Christmas 12-25-10

My sweet Jodi spent part of Christmas with us. She is so sweet and loving. We are so blessed to have her in our lives.

Surgery again 12-27-10

Poor Jodi had to have surgery again last night, 12-28-10. Her other incision split open and Tom had to rush her to the emergency room. They did the surgery right there in the emergency room and took out her other expander. She is so frusterated and upset. She has endured so much. She is really trying to be strong and positive but it is weighing on her. She got one drain taken out from the surgery last week and a new drain put in. She hates the drains. The medicine they prescribed for her (antibiotics and pain medicine) don't go together and made her throw up so when she spoke to the doctors office she asked that they change the pain medicine rather than the antibiotics because she was worried about the costs to the insurance company. The antibiotics are in the $1000's and she was worried about them. That girl amazes me. Always worried about everyone else.

Surgery on 12-21-10

Tylia and her mommy at the hospital awaiting surgery. She had just got her IV put in and they had to poke her so many times. Her veins kept rolling and they were hurting her. But she still fought to smile. She is my hero.

Jodi and Tylia at the Dickens Festival

I took Jodi and Tylia to the Dickens Festival to see Santa. I got Jodi a new hat and she looks so cute in it. We had to get her a children's hat because the adult hat was too big. Tylia asked Santa to help her mommy with cancer and make her better. We had a great time. I love spending time with my girls. Fern, thank you for sharing your daughter with me. I love her so much.

Another Set Back

Well, We were in the ER with Jodi last night to have the other Expander removed. Same thing as last week, only the other side. Now there are no expanders, and no Chemo treatments. Hopefully there will not be anymore set backs and her incisions can heal. We are praying for her recovery!!! Thanks for your love and support!

Up date on setback

Just a quick message to let everyone know, Jodi had to have another surgery on Tuesday Dec. 21st. One of her incisions came open again and exposed and contaminated the expander. It was removed and the Chemo treatments will be post poned for at least a month. Hopefully that will give her skin a chance to heal. She is amazing!

Jodi' healing progress

Jodi is healing from her second surgery. It has been 12 days. She is not healing as fast, I think for a couple of reasons: #1 She is undergoing Chemo Treatment each week, which slows down the generation of new cell growth. #2 She has had to work enough to keep her insurance, so she is not getting the rest she needs to heal. She has not been able to remove the drains from the surgery yet, which indicated she is not healed enough. She is in pain most of the time, and amazes me with her upbeat attitude. The report came back form the infectionious desease control lab. Everything lookes good, but Jodi shill has to take antibiotics for the next three weeks. Her hair is still growing, she said, "It will probably fall out on week 12". who knows .... but she is assured it will fall out again. It does not seem to be curly at all. Got a new hat!! Cute and not as itchy. Lia told Santa all she wants for Christmas is for her Mom to get better. That was a surprise, I'm sure she still want toys too, but it is good to see her recognize the different gifts that make life more meaningful. We love you Jodi, and are thankful for sharing your MARCH TO VICTORY with us.

Jodi's Surgery Update

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

It seems like I am the only one who ever updates Jodi's progress. Well this last weekend she had a set back with her expanders. The incisions came apart, and she had to go back into surgery on Tuesday,yesterday Nov.23rd, and have them replaced. So she is back to where she was the end of September. Her healing time should be less. Knowing which medications to stay away from really helped to keep her pain under control. She Came out of the hospital Wed. pm, and is doing wonderful. Surgery went great and accomplished what the Dr. wanted. The infectious desease dontrol dr. is culturing the swabs and we will have to wait for about 5 days for results, in the mean time, Jodi is taking 2 oral antibotics, and an IV drip antibiotic. She will skip the Chemo this week, YEA!! Besides it was scheduled to Thanksgiving Day..Yuck! We are grateful for insurance!

Week 3

Week Three in the Chemo treatments, and Jodi's body seems to be handling the poison well so far. Her anxiety at treatment was not as bad this time, she took some anti anxiety medicine that really helped. Her hair had not fallen out again, yet, the nurse says that is very unusual, and assures her it will, in deed, fall out again. Even though it is only about 1/8 inch long, it has been kinda fun to have it. It does make her head itch. The nurse assured her "there will be no Paul Bunion beard". We love you Jodi. Congratulations on passing your second EMT Course!!!

Week 2 done ready for week 3

Jodi has completed her second Chemo treatment. These treatments are just as hard on her emotionally, but not as hard physically. Jodi has not been nauseated, just tired. She is working as much as she can, and spending as much time as she can with Lia. It is hard to get caught up on housework and things, because of the fatigue. It is great to see her being able to do a few more things that she couldn't do months ago. Healing from the surgery is going well, although it has slowed since the chemo has started again. Her hair is fuzzy and eyebrows are grown back a little. She is always cold!!! Except the occasional hot flash!

Started Chemo

Jodi started Chemo again, and after two days,... she is still feeling pretty good.

Next Chemo --- Thursday Nov.5th

Well Jodi is healing very well from her surgery. Although her emotions have been wacko, she is doing well. Feeling like herself again. She has been able to go back to work for half of the day this week. She will be starting her second set of Chemo this week. It is not suppose to make her so ill. We are all hoping for that. The fundraiser from Backyard Gardens and Gifts was a good success. Thanks to the owners and those who bought raffel tickets, and purchased awesome pink tools. Nina also had a wonderful Lia Sophia party and all the proceeds were donated to Jodi's medical fund. Thanks!!!!

This link was sent to me by my sister. It is the Pink Glove Song in Honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October.) enjoy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTyIhMLp3FA

Papa and Jodi

October 12, 2010. Papa and Jodi. She is feeling so much better and so good spirited. We love that girl.

March to Victory Golf Tournament

We had a wonderful turn out for the March to Victory Golf Tournament. It was held on October 1st at Sand Hollow Golf Course. It was a 4 man scramble with 18 teams. We had 2 woman's teams and 16 men's teams. The women wore pink to support Jodi. Jodi's work (Sunrise Engineering bought 2 teams) they were so much fun. The prizes were incredible. I was told we had more prizes than any other golf tournament that other people had attended. That made it worth it. I don't golf and don't know anything about golf but I was able to still put this together with guidance from Bill Wilkey of Sand Hollow. It was a huge success. We raised so much money. My friends, Splendor and Angie came out to help me work the event as well as Jodi's little brother Greg. During the golf tournament us girls rode around in a golf cart that had 2 big coolers in it so we could share drinks with all the players. I'm not gonna lie, I was driving it crazy. I was 4-wheeling it and bumping into other carts. Oops, that wasn't intended, just happened and made us all laugh so much. I guess your suppose to be quiet when people are golfing. Who knew. Me quiet. Ya right! I love Jodi so much and want to support her all the way. Tylia says, "the medicine is winning and mommy will be all better soon." Thank you all again for your support.

Jodi is doing good!

It has been 2 1/2 weeks since Jodi had her surgery. She did have a double masectomy. They also removed 17 limpnodes and found cancer cells in 11 of them. The Dr said he got them all.

I hope I get this right...The type of cancer Jodi has is fed by hormones, so she will be taking a drug that is a hormone receptor blocker, for the next year. She will start her next set of Chemo in about 2 1/2 weeks. They will be once a week for 12 weeks. This posion is not supppose to make her as ill, but will certainly make her more fatigued.

Thanks you all for your prayers on her behalf. They are being answered. Jodi has an amazing ability to be happy through all this. Her attitude is awesome. And the beauty inside her little body become more prominant everyday. On the rough days, you just have to look closer, it is there!!!!

She has had some rough days, but they are further apart now. She is cleared to drive if she needs to,(and if she is not taking her prescription pain medications). She is working on getting completely off her narcotic medicine. Hopefully she will be able to work a few half days this week. She was looking forward to spending time with Lia while she was out of school for fall break, and finally feeling better. Lia's dad came into town so she has been with him all week.

The Leeds Wild West Days would have been a lot more fun and successful as a fundraiser if they would have done a lot more advertising. We had a fun booth, and lots of moral support and well wishes for Jodi. Everything in our booth was donated to help raise money for her medical fund. If you are interested in some of the items we had and have left, contact me (Fern) and I will send you information and pictures. It was very sparsely attended, but hopefully next year they will have a great turnout.

This is a picture of the Quilt we raffeled. It was made and donated by Jodi's Aunt Kay. We started the raffel at the Yard sale, and continued selling raffel tickets at the cornfest in Enterprise, and at Leeds. We did have the drawing for the quilt and it was won by Sherrie Cottam from Ivins. Sherrie purchased at least 10 of the raffel tickets, and was very excited to be the lucky winner. Thanks for all those of you who supported this activity.

Jodi and I made some seedless blackberry jam today. It turned out great.

Wild West Days

Wild West Days in Leeds
October, 9th. Yup they changed the name and extended the time. Hope it is nice weather. For a fun day, come on over to Leeds. Come support Jodi as she marched to victory through her fight with cancer. We will have a great booth with yummy baked goods, and a hugh variety of Gift items to get you started on your Christmas Shopping. Friday evening the 8th, and Sat. the 9th ...All day! All profit will go to help Jodi and her family with medical bills.
The Heritage Days in Ivins, will not, no way, nope, nada, boring, zip....be as much fun.

Surgery Update

Today is Friday Oct. 1st. Her surgery went as expected on Tuesday, Sept. 28th. We are all happy there are no complications. After they figured out the pain medications that help her the most, she is doing better. Jodi has a great tolorance for pain, when she says the pain is about a four, it is about a nine for other people. When she is not hurting, she is feeling great. She keeps telling me that her legs are not hurt, but I am afraid that she is trying to do too much too fast.
I AM SUCH A MOTHER! I guess that is ok. Tom is working so she will stay with me during the days.It makes it nice for Lia to come home from school and have her mom here. Kayla will be coming down from Idaho Falls on Sunday to help take care of her next week. It will be great having her here.

Today is the the "March to Victory Golf Tournament". Wish I could be in two places at once. Nina is taking care of it. I would have liked to help, but I am taking care of Jodi and Lia. (For me that is more rewarding).

Don't forget next Saturday Oct. 9th in Leeds, we will have a booth at the Sorgum Festival. We will have a hugh variety of items. Come get a start on your Christmas Gifts. All profit will go to help Jodi's Family with medical bills. It will be a fun day. We are praying for good weather.

Come Join us!

My sweet Jodi

Big Day - Scarry Day- Surgery Day

Tuesday Sept. 28th -- Jodi is going in for Surgery today. Her platelet count is back up, so she got a green light on the surgery. She will have a double Mascetomy. I will know more after the actual surgery. Please keep her in your prayers. She had a good two weeks since her last treatment. Hope her recovery will be eventless. We love you Jodi!!

Treatment #4

Yesterday Jodi had her 4th Chemo treatment. It took a lot longer than it has in the past. After three treatment, and knowing what is ahead the next few day, the anxiety attack came hard. Her heart was monitored, and exrays of her lungs all seemed ok.

I know she is worried about Lia also. Lia is having a very hard time coping with her mom being sick, never knowing what to expect has got to be hard. Tylia is compassionate and caring and wants to help, but there is not much she can do, to help her mom. We are seeing a lot frustration and behavior issues. She has been out of school for a few days because of illness, and that has been hard for her also.

Tom got his badge at the Hurricane Fire Dept. last week. Here are some pictures. Jodi was feeling pretty good that day.

March to Victory Golf Tournament Oct 1st

Please join us for the March to Victory Golf Tournament on Oct 1st. at Sand Hollow Golf Course. Registration is 7:00am and 4 man scramble Shotgun start is at 8:00am. $55 per player. I am in need of teams. 4 people per team. 18 teams. Please spread the word. I also need lunch sponsors. $250 per sponsorship and a main sponsor for $450. If you need any more information, please call me at 705-4520.
Thank you,
Nina

Treatment #3

One more treatment today. Jodi is feeling alright, tomorrow she will be sick. She was sooo sick last treatment that this time they gave her some different nausea medication, and two different kinds, hope it helps. I have been real bad about taking pictures. Someone need to remind me, so we can post pictures of her, and her family, as well as the activities we are involved in on her behalf.
The Yard sale was a huge success. We had a lot of items left from the bake sale that I put in the freezer. Yesterday at a neighborhood bake sale we were able to sell almost everything, plus so much of the neighbors goodies they made special for this activity. It was also a great success.
We were able to have a little success at the Corn Fest, but the wind was determined to blow us right out of Enterprise. Thanks to everyone who helped and supported Jodi in that event.

Enterprise Cornfest

Here are some pics from the cornfest last weekend in Enterprise. The wind made is pretty miserable. Thanks to everyone who came and supported us and for those that worked so hard to make it happen.

In the Dark...

So I was hoping that this blog would help all of us keep connected with Jodi and give Jodi a place to write her thoughts and feelings and keep us all updated on her status.

Instead, I am her sister and totally clueless as to what is going on with Jodi. I think she had her 2nd Chemo treatment last week but haven't been able to get a hold of her for over a week.

Jodi, if you read this, I hope that you are feeling well and things are just crazy busy for you and your not super sick. I keep you on my thoughts always and in my prayers daily.

I love you so much and hope all is well.

Yard and Bake Sale

Here are the pictures from the Yard and Bake Sale. It was a great success!! We are so grateful for all of those that came, donated, and participated with the family. We have the best family and friends in the whole world. We love you Jodi and love that beatiful smile!!!

Jodi got her BRACA test back . It is negative... She does not have the genetic mutated gene.

Jodi says, "Yea, I am not a Mutant"

Donations for the Yard sale are coming in by the truck loads. Thanks You, Thank You!
Remember it is at Goodwin Mill and Cabinets 1009 N. 1100 W . in St. George..
Hope to see you there!!!!! The Bake Sale will be great too!

Brave the Heat! Come Sizzzle with us!

What Cancer CANNOT do.....

Cancer is so limited....
It cannot cripple love,
It cannot shatter hope,
It cannot corrode faith,
It cannot destroy peace,
It cannot kill friendship,
It cannot invade the soul,
It cannot silence courage,
It cannot steal eternal life,
It cannot suppress memories,
It cannot conquer the Spirit.
-Author Unknown

Locks Of Love

I want to post this before we get further into the treatment. When Jodi's Niece Katie found out she would be having treatment that will cause her hair to fall out. She started talking about Lock Of Love. Realizing this is for children, Katie said, "Mom, I know Aunt Jodi probably won't get my hair, but there is a tiny tiny chance she will, I want to cut off my hair for her" Wow. Here are a few of the Pictures we took While McKensie Cut Katie's beautiful auburn hair.

McKensie Came over late on Saturday night. Jodi came early on Sunday morning, and Katie surprised her when she came walking up the stairs carrying her braid. It was kind of emotional.
Here is Jodi and Lia with Katie and Tyson Clark (Lacie's Kids)

Tylia and Jodi - Best Friends Forever.

My Girl

Jodi,
You are like a daughter to me. You are my girl. I love you so much and I am so sad for what you are going through. Please be strong and fight this terrible cancer with everything you've got. Not only for yourself but for Tylia and for your family. It can be beat and I know you can do it. I will be there for you for whatever you need. I am a phone call away. Papa and I are praying for you.
Momma Nina

Wishing you Well!

The only word from Jodi today is she is SICK SICK SICK!!! She has been throwing up all day and is in a lot of pain. Keep her in your prayers.

And, don't forget her little family also. Tom and Lia and struggling right along with her.

Pink Bracelets

Today I ordered 200 Hot Pink silicone Bracelets. On one side is the Breast Cancer Ribbon and the words: March to Victory. On the other side is: Jodi March. We will be selling these for $5.00 to help make up for loss wages that Jodi is missing. We will sell them at the yard sale as well as the Cornfest. If you would like to sell some for us, please let me know. 705-4520. Thank you for your love and support for our Jodi. We love her so much.

To Wig or Not to Wig

Jodi was headed to pick out a wig today. The Dr. told her to expect to be bald and beautiful by the 12th of August.

One suggestion I got from a friends was go to a Halloween store and pick out whatever you want. Maybe pink today, maybe brown, or even blue...... Curly, Straight, Short, Long......... Well, at least have fun, right!!!

Love Ya Jodi and can't wait to see what you have picked out!!!

Virtual Daisies!!

These are for you Jodi! I love you and wish you the very best today. Chemotherapy can take a hard one from your awesome pink boots!!!

Appointments, Appointments, and More Appointments

Today Jodi had 4 different appointments. The first being a full body scan to see how advanced the Cancer is and to make sure there is no further cancer cells attached elsewhere in her body. That test came back with the best results expected.

Jodi was labeled as having Stage 3A Breast Cancer.

The second appointment was with the oncologist to discuss treatment options. The 3rd was with a plastic surgeon, and the 4th with her Cancer Doctor to schedule treatments and surgery.

The outcome: She will begin a round of Chemotherapy before surgery to hopefully kill off floating cancer cells and shrink the lumps in her breast. Then, she will have surgery and continue with Chemotherapy for at least a year.

Next Step: 1st Chemotherapy treatment on Tuesday the 3rd of August

Family Fast

Thanks to all who participated in our family fast or special diet. Pulling together as a united family in Christ is going to help all of us through this. The Lord has blessed our family so much and will continue to do so as we serve each other and support Jodi.

THE DIAGONOSIS.......

This post is waiting for Jodi to enter her thoughts and feelings when she was diagnosed.