JANA update--another good check-up! :)

[rls]

Hello MB Friends,

Another successful follow-up appointment! 2 ½ years of remission! Jana will go back in 6 months again and then only yearly after that. We have been blessed indeed!! We are grateful to our MB friends here that have supported us throughout our journey--what a ride it has been!

It was a looooong day of tests some of which are not necessarily enjoyable. But, Jana was a trooper as always. She was especially excited about meeting her favorite nurse, Laura, for a late lunch. What a support Laura has been to us—what a blessing. We left home at 7:30 am and got home at 8 pm...exhausting.

Jana is not very happy with us though, because we are pursuing some cognitive testing for her and discussed this at length with the oncologist during her appointment. Unfortunately, it is difficult to put 7 months of major poison into a developing body and not have any lasting side effects. (Especially when it is mega- high dose with some injected directly into the spinal fluid.) For a child who scored in the gifted range prior to cancer—it is really tough to accept that there are some cognitive links that have not recovered and probably won’t. It really stinks! The oncologist has connected us with a pediatric specialist who is an expert in this field and we will be pursuing some assessments and possible interventions. Recent studies have shown some moderate success with cognitive training and meds. that assist with some memory and critical thinking skills for post-chemo kids.

Jana just wants to be a normal teenager and who can blame her?? But, if we can do some things to help make her life and learning easier—we feel it would be less stressful and less exhausting for her. We believe that with time, Jana will attack this issue with the same determination and strength that she relied on during her treatments!

In the meantime...13 days until CSS. I can hardly believe it!!!! I am getting nervous...going someplace different after our 2 trips to CSA...Jana staying home with Papa...being “out of touch” while Holly and Emily are at college, etc. BUT, I know that Russ and I desperately need to and want to get away for our couple time to renew the love and strength that has carried us through these difficult times.

Couples here we come!!!!

[Mzambo]

Prayers really do get answered!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy, Happy, Happy!!!!!!!

[Cathy_Joe]

Great news!!!!
I'm so glad you keep us updated.
You will love CSS. We too call CSA home (Going home in 35 days!!!) but we tried CSS aboout 2 years ago and loved it. It is different but we enjoyed ourselves so much we have booked CSS for next year.

[Lou]

Great news! Have a fantastic vacation.

[bconn]

Lisa this is fantastic news. I am so glad that the results of the tests were good.
I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.

[Deet1114]

Whoohooo!!
Look at that beautiful face!! Sweet!

[razzldazzlme]

Happy Dance!!! Blessings from above! Have a wonderful holiday. Razzl

[Lindad]

That is great!!! Now, relax (I know easier said than done). You will enjoy CSS. We took our first trip last year to Couples CSS. Use the "Nooks & Crannies" to help find some "couple" time in the beautiful setting.

[ddeitterick]

I'm new to your story....but this is wonderful news! I hope you enjoy your time away. Try not to stress about what is going on at home. In the meantime, I will keep you and yours in my prayers.

[Bkhiattky]

YAY for Jana!!! Yay for 13 more days too!!!

Sadly, our children don't always think that our decisions are the "best" for them. That is why WE are the parents . I'm sure Jana knows that you only have her BEST interest at heart. She is truly a trooper though. I'm sure she will shine through this, like she has before.

God Bless

[Northern gal]

So glad to hear the wonderful news. Jana is such a trooper! Have a wonderful time at CSS. Jana will have a great time spending time with Papa. Enjoy eachother and all the wonder of Couples and Jamaica again.

[ElainePoole]

Well done to Jana! I know your concern about spinal injections as I had them and had a blinding headache for over a month, they abandoned the last one but my memory is not the same now and my brain is not as sharp as it was! Oh well, thats the penalty for life, no contest.

[rls]

Thanks, as always, for your cheers and excitement! I love celebrating with all of you!

ddeitterick~If you are so inclined...the full story of Jana's journey is in the Hall of Fame of the MB. I tried to copy the link...
http://couples.com/08messageF-HOF.htm

It is called "Couples Friends--Need Your Prayers". The 1000s of messages of support are a tribute to the very fine people on this message board.

[firegirlsheetboy]

Hello,

I never comment on the Jana updates, but always look for them. After reading how much the message board support means to you, I just wanted to say that I'm very happy for Jana and all of you, you have a wonderful family, and you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerly,
Antonia

[Sue and Randy]

wonderful news, enjoy your trip to Couples.

[Tommywommy]

So many days ago.Some much pain.
And now,we are all so very happy.
Jana is one more precious young lady that Peggy and I love dearly.

Lisa...You and Russ will LOVE CSS..Trust me on this one.

Please give CSS's GM Pieree Battalgia a hug for me and TAKE ME A PICTURE.

GO.RELAX.ENJOY CSS and YES,have a Salty Dog for me...Ruff Ruff

[Bearso]

Lisa you will LOVE CSS. We just got back and it is equally our favorite as is CSA. Give Jana a big hug and kiss from Barry and Patty way out here in San Diego California!

[suzyQ]

I too am new to the board, but I wish you a wonderful holiday, and good health and many prayers to your beautiful daughter Jana!

suzyQ

[Beachseeker]

I just read all of your posts and the replies to them. What an amazing story. Jana is an inspiration to all of us. I am so happy to hear she is doing so well. My prayers will be with her and your entire family. May God bless you all.

[wileeandrr]

Wow, that's fantastic! GB