New Test Results and The Tittsburgh Nation!

Hi Everyone,

I actually have some good news to share for once. As you know I’ve been dealing with the ONJ, Osteonecrosis of the Jaw since February. Since it first developed I’ve had 4 jaw surgeries to close it up. I had some hits and misses and it was looking great until recently. It’s still sore and I continue to deal with it daily but I think we’ll eventually get it under control. That is not the good news by the way.

As you might remember, they had to pull me off my meds, except the Faslodex, back in February because of the side effects. I was pretty sure that things would go south from there pretty quickly because how could I be off my meds and still be healthy? But as it turns out my tumor markers have stayed steady and I feel GREAT! So much so that I’m working out again, I’ve lost 37 lbs., and have had to replace just about everything in my wardrobe. I have a nice credit card bill to prove it too. That’s not the good news either.

Last week I had another PET/CT scan, which we were nervous about because I hadn’t had one in 9 months and nothing good EVER comes from me having a PET CT scan. Until this time. So, even though I’ve been off my meds for 6 months, my soft tissues are still 100% clear, which was the best news they could have ever given me. The metastatic activity in my bones is stable except in 2 small areas. My left clavicle and my left hip bone showed signs of increased activity, and no one is worried about either of these spots.  Yeah!

So we’re just going to keep on doing what we’ve been doing, Faslodex, working out and prayers. Those all seem to be working just fine these days.

I’ve crossed off another bucket list item, a weekend in Santa Fe with my girlfriends. It was great! We had a ton of fun and I highly recommend Santa Fe for anyone. It’s gorgeous, there is a ton to do and the food is fantastic. The wine and margarita’s aren’t bad either! The weather is such that my back didn’t hurt when I was out there, except after we went horseback riding. But it was worth it! It’s so beautiful out there.

JR and I are working on our trip to San Francisco / Napa Valley / Muir Forest to see the Redwoods in September, a trip to Alaska and a couple other things too.

The Tittsburgh Nation is busy training for the two big breast cancer fundraising events.  Last year I participated in both the bike ride, and the 3-Day 60 mile walk.  This year I am only biking.  Nicky, Stephanie and the rest of Team Tittsburgh will be walking 60 miles in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day in late August.  J.R. and I will be at their beckon call throughout the three days to support the team.

The Tittsburgh Wheelers are getting ready to ride again in the 4th annual Hartford & RE/MAX Results Breast Cancer Ride on August 6-7.  This 110 mile ride over two days is fun and challenging, but most importantly all money raised goes to two great beneficiaries.  Open Arms of Minnesota delivers meals to families touched by breast cancer, and the Minnesota affiliate of Susan G. Komen continues their research and awareness campaigns.
 
GUEST AUTHOR J.R. SAYS:  I am confident that the work done as a result of monies raised at these events have extended the life of Jen and countless others battling breast cancer.  You may be asking, "What can I do to help?"   Well I am glad you asked. Thank you to those of you who have already supported someone on Team Tittsburgh in the walk or The Tittsburgh Wheelers for the ride.  Our walking and biking teams alone hope to raise nearly $36,000 for breast cancer and we are a bit behind.  Our team goal for the Hartford & RE/Max Results bike ride is $16,000, and we are $4,000 away with one week to go.  You may click on the link below, select DONATE and search for the Tittsburgh Wheelers, or simply search for a rider........let's call her Jen Anderson.  She is riding 110 miles with stage 4 breast cancer in stifling heat.  It takes much less effort to make a few clicks on a computer, donate what you can, and consider yourself part of the Tittsburgh Nation Team!  C'mon, it will be fun.  For inspiration, watch the video featuring Jen speaking at last years event.  Thank you for allowing this shameless plug, but clearly we are passionate about these efforts and you CAN help make a difference. Plus our jerseys are about as cool as cool gets.
Click Here:
http://www.breastcancerride.org/site/PageServer

Look for J.R. and Jen on KARE 11 news at 4pm July 29 representing the Hartford & RE/MAX Results Breast Cancer Ride with Pat Evans in his 'Peddling with Pat' segment. Click here to watch the segment.  Thanks Pat Evans and KARE 11
http://www.kare11.com/news/article/932114/411/-Hartford--REMAX-Results-Breast-Cancer-Ride

We are looking forward to the wedding of Nicky & Zach on October 15 and enjoying the pre-wedding activities and fun.

Thank you to everyone for your continued prayers, love and friendship, I really appreciate it!

Have a great day and love to you all!

Jen