total in this current phase spread out in these countries. I'm not sure of the final count at UCSF but I think it's 3 now. Because they are testing 3 different combinations I think currently I'm the only one at UCSF on BYL719 & Letrozole. In about 2-3 months they will be accepting more people in this trial.

The reason this clinical trial is so important is because there are minimal side effects and the drug's longevity (24 months). This drug is supposed to stop tumor growth and may reduce it. Here the link should anyone want read the details; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT01872260

I feel very blessed and honored that I was selected in this study. This is huge step in cancer research. I'm doing this for the future of my family and friends. I also donated my biopsy tissue to cancer research. They will study will test my cancer tissue and find out what drugs my cancer is and isn't resistant to. Isn't that fascinating?

In the past couple of days I have been adjusting to this new drug and also had to go off the fentanyl pain patch. Been feeling nauseous and fatigue but that seems to be going away. Jack too was sick with flu, but he seems to be feeling better too! Thank God!

I pray you all have a very Merry Christmas filled with joy and laughter!

Let it Snow!

2013-12-05T21:02:00.001-08:00

Hey there!

My sister Roseline and I are going to UCSF tomorrow. I'm having an MRI and some lab work done; getting ready for the clinical trial. I have to all these scans and tests done in a 3-week period in order qualify for the trial. I think I will know by early next week if I will be accepted.

So I'm asking you my friends to pray for me that MRI comes back with no significant change or I'll take a miracle too! Thank you God for already answering my prayer! I also appreciate you my friends for your love and encouragement!

Hope you have a great week! Try to stay warm!

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Hugs and blessings!
JO xoxo

No place like home for the Holidays!

2013-12-01T21:14:00.001-08:00

Hi there my friends and family! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I know I did! Spent it with my sister Roseline and her husband! Missed my other sister, Tina though. She spent it with her in-laws family. We all had a nice time with family and PLENTY to eat!

I have to say I'm really glad November is behind me. Got those expanders out and the drain! Yeah!!!!! Looking forward to the Holidays! There are some things I want to do during this advent season. I know I have limitations and I'm afraid to commit to something and not be able to follow through. Here are a few things I want to do!

Finish shopping and wrapping by Dec 8 this is something I've never been able to accomplish! I've been know to be wrapping my presents minutes before we open! 😁
At least 3-4 nights drive around looking at lights. If you know some good local places to go please let me know. This is something my husband and I love to during Christmas time.
Go caroling with family and friends. Let's get together and do this for nursing homes, elderly people at home and possibly for some children who are ill? Doesn't that sound like fun? We can get boom box to play the carols so it won't matter if your too shy to sing. A group of friends from Church came by house when I was going through chemo, it was so special. A night I will always remember. Let me know if your interested!
Bake some cookies for my husband!

I know this may seem like an easy list but I just found out I'm going to be very busy in December at UCSF. You see at my last appointment last week I found out it's time to change my medicine. My doctor said since your cancer is slow growing for your next treatment I would like you to try a clinical trial. Even though clinical trials are used mostly for patients at the end of their disease you are certainly not there but your cancer is slow growing so I think you can benefit from this new treatment that is doing very well. We won't have to go through the approve medications now, they can be saved for later. I'll write more about the new treatment in a day or so. Just wanted to let you know I'm going to be very busy getting a lot of test done, etc. at UCSF.

For now I'm trying to live in the moment and enjoy my life! Got my tree up! How about you?

2013 Christmas

Hugs and Blessings!
Jeanne

My New Normal

2013-11-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

Hey there I know I haven't been updating my blog for a while. Actually I was trying to get use to my new normal. Also, I needed to decide if I wanted to continue this journey openly with you, because this journey I'm on is going to be a road riddled highs and lows. For now I've decide to keep this journal only because I'm going to need your prayers and friendship as I'm fighting for my life.

However, I've learned in the past few years that maintaining a friendship with a friend who has an incurable disease maybe hard for some people. I completely understand if that is the case with you.

So here it goes - my health update is:

Still on my original hormone (anastrozole) medicine for over year. The goal is to be on a drug for as long as possible. This current drug I'm on only has an average life of 7 months before it stops working. So the fact that I've been on it for 13 months is very good.
Still getting the Xgeva shot every month to help heal my bones.
Still going to UCSF I have a new doctor as my original doctor left UCSF to be closer to her home.
Getting PET/CT scans and MRI every 3 months to monitor my progress
My progress is pretty much the same. It appears that my spine is trying to heal itself. However, the spots on my lungs have grown a little but nothing that is significant.
My expanders were removed Monday 11/11/2013. I'm currently at home recovering from surgery. I have those blasted drains in right now. Hopefully they will be removed tomorrow.

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Overall, I feel very blessed and gratefully for my family and friends. Looking forward to the Holidays! Love and hugs to all of you!

Jeanne Oast

Ps. Geaux Saints!

Cruising Along

2013-03-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

Praise God my health is stable and my back is still healing! I went to UCSF today and my doctor is very pleased with my progress. My scans are showing that my back is healing and the tumor is inactive. They don't use the term remission they use the term "inactive". I'm just trying to adjust to the side effects of the drug. I have severe arthritis symptoms with this drug. We are making some adjustments so hopefully this will lessen. Because I'm doing so well, she is recommending I come every three months instead of every month. We are trying to find a local doctor here that will give me my shot which helps my bones heal. I'm so thankful to God, I feel beyond blessed!

We finally moved to our little house in the country next to my sister, Rose and her husband. I am so grateful for her and her husband letting us live on their property. Now that we're here I feel so at peace. I still have a lot of boxes to unpack but I think we're going to be very happy here.

In other news, I don't know if you heard but I open my own online jewelry boutique! It's called Jeanne's Jewelry Boutique! I'm very excited about it, below is a link if you want to go check it out! I have over 300 pieces of jewelry and accessories in my shop that I hand-picked from emerging designers. If you have any questions or need any help picking something out for someone special or for yourself please let me know I'll be glad to help!

Click here to go Jeanne's Jewelry Boutique

I've always wanted to have my own business and I never thought I could with my current diagnosis. God is so good! Thank you all for your continued support, love and prayers!

Hugs!
Jeanne Oast

Blessed!

2013-01-24T20:20:00.002-08:00

Blessed, that's how I feel! I got my results back today from my PET scan. The cancer in my bones have lessened and my bones are starting to heal. The nodes on my lungs show no change. The doctor said as long as they don't get bigger will just continue to monitor them. The scan also showed no cancer in my brain however I will still have an MRI to make sure the cancer has not grown on my skullcap. Overall the results are very good and my doctor is very pleased!

Thanks again I am humbled by all your prayers, love and support! God is good all the time!

Hugs and blessings,
Mrs. Jeanne Oast

Upcoming Test

2013-01-20T22:09:00.000-08:00

This week I'm having a PET Scan. I will get my results this Thursday. Hoping and praying for the best! Physically I'm feeling stronger, but I still have a lot of limitations. I will never be the same as I was before, I will have my new normal.

We have set our move date to Saturday, February 9th. We've started sorting and packing already. If you are available to help us move on the 9th, please let me know! Jack has done a fabulous job getting our new place ready for us. Later, I will post some before and after pictures.

We will be renting out our house in Lathrop. If you know anyone interested in renting our house, let me know. It has 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. We don't know what the monthly rent will be, but it will be right around $1700.

Please know I'm praying for all my family and friends!

God is good...All the time!

A Christmas Gift!

2013-01-11T20:39:00.002-08:00

Sorry I haven't updated my blog in a while. I have some good news to share with you!

First, I hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving and Christmas!

Thank you so much for your love, encouragement and prayers. I'm here to tell you they REALLY work!

On Christmas night I was laying in bed praying and thanking God my beautiful family. Also, the gift of my new great niece coming in June 2013! I had a sudden urge to check my email, so I checked my email on phone. My lab results came in from UCSF, my cancer markers are now in the "normal range"!!! What a beautiful gift from God on Christmas day!

I asked my doctor later that week what that meant? She said it's great news and that you are responding very well to treatment. She ordered a PET Scan and a MRI which will give us more information. So those tests are scheduled the end of January 2013. So thanks again my friends and family for your prayers and support!

Happy New Year! I will you let you know later this month the results of the scans.

Hugs and Blessings to you!
Mrs. Jeanne Oast

God you are my rock and my salvation!

Praise the Lord My Soul!

2012-11-11T19:32:00.001-08:00

Just want to let you know I'm doing well and I feel like I'm getting stronger every day. Not only am I getting stronger but I feel so much peace and feel so good mentally. I'm so humbled and grateful for your love and prayers.

My next visit to UCSF is the 11/21 the day before Thanksgiving! Just getting my shot and having some blood drawn for my labs. That's it!

Hope you have a great week!

Jesus, I Trust in You!

Love to you!

Mrs. Jeanne Oast

Take That Cancer!

2012-11-04T18:19:00.000-08:00

POW! Take that cancer! This week I recieved my blood test results and my cancer markers have decreased "significantly" from last month! So happy!

My doctor was pleasantly surprised and didn't expect such a good result so soon. At my last doctor visit, she said don't be surprised if this new medicine doesn't reduce your cancer very much. She really wants to try the next medicine on the list which has better results, but my health insurance won't let her. My doctor called me this week to give me the good news on blood results. She is very happy and so am I. I'm not in the normal range yet, but I'm on my way.

Thanks so much for your prayers! I know this positive outcome is because your prayers! I'm so grateful! May God be the Glory!

Hope you have a fantastic week! God is good...ALL the time!

Hugs and Blessings!
Mrs. Jeanne Oast

Right Turn!

2012-10-25T20:16:00.001-07:00

Left here, no right turn! Yep we (Jack and I) got lost on the way to my appointment in San Francisco. The traffic and weather made it a little challenging too. Luckly we weren't too late.

My doctor was pleased with my progress so far. We are monitoring my gallbladder. My doctor said she wanted me to recover from radiation before I would consider any surgery. I feel good, but not 100% . When she receives my lab results, she said she'd call me and let me know how my cancer markers were progressing. We also discussed how I can stepped down my pain medication. Thank God!

We also went over the side effects of my bone therapy again. My doctor stressed that it was important that I take plenty of Calicium and Vitamin D. I have to say I had a little anxiety about having that injection, I'm not good with needles. After my doctor appointment it was off the Infusion Center for my bone therapy injection.

Small world, I ran into a sweet friend of my mine at the Infusion Center who is going through breast cancer treatment. She was having her last chemo treatment. It was so nice to talk and laugh with her. She looks fantastic! May God continue to heal you my sweet friend. You know who you are "wink"!

When the nurse came to give me my injection in my arm, I gritted my teeth and said go for it! (saying a little prayer to myself). She said I would feel a little bee sting. What?? I didn't feel anything?! Praise God!

Well that's about it folks! Thanks for your love and prayers. Love to you and your family! Hope you enjoy watching the Giants in the World Series!

Hugs and Blessings,
Jeanne Oast

A Year of Faith!

2012-10-12T18:54:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling a little better and my gallbladder has calmed down or at least the pain that is around my gallbladder. My surgeon said if I had my gallbladder out it may not solve my gallbladder pain. Because the pain could be coming from my tumor against my nerve in my back. The nerves in your back wrap around to your front too. I'm not sure if I'm going to have to surgery or not. God is in control.

In the meantime, we have pushed back our moved to the middle of November. I want to thank all the people who said they would help us pack or move, it means so much to both of us! You will be contacted soon about the details regarding the date!

Jack and I are very hopeful about everything and looking forward to our future. We are enjoying our time now too! We are nutri-blasting 2x a day and loving it! We are trying to eat healthy and walking when we can. However, lately I've been craving cheese pizza? LOL Oh well, baby steps!

Isn't it divine how the Catholic Church has called this year October 2012 - November 2013 as the Year of Faith! Now more than ever am we are trusting in God!

Thank you everyone for your love, prayers and support! It brings tears to my eyes knowing how many people are reaching out to us.

Hugs and Blessings to You All!
Mrs. Jeanne Oast

A New Plan!

2012-09-30T20:38:00.003-07:00

God is Good!

Sorry it's taken me a while to post this news, I will explain a little later why I'm so late in posting the good news!! Yes, I said Good News!

As you know I went to UCSF this past Tuesday to meet with my new doctor and hear about my new treatment plan. Well it was better than I expected.

Even though there is no cure for stage 4 breast cancer the treatment is pretty good. She went over the drugs I can take to stop the cancer from growing. There are several different drugs out there and I'm starting at the top. I'm taking a new hormone drug right now. They monitor it through a blood test to see if it's working or not. I also will go on bone therapy to help heal my bones where the cancer has done damage. The bone therapy requires me to go to UCSF once a month for a shot. After reviewing my all my tests she believes the spots on my lungs were already there before I was diagnosised back 2009 and are not cancerous. So I don't have to have any Chemo! YEAH!!!! However, she will monitor those spots. Also, eventually as my bones heal I will be able to work full time. People have lived for 10-15 years taking these drug protocols, which is better than I expected! The side effects are minimal which is great too! So that's it! I go to UCSF take a blood test to monitor my progress and get a shot for the bone therapy.

The reason I haven't been able to enjoy the news is because in the middle of all this my gallbladder flared up during radiation and I've been in some awful pain. I went to the doctor on Friday and she said having surgery so close after radiation is very high risk for such a simple surgery as having my gallbladder removed. I was in so much pain I was willing to take the risk until I found out my surgeon had the flu and I didn't care for the on-call surgeon. So I've been laying low till I can see my surgeon this Thursday. My sister Tina told me about the Nutri-blast (I'm going to sound like an informercial now) and I purchased one. I've been using the Nutri-blast all weekend because I can't eat hardly anything solid. I have to say I'm starting to feel a little better. This is the first time I've been able to sit up in several days for a long period of time without pain.

Thanks so much for all your prayers, love and support! It means so much! I'm very blessed! I can't thank my sisters Tina and Roseline enough for putting up with me! My husband has been a dream too!

Enjoy your day and make it a great day for someone else!

Hugs and Blessings!
Jeanne

"God is Good...All the Time!"

Hopeful!

2012-09-23T09:13:00.002-07:00

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement love and support! I am overwhelmed by your generosity!

Good News! I finally have my appointment scheduled for UCSF Medical Center, Tuesday, September 25th at 3:30 PM (during the hour of mercy). My two sisters, Tina and Roseline, will be attending my appointment with Jack and I. I'm encouraged by the type of care I will receive already!

UCSF has a free service where a Medical Assistant will meet with you a few days before your appointment review your list of questions (we did this already). They make sure the physician has my questions prior to my appointment. They will also attend my appointment record it and give me a DVD when done. UCSF asks that you record your appointment and will provide a recorder if you don't have one. I have close to 20 questions on my list!

Jack and I made a decision to move out of our house in Lathrop and rent it. The house is too big for us and it's better for me not to go up/down the stairs. We will be moving into my sister's mobile home in Manteca. We are very excited about the move! However, moving is stressful as I'm very limited physically. We think we will be moving the end of October. My friend Melissa will be organizing a packing party to help with packing. If you are interested in helping please let me know and I can pass your contact information to her.

Thanks again for your love and support, I really appreciate it and am humbled.

Hugs and blessings!
Jeanne

Jesus I Trust in You!

It's back and so am I!

2012-09-15T10:17:00.004-07:00

October 2010 my last blog entry was so wonderful! Cancer free! Since then so much has happened.

One major event since then was my Mom did go on to eternal rest October 26, 2010. I was graced with the moment to witness her last breath with my sister, Tina.    We have been trying to adjust life without Mom. We miss her dearly.

As you know Jack and I went through a rough time while I was in treatment and I was caring for my mom, we even delayed our wedding. Well as most of you know we did get married this year March 3! Such a beautiful day! We are very happy!

In August 2012, we were hit was some shocking news! My cancer came back! I was having back pain, the doctor told me to have a bone scan. The scan showed the cancer is back in bones (tumor on my spine, skull cap and hip bone). Needless to say we are devastated!   I've also had a CT scan which tell you if cancer is in any of my organs. There seems to be 2 unmeasurable nodules on each of my lungs.
MY TREATMENT PLAN: We are currently seeking options for my treatment plan. They are reviewing my case at UCSF.    There are several treatment with drug protocols that others have used and live 10-15 years. We are very hopeful.

Currently, I'm undergoing radiation treatment to reduce the tumor on my spine, which is suppose to reduce the pain. I'm having a horrible reaction to the side effects, I had to stop 2 treatments shy of finishing.

I have more to share, but this is it for today! I started this blog back up to get my friends updated, help me sort this journey and to ask for your prayers! You know how much I believe in the power of prayer!

Hugs and blessings to you!
Mrs. Jeanne Oast (I like writing that! :)

My Hope is in the Lord!

Time-Out

2010-10-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone. Sorry I haven't blogged for a while - I took a time-out. Thanks to everyone for the notes of support and prayers. I really appreciate it.

What has happened in the last month? Well, I totally de-cancered my house! What does that mean? Well my sofa bed has been out since last November. So I folded it up, put all my get well cards away, put my medicine away and tried to make my house to look as normal as possible.

I also have started radiation. My treatment is daily Monday through Friday for 5 1/2 weeks. Currently, I just finished my 4th week. I only have 1 1/2 weeks left. The treatments don't hurt at all. Just hurts to stretch my arm over my head for 15 minutes since I don't have my full range of motion in my left arm yet. I do get really tired at the end of the day so I usually go to bed around 8pm so I can get plenty of rest. At the end of the 5 1/2 weeks of radiation I'm pretty much done with my cancer treatments. After that I will take a pill called Tomaxifin every day for 5 years. This is like a hormone pill so I think the side effect are minimal.

After my treatments I finish reconstruction which will take awhile because you have to wait several weeks between steps.

In the meantime, I have starting working full-time and taking care of my mom on the weekends. She is doing okay. She is declining and we are not able to take her out anymore. Please pray for her. God is guiding us through this journey.

That's it for now, I will write more later. Hope you have a day filled with love and laughter!

God Bless You!
Jeanne

The dreams I dream for you are deeper than the ones you're clinging to, more precious than the finest thing you knew and truer than the treasures you pursue. Let the olds dreams die like stars that fade from view, then take the cup I offer and drink deeply of the dreams I dream for you. -Avalon-

Unsave the date!

2010-08-30T09:48:00.001-07:00

It is with regret that I must inform you, that Jack and I have decided to postpone our wedding. Due to private circumstances we both do not wish to share at this time. We both appreciate your love, prayers and support. We ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Love to you all!

Jeanne and Jack

"God doesn't give you anything you can't handle, I just wish he didn't trust me so much." - Mother Teresa

Drum Roll Please....

2010-08-14T11:02:00.000-07:00

Okay the exciting news is.... Jack & I set our wedding date! October 28, 2010! Yes, in less than 3 months (biting my finger nails). It is an aggressive date, however I think we've waited long enough (or least I have). We are planning on a small gathering so unfortunately we will not be able to invite all our friends and family. Before my surgery I created a wedding website (from the knot) if you'd like to keep up with the details. I will post the link in the next week or so.

Also, since I'm almost at the end of my cancer treatment journey I will be transforming my blog to the end of my treatment to the start of my new journey with Jack. I'm not sure of all the details, but I'm looking forward to something new.

So what's the update on my recovery? Well it's kind of slow, but I'm getting there. I'm not able to drive so that is limiting. I will start radiation treatments next week. I think they will probably be daily for 5-6 weeks, but I'll know for sure after my first appointment. From what I understand the side effects are minimal so that is good. Also, I will have several appointments with my plastic surgeon to fill my expander's with saline that were placed in side of me during my surgery. Looking forward to my new foobs (fake boobs) :)

Thanks for all your love, prayers and support!
Jeanne

Walking the wall....

2010-08-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

That is what my arm exercise is called, "walking the wall". Turned to the side I extend my left arm straight out till my finger tips touch the wall. Then I walk the wall with my finger tips as high as I can before my arm gets tight and them I drop it. I have to do this 50 times per day! This is so I can get my full range of motion back in my arm. I think I have 60% back now. Everyday is improving but it is slow.

I will see on my oncologist tomorrow to discuss next steps, i.e. radiation (blah blah blah).

I do have some exciting news I will be posting later this week, so stay tuned.

I hope you all have a great day!

Hugs and Blessings to you All!
Jeanne

The Pot Finally Boiled!

2010-08-05T09:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the drains finally came out! Praise the Lord!!! I can't tell you how much better I feel.  Now I have some exercises to do for my left arm so I can gain my full range of motion. I finally feel like things are moving forward.   To help my recovery I'm going to start walking more outside. Also, I have to start trying to figure out what clothes I can wear. I have this rare burning skin issue to deal with where I can only wear certain materials on my skin. It's getting better, but still there.

Last night I had two very dear friends, Deb & James, come by last night. They brought some Chinese food last night and we celebrated.  We had a nice visit, I love them so much.

Also, earlier in the week I received some cards and gifts it was so sweet. It really lifted my spirits and kept me going.   Thanks to all you lovely angels for your thoughtfulness may it return to you ten-fold.

Hope you have a wonderful day! God is Good... All the Time!

Hugs to you All!
Jeanne

A Watched Pot Never Boils

2010-08-01T20:51:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be 21 days with these drains! I'm so ready for them to be out. They have to be below a certain level before they remove them. It's like watching a pot boil water. I noticed the levels are coming down some this weekend so hopefully the drains will come out this week. I'm doing okay, but I wish I was feeling better. Or at least further along in my recovery.

I did get out once this week past week for my sister's 30th Wedding Anniversary surprise party. Her kids did a great job with the party. So inspiring, all of them.

Well that's about all for now. Hope you have a great day!
God Bless,
Jeanne

Slow and Steady Wins the Race!

2010-07-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I haven't posted in a while. It's taking some time through this recovery, but I'm getting through it. Slow and steady wins the race right? That's what I keep telling myself. It's day 16 and I still have 2 drains in. I saw the surgeon yesterday and hopefully it won't be too long before they are out (maybe another week.)

I got my pathology results last week from my surgeon. They removed a 2.7 cm tumor from my left breast. They also removed 11 nodes which one had a microscopic cancer. The surgeon is very pleased with the surgery. My official diagnoises is stage II -invasive ductal carcinoma, HER negative. After I heal I will visit the oncologist and then on the radiation.

I have to say this past week my spirits did decline a bit, but that probably has to do more with not being able to regulate my pain. My body has drastically changed in the past months it's hard to mentally catch up with the changes too. I'm feeling hopeful now and ready to move a head.

Okay Jack is calling me to dinner! I think we are having hamburgers! Yum! Thanks for the words of encouragement! Keep them coming! :)

Hugs and Blessings to you ALL!
Jeanne