Update...{May 1, 2014}

On Monday April 28th, Jane was administered the chemotherapy drug "Gemzar" as planned at MD Anderson.  Jane did experience some of the expected side effects  such as flu like systems, nausea, etc., but overall she tolerated it fairly well.  Nonetheless, as the cancer tumors are still in tact,  Jane remains on a regular, daily regime of powerful pain medications to manage her daily pain levels so this is no walk in the park, as you might imagine.  Jane will take the next couple of weeks to, among other things, build up her white blood cell count and her general energy levels.

Many people ask us often "what can we do for Jane?".  Although Jane loves receiving  your sweet notes, flowers, food, quick visits when she is up to it, etc., we continue to rely on the power of your prayers, rosaries, Masses, etc. so please continue to pray for us.  May 1, 2014 will mark the start of the 31st month that Jane was diagnosed with a recurrent, metastasized adenocarcinoma and we know that we are not walking alone as we have so many family and friends walking right along with us. Thank you again for everything.

Update...{April 15, 2014}

On Monday April 14th, Jane met with her doctors at MD Anderson and started the first round of the chemotherapy drug "Gemzar".  The plan is for Jane to take the Gemzar drug every other week through IV.  Rather than once a week, the doctors will administer it every other week to provide Jane with adequate time to handle the drug and it's expected side effects.  The most likely side effects are expected to be flu like systems for a couple of days after treatment.

Jane remains in positive spirits and ready to go forward with this new drug.  We continue to be humbled by the strong and consistent support of so many family members and friends.  We are touched by the cards, emails, prayers, Masses and rosaries offered up for Jane.  It is Holy Week and the Easter season is upon us.  We wish everyone a Happy Easter and please know that each of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Update...{March 31, 2014}

Jane met with her doctors at MD Anderson on Monday March 31st.  The doctors have concluded that the Avastin drug has run its course as it appears that Jane's cancer is no longer responding to the drug.  The fact that there has been a significant build up of abdomen fluids (which is often a side effect of the growing presence of cancer cells) supports this observation.  Jane's doctors performed a procedure last week to remove some of the abdomen fluids in an attempt to alleviate some of Jane's constant pain.

After talking with Jane's doctors, Jane is really not a candidate for another Phase I clinical drug trial as she has already been through two experimental treatment protocols over the past thirty months.  The plan now is for Jane to try a traditional chemotherapy drug called "Gemzar", which has been in use since 1996 and has been successful in ovarian cancer applications.  The characteristics of Jane's tumors and ovarian cancer tumors appear to be similar and the doctors believe this application has potential.  Gemzar will be administered in IV doses once a week over a three week period and then Jane will take a week off to allow her body to build up strength and energy.  The doctors are not expecting any significant side effects other than flu like systems for the first 48 hours or so after each dosage and Jane's white blood cell count will have to be monitored.

As the MD Anderson doctors advised us at the beginning of this journey, Jane's battle with cancer has been a little like a rollercoaster ride - - - with highs and lows. Today's news was not great news as Jane's cancer is still growing and not responding fully to the drugs.  However, she has beaten the odds thus far, we do have a plan and we continue to be hopeful.  Jane continues to have a strong fighting spirit and an amazing faith.  We sincerely appreciate everyone's prayers, Masses, rosaries, etc. and please know that we pray for you too.  Thank you again for your incredible support.

Update...{March 10, 2014}

Jane met with her doctors at MD Anderson on Monday March 10th.  The tests reveal that although the Avastin drug has likely slowed the cancer growth, the cancer is growing.  A major side effect from the cancer cells is a build up of fluids in Jane's abdomen  which is causing a number of complications and regular pain.  The present plan is to keep Jane on the Avastin and manage the side effects with medications as best as possible.  Jane will continue to receive the Avastin in three week cycles and then have a major test review in about two and a half months.

It has been over thirty months since Jane was diagnosed with a recurrent, metastasized adenocarcinoma cancer.  Jane has continued to receive terrific, professional medical care from M. D. Anderson's staff of caring professionals.  We sincerely appreciate everyone's prayers, Masses, rosaries, etc. and please know that we pray for you too.  Thank you again for your faithful support. 

Update...{February 17, 2014}

On Monday, February 17th, Jane went through another cycle of the drug Avastin at M. D. Anderson Hospital.  The plan now is for Jane to undergo a number of tests at M. D. Anderson in about three weeks (around March 7th) to "restage" her cancer.  Once Jane's doctors review the tests' results, they will then recommend a path forward for Jane.

Although Jane is handling this illness as best as possible under the circumstances, she has had to take increased levels of daily pain medications to manage the general abdominal pain levels caused by the cancer.  Jane remains, however, very positive and fairly energetic, all things considered.  We continue to be overwhelmed by all of your prayers, support, rosaries, hugs, etc. as many of you have helped us in big and small ways.  We are eternally grateful for all your efforts and we are praying for you too.

Update...{February 12, 2014}

Since our last post on January 28th, the timing of Jane's testing plans have changed slightly. Jane is now scheduled to have another round of the drug Avastin on Monday February 17th.  Jane will then go back to MD Anderson around March 7th to have a series of tests performed to "restage" her cancer and then, on Monday March 10th, the doctors will recommend a plan forward based on the test results.

Thanks again for all the prayers and support as we feel them.

Update...{January 28, 2014}

On Monday, January 27th, Jane went through another cycle of the drug Avastin at M. D. Anderson Hospital.  The plan now is for Jane to undergo a number of tests at M. D. Anderson in about three weeks (mid-February) to "restage" her cancer.  Once Jane's doctors review the tests' results, they will then recommend a path forward for Jane.  Since we have learned that each cancer situation is unique to each patient, as you would expect, lately Jane has had some good days and some not so good days. As Jane continues to battle the cancer and the corresponding side effects from the cumulative effect of the drugs, Jane's attitude remains positive and hopeful.

You have no idea how sincerely grateful we are for your continued love and prayers.  We are humbled by the outpouring of support and encouragement.  We are praying for all of you.