It has been a month since my last update. I have returned to work almost full time and so happy to be there. About two weeks ago I can down with GVHD of the skin. That means that I have a rash on about half of my body. I put a medicated lotion that didn't work so I went back to the doctors and he gave me some new medications. In one night I could notice the rash going down. I was so happy! :-) Two weeks ago I also went in, got my six month bone marrow biospy and came back perfect. In the same day I got my neo-star taken out. I have a very busy month. Hopefully there won't be too many bumps in the road. I am looking forward to next year and all the fun things that Ross and I have planned.
I am the happiest I have been in a long time. Christmas is next weekend and we are all prepared. We are starting new traditions this year. Bought out first tree together and it looks great with all the presents underneath. Finally made it to Peacock lane, first time in the three years that we have been together. We only live 5 blocks away. It looked great, it wasn't too cold and the street was closed to cars that night.
I will keep updating, try to give good news more often.
We still have bracelets to sell. Contact Ross at rossyoungman@gmail.com
I am having my 30th birthday party on January 14th at the Belmont Inn starting at 7pm. Everyone is more than welcome to come.
Hugs and kisses!
Jenene
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Update from November 16th
It is me Jenene....
Great news!!!
I have been released to start driving again with limits. Also, have been released to go back to work again but only working a few hours a week. I have really missed driving and working. Looking forward to getting my life back.
For the real news I have 2 more lumbar punctures with chemo left. Those will be done at the end of the month. I also will have a bone marrow biospy at the end of the month marking my 6 months since transplant to make sure that I am still in remission.
I am getting around really well and feeling great. My hair is coming back. I would love to hear from everyone. I still have plenty of time on my hands.
You can email me at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or reach me at 503.341.3498
Hugs and kisses!
Great news!!!
I have been released to start driving again with limits. Also, have been released to go back to work again but only working a few hours a week. I have really missed driving and working. Looking forward to getting my life back.
For the real news I have 2 more lumbar punctures with chemo left. Those will be done at the end of the month. I also will have a bone marrow biospy at the end of the month marking my 6 months since transplant to make sure that I am still in remission.
I am getting around really well and feeling great. My hair is coming back. I would love to hear from everyone. I still have plenty of time on my hands.
You can email me at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or reach me at 503.341.3498
Hugs and kisses!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
After 2 rounds of chemo
Hello,
I want to thank you again for all your love and support. I have now had two rounds of chemo. The first one didn't go so well. I had a headache for the next three days. The chemo that I recieved yesterday went beautifully. I felt great yesterday and today. I have four more weeks and then I will be done.
I found out that I am going to be reducing my medications and will be done with one of them two days before Thanksgiving. At that time my diet will change once again. I am hoping to find out in the next couple of days if I will be able to drive again. Oh how I have missed it. :-(
In a couple of weeks I will be getting a dog that I love already. I can't wait to get her.
I have so much to look forward to!
Thank you again,
Jenene
I want to thank you again for all your love and support. I have now had two rounds of chemo. The first one didn't go so well. I had a headache for the next three days. The chemo that I recieved yesterday went beautifully. I felt great yesterday and today. I have four more weeks and then I will be done.
I found out that I am going to be reducing my medications and will be done with one of them two days before Thanksgiving. At that time my diet will change once again. I am hoping to find out in the next couple of days if I will be able to drive again. Oh how I have missed it. :-(
In a couple of weeks I will be getting a dog that I love already. I can't wait to get her.
I have so much to look forward to!
Thank you again,
Jenene
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Starting chemo again
It's me Jenene!
actually writing...
Today I start chemo that will go directly to my brain. It is going to kill any leukemia that the stem cells didn't get. We are pretty positive that there isn't any there but it is better safe than sorry. This was told to us back in March but like most things I forgot about it. I will not be staying in the hospital for the treatment, but doing it as an outpatient treatment.
Lately I haven't been feeling well and was getting sick everyday once day at least for the last week. I think that we finally figured it out. We had recently bought bottled water. I have stopped drinking and started feeling great again. :-)
I have found a lot of new people to connect with that are young like me and have survived some sort of blood cancer. I hope no one has to go through what I have but it is nice to have people to talk to that know what you have gone through. On that note if anyone is interest in watching a documentary about ALL, let me know. It is about a guy that was diagnosed with the same leukemia as me and is still living.
Recently I lost a friend that was diagnosed with leukemia at the same time as me and didn't have her stem cell transplant until August, that is when I met her. We would walk the halls and talk forever. She was a fighter just like me. I think she was more positive than I was. Always had a smile on her face. I was heartbroken when I found out that she had pass. It really sent me into be scared of dying. Life goes on as I have learned and have to keep positive!
If you are ever wondering how I am doing you can reach me by phone: 503.341.3498, jmphilips503@hotmail.com and message me on facebook.
With love,
Jenene
actually writing...
Today I start chemo that will go directly to my brain. It is going to kill any leukemia that the stem cells didn't get. We are pretty positive that there isn't any there but it is better safe than sorry. This was told to us back in March but like most things I forgot about it. I will not be staying in the hospital for the treatment, but doing it as an outpatient treatment.
Lately I haven't been feeling well and was getting sick everyday once day at least for the last week. I think that we finally figured it out. We had recently bought bottled water. I have stopped drinking and started feeling great again. :-)
I have found a lot of new people to connect with that are young like me and have survived some sort of blood cancer. I hope no one has to go through what I have but it is nice to have people to talk to that know what you have gone through. On that note if anyone is interest in watching a documentary about ALL, let me know. It is about a guy that was diagnosed with the same leukemia as me and is still living.
Recently I lost a friend that was diagnosed with leukemia at the same time as me and didn't have her stem cell transplant until August, that is when I met her. We would walk the halls and talk forever. She was a fighter just like me. I think she was more positive than I was. Always had a smile on her face. I was heartbroken when I found out that she had pass. It really sent me into be scared of dying. Life goes on as I have learned and have to keep positive!
If you are ever wondering how I am doing you can reach me by phone: 503.341.3498, jmphilips503@hotmail.com and message me on facebook.
With love,
Jenene
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Update for September 4, 2011
A Small Update on Jenene and Wristbands
Update on Jenene:
Jenene is doing well, getting stronger and stronger by the day. Still a bit sensitive on eating, somethings are great, but some she just doesn't have the tastebuds back for. She has been visiting the clinic still 2 days a week, and she has been doing some physical therapy because of the bone mass she lost during her last hospital visit.
She is working a little bit (her first day back at the office was today for about 2 hours). Because of limitations on her physical activities and contact with people and things, she will be working mostly from home, but will be doing some work on Sundays at the hotel.
If you would like to contact her to see how she is doing day to day, please email or call her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or 503-341-3498.
Wristbands:
We have gotten a few more of the black wristbands in, mostly the middle finger ones, but a few of the bird ones as well. I have not gotten any of the orange Leukemia specific bands, but I am anticipating doing another order next week. The black ones are $5.00 and the orange ones are $3.00. All of the proceeds go to Jenene.
If you would like a wristband(s) please email me at rossyoungman@gmail.com, and submit what type of wristband you would like, how many you would like and either a time and place where I can get them to you; what time and date you can come pick them up from the house; or a mailing address of where I can send them to you.
Again, Donations to Jenene - check or money made to Jenene Philips and send to 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214.
Or donate by debit or credit card at http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Thank you,
Update on Jenene:
Jenene is doing well, getting stronger and stronger by the day. Still a bit sensitive on eating, somethings are great, but some she just doesn't have the tastebuds back for. She has been visiting the clinic still 2 days a week, and she has been doing some physical therapy because of the bone mass she lost during her last hospital visit.
She is working a little bit (her first day back at the office was today for about 2 hours). Because of limitations on her physical activities and contact with people and things, she will be working mostly from home, but will be doing some work on Sundays at the hotel.
If you would like to contact her to see how she is doing day to day, please email or call her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or 503-341-3498.
Wristbands:
We have gotten a few more of the black wristbands in, mostly the middle finger ones, but a few of the bird ones as well. I have not gotten any of the orange Leukemia specific bands, but I am anticipating doing another order next week. The black ones are $5.00 and the orange ones are $3.00. All of the proceeds go to Jenene.
If you would like a wristband(s) please email me at rossyoungman@gmail.com, and submit what type of wristband you would like, how many you would like and either a time and place where I can get them to you; what time and date you can come pick them up from the house; or a mailing address of where I can send them to you.
Again, Donations to Jenene - check or money made to Jenene Philips and send to 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214.
Or donate by debit or credit card at http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Thank you,
Update for August 24, 2011
JENENE IS OUT OF THE HOSPITAL!
She was discharged on Sunday and spent most of the day with her Mom, and then getting re-acclimated to the house. She is having a hard time with our stairs going up to the room, so once she is downstairs she is down for the day, but she is getting better and better with each trip up and down.
The seizures were caused by a medicine that she was taking called cyclosporine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclosporine) which is an immunosuppressant drug, which unfortunately one of the many side effects is seizures. She is off of that one and now on a similar drug called tacrolimus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacrolimus), but without some of the harsher side effects of cyclosporine.
We have been figuring out the next steps for her recovery and trying to plan out the next few months as far as working and things we want to do and places and restaurants we want to go to (one our favorite restaurant Thien Hong - http://www.yelp.com/biz/thien-hong-portland - was closed Sunday so no Pepper Salted Squid… sad).
We are still selling wristbands to help fundraise for her an orange - Choose Hope Leukemia Awareness wristbands for $3.00 each in various sizes and a black - Stupid Cancer wristbands for $5.00 in one size but 2 types - one with the middle finger and one with a birdie. – Stock is limited right now, but another shipment should be coming in next week sometime.
Again, Donations to Jenene - check or money made to Jenene Philips and send to 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214.
Or donate by debit or credit card at http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Visit her blog for this or older updates at http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/. Also pass this link along to others who may not be on the email tree.
Please call, text or email her if you would like to chat, she is resting at home and planning her days out. A few things in the works for the next few weeks, with clinic visits, weddings and a small vacation planned (trust me we need one!). Her number is 503-341-3498 or email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com.
Thank you everyone who commented or called or came up to the hospital, the outpouring of support has been greatly appreciated.
She was discharged on Sunday and spent most of the day with her Mom, and then getting re-acclimated to the house. She is having a hard time with our stairs going up to the room, so once she is downstairs she is down for the day, but she is getting better and better with each trip up and down.
The seizures were caused by a medicine that she was taking called cyclosporine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclosporine) which is an immunosuppressant drug, which unfortunately one of the many side effects is seizures. She is off of that one and now on a similar drug called tacrolimus (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacrolimus), but without some of the harsher side effects of cyclosporine.
We have been figuring out the next steps for her recovery and trying to plan out the next few months as far as working and things we want to do and places and restaurants we want to go to (one our favorite restaurant Thien Hong - http://www.yelp.com/biz/thien-hong-portland - was closed Sunday so no Pepper Salted Squid… sad).
We are still selling wristbands to help fundraise for her an orange - Choose Hope Leukemia Awareness wristbands for $3.00 each in various sizes and a black - Stupid Cancer wristbands for $5.00 in one size but 2 types - one with the middle finger and one with a birdie. – Stock is limited right now, but another shipment should be coming in next week sometime.
Again, Donations to Jenene - check or money made to Jenene Philips and send to 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214.
Or donate by debit or credit card at http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Visit her blog for this or older updates at http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/. Also pass this link along to others who may not be on the email tree.
Please call, text or email her if you would like to chat, she is resting at home and planning her days out. A few things in the works for the next few weeks, with clinic visits, weddings and a small vacation planned (trust me we need one!). Her number is 503-341-3498 or email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com.
Thank you everyone who commented or called or came up to the hospital, the outpouring of support has been greatly appreciated.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Update on Jenene - August 13, 2011
For Jenene:
“You're out of the woods, You're out of the dark, You're out of the night.Step into the sun, step into the lightKeep straight ahead, For the most glorious place
On the Face of the Earth, Or the sky”
On the Face of the Earth, Or the sky”
“Hold onto your breath, Hold onto your heart, Hold onto your hopeMarch up to the gate, And bid it open”
- The Wizard of Oz
- The Wizard of Oz
So she is recovering nicely from her bout with her seizures. We saw some drastic improvements over the last 24 to 36 hours and now her breathing and feeding tubes are out, she is awake (for the most part) and alert and speaking to us. She had a few questions about where she was and how she got to the ICU, but all in all she has been handling all the news very well.
She was a bit disorientated when she was first awoken from the sedatives and she still was not able to talk all that well. But as the hours wore on, she got stronger and more alert and started recognizing where she was and what was going on around her.
The REALLY great news is that she had a bone marrow biopsy a few days ago, and the test results came back and the bone marrow was cancer free, so that means she is 73 days cancer free.
She was hooked up to a breathing and feeding tube the last few days and that is now out. She was also hooked up to an EEG which measures her brain waves and brain activity and she is now detached from that as well. A speech therapist came in to check her airway and judge to see if she was able to swallow and she has been cleared by her.
The doctors are really positive about her recovery and they are thinking that she will be back up to 14K tonight or tomorrow; and that is making both ourselves and the folks on 14K happy.
We are still selling wristbands to help fundraise for her an orange - Choose Hope Leukemia Awareness wristbands for $3.00 each in various sizes and a black - Stupid Cancer wristbands for $5.00 in one size but 2 types - one with the middle finger and one with a birdie.
Again, Donations to Jenene - check or money made to Jenene Philips and send to 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214. Or by debit or credit card at http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Visit her blog for this or older updates at http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/.
Thank you everyone who commented or called or came up, she will be back on 14K in a while and we will let you know when it is ok to come visit.
Thanks
Update on Jenene - August 12, 2011
Last night was very frightening. At about 9:15pm last night she began to have a seizure while she was sitting up in bed. She fell backwards onto the bed, but her head and left arm were over the side of the bed. I rushed to her to see if I could proper her back up and get a response from her, but I couldn’t. I then went out in the hall and called for a nurse. The nurse rushed in and started getting her back into the bed while also calling for more help. They worked on her for a little bit, with her getting a oxygen mask and them hooking her up to monitors to check her blood pressure and blood oxygen. She came out of the seizure, but then started to fight against the nurses and the care they were giving her (taking the mask off her face and the lead off her finger). But she calmed down and slowly fell asleep. About 15 minutes later, she began to seize again, luckily the nurses were still in the room, but unfortunately this was a big seizure that stopped her from breathing which in turned stopped her heart beat. They started compressions and got oxygen running through her. The rapid response team came in and started to assess her, and they were trying to get her heart beat back and her breathing normally. Once they got her rythum back they decided to intubate her with a breathing tube and move her down to the ICU.
I contacted her Mom, Charlene and her Dad to give them the news as they were prepping her to be moved to ICU. Diane and Scott, and her Dad Don and her Aunt Jacque and Uncle Dave came up to be with her. We could only visit 2 at a time, so we took times.
When she got to the ICU they still had her intubated and hooked up to oxygen, a feeding tube and they had to install a catheter. They took her to get a CT Scan where they discovered a shadow on the front and back parts of her brain. But they wanted to be sure what was going on, so they ordered an MRI to be done and the technician did not discover anything too bad, but they are having a neurologist come and check the MRI and CT.
About 11:30pm or so, she had another seizure in the ICU. They got her back under control and waited for the MRI Tech to come get her. After a few hours of giving her meds and fluid she was hooked up to an EEG machine to monitor her brain waves and brain activity. At about 3:45am she was brought down to the MRI under heavy sedation to do a full brain evaluation.
Since the MRI she has been a bit responsive to pressure and has awoken in small amounts and has moved with pressure and responded with head shakes and nods but is still very sedated.
They do not have an idea yet of what may have caused the seizures. They are going to perform a lumbar puncture to check for infection. But as of now, they are just keeping her medicated and checking her responses and watching her closely.
I will update more once we know more.
Thanks for the support.
I contacted her Mom, Charlene and her Dad to give them the news as they were prepping her to be moved to ICU. Diane and Scott, and her Dad Don and her Aunt Jacque and Uncle Dave came up to be with her. We could only visit 2 at a time, so we took times.
When she got to the ICU they still had her intubated and hooked up to oxygen, a feeding tube and they had to install a catheter. They took her to get a CT Scan where they discovered a shadow on the front and back parts of her brain. But they wanted to be sure what was going on, so they ordered an MRI to be done and the technician did not discover anything too bad, but they are having a neurologist come and check the MRI and CT.
About 11:30pm or so, she had another seizure in the ICU. They got her back under control and waited for the MRI Tech to come get her. After a few hours of giving her meds and fluid she was hooked up to an EEG machine to monitor her brain waves and brain activity. At about 3:45am she was brought down to the MRI under heavy sedation to do a full brain evaluation.
Since the MRI she has been a bit responsive to pressure and has awoken in small amounts and has moved with pressure and responded with head shakes and nods but is still very sedated.
They do not have an idea yet of what may have caused the seizures. They are going to perform a lumbar puncture to check for infection. But as of now, they are just keeping her medicated and checking her responses and watching her closely.
I will update more once we know more.
Thanks for the support.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Update on Jenene - August 11, 2011
Sorry it has been a while since I have last updated you all on her condition, it has been a pretty hectic few weeks since she has been out after her GVHD visit.
2. StupidCancer.com ‘I2Y’ black wristband. We have 2 kinds of these, a family friendly one that states stupid cancer.com i[2]y with a little birdie, and the same saying with a middle finger as well (both the bird and the middle finger is figuratively saying that we are giving the bird to cancer, and i[2]y stand for I’m too young). These are $5.00 and are only in one size (most likely adult).
Well unfortunately she is back in the hospital and back on her GVHD Diet, it sounds as though she had another flair up of GVHD as she has not been able to keep much down (including her meds). Not quite sure what is actually going on, as she was admitted while I was at work. I will update more once I know, but I thought I would at least send out an email.
She is back at the Kohler Pavilion 14th floor room 27. Come by and visit if you wish, she is pretty out of it currently, but may peak up a bit with some rest.
Also, as a fundraiser, we are selling wristbands about cancer and leukemia awareness. We have two kinds for sale:
1. A Choose Hope leukemia awareness specific orange wristband that states: “Say It, Fight It Cure It.” the color orange is for Leukemia Awareness. These wristbands are $3.00 each and we have 2 different sizes, youth and adult (we have only a few Extra Large ones, but they are available).
2. StupidCancer.com ‘I2Y’ black wristband. We have 2 kinds of these, a family friendly one that states stupid cancer.com i[2]y with a little birdie, and the same saying with a middle finger as well (both the bird and the middle finger is figuratively saying that we are giving the bird to cancer, and i[2]y stand for I’m too young). These are $5.00 and are only in one size (most likely adult).
Please contact either of us if you are interested: jmphilips503@hotmail.com or rossyoungman@gmail.com.
Thanks, I will update more when I get more information.
Update on Jenene - July 21, 2011
I forgot to post this in July:
So it was confirmed today that she has Graft vs. Host Disease - GVHD: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graft-versus-host_disease); meaning that her body is fighting against Charlene’s grafted stem cells.
They are treating her with steroids and antibiotics and a limited graft vs. host diet (http://www.health.qld.gov.au/nutrition/resources/oncol_gvhd.PDF) which is mostly liquids, low fat and bland foods.
She will be in the hospital for about a week while they combat the GVHD. She is again in the Kohler Pavilion; floor 14 room 11. Come on by and have a visit. Remember to not come if you have been sick. You will need to gown and glove up (no mask is required this time).
If you would like more information on how she is doing, please call or text her at 503-341-3498 or email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com. Or again, come up and see her.
Donations to Jenene - check or money made to Jenene Philips and send to 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214. Or by debit or credit card at http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Visit her blog for this or older updates at http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/.
So it was confirmed today that she has Graft vs. Host Disease - GVHD: (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graft-versus-host_disease); meaning that her body is fighting against Charlene’s grafted stem cells.
They are treating her with steroids and antibiotics and a limited graft vs. host diet (http://www.health.qld.gov.au/nutrition/resources/oncol_gvhd.PDF) which is mostly liquids, low fat and bland foods.
She will be in the hospital for about a week while they combat the GVHD. She is again in the Kohler Pavilion; floor 14 room 11. Come on by and have a visit. Remember to not come if you have been sick. You will need to gown and glove up (no mask is required this time).
If you would like more information on how she is doing, please call or text her at 503-341-3498 or email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com. Or again, come up and see her.
Donations to Jenene - check or money made to Jenene Philips and send to 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214. Or by debit or credit card at http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Visit her blog for this or older updates at http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Update on Jenene - July 19, 2011
So for the past three days Jenene has been suffering from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea but had not spiked a fever of 100.5 degrees or more, so we had been monitoring her temp and making sure that she was eating and getting plenty of fluids. Yesterday (Monday) she had a doctor’s appointment and she was told to keep taking her meds (they took her off of a couple for now) and take her temperature frequently.
This morning (Tuesday) she woke up feeling nauseous and was vomiting and had diarrhea, when we took her temp she had gotten up to 100.5, we gave her about ten more minutes and took it again and it had spiked to 100.7. That is when we decided to call the clinic again and tell them that she was feverish, they told us to come to the clinic and expect to be admitted to the hospital. On the way to the hospital, we took it again and she had risen to 101.3.
So here we are…
She checked in to the clinic and had cultures and blood drawn. Her temp there was back to 100.7 and finally to 99.7. She received fluids and antibiotics in the clinic and we waited for a bed to open up. She is now at the Kohler Pavilion again; 14K room 11, with a nice view of the Willamette River and the top of the tram.
Her blood work came back in normal ranges, and her temp has gone down to normal levels again. She had a chest x-ray and will have a GI Consult (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrointestinal) tomorrow.
Tests have yet to come back, but she has been still fighting the nausea, vomiting and the diarrhea. She has been given meds for all and she has been sleeping for most of the day.
Home life has been good for the most part. Our friends and roommates Sean and Jen have been helping out when they can. Mom Diane comes over and spends a few hours with her a few times a week. She came over on Sunday night when Sean and Jen went to a Mariners game and I was working in the evening (Thanks again Diane). Dad Don was here for a few hours this afternoon while I went to get more stuff for her visit here, plus he comes over when he is home he comes and visits; occasionally watching a NASCAR race.
She has been losing her appetite a bit, eating smaller meals. We take her temp about 2 to 3 times a day (more if I am being pushy). She is supposed to drink at least 2 liters of water/liquids a day, and she gets there for the most part. But al in all she has been feeling good at home.
She has been a little lonely at home (no offence Jen and Sean) with very few people coming to visit. We know that everyone has lives to live (trust me we are a bit jealous of the ‘normal life’) and we don’t want to pressure any of you to come and visit, but she has felt a bit lonesome since being out of the hospital (probably getting a little tired of having me around all the time…LOL!)
Give her a call or a text later in the day tomorrow (Wednesday) at 503-341-3498 or send her an email jmphilips503@hotmail.com. She will probably be here for a few days.
Donations to Jenene - check or money to Jenene Philips send to 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214. Or at http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Visit her blog for this or older updates at http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/.
Thanks;
Ross
P.S. I made my goal for Team in Training of $750.00 and the Heathman has promised to match it to make the full $1,500.00 due. Thanks to all who donated and thank you SO much for the support of the hotel!
This morning (Tuesday) she woke up feeling nauseous and was vomiting and had diarrhea, when we took her temp she had gotten up to 100.5, we gave her about ten more minutes and took it again and it had spiked to 100.7. That is when we decided to call the clinic again and tell them that she was feverish, they told us to come to the clinic and expect to be admitted to the hospital. On the way to the hospital, we took it again and she had risen to 101.3.
So here we are…
She checked in to the clinic and had cultures and blood drawn. Her temp there was back to 100.7 and finally to 99.7. She received fluids and antibiotics in the clinic and we waited for a bed to open up. She is now at the Kohler Pavilion again; 14K room 11, with a nice view of the Willamette River and the top of the tram.
Her blood work came back in normal ranges, and her temp has gone down to normal levels again. She had a chest x-ray and will have a GI Consult (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastrointestinal) tomorrow.
Tests have yet to come back, but she has been still fighting the nausea, vomiting and the diarrhea. She has been given meds for all and she has been sleeping for most of the day.
Home life has been good for the most part. Our friends and roommates Sean and Jen have been helping out when they can. Mom Diane comes over and spends a few hours with her a few times a week. She came over on Sunday night when Sean and Jen went to a Mariners game and I was working in the evening (Thanks again Diane). Dad Don was here for a few hours this afternoon while I went to get more stuff for her visit here, plus he comes over when he is home he comes and visits; occasionally watching a NASCAR race.
She has been losing her appetite a bit, eating smaller meals. We take her temp about 2 to 3 times a day (more if I am being pushy). She is supposed to drink at least 2 liters of water/liquids a day, and she gets there for the most part. But al in all she has been feeling good at home.
She has been a little lonely at home (no offence Jen and Sean) with very few people coming to visit. We know that everyone has lives to live (trust me we are a bit jealous of the ‘normal life’) and we don’t want to pressure any of you to come and visit, but she has felt a bit lonesome since being out of the hospital (probably getting a little tired of having me around all the time…LOL!)
Give her a call or a text later in the day tomorrow (Wednesday) at 503-341-3498 or send her an email jmphilips503@hotmail.com. She will probably be here for a few days.
Donations to Jenene - check or money to Jenene Philips send to 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214. Or at http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Visit her blog for this or older updates at http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/.
Thanks;
Ross
P.S. I made my goal for Team in Training of $750.00 and the Heathman has promised to match it to make the full $1,500.00 due. Thanks to all who donated and thank you SO much for the support of the hotel!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Update on Jenene for June 30, 2011
It has been a few weeks since I have sent out an update, so I thought it would be good to signify special days and events:
So it is Day +30 – Thirty Days since her NEW birthday. Things have certainly moved along in different speeds and we are looking at days with hope and with great anticipation. She is being more and more optimistic about her outcome with her health and she is looking forward to Day +60 when she will be able to go OUT and enjoy a favorite meal at a favorite restaurant, for right now it is home cooked meals and low bacteria diets (which will continue past Day +60).
She has been having clinic visits and doctor office visits twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays) and she is improving her counts with each visit. She takes about a dozen pills during the day (two rounds during the day), and her dosages change depending on how her counts are. Temperature checks twice a day, and we are flushing out her lines once a day. Her exercise is trudging up and down the stairs to the room every day (they are steep stairs, so exercise is pretty strenuous, LOL). She gets fatigued easily depending on the day, but most of the time she is either on her computer chatting on Facebook, texting to friends and family, or she is watching TV or DVDs.
She is able and very willing to have visitors. Please contact her first before coming over (either 503-341-3498 or at jmphilips503@hotmail.com). Her bedtime is usually by 9pm and she is usually up by 10am, but other than Clinic Days, she is pretty free most of the day!
She is again looking for donations to help with bills. If you are interested and willing, please donate to her by sending the donation made out to Jenene Philips to either 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214 or 1392 SE 64th Court, Hillsboro, OR 97123.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Please pass on the following link to those who may want to know about her past treatments and to keep a watch on her progress: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/.
Thank you all for your support.
Ross
Team in Training: http://pages.teamintraining.org/oswim/portland11/ryoungman
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Update on Jenene - June 4th - Day +4
It is Day +4 and things have been a bit up and down for Jenene. She has had a few days and nights of nausea and she has been suffering from the mouth sores again. But all in all she has been doing well. The doctors and nurses here have been trying to manage the pain and nausea with medication. She has been receiving treatments of Methotrexate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
No true timeline on when she will be leaving the hospital, but she is determined to be out by the 14th. We will know more after the next 3 to 4 days, as the doctors say that these days (Days 4-7) can be the toughest.
She does have a great view up here on the 14th floor. Great views of the Willamette and Mount Hood (when it isn’t obscured by the clouds) from the huge window in her room. She will let folks know when she will be allowing more visitors. Please keep contacting here at jmphilips503@hotmail.com.
Charlene has been recovering well too, spending a lot of time walking around the SE Portland area.
If you still wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court, Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland, OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.
Please pass on the following link to those who may want to know about her past treatments and to keep a watch on her progress: http://neeners-updates.
Thank you all for your support.
Ross
Team in Training: http://pages.teamintraining.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Update on Jenene - May 31st - Day Zero
It is the day of days. Transplant day, Day Zero. All other days begin now.
It is kind of fitting that yesterday was Memorial Day as we celebrated those who gave their lives to defend our freedom and the freedom of this country. Wars just seem trivial now compared to what Jenene is going through. I know that what I just said is not true, and that comparing her struggle with Leukemia and people sacrificing their lives on the battle field are in no way comparable, but when it truly comes down to it, Charlene is 'giving life' to Jenene. She is giving of herself something that some of us can only imagine doing. I can't imagine what a sacrifice one can make during war times, but I am very proud to know that one individual cares for and loves another, as much as these two sisters do, and then I am sure that Charlene's gift to Jenene is as memorable as those people who we celebrated yesterday.
Please keep both Jenene and Charlene in your thoughts and prayers today.
Thank you
It is kind of fitting that yesterday was Memorial Day as we celebrated those who gave their lives to defend our freedom and the freedom of this country. Wars just seem trivial now compared to what Jenene is going through. I know that what I just said is not true, and that comparing her struggle with Leukemia and people sacrificing their lives on the battle field are in no way comparable, but when it truly comes down to it, Charlene is 'giving life' to Jenene. She is giving of herself something that some of us can only imagine doing. I can't imagine what a sacrifice one can make during war times, but I am very proud to know that one individual cares for and loves another, as much as these two sisters do, and then I am sure that Charlene's gift to Jenene is as memorable as those people who we celebrated yesterday.
Please keep both Jenene and Charlene in your thoughts and prayers today.
Thank you
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Update on Jenene from May 29th.
Jenene has been at OHSU for about a week now and has received her radiation and chemotherapy treatments all week. She has been feeling ok, with only slight nausea and pain from her port site.
She is currently receiving Cyclosporine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciclosporin) which will help her body to accept the stem cells from Charlene. She will probably have to continue this treatment when she gets out of the hospital as well.
With her chemotherapy treatment (Cyclophosphamide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytoxan), there is a chance of damage to her kidneys, so they are combating that with the use of Mesna (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesna) that will help protect and detoxify her kidneys and vital organs while she receives her chemo treatments.
She finished the 8 rounds of the TBI radiation therapy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_body_irradiation) on Friday and then received the chemo treatment yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday). She will have a day off tomorrow (Monday) from any treatments; other than her regular meds and the cyclosporine.
On Tuesday morning, Charlene will be admitted as an outpatient at 6am and they will then begin the process for harvesting her stem cells to give to Jenene (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell_transplant#Allogeneic).
Otherwise she has been in pretty good spirits, she has been taking walks around the ward and has been eating regular meals.
She is still wanting to wait to have visitors, but please call, text or email her to keep in touch. She may want to see someone at anytime, but please ask her first before coming up. We will keep everyone informed.
Charlene has been doing well too with her neupogen shots (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filgrastim), with some pain in her body from the growth of her bone marrow. Please keep sending her good thoughts at: charlene.bronson@gmail.com.
If you still wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Please pass on the following link to those who may want to know about her past treatments and to keep a watch on her progress: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/. You can also email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenene.philips.
Thank you all for your support.
Ross
Team in Training: http://pages.teamintraining.org/oswim/portland11/ryoungman
She is currently receiving Cyclosporine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciclosporin) which will help her body to accept the stem cells from Charlene. She will probably have to continue this treatment when she gets out of the hospital as well.
With her chemotherapy treatment (Cyclophosphamide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytoxan), there is a chance of damage to her kidneys, so they are combating that with the use of Mesna (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesna) that will help protect and detoxify her kidneys and vital organs while she receives her chemo treatments.
She finished the 8 rounds of the TBI radiation therapy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_body_irradiation) on Friday and then received the chemo treatment yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday). She will have a day off tomorrow (Monday) from any treatments; other than her regular meds and the cyclosporine.
On Tuesday morning, Charlene will be admitted as an outpatient at 6am and they will then begin the process for harvesting her stem cells to give to Jenene (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell_transplant#Allogeneic).
Otherwise she has been in pretty good spirits, she has been taking walks around the ward and has been eating regular meals.
She is still wanting to wait to have visitors, but please call, text or email her to keep in touch. She may want to see someone at anytime, but please ask her first before coming up. We will keep everyone informed.
Charlene has been doing well too with her neupogen shots (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filgrastim), with some pain in her body from the growth of her bone marrow. Please keep sending her good thoughts at: charlene.bronson@gmail.com.
If you still wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Please pass on the following link to those who may want to know about her past treatments and to keep a watch on her progress: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/. You can also email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenene.philips.
Thank you all for your support.
Ross
Team in Training: http://pages.teamintraining.org/oswim/portland11/ryoungman
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Jenene was re-admitted to OHSU yesterday to start her radiation and chemotherapy treatments in preparation for the Stem Cell Transplant on Tuesday the 31st.
She now has a portacath (port:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_(medical) into her upper chest to replace the PICC line (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picc_line) that she got on her first visit. She is most likely going to be here for about 30 days, depending on how all the procedures go.
She is currently in the radiology department having her first of 8 treatments (2 times a day for 4 days) of Total Body Irradiation (TBI) therapy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_body_irradiation), then she will get 2 days of chemotherapy treatment (Cyclophosphamide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytoxan). She will get a day of rest and then receive the stem cell transplant(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell_transplant#Allogeneic) on Tuesday the 31st.
Charlene will be getting shots of neupogen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filgrastim) starting on Friday for 4 days to help her stem cell production. She will then get a catheter into her neck to get the blood drawn from. Charlene will be a outpatient throughout this process and will be returning home each day. If you would like to send her good vibes please contact her at: charlene.bronson@gmail.com.
We will let folks know when Jenene is well enough to come and visit her in the hospital. It is really dependant on how well she is recovering from all the treatments. Please stay tuned.
Thank you to all the folks who have donated money to her over the last few months to help with bills and other costs. She is really appreciative of all those who have supported her, both financially and personally. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Please pass on the following link to those who may want to know about her past treatments and to keep updated on her progress: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/.
You can also email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenene.philips.
Thank you all for your support.
She now has a portacath (port:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_(medical) into her upper chest to replace the PICC line (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Picc_line) that she got on her first visit. She is most likely going to be here for about 30 days, depending on how all the procedures go.
She is currently in the radiology department having her first of 8 treatments (2 times a day for 4 days) of Total Body Irradiation (TBI) therapy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_body_irradiation), then she will get 2 days of chemotherapy treatment (Cyclophosphamide: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytoxan). She will get a day of rest and then receive the stem cell transplant(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell_transplant#Allogeneic) on Tuesday the 31st.
Charlene will be getting shots of neupogen (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filgrastim) starting on Friday for 4 days to help her stem cell production. She will then get a catheter into her neck to get the blood drawn from. Charlene will be a outpatient throughout this process and will be returning home each day. If you would like to send her good vibes please contact her at: charlene.bronson@gmail.com.
We will let folks know when Jenene is well enough to come and visit her in the hospital. It is really dependant on how well she is recovering from all the treatments. Please stay tuned.
Thank you to all the folks who have donated money to her over the last few months to help with bills and other costs. She is really appreciative of all those who have supported her, both financially and personally. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Please pass on the following link to those who may want to know about her past treatments and to keep updated on her progress: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/.
You can also email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenene.philips.
Thank you all for your support.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Update for May 16th
So it has been a little while since my last update on her. We have been busy getting things ready for her trip back to the Hospital on the 23rd (7 more days). Lots of prep work for that.
She has been having a few tests throughout the last few weeks with all results coming back clean or in good standing. She had a Lumbar Puncture today as well as labs.
She will be admitted on May 23rd, sometime in the early afternoon. She will be getting a port (called implantable ports: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
The next day (the 24th) will be the first day of her 4 to 5 days of radiation therapy and chemo treatments.
On Tuesday May 31st, she will be receiving stem cells from Charlene through a stem cell transplant: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Charlene will also be doing some treatments prior to the 31st, to boost her blood cell production, as an outpatient. Please make sure that you keep both Charlene and Jenene in your thoughts on that Tuesday. Charlene is been such a great support for Jenene and I can’t even begin to tell you how much that means to Jenene. Not only through the donation of the stem cells, but also as a sounding point with all that Jenene has been going through. We love you Charlene!
Jenene will be limiting the amount of visitors that she will have up to the hospital for the first couple of weeks as she is going to be very weak and will be out of it for the first few days. But as her counts begin to come back up, she will be extending a broader invitation to all folks to visit. We will keep you posted.
She has also requested that no one brings gifts for her. She is requesting that the money that you may spend on a gift, be donated to her instead. If you would like to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit or debit card.
That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.
She would also like to remind people that I am running in the Portland Marathon for team in Training and I am currently raising money to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If you would like to have more information about that, please visit my website at: http://pages.teamintraining.
This and all of the other updates are on her blog at: http://neeners-updates.
If you wish to contact her, you can email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or call or text her at 503-341-3498. You can also find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/
Friday, April 29, 2011
Update from April 29th
Jenene has been out of the hospital for the last week since her brief visit last Saturday. She had a doctors appointment yesterday with her Stem Cell Transplant team to give her information about what she will be going through while she is in and out of the hospital during her transplant.
She has a tough road ahead with a lot of restrictions as far as what she can and can’t do and eat; visitors in and out of the hospital; activities; and times when she needs to go back to the hospital. More doctors appointments next week. Then she will be admitted on May 23rd to start prepping her for her transplant.
I will send out more information about the prep and transplant process in a future email. But here is a wiki page about the transplant: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematopoietic_stem_cell_transplantation.
Also, a link on this page offers a nice booklet of information about Leukemia called Facts (it is in PDF form): http://www.lls.org/#/resourcecenter/freeeducationmaterials/generalcancer/facts
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Please pass this email onto anyone who may want it, or direct them to her Update Blog: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/
You can email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenene.philips
She has a tough road ahead with a lot of restrictions as far as what she can and can’t do and eat; visitors in and out of the hospital; activities; and times when she needs to go back to the hospital. More doctors appointments next week. Then she will be admitted on May 23rd to start prepping her for her transplant.
I will send out more information about the prep and transplant process in a future email. But here is a wiki page about the transplant: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematopoietic_stem_cell_transplantation.
Also, a link on this page offers a nice booklet of information about Leukemia called Facts (it is in PDF form): http://www.lls.org/#/resourcecenter/freeeducationmaterials/generalcancer/facts
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Please pass this email onto anyone who may want it, or direct them to her Update Blog: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/
You can email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenene.philips
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Update on Jenene for April 23, 2011
Jenene is back in the hospital tonight for observation, she has been having a bit of blood in her mucus while she has been blowing her nose the past two days, so we called the OHSU Clinic and they recommended that she come to the Emergency Department. While there she had her labs drawn and the decided to give her some platelets as her blood counts were low. After further discussions between the doctors, they decided to admit her overnight for observation, where they will take her blood every 8 hours and check to see what her levels are out periodically. The doctor (Dr. Hayes-Lattin: http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/providers/hayeslat.cfm) was actually surprised that she was admitted, because her counts were above where they were truly concerned. So she will MOST LIKELY be released tomorrow (Sunday, April 24, 2011).
Friday she had an appointment for her labs to be drawn, and they saw that they were too low (0.6 White Cells; 22.25 Red Cells; 26 Platelets) so they gave her 2 units of blood to get her counts up. An appointment that was supposed to be about an hour visit; turned into a five hour visit for her as they gave her the blood.
Earlier this week, she got an LP and some chemo with the LP, plus drawing out spinal fluid to test. You should email her about how well SHE handled the LP compared to how I handled the LP. LOL!
She had a meeting with her transplant doctor (Dr. Gajewski: http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/providers/gajewski.cfm?WT_rank=6) on Tuesday the 19th with Charlene and her Mom. They went over what they will both being going through with their treatments and the transplant procedures. I will give more information on her transplants and treatments when it gets closer to the time.
They will have another class and consultation with Dr. G on April 28th. And then they will have appointments throughout the following two and a half weeks to take labs, x-rays and consult with the doctors. Jenene will be admitted on the 23rd (a week later then first reported) to the hospital to start her transplant.
Otherwise she is in good spirits. She has been trying to pack on the pounds so she is at a good weight when she goes back into the hospital.
She wants to plan a fundraiser within the next month (maybe a BBQ or Pizza Party). We will keep you posted.
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Please pass this email onto anyone who may want it, or direct them to her Update Blog: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/
You can email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenene.philips
Thanks for the support.
Friday she had an appointment for her labs to be drawn, and they saw that they were too low (0.6 White Cells; 22.25 Red Cells; 26 Platelets) so they gave her 2 units of blood to get her counts up. An appointment that was supposed to be about an hour visit; turned into a five hour visit for her as they gave her the blood.
Earlier this week, she got an LP and some chemo with the LP, plus drawing out spinal fluid to test. You should email her about how well SHE handled the LP compared to how I handled the LP. LOL!
She had a meeting with her transplant doctor (Dr. Gajewski: http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/providers/gajewski.cfm?WT_rank=6) on Tuesday the 19th with Charlene and her Mom. They went over what they will both being going through with their treatments and the transplant procedures. I will give more information on her transplants and treatments when it gets closer to the time.
They will have another class and consultation with Dr. G on April 28th. And then they will have appointments throughout the following two and a half weeks to take labs, x-rays and consult with the doctors. Jenene will be admitted on the 23rd (a week later then first reported) to the hospital to start her transplant.
Otherwise she is in good spirits. She has been trying to pack on the pounds so she is at a good weight when she goes back into the hospital.
She wants to plan a fundraiser within the next month (maybe a BBQ or Pizza Party). We will keep you posted.
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Please pass this email onto anyone who may want it, or direct them to her Update Blog: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/
You can email her at jmphilips503@hotmail.com or find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenene.philips
Thanks for the support.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
So she is out of the hospital and back home at her mom’s again. Her chemo treatment went very well that the last hospital visit was a short one. Her counts were up and they let her go on Wednesday, a full day earlier than what we thought.
She will be visiting the doctor and hospital 2 to 3 times a week for the next few weeks, to check her vitals and to draw labs. She has an appointment tomorrow (Friday, 4/15) for a neulasta shot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegfilgrastim) at the OHSU clinic. Monday she has another LP and a visit with her doctor.
She is going to be out of the hospital for a few weeks, with a tentative return to the hospital the middle of May.
If anyone needs to have the past updates please view Jenene’s blog:
http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Thanks for all the support that you have shown.
She will be visiting the doctor and hospital 2 to 3 times a week for the next few weeks, to check her vitals and to draw labs. She has an appointment tomorrow (Friday, 4/15) for a neulasta shot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pegfilgrastim) at the OHSU clinic. Monday she has another LP and a visit with her doctor.
She is going to be out of the hospital for a few weeks, with a tentative return to the hospital the middle of May.
If anyone needs to have the past updates please view Jenene’s blog:
http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Thanks for all the support that you have shown.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Update from April 9th
Jenene has been admitted back to OHSU - Kohler Pavilion room #17 (room phone #503-346-1417). She will be here for another round of her HyperCVAD - Course B (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HyperCVAD#Course_B) for about 4 or 5 days. And then she will be back at her Mom’s house for about 2 to 3 weeks.
The transplant doctor (Dr. Gajewski - http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/providers/gajewski.cfm or Dr. G for short), was here checking on her and he gave us a little bit of a schedule for the upcoming treatments:
1. After this round of chemotherapy, she will return home for recovery for about 4 weeks while her counts come back up.
2. She will need to visit the doctor 2 to 3 times a week during her recovery to check her vitals and draw blood for labs.
3. About 2 weeks after her counts are back up they will readmit her to OHSU and prep her for her transplant. This will consist of her receiving more chemotherapy and some radiation therapy prior to the transplant.
4. The doctors will then discuss Charlene’s procedures with her and Jenene and prep Charlene for her procedure.
5. The transplant visit could be 4 to 8 weeks in the hospital.
6. Once she is out of the hospital after the transplant, she will have a very intensive outpatient follow-up program for 3 to 6 months to check vitals, labs and receive meds when needed. This program may also include a readmit to the hospital.
7. ALL OF THIS DEPENDS ON WHAT THE TWO DOCTORS (Dr. G. or Dr. Kovacsovics http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/providers/kovacsov.cfm or Dr. K for short) DECIDE THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION WILL BE.
If anyone needs to have the past updates please view Jenene’s blog: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Thank you again for all your love and support of Jenene.
The transplant doctor (Dr. Gajewski - http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/providers/gajewski.cfm or Dr. G for short), was here checking on her and he gave us a little bit of a schedule for the upcoming treatments:
1. After this round of chemotherapy, she will return home for recovery for about 4 weeks while her counts come back up.
2. She will need to visit the doctor 2 to 3 times a week during her recovery to check her vitals and draw blood for labs.
3. About 2 weeks after her counts are back up they will readmit her to OHSU and prep her for her transplant. This will consist of her receiving more chemotherapy and some radiation therapy prior to the transplant.
4. The doctors will then discuss Charlene’s procedures with her and Jenene and prep Charlene for her procedure.
5. The transplant visit could be 4 to 8 weeks in the hospital.
6. Once she is out of the hospital after the transplant, she will have a very intensive outpatient follow-up program for 3 to 6 months to check vitals, labs and receive meds when needed. This program may also include a readmit to the hospital.
7. ALL OF THIS DEPENDS ON WHAT THE TWO DOCTORS (Dr. G. or Dr. Kovacsovics http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/providers/kovacsov.cfm or Dr. K for short) DECIDE THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION WILL BE.
If anyone needs to have the past updates please view Jenene’s blog: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Thank you again for all your love and support of Jenene.
Update from April 8th
Jenene is going to be admitted tomorrow to OHSU for a second chemotherapy treatment of HyperCard - Course B for about 4 or 5 days. We will let you all know what room she will be in (her first treatment of the Hyper CVAD - Course B, was while she was in the hospital).
She had a bone marrow biopsy on Tuesday and the sample that they got had less than 5% of leukemia detected.
She then will be out of the hospital and back at her mom’s to recover for a few weeks, with visits to the clinic 2 to 3 times a week to check her vitals and draw labs.
She has been told that her stem cell transplant may be delayed depending on what the outcome of her chemo treatment and if the doctor wants to do a third treatment. So what they will do is when she is out this next time (next week) she will be out for 2 to 3 weeks, then they will decide to either do another treatment of the Hyper-CVAD - Course B or they will start prepping her to receive the stem cell transplant.
What WE think they will do is another round of chemotherapy. IF they do, she will be out again for 2 to 3 weeks and then go in again.
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Thanks for all your love and support.
She had a bone marrow biopsy on Tuesday and the sample that they got had less than 5% of leukemia detected.
She then will be out of the hospital and back at her mom’s to recover for a few weeks, with visits to the clinic 2 to 3 times a week to check her vitals and draw labs.
She has been told that her stem cell transplant may be delayed depending on what the outcome of her chemo treatment and if the doctor wants to do a third treatment. So what they will do is when she is out this next time (next week) she will be out for 2 to 3 weeks, then they will decide to either do another treatment of the Hyper-CVAD - Course B or they will start prepping her to receive the stem cell transplant.
What WE think they will do is another round of chemotherapy. IF they do, she will be out again for 2 to 3 weeks and then go in again.
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
Thanks for all your love and support.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Update for April 1st
She had a clinic visit yesterday (Thursday, March 31st) where she got some blood drawn and to get an EKG (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrocardiography). She will be back to the hospital on Tuesday (April 5th) for another Bone Marrow Biopsy; Wednesday (April 6th) for an Echo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echo_cardiogram), and then Thursday she will go for another clinic day with Dr. Kovacsovics.
After the bone marrow biopsy, they will check to see where she is at with the leukemia, whether she is in remission or not. This what they search for with each biopsy, to check the progress of the chemotherapy against the leukemia.
She will then either be admitted on Thursday or Friday for another round of chemotherapy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HyperCVAD#Course_B) for about 4 to 5 days. Then she will be back home to her Mom’s to recover with doctor visits about 2 to 3 times a week to check her vitals and draw blood for labs.
The doctors have discussed the next course of treatments with her, and they say that she will have the BEST chances with a stem cell transplant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematopoietic_stem_cell_transplantation) from her sister. This will take place about the first part of May.
Her transplant team will be lead by Dr. Gajewski (http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/providers/gajewski.cfm) and they will talk with Charlene when Jenene is admitted to the hospital in May. Jenene will first get treatments of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_therapy) so that her immune system will be able to receive the stem cells. Once the doctors determine that she is ready to receive the treatment, they will prep Charlene and do the transplant. More information on the details of the transplants when they give them to us. The whole treatment may take about 3 to 4 weeks back at OHSU.
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
She wants to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support from everyone. She is so grateful for all the friends and family that she has around her.
After the bone marrow biopsy, they will check to see where she is at with the leukemia, whether she is in remission or not. This what they search for with each biopsy, to check the progress of the chemotherapy against the leukemia.
She will then either be admitted on Thursday or Friday for another round of chemotherapy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HyperCVAD#Course_B) for about 4 to 5 days. Then she will be back home to her Mom’s to recover with doctor visits about 2 to 3 times a week to check her vitals and draw blood for labs.
The doctors have discussed the next course of treatments with her, and they say that she will have the BEST chances with a stem cell transplant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematopoietic_stem_cell_transplantation) from her sister. This will take place about the first part of May.
Her transplant team will be lead by Dr. Gajewski (http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/providers/gajewski.cfm) and they will talk with Charlene when Jenene is admitted to the hospital in May. Jenene will first get treatments of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiation_therapy) so that her immune system will be able to receive the stem cells. Once the doctors determine that she is ready to receive the treatment, they will prep Charlene and do the transplant. More information on the details of the transplants when they give them to us. The whole treatment may take about 3 to 4 weeks back at OHSU.
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
Or visit her website with a PayPal account attached, so that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/.
She wants to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support from everyone. She is so grateful for all the friends and family that she has around her.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Clarification of Updates for Jenene
So there are two things that may need a little clearing up.
She is NOT in remission. Remission will not be determined after a few months after all the chemo and transfusions are complete. It could take up to a year before remission is announced. The bone marrow sample that they took from her appeared to be leukemia free, but that unfortunately does not mean that she is in remission. (http://www.chemotherapy.com/treating_with_chemo/remission/goal.html)
She does want to have people come and visit. Please call or text her, so she can give you the address (503-341-3498) or email me and I will send it to you.
As always her charitable fund is still with FirstTech Credit Union. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214. Or through her website now with a PayPal account attached to it that you can donate to her via a credit or debit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
I have put all the past updates on her blog: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/. Please pass this on to anyone who may want to know about the progress she has gone through.
Thanks.
She is NOT in remission. Remission will not be determined after a few months after all the chemo and transfusions are complete. It could take up to a year before remission is announced. The bone marrow sample that they took from her appeared to be leukemia free, but that unfortunately does not mean that she is in remission. (http://www.chemotherapy.com/treating_with_chemo/remission/goal.html)
She does want to have people come and visit. Please call or text her, so she can give you the address (503-341-3498) or email me and I will send it to you.
As always her charitable fund is still with FirstTech Credit Union. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214. Or through her website now with a PayPal account attached to it that you can donate to her via a credit or debit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
I have put all the past updates on her blog: http://neeners-updates.blogspot.com/. Please pass this on to anyone who may want to know about the progress she has gone through.
Thanks.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Update from March 24th
So she is home at her Mom's house since Monday 3/21, and has been feeling alright. She has been a bit shakey, but otherwise in good spirits.
She had a doctor's appointment yesterday to draw labs and check her vitals. It seems that her blood cell counts have been on the rise which is great. She has another appointment on the 31st which will tell her more about the future treatments and when she may be back in the hospital.
Her charitable fund is still with FirstTech Credit Union and is being facilitated by her mother Diane Anderson. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
She also has a website now with a PayPal account attached to it that you can donate to her via a credit or debit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
She wants to thank the folks who have been doing some smaller charitable work for her. She is very grateful for all the outpouring of love and support that she has been given.
She had a doctor's appointment yesterday to draw labs and check her vitals. It seems that her blood cell counts have been on the rise which is great. She has another appointment on the 31st which will tell her more about the future treatments and when she may be back in the hospital.
Her charitable fund is still with FirstTech Credit Union and is being facilitated by her mother Diane Anderson. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
She also has a website now with a PayPal account attached to it that you can donate to her via a credit or debit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
She wants to thank the folks who have been doing some smaller charitable work for her. She is very grateful for all the outpouring of love and support that she has been given.
Update from March 20th
So we received some GREAT NEWS today: SHE IS GOING HOME ON MONDAY 3/21/2011!!
Her white blood cell count has been trending up from 0.1 about a week ago, to 0.4 two days ago, to currently at 0.7 which is up enough where she can get released. They did a bone marrow biopsy on Thursday the 17th, and the sample that they got looked to be leukemia free.
She will be home for about 2 weeks, and then she will come back to the hospital for a third round of chemo for about 5 days, then return home again. She will then be back at OHSU at the end of April for her stem cell transplant. She will get a pre-chemo treatment for a few days before the procedure and will be in the hospital for about 3 weeks, then back home.
Hospital visits will be three times a week for a while, then two times a week then once a week, all to keep monitoring her cell count, get blood and platelet transfusions and be given chemo treatments, all as an outpatient. While at home we will monitor her temp and try to watch for infections or fevers.
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union and is being facilitated by her mother Diane Anderson. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
A few of her friends have started to plan some fundraisers for her. As soon as dates and times are announced, I will make sure that you know when and where.
She also has a website now with a PayPal account attached to it that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
She wants to thank you for all the support, the visits, the gifts and the love you all have been giving to her while she has been in the hospital. She will be at her mom’s house after she leaves the hospital but will still be available to chat with via email, Facebook, text or calling.
If you wish to visit, please call or text Jenene so she can give you the address or directions. Her email address is jmphilips503@hotmail.com and her phone number is 503-341-3498. She does have a Skype profile (jenene.philips) or you can search for her via her email address.
Thank you.
Her white blood cell count has been trending up from 0.1 about a week ago, to 0.4 two days ago, to currently at 0.7 which is up enough where she can get released. They did a bone marrow biopsy on Thursday the 17th, and the sample that they got looked to be leukemia free.
She will be home for about 2 weeks, and then she will come back to the hospital for a third round of chemo for about 5 days, then return home again. She will then be back at OHSU at the end of April for her stem cell transplant. She will get a pre-chemo treatment for a few days before the procedure and will be in the hospital for about 3 weeks, then back home.
Hospital visits will be three times a week for a while, then two times a week then once a week, all to keep monitoring her cell count, get blood and platelet transfusions and be given chemo treatments, all as an outpatient. While at home we will monitor her temp and try to watch for infections or fevers.
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union and is being facilitated by her mother Diane Anderson. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
A few of her friends have started to plan some fundraisers for her. As soon as dates and times are announced, I will make sure that you know when and where.
She also has a website now with a PayPal account attached to it that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
She wants to thank you for all the support, the visits, the gifts and the love you all have been giving to her while she has been in the hospital. She will be at her mom’s house after she leaves the hospital but will still be available to chat with via email, Facebook, text or calling.
If you wish to visit, please call or text Jenene so she can give you the address or directions. Her email address is jmphilips503@hotmail.com and her phone number is 503-341-3498. She does have a Skype profile (jenene.philips) or you can search for her via her email address.
Thank you.
Update from March 16th
She has been in pretty good spirits, she has been walking around the ward more and has been coloring in all the books that she has been given from everyone. They will do another bone marrow biopsy on the 17th or 18th to see about the progress of the chemo killing the leukemia cells.
Her Doctor has reported that they will be performing a stem cell harvest (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematopoietic_stem_cell_transplantation) at about the end of April, it will be much like a blood transfusion and will be taken from her sister Charlene, who is a perfect match.
It depends on her counts and if she needs anymore chemotherapy treatments.
She still suffering a bit from the oral mucositis and esophagitis, that is still making it hard for her to eat and swallow liquids, but with the saline swish and a oral medicated mouthwash it has gotten better and she is eating more.
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union and is being facilitated by her mother Diane Anderson. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
She also has a website now with a PayPal account attached to it that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
She is very grateful for all the well wishes and visitors.
Thank you,
Her Doctor has reported that they will be performing a stem cell harvest (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hematopoietic_stem_cell_transplantation) at about the end of April, it will be much like a blood transfusion and will be taken from her sister Charlene, who is a perfect match.
It depends on her counts and if she needs anymore chemotherapy treatments.
She still suffering a bit from the oral mucositis and esophagitis, that is still making it hard for her to eat and swallow liquids, but with the saline swish and a oral medicated mouthwash it has gotten better and she is eating more.
Her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union and is being facilitated by her mother Diane Anderson. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
She also has a website now with a PayPal account attached to it that you can donate to her via a credit card. That site is here: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
She is very grateful for all the well wishes and visitors.
Thank you,
Update from March 12th
She received her last chemo treatment for this round via her Lumbar Puncture yesterday at about noon. She should be getting the results about the LP in the next few days. Then they will do another biopsy on the 18th to see about the progress of the chemo killing the leukemia cells.
She has been mostly fatigued and sleeping a lot because of the meds. She has been suffering from oral mucositis and esophagitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue in the mouth and throat, that is making it very hard for her to eat and swallow liquids. She has been treating that with a saline swish and a oral medicated mouthwash that helps with the sores and inflammation.
Again, her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union and is being facilitated by her mother Diane. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214. Or you may donate via credit or debit card at http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
She wants to thank all of those who have donated to her either in visits, gifts, money or just texts, calls, emails, Facebook posts and general great thoughts and concern for her. She is very blessed to have so many care for her.
She has been mostly fatigued and sleeping a lot because of the meds. She has been suffering from oral mucositis and esophagitis, which is an inflammation of the tissue in the mouth and throat, that is making it very hard for her to eat and swallow liquids. She has been treating that with a saline swish and a oral medicated mouthwash that helps with the sores and inflammation.
Again, her charitable fund is with FirstTech Credit Union and is being facilitated by her mother Diane. If you wish to donate to her, please make the checks out to Jenene Philips and you can send them to either 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214. Or you may donate via credit or debit card at http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
She wants to thank all of those who have donated to her either in visits, gifts, money or just texts, calls, emails, Facebook posts and general great thoughts and concern for her. She is very blessed to have so many care for her.
Another Update from March 8th
So we found out some really good news yesterday for Jenene’s treatment: her sister Charlene is a Bone Marrow match. More details about the procedure, when she will have it and recovery times will be coming soon, but for now that is some REALLY great news!
Nothing much else has changed on her chemotherapy; she began a new type of regiment that started Friday (3/4). She did a 22 hour round of Methotrexate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methotrexate) until 6am Saturday morning. Now she is on Cytarabine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytarabine) every twelve hours for 1 more day. Then she will be getting the Metrotrexate via intrathecal on March 11th at noon.
We are again very happy with the match with Charlene. We also appreciate all the visits and texts, the calls, the emails (jmphilips503@hotmail.com) and just the warm wishes to her.
Thanks again
Nothing much else has changed on her chemotherapy; she began a new type of regiment that started Friday (3/4). She did a 22 hour round of Methotrexate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methotrexate) until 6am Saturday morning. Now she is on Cytarabine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytarabine) every twelve hours for 1 more day. Then she will be getting the Metrotrexate via intrathecal on March 11th at noon.
We are again very happy with the match with Charlene. We also appreciate all the visits and texts, the calls, the emails (jmphilips503@hotmail.com) and just the warm wishes to her.
Thanks again
Update from March 8th
So we had some news that her Leukemia did not go into remission; as there were leukemia residuals in her Bone Marrow; and that she will need another round of chemo therapy. Because of the restart of chemo she will be here longer; until at least April 4th.
She is beginning a new type of regiment that started last night; Friday (3/4). She will be doing a 22 hour round of Methotrexate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methotrexate) until 6am Saturday (3/5) morning. Then she will be starting Cytarabine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytarabine) every twelve hours for 2 days. Then she will be getting the Metrotrexate via intrathecal on March 11th at noon.
Her Doctor (Dr. Kovacsovics - http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/providers/kovacsov.cfm) has decided to stay on her case. She is determined to beat this and she is keeping her spirits up.
As we stated in the last update, we have started a Charitable Fund for at FirstTech Credit Union. You can make checks out to either her or the Jenene Philips and send it to her via two addresses: - 1392 SE 64th Court, Hillsboro, OR 97123Or - 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214We will take them and deposit it into her fund.
Her Brother-In-Law Derek Bronson has set up a website with a PayPal account so that you can donate to her with a credit or debit card: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
Keep visiting or sending her texts, calls or emails (jmphilips503@hotmail.com). She has really appreciated all the visitors.
Thanks
She is beginning a new type of regiment that started last night; Friday (3/4). She will be doing a 22 hour round of Methotrexate (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methotrexate) until 6am Saturday (3/5) morning. Then she will be starting Cytarabine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytarabine) every twelve hours for 2 days. Then she will be getting the Metrotrexate via intrathecal on March 11th at noon.
Her Doctor (Dr. Kovacsovics - http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/health/services/providers/kovacsov.cfm) has decided to stay on her case. She is determined to beat this and she is keeping her spirits up.
As we stated in the last update, we have started a Charitable Fund for at FirstTech Credit Union. You can make checks out to either her or the Jenene Philips and send it to her via two addresses: - 1392 SE 64th Court, Hillsboro, OR 97123Or - 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214We will take them and deposit it into her fund.
Her Brother-In-Law Derek Bronson has set up a website with a PayPal account so that you can donate to her with a credit or debit card: http://jenenephilips.tumblr.com/
Keep visiting or sending her texts, calls or emails (jmphilips503@hotmail.com). She has really appreciated all the visitors.
Thanks
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Update from March 4th
She was in really good spirits the last few days. She had been walking around the ward more, eating more and been in a generally great mood for a while now.
She had a Lumbar Puncture on Wednesday 3/2 and another Bone Marrow Biopsy Thursday 3/3. This will determine whether they will proceed with more of the chemo (HyperCVAD: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HyperCVAD) and the Bone Marrow Transplant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_marrow_transplant).
The transplant is the most optimum path to maximize her chances. We are still wanting to hear back to see if Charlene is a match for her.
We have started a Charitable account for her at FirstTech Credit Union, if you wish to donate to her for whatever reason you can send checks made out to Jenene Philips or just to her name and send it to her Mom’s house: 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or to my house at 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
For information on Donating blood and other information on ALL, please see these links:
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: http://www.lls.org/
American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/
The American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/
Thanks again for all of your support, it is really appreciated.
She had a Lumbar Puncture on Wednesday 3/2 and another Bone Marrow Biopsy Thursday 3/3. This will determine whether they will proceed with more of the chemo (HyperCVAD: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HyperCVAD) and the Bone Marrow Transplant (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_marrow_transplant).
The transplant is the most optimum path to maximize her chances. We are still wanting to hear back to see if Charlene is a match for her.
We have started a Charitable account for her at FirstTech Credit Union, if you wish to donate to her for whatever reason you can send checks made out to Jenene Philips or just to her name and send it to her Mom’s house: 1392 SE 64th Court Hillsboro, OR 97123 or to my house at 3543 SE Belmont St, Portland OR 97214.
For information on Donating blood and other information on ALL, please see these links:
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: http://www.lls.org/
American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/
The American Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/
Thanks again for all of your support, it is really appreciated.
Update from February 24th
So it was a rough couple of days for Jenene. She had been suffering from a migraine since 2/23. She was treating it with meds along with pain meds and anti-inflammatory medicines.
She had her Lumbar Puncture procedure the morning of the 24th, and they said she did fine.
Her liver enzymes are slightly elevated but they are on the decline from yesterday when she had liver inflammation. Her ALT’s are normal and her ACT’s are elevated. She had a hepatitis C test to see if that was the cause, but it came back negative
She was sleeping all day with an IV fluid bag and a bunch of meds to fight off the migraine; which… seems to have helped her a lot as she has peaked up a lot and has even asked to something to eat. It is only goldfish crackers, but SHE IS EATING GOLDFISH CRACKERS!! And now thin mints (I was excited about this!).
Also, I had mentioned in one of my updates about Team In Training (www.teamintraining.org/); well I have signed up to run the Portland Marathon with Team In Training. I have to raise about $1,500 dollars to have the entry fee for the marathon taken care of, and the majority of the money raised will go the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If anyone is interested in signing up, they have a few more races and events that you can do, or even just to volunteer. Let me know. I will have a website up in a few days to help with my fundraising.
Thank You.
She had her Lumbar Puncture procedure the morning of the 24th, and they said she did fine.
Her liver enzymes are slightly elevated but they are on the decline from yesterday when she had liver inflammation. Her ALT’s are normal and her ACT’s are elevated. She had a hepatitis C test to see if that was the cause, but it came back negative
She was sleeping all day with an IV fluid bag and a bunch of meds to fight off the migraine; which… seems to have helped her a lot as she has peaked up a lot and has even asked to something to eat. It is only goldfish crackers, but SHE IS EATING GOLDFISH CRACKERS!! And now thin mints (I was excited about this!).
Also, I had mentioned in one of my updates about Team In Training (www.teamintraining.org/); well I have signed up to run the Portland Marathon with Team In Training. I have to raise about $1,500 dollars to have the entry fee for the marathon taken care of, and the majority of the money raised will go the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. If anyone is interested in signing up, they have a few more races and events that you can do, or even just to volunteer. Let me know. I will have a website up in a few days to help with my fundraising.
Thank You.
Brief Update from February 18th and 19th
She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acute_lymphoblastic_leukemia). Treatment will take about a month for treatment and recovery. Then she will be in an out-patient program for about 6 months.
She had her Bone Marrow Biopsy Saturday 2/19 (info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_marrow_examination).
Her Chemotherapy regimen was HyperCVAD (info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HyperCVAD).
There was a platelets transfusion on Sunday 2/20, it went down to 19,000 from 27,000 (info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platelet). When she was originally diagnosed, her platelet count was 7,000. A healthy person’s platelet count is 150,000.
She can have snacks; but there is a restriction on some foods; mostly raw items (info: http://www.acor.org/leukemia/neutro.html). Packaged foods are best, canned, she can eat her favorite Kraft Mac and Cheese.
Visiting:
YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO VISIT IF YOU ARE FEELING ILL AT ALL. You can not have any perfume or cologne on. No FLOWERS. But other gifts are welcome. Also gossip magazines, she loves those. Her personal email is jmphilips503@hotmail.com; and I know a lot of you are her friends on Facebook, so she will be checking those very, very often. Her cell is working and would like calls and texts, but the service is spotty.
If you have any more questions, we will be happy to answer them. She has gotten a ton of information about A.L.L. and the treatments.
For more information about Leukemia please see the following sites:
National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: http://www.lls.org/hm_lls
American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/
Please contact me at the email below for more information or contact Jenene, her email address is listed above.
If you feel so compelled, please donate blood or platelets, because when you do, you can help save lives. Also, if you wish to donate your time or money to any of the above organizations, it helps with the fight against cancer.
For those athletic and running types, you can also go to the following website to help with Team in Training: www.teamintraining.org/. They will help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and train you to do marathons, triathlons and other forms of races.
Thank you.
She had her Bone Marrow Biopsy Saturday 2/19 (info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_marrow_examination).
Her Chemotherapy regimen was HyperCVAD (info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HyperCVAD).
There was a platelets transfusion on Sunday 2/20, it went down to 19,000 from 27,000 (info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platelet). When she was originally diagnosed, her platelet count was 7,000. A healthy person’s platelet count is 150,000.
She can have snacks; but there is a restriction on some foods; mostly raw items (info: http://www.acor.org/leukemia/neutro.html). Packaged foods are best, canned, she can eat her favorite Kraft Mac and Cheese.
Visiting:
YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO VISIT IF YOU ARE FEELING ILL AT ALL. You can not have any perfume or cologne on. No FLOWERS. But other gifts are welcome. Also gossip magazines, she loves those. Her personal email is jmphilips503@hotmail.com; and I know a lot of you are her friends on Facebook, so she will be checking those very, very often. Her cell is working and would like calls and texts, but the service is spotty.
If you have any more questions, we will be happy to answer them. She has gotten a ton of information about A.L.L. and the treatments.
For more information about Leukemia please see the following sites:
National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: http://www.lls.org/hm_lls
American Cancer Society: http://www.cancer.org/
Please contact me at the email below for more information or contact Jenene, her email address is listed above.
If you feel so compelled, please donate blood or platelets, because when you do, you can help save lives. Also, if you wish to donate your time or money to any of the above organizations, it helps with the fight against cancer.
For those athletic and running types, you can also go to the following website to help with Team in Training: www.teamintraining.org/. They will help raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and train you to do marathons, triathlons and other forms of races.
Thank you.
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