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

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

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 much.


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

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

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

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.

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

Mom and Her 3 Bald Boys

OFFICIAL SCORE:
Mom-2 Chemotherapy-0

Mom came home on Friday after finishing her second round of chemotherapy on Thursday and she's doing just great. She is feeling pretty tired and somewhat sore, but that is certainly to be expected. Regardless, it's still be a chore to keep her down and not wiping the counters or helping out in some way. She'll never stop, but I think that's why she's going to beat it...

So ever since day one when we heard mom would probably lose her hair, Gil, Charlie and I have agreed to shave our heads too. On Thursday night I got a text message from Charlie saying, "Get ready... tomorrow is SHAVE day!" At this point mom's hair was really thinning and falling out from the chemo, and she was sick and tired of waking up with hair all over the pillow. So when Mom came home from the hospital, Charlie was waiting at home (already bald!) with his shears and electric razor. He did a real nice job on Mom, getting her as close to bald as she was ready for at the moment. About an hour later, I was student teaching and received a picture on my camera phone of mom's new haircut and Chuck's bald head. I knew my time would be soon. About a half hour later I received another picture from Gil with a message saying "Two down, one to go!". 6 hours later...

(((The picture that was here showed a picture of Mom, Gil, Chuck and myself all bald. Had to take it down but will be replaced as soon as we are all together again and can take a new shot!)))


We love you Mom and will do anything for you. This is just a small silly way of expressing that. 2 Rounds down, 4 more to go! Already a 1/3 done!


Check back tomorrow for more pictures!

Same Old Janice

As many of you know, today was Mom's second day of her second round of chemotherapy and she is doing just fantastic! Yesterday went off without a hitch and having just finished her second treatment only a few hours ago, things went just as well today. All of her blood-word has been coming back with positive results and her doctors continue to be satisfied with her progress both mentally and physically.

If I can think of one thing that is different this round of chemo from her first round, I'd say Mom is much more independent and confident during her stay at Rahway. I think the first time around she was quite nervous not knowing what would come of the chemo, but now having gone through it once she has a much better idea of what's in store. I can truly say she is the same old Janice nowadays. The only difference is she's got a hip new "do" and she hangs out at a hospital four days every three weeks.

Oddly enough, over the past few days I (Andy) haven't thought much about putting up a new post on the site because she's been so "normal" lately that you can almost go a day without even thinking about her cancer. (Just talk to her on the phone for 5 minutes and you'll see exactly what I mean!) But I think the more normal things get, the better! Not only for Mom, but for the whole family. My best friend's mother (Kathy Monaco) told me a very true statement the other night when she said "If your Mom has cancer, your whole family's got it." Ain't it the truth??? I have no doubt that none of us can truly relate to the feelings Mom has felt these past few months. But what I do know is that we've felt every bit of pain, fear, hope, and sheer joy just as she has in our own ways. And that is the quality our family has that makes me proud to be a part of it.

Stay posted for more on mom's progress during her second round of chemo!

-Andy

TURN UP THE VOLUME AND GET LOUD!!!!!

While doing some surfing in an effort to learn more about Ovarian Cancer I came across a great PSA (public service announcment) for Ovarian and Gynelocigal Cancers sponsored by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. I have writen them to ask when it will be made public outside of the internet. Click HERE to see the TV spot add. It's really nice, yet unless it reaches women and doctors no one will be the wiser. Now of course I am being a bit hyper sensitive, and I am sure it is out there. I will keep you posted on their reply to my concerns. Please pass the link for the TV spot on to EVERYONE you know. It's the only way to spread the word.

Thanks,
Charlie

A little on the light side

Here you can see a picture of mom's doctor with one of his more famous patients.

Enjoy,

Chuck

Mom Gears Up For Round 2

This Monday mom will head back to Robert Wood Johnson-Rahway for her second round of chemotherapy. She is going in with sprits high and the best possible attitude. Recently she has been let out of her cage since meeting with her doc this week when he cleared her to go out and about as long as she didnt push it too much. Right away she hit the food store, bank, and several other favorite spots, yet she is being driven around by her mom or my dad. Tonight she is heading out for a long awaited dinner at Dick's Doc a local seafood place in Metuchen and on her way home she told me eariler she'll be stopping for an ice cream sundae. If it wasnt for this cancer thing it would sound like she's living the high life.

All in all mom is feeling good. We know she'll knock the hell out of this round of chemo too. Her first week home afterwards is bound to be a fun one just like the last round, but she gets through it and on to better days. Please continue to keep my mom in your prayers and thoughts over the next few days as she goes head to head once again with Chemo. Thank you all for your continued support. We could not get through this without such an increadible family and such amazing friends. Thanks and we love you.

Charlie

Rep Barton Dosent Want To Move

I spoke to Rep. Barton's (Tx) Health L.A yesterday with limited success. The bottom line is that he dose not want to move until he gets NIH reform. His aide informed me that it's like a pie, and youhave to fix the pie before adding any more pieces (Johanna's Law). When I asked if she could give me a time frame for the passing of the reform she told me almost if i were a child "that's not how Washington works!!!! we dont do timelines" Then she said if there is no progress in 6 months on the NIH reform they might consider passing some dieaese specific legislation. I then informed her of how many more thousands of women would be told that have ovarian cancer and how many more would die in that time. That got her a little bit, but to no avail she is going to refer me to some individuals on the appropriations committee and advised me to contact local trade associations that would have a "stake " in the law. Seems like it's always back to the almighty dollar in Washington. So, that's where that's at, but I have just begun, so let's see what's coming next.......to be continued

Chuck Lopez

An Update From the Political Front

I have been cooresponding with Congressman Ferguson's Health Legislative Assistant this past week. Unfortunatly, Rep. Barton has not been back to work for some time as he is recovering from a heart attack in mid December. I hope to be in touch this week with the appropriate staffers in his office.

I would encourage all of you though to at this point do some reading on Johanna's Law. Please take the time to CLICK HERE and see if your congressman or congresswomen are signed on as supporters. If not CLICK HERE and get information tocontact their office immediatly and voice your support. The Johanna's Law site has some great information on how to prepare for a conversation with these political officals.

The Johanna's Law is named after Johanna Silver Gordon who succomed to cancer after a long and brave fight. I have been and continue to be in close contact with her sister. Together, with the help of many others we know we will get this much neede law passed. So, to that end, do your reading, make your calls and let's get this law on the books.....

Thank You,
Chuck

A Word From Mom's Oldest

By now anyone who has been keeping up with Mom's Support Page knows what's been going on during the past month...her good days, bad days, doctor's visits, and chemo sessions. Living almost 2 hours away from Mom is very difficult for me as she is going through this (Just ask my wife). I often feel that by being so far away I'm not as useful and helpful as my brothers, father and the rest of my family can be, because they are right around the corner. However, I realized that I've given her something that helps her to continue the fight... her three grandchildren, Scott (13), Meghan (9), and Noah (2). Mom has a saying, "I need my fix", meaning she wants to talk to or see the kids. We brought the kids up to see Mom on Saturday. Though she wasn't feeling her best, when she saw Scott, Meghan, and Noah, her whole mood changed. It's as if they do something for her that no medicine can. We spent about two hours with Mom. Sometimes she will call to get her fix. She'll talk to each of the kids on the phone a few times a week. Noah will tell her "Love you Mom-Mom" or "Noah vacuum" or he'll just giggle on the phone.

I know Mom has done a lot for a lot of people. Speaking for my brothers and father, Mom has been here for us for over 31 years. She's been there while we're sick, when we've had a bad day, to take us to school, and to pick Dad up from the train station late at night. Now it's our turn...all of us, family and friends to help Mom, to support Mom, and to give her back all she's given us. She's the strongest person I know. With her determination and our support, Mom's gonna kick this thing. I love you Mom!

-Gilbert

Music to my Ears!

I won't be writing a whole lot today because my brother Gil had been wanting to post something on the page for a while so check back later for an update on the excitement at our house earlier today. But for a few quick updates. A few days ago we found out that mom's bloodwork came back negative, which is a very good thing! And just yesterday morning, the best thing happened! As I woke up I could've sworn I heard somebody yelling downstairs. I kind of rubbed my eyes to try and wake up more, and then I clearly heard someone cursing. I couldn't imagine who it was so I figured I'd go investigate. As I went downstairs and approached the kitchen, I saw Mom running around cleaning while cursing me and my Dad up and down for leaving her "such a crap house" (a term I've come to learn well over the years). Now most people might get upset by this, but it was music to my ears...Mom was back to normal! You see for the past week or so Mom was weakened by the chemo and wasn't doing much if anything around the house but laying down and trying to rest. This was the first sign of her recovery. Today she's feeling even better! Check out some new pictures.

Earlier today

Mom, Scotty, Meghan, and Noah

Finally house-broken!!

(Just kidding... Love you Pop!)

Two last things. First, I created an e-mail address for this website. So if you ever have any comments, thoughts, questions or suggestions, just send them to LopezSupportPage@hotmail.com. Secondly, I am going to start a list-serve for people who want to stay updated on the website. Everytime a new article goes up, you'll have a reminder and link in your e-mail's mailbox. If you want to receive an update, all you have to do is e-mail me and I'll take care of the rest. Oh and check back for Gil's update!

-Andy

A Surprise from NY

Everyone said from the very beginning that there will be good days, and there will be bad days. I think yesterday was a very good day. And I think what really helped mom yesterday was a surprise visit from her cousin Kenny Mackewicz (<--spelling?) from NY. He was in town on business and dropped in for about an hour. We had a few laughs, caught up on each others lives and had a nice afternoon. I could tell it really cheered mom up a lo. And I think the reason it helped was basically because it was a change a scenery (if not the pleasant company). I take no offense to the fact that mom is probably sick of the same old "mugs" moaping around the house for the past month. I don't blame her cause I probably would have lost it by now. But overall things are still going very well. This morning when I woke up I caught her doing a little more cleaning than she probably should be doing, but I think that's got to be a good sign. Stay posted!


-Andy

HAPPY 31ST ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD

Today as many of you know was my parents 31st Wedding Anniversary. For those of you who didnt know.....well.....it was. Anyhow, I just want to say on behalf of the 3 boys, Mom and Dad, we love you, thanks for giving us everything and always being there for us whenever we need you. You are the best. Just look at all you have done together.

Love

Gil, Charlie and Andy

It takes a strong person...

As of Tuesday, January 10th...
Mom is SMOKE FREE for ONE WHOLE MONTH!!!

It takes one strong person to quick cold turkey after 35 years!

This morning mom's hair stylist Jeff came over to style her wig the way she normally wears her hair. I don't know Jeff very well of course, but this guy is a saint. I don't know many hair stylists who would go out of their way (twice!) to make early morning house calls, do you?

Today mom is starting to feel some of the side affects of the chemotherapy that we had heard so much about.But the good news is that they are all very typical short-term affects of chemotherapy as opposed to rare unexpected symptoms. Another good thing is that she's really letting herself rest. I think it was extremely difficult in the begin to resign herself to a bed for a period of days or even weeks, but she's really taking it easy and allowing herself some good recuperating time. Hopefully she'll start feeling better.. Slowly but surely!

1st round of chemo is over!

Smoke free for 1 month!

Stay posted,

Andy