Not Done Yet

Although Jodi is listed as cancer free. She is still trying to get her body back to normal, which it will really never be. But she is trying to at least look whole again. This last month, she under went yet another surgery, (I think the count is close to 20 now.) Though they have placed her permanent implants, the skin is not healed enough so they had to do another fat transfer, to help stabilize the implants. I'm not sure the whole problems, but I just know that she isn't done yet.  Life working full time and a part time job as an EMT on weekends, keeps her too busy. Tom is still not able to work and is on disability right now, not knowing if the healing from a bad back surgery will ever happen. Tom is having to change careers, and retrain in an area that he will be able to work. It is frustration for all (especially him) because he wants to work.Tom enjoys working as a public servant, and using his medical knowledge to help others. Being home allows him extra time with Lia and being a dad. Thanks Tom for taking care of our girls.

Update Oct.6th,2011

Thought I would take a minute and update Jodi's-- March to Victory. It has be 15 months since the breast cancer was confirmed. It has been a long march. She is doing better emotionally Jodi is still having chemo treatments every three weeks, unless there is heart damage, then her treatments are postponed until her heart heals enough to continue. This makes for a long treatment. As hard as it is for her, I want to see her completely kick this cancer with NO CHANCE for it to re-occur, so however long it takes. She was originally scheduled to finish up her treatment program in October 2011, but that is not possible now. I am hoping for Feb. Tom is still supportive and still struggles with having enough work to pay the medical bills. It amazes me that the insurance companies can pick and choose what they decide to pay through a treatment program, but because you have insurance, you are not eligible for any discounts. Lia is doing well.

August Update

I have had trouble posting but was able to do so today. Jodi is feeling the impact of her cancer treatments. She is emotionally and physically drained and need all the encouragement she can get to help her through this. We were hoping for a closure in October, but because of the heart damage from this last round of chemo treatments, it will definitely take longer to complete. Her next heart test is in October, then we will see how long she will take to heal before they can start again. The financial struggle is overwhelming. It seems the insurance Company picks what they will and won't pay. She has had such wonderful community and family support financially. Thank You! I can't imagine how it would be without that. Please continue to pray for her health, physically and emotionally. We love you Jodi !

Latest update

It has been three months since I posted, a really long three months. Jodi is having a set back with her treatment, as her heart is not doing as well as it needs to be doing for her to continue. The medicine that they are giving her now is very hard on the heart, they do a test on her heart every three weeks before her treatment. Her last test numbers were too low , so they have to waite for her heart to heal before they can continue. Apparently the heart is weakened by the medicine, and it does not contract hard enough to pump the blood out of the heart. She is told that time off the medicine will heal her heart, so she just has to wait until her heart is working well enough to start the treatments again. I suppose that it will just extend the treatments past the scheduled October.

I think the whole process of treatments has finally caught up to her. She has been so strong , and it has amazed me how she can keep going and be so happy and positive. She is still very tired, and because of the financial load she is carrying, she has to be working full time. I wish I could just hold her while she sleeps for a whole day.

Any encouragement for her would be appreciated. We love you Jodi! Hang in there!!!

"THIS TOO WILL PASS"

Happy 27th Birthday

We celebrated ONE MORE BIRTHDAY!!!!

Thanks to all who sent her well wishes for her birthday.

"Pink in The Pew"

Jodi will turn 27 on April 17. As her family, we have done some research and found a program that has been used in several cities around the country for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and are so excited to share with you a fun way to raise awareness, and help Jodi financially in her battle against breast cancer, as well as join in celebrating Jodi's birthday! Here are the simple plans :
"Pink in The Pew"
April 17 is on a Sunday. We are asking that everyone wearsomething pink that day! A hair bow, a tie, a dress shirt, high heels.... What ever!!! Doesn't that sound like a great way to celebrate survivors and honor those who have lost their battle?
Raising awareness is our goal because unfortunately breast cancer affect all of us.We invite you to join us in our promise to end breast cancer forever by participating in our "Pink in The Pew" campaign. Rather than a national fundraiser, we are asking everyone who is interested in helping Jodi in her breast cancer victory march, to please send $15.00 and a birthday wish, so we can present them to her on her special day! Please feel free tell everyone you know. Even those who live elsewhere, I'm sure would love to participate.

Check payable to: March to Victory/Jodi March Fund Mail to:
Kay McArthur
1326 E. 1710 S.
St. George, Ut 84790

Thank you for helping to make a world without breast cancer.
Springtime is a wonderful time to celebrate life and wear PINK!!

No More Taxol

Yea Jodi is finished with one more treatment. She is done taking the Taxol Chemo. Feeling pretty good today. The last two treatments have not been as draining. Just irritable bowles.. JUST ....WOW, I didn't mean to down play the IBS. There are many people who live with that daily, My heart goes out to you. Jodi has 4 week until she has to start Radiation.

Update.... one more Taxol treatment

I told you all I would update with a picture. It is great to see hair on my pretty little girl again. It hasn't fallen out with this second round of Chemo. Since Jodi only has one more of these treatments, and she is told it will fall out, it will probably be this week. We are hoping it won't, but planning on it. Thursday will be her last treatment of the Taxoll. I am probably spelling it wrong, sorry. She will have 4 weeks before starting radiation. But will keep having the herseptin until November.(that too is probaly spelled wrong)

Here is the nost recent picture of Jodi. Taken last week. The chemo is making her skin break out and changes the color of her skin for a few days. She is having irratation in her insides, but she keeps smiling, and being a joy to everyone.

Chemo again.

Jodi had another Chemo treatment on Wednesday. She is so pale, almost a yellow color. But she is still smiling. She has been so tired with the last few, she can hardly get out of bed. I wish I could be there and help her more. I miss seeing Lia and spending time with her. Been at the hospital for almost two weeks with Kent, (Jodi's Dad). The is having heart surgery today. We are very anxious, lots of emotions. It is amazing to feel her bravery, it is helping me cope.

Three more Chemo

Only three more weeks of this round of Chemo. If you don't count the next 10 months of the hormone blockers. Jodi is hanging in there. It seems each one of these effects her skin more and more. Today she felt like hives. She is so amazing, and makes everyone around her smile. Thanks Jodi for helping me cope with my trials.:)