A Big Hurdle is Behind Us!!

Hello - hope all is well. It has been a long time since we have updated the blog as there hasn't been much news to report. Now there is some big news to report - as of this past Friday, Jodi is done with chemo!! 4 AC treatments, 12 Taxol treatments and the Avastin clinical trial (which we found out Jodi took part in) over a period of 4.5 months are behind us! Jodi did so well through it all. She had ups and downs like anyone going through chemo, particularly during the last month as the cumulative effects of the past four months wore on her. However, her signature positive attitude, confidence and courage through it all were inspirational, and played a huge role in getting her through it. It feels like a burden has been lifted and I am so proud of her for the way she has handled it all.

At this point the cancer cells that may have had a chance to spread to other parts of Jodi's body should be dead. However, after meeting with two radiation oncologists, we have decided Jodi should move forward and go through radiation as added insurance against the resurgence of any cancer cells in her chest wall and lymph nodes. Our initial concern with radiation was that by radiating the chest wall there is a risk of small amounts of radiation to the heart and lungs, which can result in future health problems. While the oncologist can't guarantee small amounts of stray radiation won't reach the heart and lungs, radiation technology has come a long way since the 1970's when radiating someone's chest wall meant radiating their heart, lungs, and any other important organs in the chest. We have decided that the potential downside is far outweighed by the potential curing effects of radiation. Another reason to move forward is that compared to chemo, radiation should have a negligible effect on how Jodi feels. The main side effects are a sunburn sensation to the chest, some exhaustion, and the fact that Jodi has to visit the hospital every weekday for 6.5 weeks while radiation is administered...which will get old quick, but are very worthwhile in the scheme of things!!

Jodi will start radiation in a couple of weeks and will have her last treatment on December 23. Needless to say, we will be celebrating a lot more than Christmas this holiday season and have already booked a New Year's Eve trip to Sedona, Arizona to properly say goodbye to a difficult 2009 and bring in what we believe will be a year of health and prosperity in 2010!

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We have been amazed at the out flowing of support through all of this...it is what keeps us going!!

Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are. ~Arthur Golden