2.24.2006

Hey we're back!!!!!!!

So, we've been a bit quiet on the posting front for a little over a week now. Mom is home a week from her 3rd treatment today and doing well. There was a bit of a drop in her Red Blood Cells, but the doc's said that was to be expected. Mom is feeling pretty good these days though still tired at times.

Her hair as you may all know never quite all fell out when her boys shaved their heads. Infact it started to grow again, and it was coming in in some very interesting colors. Red, Black, White. She takes it all like a champ though. What I love best about my mom lately is that she really dosent give a crap what people feel about her hair and how she looks. Her attitude is "Yea..I have cancer...so what...deal with it...I am". She's really amazing. She has yet to wear her wig going out, and she really looks great in a hat and scarf.

Today mom and dad's youngest went to his first job fair. Andy as many of you may know has sort of followed in my footsteps a bit. When I was in college I was the state collegiate president of New Jersey music education organization, Andy is now serving very well in that same position. He's created some amazing programs as president. His latest brainchild which is launching in March is a free music lesson program for any student in new jersey that wants lessons. He's headed for the big time. I am really proud of him. I know he'll be an increadible band director. I spoke to the music supervisor in the district where he is student teaching and he feels that Andy is bound for greatness as well. Nice Job Andy!!!!!!!

Tomorrow Andy performs with the Rutgers Saxophone Quartet at the New Jersey State Music Educators Convention in East Brunswick, I think mom's gonna make it out for that one.

Well, that's it for tonight. We'lll be in touch, sorry for the big gap in posts. Have a great night

Thanks,
Charlie

2.15.2006

Cancer Shmancer!!

A lot has happened since my last update. Mom went in on Monday to begin round 3 of her chemotherapy treatments and we've received nothing but GOOD news! Today we found out a test that monitors how much cancer is in her has changed drastically for the better! So rather than going into the medical jargin that I don't even understand, the jist of it is that the chemo is working and she's beating it slowly but surely.

I think Mom's getting a little sick of these hospital visits. Crossword puzzles and trashy supermarket magazines probably get old really fast! But if nothing else, she has given up completely on the hospital food! Who can blame her? Every day she has my Uncle Ed or some other fmaily member drop off lunch and dinner. And for those of you who know Ed's cooking, you know she's eating well.

Another good thing is that Mom is now smoke-free for over 2 months and counting!!! Just a little reminder that she quit cold-turkey after over 30 years of continuous smoking! Talk about tough...

And if you haven't read, Senator Menendez has decided to show support for a very important bill that will really make a huge difference in the fight against O.C. (Read the articles below by my brother Charlie to learn more about Johanna's Law and other ways people are trying to make a difference!)

Please continute to visit this site and leave messages. They all get printed up and show to Mom. Also if you haven't yet, give her a call. She's got a lot of time on her hands these days and would love to have a friendly chat.

Thanks,

Andy

2.12.2006

Senator Menendez Sign's On

I received this info in an email from Sheryl Silver the woman who created Johanna's Law

Charles-

Didn't know if you noticed but Senator Menendez has
signed on as a co-sponsor of S. 1172. I'm sure the
letters you generated to his office (and/or calls)
helped make that happen. Thank you soo-o-o mu
ch.


So folks, we can make a difference. Please contact me so we can do this together..
Remember email me at charleswlopez@comcast.net or call me at732-236-0681


Thanks,
Charlie

2.07.2006

DO YOU WANT TO HELP ?????

As you may have seen from some of my earlier posts I am currently working to help pass a piece of legislation known as Johanna's Law. This law would create a national awareness campagin about ovarian cancer and other women's cancers. Ovarian being one of the toughest to deal with because by the time you find out you have it it's already ususally in the advanced stages.

I am working as a member of the Alliance for Women's Cancers Awareness. My main goal is to contact as many Congressmen/women and Senators who are not signed on to support this bill and to convince them to do so. There is a lot to be done. Fortunatly for me all of my Congressmen and Senators in New Jersey are suporters, but many others around the country are not. If you would like more information on how you can help please email me at charleswlopez@comcast.net or call at 732-236-0681

I have already contacted some family and friends around the country who live in states that dont have 100% from their elected officals. Together we can make a difference. Together we can get this passed. I have never done anything like this before, but I have always been told it is the difficult things in life that make it worth living.

Thanks,
Charlie Lopez

2.04.2006

Thank you!

Hi, this is Janice. I've been reading the website each time it's been updated...that is when someone prints it out for me! I am not a computer person. I'm feeling great and today I will be seeing my grandchildren this afternoon. Can't wait!

Anyway, I want to take this time to thank everyone who has sent cards, called, sent flowers, gifts, their thoughts and prayers, and cooked dinner for my family while I'm under the weather. The biggest thank you goes to my husband, three sons, two daughter-in-laws, two sisters, and especially my mother who has been taking care of me since day one!

Thank you all,
Janice

A Few Pics From Last Week...

A quick dislaimer. The first picture I put up last week with Mom, Gil, Chuck and myself was not to Mom's liking which is why I took it off. Here's one of her that she does like, and a few others as well. I'll be sure to put more up as they come. Enjoy!


"Twins!?!?!?"
(This was taken right after mom's haircut and right before Laura and Charlie took all of mine off too. Someone said we looked like twins. I suppose if I look like a woman, I'm glad it's this one I resemble!)



Mom's Three Bald Boys
(No comments about who looks like the milkman please!)



Chuck's Idea of a Joke (a.k.a. my head!) Can you tell he's an EMT?



-Andy

2.03.2006

Look Out World, Janice Is Back Behind The Wheel

Just a quick update today. Mom just called as she is on her way back from her Doc's office. Now 7 weeks after her surgury she has been cleared to drive again. Look Out.... When I was talking to her a minute ago she was also very excited that she could now resume more of her old daily tasks. She was most excited becasue she is now allowed to vaccume. What a weirdo. Anyhow, I figured you all should know she's doing well and more and more everyday back to her old self. Now atleast she cant yell at dad for missing spots on the carpet....


Charlie.

2.02.2006

It's February and Mom is feeling pretty good.

Well, I have just returned from a 3 day stay in the woods with the 5th graders in my school. While away I stayed in close communication with mom, and I am happy to say she is feeling pretty good. Her bloodwork came back from the doc yesterday and her doc feels that everything is looking good. Her spirits remain high, and although her hair is short, and that's a large thanks to Uncle Charles who I heard was dying to shave mom's head for years she still has a head of hair while her 3 boys are bare up top.

This weekend mom and dad are heading down to Gil's to spend the day with the kids. If you only could see her face when she see's them. I remember the first time she went to her oncologist, she told him...and I quote "Listen, I have 3 grandkids I am living for...I mean I love my husband, but ..I have 3 grandkids I am living for." She loves those kids more than anything. It's really great to see her spend time with them.

Well, that's all for today, but I want to thank everyone for taking the time to reply and send such warm messages. I want to encourage everyone to call mom to say hello. Dont worry about waking her, if she's sleeping she turns off her phone and if she isnt up for talking she just wont answer. Dont take it personally. So please continue to call and email.

Thanks,
Charlie