Jeanine's Journey

2010-06-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone :). I haven't posted on here because I thought the whole world knew when our Jeanine left this life behind, I guess. Chris asked me to post this, however, so I am. Jeanine passed to the other side on April 24 th. She went with the same beautiful dignity that she lived her life and fought her battle with. Our lives go on....but we will never forget her, never stop missing her, and cannot wait to see her again. This is what we believe will happen, just as she believed that it would....because of the death and ressurection of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom she placed her trust! Thank you all for loving Jeanine and Dick and their sweet family.

Sorrow and Joy flowing mingled.....

2010-04-23T21:07:00.000-07:00

For those who keep up with Jeanine via the blog, I want you to know that we moved her to the Hospice Unit today. She is in room 7108. Jeanine is comfortable, though her belly is filling with fluid again and she is requiring more medication today than yesterday.

Yesterday (Thursday) she was able to communicate with us due to her decreased pain and consequently decreased morphine. She was able to visit with all three of her children, and for that we are so thankful! Wednesday night she got to spend time with us...the Wednesday choir group (I use the term loosely!) and her Mom got to be with us until she had a "spell" of some sort and we had to hustle her to the Trauma Center!! She was released later in the evening and is at home and doing well. Today she was visited by three more of her grandchildren and I'm sure that her heart leapt for joy!

Jeanine has been so blessed! And such a blessing to so many! As she has so often said "God is sooooo with us!"

I know you share in my great anguish at the thought of life without this one who is soooo dear....and in my great JOY that her spirit WILL NEVER die and that we will all soon see her again :) Sorrow and joy (I know...it is really sorrow and LOVE) flow mingled down...Did ere such love and sorrow meet?

Please continue to pray for her comfort and her sweet passage. And for peace and strength and courage and faith for Dick, the kids, grandkids, Mom, siblings, and hundreds of friends like you and I. Our prayers have given them hope and strength, by the grace of our God who has answered "Yes" to MANY of our requests. Praise God even through our tears!

Hello Again :)

2010-04-18T14:57:00.000-07:00

Hi...I took another little "bloggers vacation"! Just wanted to get a message out to any of you who may not hear from us in some other format. Jeanine is in the hospital...it will be 2 weeks tomorrow. She is being treated with some alternative meds, in addition to all that they do for her at the hospital. Other than that, most of the efforts at this time are toward keeping her pain and nausea at bay. She still has some "fight" in her and still cherishes our prayers. God is good...she knows that and so do I, otherwise He would not have blessed us all with the gift of Jeanine, right? Love to all....Jeanine's Journalist

Great Night!

2010-03-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun and girl talk Friday evening! Followed by a good night's rest for Jeanine, who woke up HUNGRY Saturday a.m. She ate some toast, oatmeal, and even a couple of bites of bacon!!

We walked down the hall after that and got back to the room needing meds for pain and nausea, but glad for the exercise. No news that I know of....she is hoping to go home sometime this week but we don't know what the doctor's thoughts are :)

Have a great end of the day and a happy Monday!! Nancy

Slacking Off!

2010-03-19T16:07:00.001-07:00

Hi y'all! Sorry for the pause but I warned you I'd be busy with kids and grands this week!! I've not been the only "slacker"...Bobbie Jeanine has been one too. (Just joking of course)....but as you all probably know, she didn't get to go home after all. More fluids were drained from her abdomen, I think it was on Wednesday. She suffered with pain and nausea that night and until Thursday afternoon. She felt great through the night and this morning...and suddenly was struck again with pain and "retching". Plenty of meds calmed her down and she seemed to be resting when I saw her last.

Tonight I get to be at her side once more....what a blessing! To have moments to visit and laugh when she feels good, and to have a chance to offer her a cold rag and call for her nurse to come quickly with relief when she does not.

The nurses on the oncology floor have been incredible...can't praise them enough! And her doctors have been too.

Please pray for strength and courage for Dick and the kids and for comfort and peace and freedom from pain and nausea for dear Jeanine. Love to all~ Nancy

Going to the casa??????

2010-03-12T19:37:00.001-08:00

Well...for the first time in almost 3 weeks, there is talk of letting Jeanine return home :) She is feeling good for the most part, though she slept much of the day today. Please pray that all of her tummy parts will start working and that she will not be nauseated by the meds she is taking for that. I should post a picture of her in the new crocheted caps that our friend Peggy brought for her. One of them is blue just like Nene's eyes!
We are considering "enhancing" Jeanines hairs...both of them, as she jokes :) She doesn't know WHO put those white hairs on top of her blonde head!

Have a blessed weekend. Our kids are coming from Houston for the week, but I'll still try to keep you up to date! Happy Spring Break!!!

Girls Night In :)

2010-03-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

Woohoo! Another girl Party! Jeanine, Sarah and I are winding
down after our devo with Anita, Donna, and Ruthie! Laurie was at the airport picking up Don and Laura O!!
Jeanine is feeling good but she is kind of pooped so I'd better turn out the lights and say the parties over! I let Jeanine listen to Going Home by the Libras on You Tube. It is a beautiful English boys choir and she loved it. I said "I didn't want to make you sad"and she said it's not sad"!

Have a greAt night and we will too! Love y'all!

Hellloooo Out There!

2010-03-09T19:21:00.001-08:00

Hmmmm....I can't tell if anyone is reading this unless you comment. I'll go ahead and write something from time to time anyway :) Sara Sue, where are you???

Jeanine has had 2 units of blood, some albumin, lipids via IV, protein via feeding tube....And a dose of chemo Monday, today, and she is scheduled for one tomorrow! They don't think this type of chemo will make her nauseated, so that is a BLESSING!

Today she also had an EGD to see what is bleeding in her tummy. There were several places kind of seeping...no single lesion that could be cauterized or anything. The doctor did not think that she was at risk of a big bleed from any of the spots he saw.

Overall, she is feeling pretty well. She holds my hand and hangs on tight!! I'll bet she will hold yours too :) Precious, precious friend of mine!

Dick is hanging in there...he is tired though and I know that your visits to HIM mean so much. Today someone sent an envelope of money anonymously. He was so moved. He is embarrassed that we have asked for help on their behalf...but I'm not! Thank you all for your responses.

Jeanine's Joyful Journalist...not for the present circumstances but for eternal ones!

Marvelous Monday

2010-03-08T19:17:00.000-08:00

Maybe not so marvelous, but it sounds good to say it, huh? Jeanine has felt pretty good throughout most of the day. She is getting a blood transfusion and has gotten more chemo today. They have called the GI doc in to check on bleeding in the GI tract....Dr. Trauth says it is probably from her tumors.

Pray that she continues to feel strong, without side effects from these recent chemo treatments other than to deal a blow to the cancer! Time for a MAJOR set back for the mean team!!!

Round 3 in the Battle against Cancer!

2010-03-07T15:49:00.000-08:00

The Red Devil has joined the fight! Jeanine started a new (though old) chemo drug Friday...Adriamycin, aka the Red Devil. So far so good with a great night Saturday night and feeling good on Sunday...up in the chair.

One problem is that she is having some bleeding in her tummy and that (and perhaps the chemo) has caused her hemoglobin to drop. They are watching that closely to see when and if she will require blood transfusions again.

If all is well she will recieve another type of chemo tomorrow (Monday).

Spirits are good...prayers for courage and strength are being answered!

Praise God for every good day!!!

Papa's Story

2010-03-05T23:03:00.000-08:00

"Sissy",thanks for making Brazil 2008 a trip I'll always remember. The reason Jeanine started calling me "Papa" is because we'd go to eat at Tonilu's restaurant in Itu and she'd ask for more Reis (Brazil dollars) from me, "Papa".
From then on I was "Papa" and she was "Sissy".
The plans for this trip at first looked as though several would be going then it ended up a group going to a camp for teens and just four of us; Jeanine, David, Karen and I would be doing Bible studies.
David came up with the name "Fab 4" and it fit.
I remember Jeanine had sent out dozens of letters for support way before we started working on raising our money. She was going to Brazil! We'd often greet each other with those words, "We're going to Brazil!"
The four of us would meet at our house and I'd try to share some Bibles stories and tips for sharing the Gospel to prepare us for the mission trip. Little did I know that God had already prepared "sissy" to be an imitator of Jesus. She didn't really even need her Bible. Like Jesus she always drew a crowd. People could feel God's love in each of those warm hugs of her's. She drew several women to her that needed a special touch. One of those was Thelma. There also was a family we studied with and their little girl's heart was broken to see sissy go.
The "Fab 4" laughed the whole trip because of sissy. Some moments I remember: anointing you with oil before we started the bus ride to Dallas, the four of us serving communion to the church in Itu, the way God used us to be His hands and feet, the energy you had at the concert and the fun we had even though it took 46 hours to get home. (I almost forgot those Tonilu chocolate shakes)

Obigado my friend,
Terry St. Pierre (Papa)

March 5, 2010 10:39 PM

Donna's Story

2010-03-05T20:19:00.001-08:00

Donna’s Story

From as long as I have known Nancy (30 years), I have heard and known of Jeanine. Jeanine is her best friend and closer than a sister. I really got to know her when I moved to Clyde in the early part of the 90”s. I found Jeanine to be always smiling and one of the most positive women I have ever known. She has a faith that is so awesome. When she went to Brazil on the mission trip…she could not wait and we could not wait to hear of the Lord’s divine interventions on that trip. She touched so many lives and especially one Brazilian woman.
As Lynda mentioned earlier we all became traveling friends and had so many wonderful experiences. All the trips lead us closer to the Lord. We went to several Women of Faith Conferences and the last trip we went on was to a Zoe Conference. All precious time spent bonding as Christian sisters.
The time I most treasure is the time Jeanine, Lynda & I went to Louisiana to visit Nancy. As Lynda said Jeanine always drove (and we loved it). On the way home we had stopped and bought a Women of Faith book that was filled with stories of struggles and faith testing that different women had experienced in their lives.
Jeanine told me to start reading out loud while she drove. And I did. The three of us would laugh, cry and be blessed as I read the stories. We discussed each chapter as we went .We learned so much from each other as we related these stories to our own lives. I feel I really got to know and bond with Jeanine from this experience. It was over a 10 hour trip…it rained…but we had the best time.

Written by Donna Goble (Nancy's sister-in-law)

Strength, Courage, Wisdom, Love

2010-03-05T20:05:00.000-08:00

These are the things that we continue to pray for. And these are the things that God continues to provide in just the right daily doses. Strength, courage, wisdom, love, abiding faith, hope...eternal hope!

Jeanine has been very sick since Thursday evening when she had her CT scan...she thinks it started from the contrast that she had to drink to get the images. All night...all day...now into another night. "God give her rest! Stop her nausea...stop her heaving. Thank you for Dick and Julie and all of the family and friends who ache for them. Thank you for the doctors and their compassion and for the nurses and all of the healthcare workers who minister to Jeanine."

The CT did not show new tumors, but did reveal some "hot spots". Dr. Trauth felt that it would be unsafe to wait any longer before restarting chemo, so today she got new meds. "Please God...help her not to suffer so much...not even at all, with this regimen. Help this to slow the progress of the cancer, even halt it...cure her if it is Your Will!"

Jeanine sweetly places her trust in God. She says that she is totally at peace...she quoted Dick's comment that I have talked about on this blog. Either way it is a win-win situation. Yep! That it is!

And the fight goes on!!

It is good to remember that friends part but friendships don't die!

2010-03-05T19:50:00.000-08:00

I was reminded again tonight that even though some lives intersect for a relatively brief time, bonds that are formed may never be broken.

A friend of Jeanine's (and of mine though I did not know her as well) named Gayla called tonight to check on Jeanine. She moved to Pennsylvania in 1981...after singing in mine and Herb's wedding in 1980! I haven't seen her in all of these years, but when she was in town last summer (for the first time in many years), she found Jeanine in the early stages of her Big Battle!

Gayla and I talked for a very long time and discovered some connections that intertwined in our lives while neither of us had a CLUE!!

It makes me think that even if one of a pair goes away...when there is a reunion you pick back up as if you'd never parted! Even on earth, haven't you experienced this with old classmates or friends...so it must be even more glorious to have those reunions in heaver! Just think of all the people you can hardly wait to see again. It is hard to imagine that seeing Jesus will be far greater than seeing those that we have walked with in the flesh, isn't it? It is so easy for me to long to see Mam-ma, and my Mom, and my brother David...my prayer is that I will ache and long to see my Saviour in that same, very real way.

What do you think Heaven holds?

Normal Platelet Count Day!

2010-03-04T19:00:00.000-08:00

Nene's blood work is finally back in good shape. Woohoo!!! She is pretty and pink too...and she had a good afternoon in spite of having to drink nasty contrast for a CT scan. Yuck!! Have a great Friday :)

Great Start Friends!!

2010-03-04T05:09:00.002-08:00

Last night (Weds. March 3) was a wonderful one spent with Jeanine and several of our other friends. We laughed...sang....prayed....cried...laughed...listened to Jeanine share her thoughts and feelings of peace, joy, sorrow...cried...cried...laughed...sang...recounted God's promises.
You get the picture :)

One thing we did was share "How I met Jeanine" stories with Jeanine. And we laughed...and we cried...and I BLUBBERED at times. That's what is so great about Jeanine....she blubbered with me, and laughed with us, and wept with us, and was open and vulnerable about this part of her journey.

Keep writing your stories. She loves them and so do I!

On the medical front...no response from MD Anderson yet about the next step to take, but Dr. Trauth expects to hear something by Friday. Meanwhile, Jeanine is getting stronger each day. They are working to get her platelet count up before letting her go home, as well as building up her protein with additional feedings through her tube.

Dick is a rock! Stays with her most of the time, but thankfully he sometimes goes home at night and lets sister Julie stay with Jeanine. (Thankfully because this has been a long road for him too he needs to rest.) The kids and grandkids are in and out and there is a pretty constant stream of visitors. Jeanine handles all of it with amazing graciousness and she feels very loved and blessed.

Wondering whether or not to visit? If you are well and you feel led to visit, I would say this is a good time. Sometimes she is asleep from pain or nausea meds, but often she is awake. Sometimes Dick will get out for a bit if someone comes in that can stay for a little while. Let the spirit lead you and you won't go wrong.

God bless you all today! Jeanine's "just plain blessed" Journalist

Lynda's Story!

2010-03-04T05:09:00.001-08:00

The way I met Jeanine was due to men deer hunting; can you believe it? Our men, Jeanine's, Nancy's, Donna's and mine, were on a deer lease together, kin and near kin. With children grown, we decided to go on a "deer lease trip." The gals are movers, shakers, planners and lover's of the Lord. This one particular trip was to Jefferson, TX. Our Donna has a broken ankle and said she couldn't go. Defeat wasn't a word to Jeanine. She was able to produce a wheelchair delivered to our bed-and-breakfast. When we arrived, there was a wonderful wheelchair ready for duty and our escapades. I was the one wheeling Donna's wheelchair and the one that nearly dumped her off a three foot high porch in front of a business downtown. I do believe there had to be an angel holding on to me ceasing our inevitable fall off that wall. I was sweating bullets as I collapsed on a bench. We all laughed as Donna got her color back in her face. Donna retired my job ASAP. Just kidding. We ate, we laughed, we explored, we talked about spiritual things and our Lord and shared openly and freely our lives. That is a joyful, close and wonderful memory. No one can replace or take away our heart felt words and thoughts. Some things are beyond words.
Jeanine was always the driver and she was the best. She is our Queen Bee. She, also, was gracious to stop at any place we spied that needed our inspection. Pottery was in the trunk and under our feet from the Marshall pottery outlet. At the outlet I purchased a picture of Jesus gathering small children around him. That picture resides in the prayer room in the back yard. My memory of girlfriends, of Jefferson, TX and love.
Loving memories, laughter and our antics while with each other....Precious! Lynda Goble

Debra "meets" Jeanine!

2010-03-04T05:01:00.000-08:00

I first met Jeannie at Hendrick Medical Center. After a short time, we found out that her brother (Jay) and my sister (Donna) were married to each! Small world!!!! Jeannie's smile lights up the whole room! It is such a blessing to call her my friend! I am praying for you sister!!! Love ya! Debra Bondick

March 3, 2010 2:01 PM
Anonymous said...
And it is just like me to mis-spell her name! HEHE Some things never change! I still love you Jeanine ~ Debra

March 3, 2010 2:03 PM
Anonymous said...
Thanks Debra! I'll give this to Jeanine. We spent a great evening with her...singing and praying and reminiscing about fun times. She has a beautiful spirit and she says that she has great peace. I believe her! Because of HIM!!!

March 3, 2010 8:25 PM

Here's my first "Jeanine Story"...come on now, join Duane and I in this storytelling venture!!

2010-03-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

How I know Jeanine...

Well....this could go forever, but most of you already know at least parts of our story. You may not know that Jeanine and I met November 8, 1978. I went to work at Hendrick that day and became a co-supervisor with one of the most amazing women I have EVER been blessed to know. Little did we know that we would be "forever friends" when we first met.

One thing we have enjoyed is taking trips together. Sometimes it has been the four of us...five counting the little girl Sarah who went with us once! Many times we have gone on "girl trips", sometimes just the two of us...often with our sidekicks Donna and Lynda. I am not sorry for one moment or one mile on our shared journey. From time to time I'll get back on here and tell you some of the details.

Jeanine and I have shared highs and lows throughout the years....and now this! And even this blesses me...to walk beside Jeanine and Dick as we are all privileged to do; to see their strength and their unwavering faith that God is in control. This is not how we envisioned life....it helps us to remember that our time with loved ones is precious...interruptable...not to be taken for granted.

Spinning off Dick's win-win message to Jeanine (see side bar of main page)....I too am in a no-lose situation. I have shared 30+ years of an amazing relationship...made memories that will last as long as MY memory does :) and whether we continue together on this earthly journey for a short time or for a very long time, I know that I have been blessed. As Jeanine would say...."God is so with us!"

Nancy Patterson

Jeanine's Day

2010-03-02T16:09:00.000-08:00

Not every day is a good one, and this one has been a bit tough. Jeanine began to have severe abdominal pain after the fluid was drained from her abdomen yesterday. She then started having episodes of vomiting...dry heaving actually with nothing in her tummy. They gave her meds and she slept until about 1 p.m. when Mary Ann and I were blessed to spend some time with her while she was awake and free of pain.

The doctor came in and said that there were cancer cells in the fluid that they drained. This indicates that the current chemo is not effective. Doctors are contacting M.D. Anderson for further recommendations on treatment regimens.

We learned over the weekend that the FDA has approved an injection for stomach cancer that has been used for some breast cancer patients for several years. It is given in conjunction with chemo....it has to do with whether a tumor is receptive to a particular hormone I think. They are checking to see if Jeanine's tumors might be responsive to that therapy. (This is a very uneducated description of the treatment so if you know more about it please feel free to comment!)

Keep praying! Healing, comfort, peace, joy, an exquisite awareness of the presence of our God!! Love you all...Jeanine's Jester of a Journalist

2010-03-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

Jeanine had some fluid drained off her stomach today. 4.5 liters??? They said it was about FIFTEEN pounds worth. I said "Hey...can y'all do that for me?!?"
Nope...it wouldn't work they said. Booooo!! However, Jeanine was greatly relieved and feeling much better afterwards. They said that sometimes when someone is depleted of protein and they get a blood transfusion the body leeches fluid from the blood vessels for the protein!!

Let's pray that the fluid doesn't come back (sometimes they have to drain it a time or two they say)...and that they are able to get her protein level up much better by adjusting her nutrition.

Have a great night! Jeanine's jumping Journalist

Keep Reading!

2010-03-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

If you click on the link to "How I Know Jeanine" you will see a little article from me. Duane's story is imbedded in his post, "Duane's Thoughts". I thought I could set it up so we could all do a little page on this topic but I see that you can't open a blank. I'll work on that tonight. Meanwhile...feel free to type your "How I Know Jeanine" message in the comments section.

Keep scrolling down for additional info....I posted several messages last night to play catch-up.

Thanks for checking in and letting me know you were here. I will print out messages for Jeanine.

Have a Joy filled day....Jeanine's journalist, in Jesus!

Duane's thoughts

2010-02-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

Two bits on Jeanne Wharton :

Cancer is a very private time, to stand up and fight the illness often requires more of your body than your body can deliver. Add to that the affect of a positive attitude and it is no wonder that the illness clams so many each year. It is here that I find my friend Jeanne who like all did not ask for this fight, but will not give in without one.

So here I find myself staring at a blank screen, wondering how to explain to you why Jeanne is so special to me, and in turn you can share. If you never knew Jeanine, then you can get to know here and love her through the stories that we convey.

My Jeanine story: I met Jeanine in the Front Porch Bible Class at Highland Church of Christ where she came in beaming a smile that all was good with the world and was followed closely by Dick who was pretty sure he was the one with the real story. After a while though, I saw quickly exactly how this tag team operated. Dick would roll out the real and Jeanne would give you another way to look at it, yet you never left the pair without thinking that a problem had not been fully explored. Personally, I never like Hugging... or better put I had weaned myself from needing to hug others until Jeanine made it a point to Hug me every Sunday for two or three months. Jeanine has always I guess been able to see through facade and once she sees the problem she will to try to help others.

One thing I might ask is: Can we help this couple with their bills and medicine? Nothing would please me more than that a rich oil baron would step forward, but in lieu of my grandiosity, I am just asking for a two-bit pledge of maybe 25.00 a month to help them out at this time. However, if this is far reaching I ask you “brother can you spare a dime?"

Thanks for your prayers and all your consideration. I am thankful that so many people love Dick and Jeanine! Now let's hear your story.....

How can we Help???

2010-02-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

I get this question a lot, so lets brainstorm together......

Pray, pray, pray....Our Father who art in Heaven...Thy Will Be Done....give us our daily bread....forgive our debts!

Praise, praise, praise....Thank the Lord for showing Himself to us through Jeanine...she praises Him at every opportunity!

Share good news...help Jeanine stay in touch by bringing her bits of "the outside world". She was so glad to hear about Sarah and Kevin's baby boy. She said "God is so good!"

Remember Dick....he will NEVER ask for anything. We have to just make offers...show up....I was in the room one day when Duane stopped in and said "Will you come to lunch with me?" And Dick did and he enjoyed it so much. Today Herb and I stopped in and I sat with Jeanine while Dick and Herb went to the cafeteria for a while. Dick will tell you if he doesn't want to do something....but he is an "iron man" when it comes to expressing needs. (By the way...Jeanine wants some distractions for Dick. She says they are "getting on each others nerves a little bit" :) Who wouldn't be, right??

Would someone like to start a posterboard card for her so that she can see who all has come by? Someone a bit more creative than moi? Or...if she is going to be hospitalized for a while we could decorate her room a bit. She can have flowers now....also balloons, streamers, etc make a room look great.

One other thing....Jeanine has not had income for a couple of months. Hopefully she will soon start getting some long term disability payments. Meanwhile, the fund is still open through Highland and every little bit helps at a time like this. I believe the fund is pretty well depleted. A few folks have faithfully contributed periodically and many others made one time donations. Just wanted to let you know that the fund is still available.

And now for YOUR ideas.....

Feb. 28 Update

2010-02-28T17:01:00.000-08:00

Nene has been in the hospital for a week now. She has improved sooo much from when she was admitted last Monday! They have raised her white blood count, gotten her infection under contro, rehydrated her, given her a couple of units of blood, and kept her pain under control. Not bad for a weeks work, huh?

She isn't feeling well today, though. Her tummy is distended and she is retaining fluid in her legs and feet. They did an XRay of her tummy today and will do a sonogram tomorrow....apparently she has a blockage of some sort. Will let you know once they determine the problem.

Her color is good though, and she is her same beautiful, joyful (most moments!), and loving self. She konks out when she gets pain meds so if you get there shortly after that she will probably want to talk but just can't stay awake.

Visitors??? Well it is safer now that her white count is up. You never know how she is feeling til you get there, but the family room is right next to her room so that is a good place to visit with Dick or Julie...whoever is staying with her...and they will give you good guidance about her ability to visit. She is soooo thankful for our love shown by cards, short visits, and most of all our prayers!

Love to all from Jeanine and Dick and their Joke of a Journalist!!!!

We're Back!!!

2010-02-28T16:54:00.001-08:00

OK...we'll see if anyone actually sees this after all this time! I appreciate all the feedback on the last post (which was in November) as you know :) To be honest I didn't even check back because I didn't think you'd be looking at it any more. Meanwhile Sarah has given me a couple of "gentle" nudges and today people in our class at church offered to help with postings.
Sooooo.....here we go. Spread the word!

P.S. A big thanks to whoever gave all the j word suggestions! Don't forget to sign your name following your post since you will show up as "annonymous"!!

Back on track.....

2009-11-04T18:27:00.000-08:00

Ok...round 6 is infusing!! Pray, pray, pray for side effects to be less than before! Jeanine went back to work Monday.....yep, back to work! So she needs strength that only God can give :)

Please pray for muscle strength in her legs as she is getting a bit "weak in the knees". Hopefully getting up and around more will help her with that.

Jeanine enjoyed her 4 week hiatus from chemo. It was a blessing to her and to all of us that she got some rebound time and was able to feel better for several days.

Have a great week.

Jeanine's juxtapositional journalist! (What is that????) I have no idea, but I'm running out of "j" words!!!

A Reprieve!

2009-10-28T21:06:00.000-07:00

Well...Jeanine was really dreading this go round, as you may have read. But she went in bravely, as we knew she would, only to learn that her white blood cell count was too low to get her treatment today. She is to return next week, hopefully fully recovered and ready to go....if not she will get a shot of...ummm...I forget what, to boost her WBCs.

The good news....she gets a whole extra week to feel good and rebound from the last chemo, AND this might change her schedule so that she won't get a treatment right before Thanksgiving, which would have been really bad timing anyway!!

Woohoo....we often find good in the strangest situations!!! (Thanks God!)

Jeanine's joyous journalist

We're Back in business!!

2009-10-28T05:42:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all....so sorry, but I have half a brain and I forgot my password for this site :) Jeanine says she has chemo brain and I tell her I must be standing too close to her...its rubbing off. Problem is, she knows that I had it long before she began chemo!

Today Nene goes for chemo #6. Woohoo....two more to go after this! #5 knocked her on her hiney for a while, as she puts it, but the last 2 or 3 days she has felt really good. She looks great, if you haven't seen her....sporting a brand new, really SHORT haircut. Kind of like a "pixie cut" for those of you who have been around for a while. And she STILL looks great!

Please pray for the chemo to be so effective that the medical community will be astounded....and that we will all stand in awe of the One who formed our bodies, the one who knows Jeanine inside and out, the Great Physician. Matter of fact....let's stand in awe of Him in any circumstance, right?? :)

Sunday night our "Sunday Sisters prayer/Bible study/support group" met at Jeanine's house because we miss her very much. It was a wonderful, sweet and fun time. As she would say, God was soooo with us! And He is soooo with her today. It takes courage to walk through the doors of the chemo lab at this point....knowing that she will be "on her hiney" for the next several days. Pray for strength and courage for her and Dick and all their loved ones.

Sorry to have dropped the ball here...hope someone is still checking back at this point!

Jeanine's Forgetful Journalist :)

Ready and Waiting....

2009-09-29T16:47:00.000-07:00

Jeanine went in for her 4th chemo on Monday but her platelet count was down a bit too much, so she went home to recoup for a couple more days. She is scheduled to try again tomorrow.

The side effects of the chemo are hitting her during the infusion at the doctors office....nausea and cold sensitivity. It hurts her hands really badly to try to get something out of the fridge. She can't drink or eat anything cold for a few days after a treatment.

All this is said so that you will know how to pray for her. The good news is that her tummy is holding a little more food and she is still tolerating her formula, though she hasn't been able to increase the rate as much as she would like to.

I am praying for minimal side effects, MAXIMUM BENEFITS, and for lots of "good" days between treatments! I mean like....really.....praying!! How about you?

Jeanine's Jewel of a Journalist! (Haha!)

Up, up....and AWAY!!!!

2009-09-26T12:50:00.000-07:00

Well, Jeanine and Dick made it out to the balloon fest Friday night. The weather was gorgeous and they found ringside seats where Herb and I got to sit with them for the balloon lighting etc. Jeanine is pretty happy because she FINALLY talked Dick into the notion of letting her drive her car from time to time when she feels like getting out :)

If you are missing your text messages from Dick...he got his cell bill and came to understand that he did not have any texting included with his plan. Now he is in an absolute...and perhaps permanent state of shock. He may never text again!! Please pray that AT and T will be merciful with them and understand how many text messages come and go when you are group texting folks who want to know how their dear friend/Mom/sister etc is doing.

Chemo # 4 is coming up Monday. Tube feedings are going well, though the drip rate is still low because of nausea when the rate is increased. Jeanine still needs more nutrition for strength, so keep on praying for that too!

Have a great week and I'll post again when I have more news! Love from Jeanine's FAVORITE Journalist!! :)

Prayers Answered

2009-09-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

Nene had chemo # 3 Monday of this week, and finally got to see the nutritionist as well. The nutritionist recommended a different formula for her feeding tube and it doesn't make her sick!! Thanks for your faith filled praying and thanks to God for his faithful hearing!

Chris is still here and they are having a grand time. Today they went to Rotan...I guess to see Jeanine's Daddy's gravesite. Jeanine was kind of tired today and Dick said that she was kind of sick this evening....probably chemo effects. Hopefully those symptoms will pass quickly and she will have more good days to be with Chris.

And by the way Terry....you got it....Walk #158 was the best walk ever!!!

More news as it happens....Jeanine's very thankful Journalist

DING DING DING!!!

2009-09-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

Round two goes to Jeanine also!!! Imagine our joy when she and Dick and Julie showed up at Candlelight Saturday night at Lueders :) Don't know which of us was smiling the biggest. She was a part of this Emmaus Walk 158 in many ways!

Chris came in tonight from Portland and told her that they are all coming for Christmas...that perked her up more than ever!! WooHoo!! Way to go Christopher....welcome home :)

Please keep praying for some nutritional supplements that Jeanine can tolerate. Tomorrow she will get Round Three of treatment started and hopefully will see the nutritionist while she is there. She needs calories and protein so she can keep up her energy, so pray, pray, pray! God sometimes rewards persistence :)

Standing in the gap for Jeanine with you all....Jeanine's personal scribe

Jeanine is Right...God IS soooo with her!

2009-09-03T21:40:00.000-07:00

Jeanine has had a rough couple of days due to severe illness from either her feedings or her chemo.....but she smiles from ear to ear and says "I am JUST FINE!" And she is better this evening after a couple of IVs today. She will get a couple more tomorrow...all this to prevent dehydration.

I will be out of pocket for a few days and don't know what kind of computer access I'll have, so hopefully Jeanine will get stronger so she can keep you posted on her progress.

However, I have to say THANK YOU!!! on her behalf. Your generosity to help them in financial ways has been overwhelming....not to mention the continuous prayer cover that they have had. Thank you every one from the bottom of MY heart....I can't imagine what your love must feel like to Dick and Jeanine!

In awe of the one who died for us....Jeanine's Journalist

2nd Chemo Treatment working!!!!!

2009-09-02T15:43:00.000-07:00

Seems that by God's Grace and Chemo Therapy is working so that I am able to get some food down much easier! Today for breakfast, I ate 3-4 bites of a small pancake and some thinnly sliced ham. The food does not have the most wonderful taste, but it feels good in my mouth!
The food via my tube last night was also without any side-effects. Thank you to all of my pray(ers) Give Glory to HIM! Jeanine

Round One Goes to Jeanine!!!

2009-08-31T19:53:00.000-07:00

Moving on to round two, with progress made during the first treatment, in that Jeanine can now eat purple popsicles!!!! Yay!!!! She can eat a little bit of other food too, giving us an indication that the tumor must have shrunk enough to let a little food go down.

Today (Monday, August 31) began round two. Jeanine did great with Dick and several friends right there in her corner, and she will be on her slow infusion of meds until Wednesday afternoon.

Jeanine has been sick off and on all weekend. It seems that she is not able to tolerate the particular "foods" that she has been getting via her tube. Dick read up on all of the things she has tried and they all have iron....she cannot tolerate iron! So she will be working with the nutritionist to get a different formula. Way to think Dick! Let's hope this solves the problem so she can get some good nutrition to give her strength :)

Her prayer is that she will have NO side effects! Dick's is that she will have NO problems at all. Mine cover both of them....no chemo side effects for Jeanine, and peace and comfort for Dick. He is such a diligent caregiver, will hardly leave her side and never leaves her alone. (She says he also won't let her drive..... you can imagine that she is not taking that mandate lying down. Hmmm.....may the strongest-willed Wharton win :)

Jeanine and Dick are so thankful your prayers and words of love. Let's keep holding them up before God....the giver of all good things....life, love, and eternal salvation! Praise Him for these incredible human beings, in whom it is sooo easy to see His face!

Have a wonderful week....Jeanine's Journalist

Having A Great Week

2009-08-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

Last week was not the best week I have ever had, but I (we) got through it! What a supportive husband, children, grandchildren and best friend in the world! I am the most blessed woman, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother on this earth. God is so with me!
Thank you for the prayers! The pray(ers) are one of the most valued piece of this journey that I am on. I have alot of time to reflect of all of the names that I am sent daily and sometimes hourly of pray(ers) that are praying for me all over the world. Little ole Jeanine from Abilene. Who would have thunk? How blessed I am by having a Son in the music businesss that just happen to speak to one of the artist Edward Ka-Spel about my diagnosis and then to have all proceeds donated by all of the artists on the album. Also Chris, daughter in law-Heather and granddaughter-Pia in Portland, OR for creating a second album dedicated to my cure of stomach cancer. How awesome if that? There are not enough tears for me to show my happiness. Please take time to view the two albums and purchase an album or two for gifts. The holidays will soon be here!
Next Chemo will be August 31.

ANOTHER CD!!!

2009-08-24T20:49:00.000-07:00

WOW! Not one, but TWO CDs produced especially for Jeanine. We already knew she was special, huh??? These two posts have two separate CD offerings....unique music and cool graphics!

http://www.blrrecords.com/prod/2060/mom.htmlV/A "Mom" CDAvailable Oct. 1, 2009. This benefit CD was created to raise funds for my mother, Jeanine, to assist in her fight against stomach cancer diagnosed in June 2009. Thank you very much to the following for your generosity by submitting songs for this project: Legendary Pink Dots, Nadja, Nurse With Wound, Andrew Liles, Expo ‘70, Orbit Service, La STPO, Troum, Earthmonkey, Volcano the Bear, Un Festín Sagital, CJ Boyd, One Starving Day, Armchair Migraine Journey, Else Teicher and Seven That Spells.
Please see the CD face for artist and track names. Thank you to Steven Wilson and Yuen for your generous donations to this cause. To donate to this cause or for more information, please follow the link below or contact BlRR http://jeanines-journey.blogspot.com Thank you: Chris, Heather and Pia

EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about the CD created and produced especially for Jeanine!!!

2009-08-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is a result of the efforts of Jeanine's son Chris, in Portland, Oregon. He and his friends and associates in the music industry wanted to do something to help out in a special way. Check out the CD that is described below, and which will be available for purchase on Oct. 1 with all proceeds going to Jeanine.

http://www.blrrecords.com/prod/2059/dream_loops.htmlEdward Ka-Spel "Dream Loops" CDAvailable Oct. 1, 2009. This CD was created to raise funds for my mother, Jeanine, to assist in her fight against stomach cancer diagnosed in June 2009. Edward Ka-Spel has generously donated "Dream Loops" to this cause and all proceeds will be donated to her to assist in covering medical and travel expenses.
Thank you Edward!
To donate to this cause or for more information, please follow the link below or contact BlRR http://jeanines-journey.blogspot.com
Thank you: Chris, Heather and Pia Godspeed Mom
PS: A vinyl version will also be produced in early 2010.

Chemo is yucky!

2009-08-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

Well, Jeanine is fighting like a champ...although the chemo has a way of hitting below the belt at times :) She planned to leave for MDA today to get her stitches out tomorrow, but didn't feel up to the long drive. I think Dr. Balbastro will remove the sutures and she had the CT that they wanted to do in Houston here in Abilene last week.

Way to go Jeanine! Support your local medical facilities :)

Keep praying that Jeanine will land a hard blow and get a TKO on chemo side effects at the same time the chemo "knocks out" those cancer cells.

Thanks for all of your support and prayers.....Jeanine's Journalist

It's ON!!!!

2009-08-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

The fight is on and we are all pulling for Jeanine :) Jeanine is back at home as of noon Sunday. The eight hour infusion of one of the drugs turned out to be 48 hours! She will get another treatment in 2 weeks and may or may not have it in the hospital, depending on insurance coverage...sometimes they won't pay for one of her drugs unless the patient is hospitalized.

Jeanine did great until Saturday night when she had a bout of nausea. Same thing happened Sunday afternoon, but she has good drugs now and hopefully she won't have to suffer with that sickness.

Please continue to pray that the side effects will be minimal and that she will be strong to endure the ones that do occur. She is in good hands with Dick and the girls...and Jarrett and Chris are doing their share long distance! What a blessing to be so loved by your family and friends, huh??

Fight, Fight, Fight!!!!

2009-08-14T05:31:00.000-07:00

Jeanine got a homecoming "surprise"! She thought she would have to wait another week to start chemo, but her oncologist had a hospital room reserved for her and she started her first round of chemo last night. She will leave the hospital today or tonight....the doctor just wanted her to be there for this first round. She is getting three different chemo meds, one of which takes 8 hours to infuse and she is scheduled to get a dose every two weeks. She and Dick were very excited to get started on treatment after about 10 weeks of diagnostics and waiting...waiting...waiting.

Please God....

Homecoming!

2009-08-11T17:48:00.001-07:00

Jeanine and Dick will leave Houston sometime in the morning, headed for Big A! Jeanine is going to have her chemo in Abilene. She will make a return trip to Houston on the 20th so the surgeon can check on her feeding tube etc.

Jeanine said she felt good today, had more energy etc. They are both very anxious to get back home!

Fun Visit!!

2009-08-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

I got to visit Jeanine at the hotel Sunday, with our friends Marty and Jordan and our daughter in law Patty and Ashlynn. Jeanine's smile was as bright as the sunshine. She was showing off her "new hair" and we all had fun trying it on! I'm thinking about going blonde :) Sara and Julie are still there with Dick and Jeanine....what a blessing for all of them!

Tuesday at 4 p.m. Jeanine sees the oncologist and should be on the road back home Wednesday a.m. I think she is homesick and I KNOW that we are all ready to see her, right??

Randy, Dick and Jeanine's son-in-law, is at home but in lots of pain from his spider bite. Cheri sends out "Spidey Man" texts from time to time. Keep them in your prayers too as he is having lots of therapy like IV anitbiotics, hyperbaric treatments etc.

Julie and Sara are driving the motor home back to Abilene in the morning, so everybody needs to stay off the road tomorrow afternoon! No, Julie says she is an experienced trailer puller so they will do fine.

More news as it happens! Jeanine's Journalist

Discharged

2009-08-09T04:22:00.000-07:00

Well, Family and Friends,

Finally discharged from MDA at around 5 pm on Saturday, 8/8 and arrived at the Hotel at Texas Medical Center. Husband, daughter and sister are taking good care of me. I can not get used to allowing someone to wait on me, because it will make me lazy, but I will accept for now.

After receiving news that the cancer is spread and not a candidate for surgery, it was a great disappointment, but God is totally in control and we are asking for the cancer to be removed.

Prayers are felt and I feel so comforted that "God is so with me"! Please continue to pray for me and family.

Love to all from Houston, BJW

Staying a little longer....

2009-08-07T18:16:00.000-07:00

Jeanine's appointment with the oncologist, Dr. Ho, was rescheduled for Tuesday at 4 p.m. because she was kept in the hospital for another day and couldn't make it to the original appointment.

She is fine with that....(well, she did admit to a little disappointment when Dick and Julie told her she couldn't come to Abilene on Saturday and go back Monday). But she is over it now and she will be released Saturday and she and Dick will stay in the Rotary House until Wednesday, when they will head for home.

I am going there with our friend Marty and her son tomorrow, to pick up my granddaughter from her cousin's house. Yippee!! We will get to see Nene! You probably won't hear any more from me until I get home Sunday night.

Thanks to all who have contributed to Jeanine's fund. It will remain open for as long as they can use our help. Have a blessed weekend! Jeanine's Journalists

A word from God...

2009-08-06T05:52:00.000-07:00

Jeanine....you are loved by hundreds of people, but most of all by the living God!

I don't know if MDA does this, but with each meal tray at HMC there is a card with a scripture and prayer. Nana LOVED these, and I collected a few last week....here is one for today, for all of us who feel a little fearful!

For God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:5

Prayer

Dear God, I'm grateful that with your help I can remain calm and at peace, regardless of what ordeal may be before me. In the name of the one who saves.....Amen

News from Houston

2009-08-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

Jeanine's feeding tube is in and she is getting some nutrients at last! She is only getting 10 ccs per hour and she has a 1000 cc bag, so that may take a while, huh? When she gets used to the formula she will only have to use it at night. She will be able to eat whatever she can tolerate, and hopefully she will have more room in her tummy once they get the tumor shrunk with chemo.

Jeanine's spirits are good, even though she is disappointed that she will not be able to have surgery since there is some involvement outside of the stomach. She will see the oncologist Friday, August 7, and find out her treatment plan. She has to heal for two weeks from the procedures she just had and will go back for followup with the surgeon on August 20.

Sara and Julie, Jeanine's daughter and sister, are in Houston to stay with them until she gets out of the hospital on Friday or Saturday. They will bring her home in her comfy car so that she won't have to travel in the truck. They wanted to be there to help Dick out too. He is staying at the hospital tonight and will sleep tomorrow.

She asks that we continue to lift her in prayer....she wants to live for about 30 more years, so be specific in your asking! :) She wants everyone to know that she is "just fine"!! Dick says that he is "wonderful and sweet"....don't tell him I said this, but that is really the truth :)

More news as it happens......Jeanine's Journalists

A little update-

2009-08-03T17:59:00.000-07:00

Hi All! Just a quick update to let everyone know that the bake sale was a great success!!

Also- Jeanine and Dick are now in Houston! I'll update on how she is doing soon. Jeanine posted on facebook requesting prayers for their son in law, Randy. He was bit by a spider.

Updated to add Jeanine's note from the comments section:

"Arrived at MDA at 830 this morning for pre surgery. I have been run through the mill for pre op to assure that nothing happens. My heart is still there and working well.
The surgery is scheduled for 14:30 tomorrow. I will be admitted at 13:30. The various departments were running behind today, so I expect the surgery team to be the same. Please pray for the lap to have a clean wash."

Bake Sale

2009-07-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

There will be a bake sale at Chillerz in Hawley this Sunday to benefit Jeanine!

Edited to add this from Nancy: "The bake sale starts at 8:30 a.m. this Sunday. Take the Hawley exit off hwy 277 north. It is at the Shell Station right there....also known as Chillerz. Pick up treats for your Sunday school class or dessert for your lunch!!"

Also, please feel free to leave a comment for Jeanine in the comments section. To do that click on the "comments" link at the bottom of the post. You do not need to sign in or register- you can select "anonymous" in the "choose profile" box which is just under your comment! (Just be sure to leave your name in the actual comment box!)

We will be sure to email all of the comments to Jeanine and Dick!

About Jeanine's Journey

2009-07-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family of Jeanine and Dick,

This letter is written by friends, on behalf of Dick and Jeanine Wharton. Many of you already know that Jeanine has recently been diagnosed with gastro-esophageal cancer. Doctors at MD Anderson have determined that the cancer is at a stage 3. While this is an advanced stage, the good news is that it has not spread to any other organs and the doctors believe that it is curable. Because we believe that too, along with Dick and Jeanine, we wanted to let you know the circumstances and offer you an opportunity to help.

Jeanine is unable to work and will be for several months, resulting in a decreased income during this time of increased expenses. Many more trips to Houston are expected, along with several lengthy stays. While there are some options for lodging with friends and relatives in the area, the Houston traffic is often an issue. They have other options including a trailer park or a church owned apartment near the hospital. These options would cost in the range of $750 to $1000 per month. I am giving you these details so that if you know of better options you can let us know.

EXPENSE FUND

A fund has been established to help the Whartons offset the expenses of travel, lodging, and insurance deductibles. Any amount that you would like to contribute, on a one time or recurring basis, will be wisely used and greatly appreciated.

The benevolence committee of the Highland church, where Dick and Jeanine are members, has approved this fund as a charitable donation. If you contribute in this way, you will receive a receipt for your contributions at the end of the year, as documentation of a charitable donation for tax purposes.

To contribute to this fund, mail your gift specifying Jeanine Wharton’s account to:

Highland Church of Christ

425 Highland

Abilene, Texas 79605

Attention: Robin

Jeanine is scheduled to have exploratory surgery August 4^th to rule out evidence of tumors within the abdomen. She will also have a feeding tube placed at that time, as she is unable to eat enough to meet her nutritional needs. An exact treatment course will be determined after that exploration, but the tentative plan is for 4 biweekly chemotherapy treatments, followed by 6 weeks of chemoradiation. Once those 14 weeks of therapy are completed, she will be ready for surgical removal of the diseased portions of her esophagus and stomach.

Here are other ways that you can help:

PRAY FOR HEALING, STRENGTH, COURAGE, HOPE, AND JOY! PRAY FOR GOD TO BE GLORIFIED THROUGH THIS FAMILY.

Dick is Jeanine’s strong supporter….she says he has taken care of her every need. Dick has medical issues of his own, however, so please pray for his health and for his spirits to be lifted. He has professed his deep love for Jeanine many, many times throughout the years and his deepest prayer is for her to be healed.

Jeanine’s “can-do” spirit is in full swing! She covets our prayers more than anything else. She carries a list of her prayer warriors next to her heart as a constant reminder that others are lifting her up before the throne. Let her know that you are praying for her and her faith will grow even stronger. Her saying throughout this time is “God is so with me!”

Pray for Dick and Jeanine’s family….their children and grandchildren are all full of hope, and yet they are afraid, because Granny is the strong one and this does not seem right. On a joyful note, their granddaughter, Mikala, was baptized in Big Spring on July 19th and Granny and Pawpaw were able to be there for that blessed occasion! The kids are making plans to help out in various ways. The Wharton’s have a beautiful and devoted family.

Since you know the Whartons, you know that they are “givers”, not “receivers”. It is with great humility that they have allowed us to establish this fund. They agreed to it so that they can fight this physical battle, knowing already that the “great battle” has already been won!

Feel free to contact Nancy Patterson at 325-201-1577 with questions or information. If you know others who might like to have a copy of this letter, please share it with them since I may not know all of their friends and family members.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and support.

In the name of the One we trust,

Wharton family friends

Welcome!

2009-07-29T09:24:00.000-07:00

We've set up this blog so Jeanine's friends and family can keep up with her while she receives treatment. Check back soon for more!