Well, Joe has been in the hospital for a little over a week now for dehydration. He has completed his radiation treatments finally. BUt, he has to skip the last chemo due to the complications it caused. He has lost alot of weight and is in need of someone's help nonstop. The hospital has treated him well, but I know he is anxious to come home. My sister and the girls are really excited to have their dad back, though recovery is still a long road ahead. I know all too well that the "wait" to find out whether there was response to the treatments can be terrifying and stressful all the same. It is something I would wish on no one as it takes up 99% of your thoughts and worries you so much. I pray for them that the outcome will be a good one. THough it may be a couple months before it is done. Radiation can cause a false reading in scans as your body is healing.
ali
Monday, December 1, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Update: 11-04-08 Election Day
I wanted to update you all on Joe's condition at the time. He has been admitted to the hospital this week for dehydration and malnutrition. He has been unable to keep his food down since last Tues. and is very weak. He has lost a lot of weight, and is now on a feeding tube. They hope to get his vomiting under control so that they can send him back home. If and when this happens, my sister will have to be there to feed him through a syringe. Times are hard for them right now. The kids are trying to stay strong, but hurting alot while watching their dad in so much pain and discomfort. Its all too sad. We are all praying for a quick recovery. He still has 1 month of radiation and 1 more chemo treatment to go through. The chemo is very harsh and really hard on his body. I wish there was more I could do for him, but at this time, this blog is all I have to offer. That and our love. So, please don't forget about Joe and his family. They need support, love, and prayers.
Thanks,
Ali
Thanks,
Ali
Thursday, October 16, 2008
10/16/08 Update
Well, as of lately the donations have slowed down a lot. Fortunately, through fowarded emails and other means of communication, the word has spread out quite widely. Distant family members have sent funds recently to help Joe and his family through this month, but they still need so much more.
Joe began his treatments and is having the usual unpleasant side effects to go along. My sister is spending the most of her time, taking care of him, the house, the kids, and all the extracurriculars that go along with each of those jobs. She is running crazy, but keeping sane. They have been overwhelmed with the amount of kindness from people near and far. And, we are ALL greatful for that. I know this week is a little bit harder on Joe than last. Sadly, its only the second week and he has 5 more to go. He is swallowing okay at the time, but his medicines are very potent and the doctor ordered that he have someone with him at all times. THerefore, at this point, my sister has to hold of on her job search. They have been provided with assistance for food, but they still have bills to pay and another month is coming up too quick.
I pray that we find them a way to get through another month with ease. They make me proud with their responsible ways through such a tough time, and their unselfishness. That way,they are able to concentrate on the most important thing....and that is Joe.
thanks to you all
Ali
Joe began his treatments and is having the usual unpleasant side effects to go along. My sister is spending the most of her time, taking care of him, the house, the kids, and all the extracurriculars that go along with each of those jobs. She is running crazy, but keeping sane. They have been overwhelmed with the amount of kindness from people near and far. And, we are ALL greatful for that. I know this week is a little bit harder on Joe than last. Sadly, its only the second week and he has 5 more to go. He is swallowing okay at the time, but his medicines are very potent and the doctor ordered that he have someone with him at all times. THerefore, at this point, my sister has to hold of on her job search. They have been provided with assistance for food, but they still have bills to pay and another month is coming up too quick.
I pray that we find them a way to get through another month with ease. They make me proud with their responsible ways through such a tough time, and their unselfishness. That way,they are able to concentrate on the most important thing....and that is Joe.
thanks to you all
Ali
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Where we stand
Thanks to there still being "good people" in the world, we have been able to raise enough money to bring Joe's family's mortgage current, and to contribute to a portion of Oct. bills. My sister is still looking for a job so lets keep our fingers crossed for her. Joe begins treatments next week and the medial expenses are already piling in on them from all the tests and surgeries already done. Lets keep up the great work and see if we can find some more angels in the world willing to help them through their 7-10 weeks of struggle. I think we've definitely given them a fresh start at things.
Thanks to you all for being so wonderful and so giving. God Bless, and much love and appreciation.
ali
Thanks to you all for being so wonderful and so giving. God Bless, and much love and appreciation.
ali
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Being An Enemy of Cancer
UPDATE: It is the second day of this blog and we have received yet another wonderful donation. The happy tears are flowing once more. Thankyou to all my angels you know who you are. And, please know you have made a huge difference. Angels have reached us from PA to NJ, from MO and KS to WI. God bless you!
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Hello everyone and thankyou for taking time out of your day to read my blog and to hear my cause. First off, I'd like to tell you all a little bit about myself. But, please know that this blog is not about me. Its about cancer and about doing whatever you can to fight it as a patient, family, or friend of someone with cancer. Its about giving back anything and everything your are capable of giving to those truly in need. And, its about love.
My name is Allison, and I'm a cancer survivor. (See pic, I'm the one in purple)In 2006, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma stage 2B. It was located on the nodes outside of my left lung near the main arteries of the heart. At the time, my children were only 2 and 4 years old. I was working full time as was my husband, Jake. And, financially we were okay before diagnosis. But, too soon it came time to fight the evil disease and to take a new look on life. I was unable to work, unable to take care of my kids alone, and unable to do the daily chores of a wife and mother. But, none of this mattered to me and my family. All that mattered is that I win my battle and continue to live to watch my children grow and to be there for them. Fortunately for us, we were given a happy ending to our once tragic story. With the help of family and friends and even some giving strangers, we were able to fight our way through our struggles. I lost my job while receiving being unable to work during extensive chemo and radiation. But, we were loved and blessed to have others in our life that would not let us fall. I am more appreciative than words could ever say. If you still are unsure of my honesty, and that this is a real story, I want to direct you to a couple of my websites for your verification. http://wemix.com/16, http://myspace.com/live_thru_music, and http://myspace.com/alikatsmusic
Now to tell you the true reason for my blog. A few months ago, my brother-in-law was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Its a brutal cancer. For many, recovery rates are slim. THey have done extensive testing, and still have not found the origin of the cancer's spread to his lymph nodes. THis means they do not know where it began. Only where it has spread. He will be undergoing chemo and 7 weeks of daily radiation. And, take it from one who knows.....that is harsh. I only underwent 4 weeks of radiation to the chest. He is getting it to his head and neck. And, the effects it has on the esophagus is horrible. Its like swallowing razors just to get your own spit down. They believe he will need a feeding tube in order to receive enough nutrition to keep his body in fight mode. I am scared for him to say the least. Sadly as well, the survival rate for this type of cancer while using radiation and chemo is still only 50-65%. Not real great odds in my eyes. But, we continue to throw positive thoughts his way, and to pray.
So, now that you know the disease, let me introduce you to the person and family behind it. Joe is a quiet, self kept man who gives far more than most. When he was an infant, his mother passed away. His father raised him and his 6 siblings later marrying a woman by the name of Donna who would take over the mother roll in thier lives and continue to do so after her husband, Joe's father passed about 20 years later. After highschool, Joe entered the army and became an artillery man. He lived in Germany for 4 years while serving his nation. A few years later he met his wife, my sister. At the time, she had 2 daughters of her own ages 2 and 4. Joe became a father to the two girls and immediately began supporting them as if they were his own. He married my sister shortly thereafter and had together they had another daughter, Peyton, his only blood daughter.
Joe has been a sole provider for the family of 5 ever since he accepted them into his life. He has worked to provide everything they needed and to make sure they have had all that they have needed. But, he is now unable to provide for them. Joe has been unable to work due to the surgeries and tests that have been done to try to find the origin of his cancer. And, all to no success. Time has became short and the searching has gone on to long. The doctors say they must begin to fight it and be hopeful that it originated in the head/neck area. He begins treatments this week. He won't be able to return to work until cured, if cured. I am hopeful that a cure is to be won. I'm cancer's enemy and I won't let my family fall victim to his theiving ways. Hope and Prayers are in order, and the want to win is more important than any financial problems, etc. Therefore, while Joe and his family focus on Joe's surviving, I am making it my duty to focus on ways to help them financially.
At this time, September 28th, 2008, they have exhausted all means of help. The local churches in the small town where they reside have given groceries and prepared frozen meals for the family. They have helped them tremendously in this way. Our family and Joe's family have also given as much as we have been able to give to help them keep thier home and utilities paid. But, there is little left to give. It is getting to close to the possibility of them losing thier house and home. The girls are now ages 11, 14, and 16 and are in need of school clothes and other neccessities that are costly over time. They live off the least of thier means trying to make everything last even that much longer. And, my husband and I are in our own financial pickle and unable to give them any money to help.
Me being the thorough thinker that I am, have decided to do this blog, to reach out to my friends and family through the internet hoping each one will pass the word on to another. Joe and his family were there for me through my own struggle by taking care of my children and home when I was unable. It is what they had to offer and they also gave all they could. I am doing my physical means to help them in that way as well. My sister is looking for a job as she was recently laid-off and now unemployed. They have no money, but they do have each other, love, and family and friends who care. Please help us to help them. Even the smallest of amount is helpful to them.
To help my sister and her husband Joe even the smallest bit, I am asking you to please donate what you can to them. All donations will be strictly used for bills and mortgage payments, groceries and other life neccessities. They are a non-smoking family with no costly habits, so you can be sure your money will be used wisely and for a great cause. The expense of Joe's medication is very costly. He is to be taking the same anti-nausea medicine that I once paid $300.00 every two weeks at $100.00 a pill. Not to mention copays and other medicines needed. We really need your help, any help you are able to give. And, nothing will be taken selfishly. The moment they are on thier feet again, is the moment I will delete this blog and ask no more of you.
So, please if you have $5.00, $10.00, anything........please help my sister, bro-in-law, and beautiful neices through thier troubles. If you would like to mail in a donation, I would prefer you send gift certificates or money orders. Please email me and I will provide an address for you to send it to. jkynali@hotmail.com
With more love than is imaginable,
Ali Kat
aka
Allison R.
My name is Allison, and I'm a cancer survivor. (See pic, I'm the one in purple)In 2006, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma stage 2B. It was located on the nodes outside of my left lung near the main arteries of the heart. At the time, my children were only 2 and 4 years old. I was working full time as was my husband, Jake. And, financially we were okay before diagnosis. But, too soon it came time to fight the evil disease and to take a new look on life. I was unable to work, unable to take care of my kids alone, and unable to do the daily chores of a wife and mother. But, none of this mattered to me and my family. All that mattered is that I win my battle and continue to live to watch my children grow and to be there for them. Fortunately for us, we were given a happy ending to our once tragic story. With the help of family and friends and even some giving strangers, we were able to fight our way through our struggles. I lost my job while receiving being unable to work during extensive chemo and radiation. But, we were loved and blessed to have others in our life that would not let us fall. I am more appreciative than words could ever say. If you still are unsure of my honesty, and that this is a real story, I want to direct you to a couple of my websites for your verification. http://wemix.com/16, http://myspace.com/live_thru_music, and http://myspace.com/alikatsmusic
Now to tell you the true reason for my blog. A few months ago, my brother-in-law was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Its a brutal cancer. For many, recovery rates are slim. THey have done extensive testing, and still have not found the origin of the cancer's spread to his lymph nodes. THis means they do not know where it began. Only where it has spread. He will be undergoing chemo and 7 weeks of daily radiation. And, take it from one who knows.....that is harsh. I only underwent 4 weeks of radiation to the chest. He is getting it to his head and neck. And, the effects it has on the esophagus is horrible. Its like swallowing razors just to get your own spit down. They believe he will need a feeding tube in order to receive enough nutrition to keep his body in fight mode. I am scared for him to say the least. Sadly as well, the survival rate for this type of cancer while using radiation and chemo is still only 50-65%. Not real great odds in my eyes. But, we continue to throw positive thoughts his way, and to pray.
So, now that you know the disease, let me introduce you to the person and family behind it. Joe is a quiet, self kept man who gives far more than most. When he was an infant, his mother passed away. His father raised him and his 6 siblings later marrying a woman by the name of Donna who would take over the mother roll in thier lives and continue to do so after her husband, Joe's father passed about 20 years later. After highschool, Joe entered the army and became an artillery man. He lived in Germany for 4 years while serving his nation. A few years later he met his wife, my sister. At the time, she had 2 daughters of her own ages 2 and 4. Joe became a father to the two girls and immediately began supporting them as if they were his own. He married my sister shortly thereafter and had together they had another daughter, Peyton, his only blood daughter.
Joe has been a sole provider for the family of 5 ever since he accepted them into his life. He has worked to provide everything they needed and to make sure they have had all that they have needed. But, he is now unable to provide for them. Joe has been unable to work due to the surgeries and tests that have been done to try to find the origin of his cancer. And, all to no success. Time has became short and the searching has gone on to long. The doctors say they must begin to fight it and be hopeful that it originated in the head/neck area. He begins treatments this week. He won't be able to return to work until cured, if cured. I am hopeful that a cure is to be won. I'm cancer's enemy and I won't let my family fall victim to his theiving ways. Hope and Prayers are in order, and the want to win is more important than any financial problems, etc. Therefore, while Joe and his family focus on Joe's surviving, I am making it my duty to focus on ways to help them financially.
At this time, September 28th, 2008, they have exhausted all means of help. The local churches in the small town where they reside have given groceries and prepared frozen meals for the family. They have helped them tremendously in this way. Our family and Joe's family have also given as much as we have been able to give to help them keep thier home and utilities paid. But, there is little left to give. It is getting to close to the possibility of them losing thier house and home. The girls are now ages 11, 14, and 16 and are in need of school clothes and other neccessities that are costly over time. They live off the least of thier means trying to make everything last even that much longer. And, my husband and I are in our own financial pickle and unable to give them any money to help.
Me being the thorough thinker that I am, have decided to do this blog, to reach out to my friends and family through the internet hoping each one will pass the word on to another. Joe and his family were there for me through my own struggle by taking care of my children and home when I was unable. It is what they had to offer and they also gave all they could. I am doing my physical means to help them in that way as well. My sister is looking for a job as she was recently laid-off and now unemployed. They have no money, but they do have each other, love, and family and friends who care. Please help us to help them. Even the smallest of amount is helpful to them.
To help my sister and her husband Joe even the smallest bit, I am asking you to please donate what you can to them. All donations will be strictly used for bills and mortgage payments, groceries and other life neccessities. They are a non-smoking family with no costly habits, so you can be sure your money will be used wisely and for a great cause. The expense of Joe's medication is very costly. He is to be taking the same anti-nausea medicine that I once paid $300.00 every two weeks at $100.00 a pill. Not to mention copays and other medicines needed. We really need your help, any help you are able to give. And, nothing will be taken selfishly. The moment they are on thier feet again, is the moment I will delete this blog and ask no more of you.
So, please if you have $5.00, $10.00, anything........please help my sister, bro-in-law, and beautiful neices through thier troubles. If you would like to mail in a donation, I would prefer you send gift certificates or money orders. Please email me and I will provide an address for you to send it to. jkynali@hotmail.com
With more love than is imaginable,
Ali Kat
aka
Allison R.
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