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Day +61 Give Blood – Receive Blood

So here we are at the James. Jen’s fourth readmission since receiving her transplant.  Readmissions are common but each time she has been able to stay out of the hospital longer. 

So far her doctors  have discovered she was dehydrated (most likely from getting sick) and she needed red blood cells (hemoglobin). Both can explain her fatique and overall weakness.  Her hemoglobin count was at 6.4 which under 7 gets her a transfusion. 

Again because someone took the time to give blood, Jennifer is able to receive it today. Maybe even someone at the Parish Hall in Ottoville last week. Whomever it was, thank you for giving. Blood transfusions have become vital for Jen to get well. 

Before Jennifer got sick, she gave blood many times. Now she is in need of blood and we are learning how important giving blood has become. I hope no one I love has to ever learn the way we have how vital it is. But please, give blood so someone can receive blood. 

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Disney Raffle!

Friends and family of Jennifer are having a raffle and tickets are available now.

Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20.  Winner gets $3000 in Disney Cash.  Raffle will be held on July 15, 2017 at Jennifer’s Welcome Home Celebration/ Be The Match Marrow Drive.

To purchase a ticket contract Jessica Crawford 419.615.8063 ,  Joyce Honigford 419. 615.8062. , Tabitha Maag 419. 615.8756,  Matt Honigford 419.890.9950, or Randy Honigford 419.615.7188

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The raffle has been possible by generosity of these area businesses.

Gold Level Businesses ($500+ donation)

PRO-TEC-4color-small1ProTec Coating Company
5500 PRO-TEC Parkway
Leipsic, OH 45856-9234

 

       unverferth
Unverferth Manufacturing Co., Inc.,
601 Broad St, Kalida, OH 45853

 

Silver Level Businesses ($250 donation)

Remingler Manufacturing  16394 US-224, Kalida, OH 45853 

Wibby’s Sports Bar  Kalida, Ohio 45853

 

Bronze Level Businesses ($100 donation)

Dr. Thomas  Siefker  D.D.S. LLC –  125 W Main St, Ottoville, OH 45876

UIS Insurance & Investment – 971 N. Perry Ottawa, OH 45875

Kahle & Associates CPA LLC 102 S Fifth Street PO Box 466 Kalida, Ohio 45853

Miller Precision Mfg. Industries, Inc 131 Progressive Dr.  Box 489, Ottoville, Ohio 45876

Millies Cafe PO Box 564 141 West Canal St. Ottoville, Ohio 45876

Friend Level Businesses ( < $100 donation)

Randy Altenburger Insurance

Family Chiropractor Center, Dr. Brian Saxton DC

Schnipke Engraving

Ottoville Lumber

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Happy Thanksgiving

Today I am thankful to be home with my family. Thankful for my doctors and all of those on my care team at the James. All of those who run the clinical trial. Those who made things happen as quickly as they did when they discovered I was sick.

Thankful for all those who are praying for me and my family. Thankful for those who have sent me cards, gift cards, gas cards, and food. Thankful for those who visited me in the hospital and here at home.

Thankful for my amazing family and their strength. Thankful for my cousin for being here when I can’t be. Thankful for my friends at church. And thankful for my continue faith in God.

My road ahead of me I know is a long and rough one. But I know that I will have God, my family, and friends on my side.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Count your blessings, even the small ones. They matter!

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Upate – Tuesday, November 22, 2016

This evening Jennifer is headed to Columbus with her sister Jessica for early morning appointment with the clinical trial folks at the James. Thankfully they are able to stay with Randy’s aunt Diann. She is preparing them a late evening meal when they arrive which is super nice of her.

Jen overall felt ok today. She has a bit fatigued and light headed this morning but as the day progressed she felt a bit better.

A bit of bad news for her today was the place she was in contact with to harvest her eggs after chemo told her they don’t except her insurance. So I’m not sure if there may be another place she can do this with or if we will need to figure out how to pay for that out of pocket. The initial visit over $250 and without knowing additional cost from there it is definitely something to figure out. This is one of those things I need to let go and let God lead us to the answer. Prayers needed in that department.

We decorated today for Christmas and listened to Christmas music nearly all day. Every year we question why there are so many versions of the song Last Christmas, one of Matt‘ s least favorite Christmas songs.

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AML -Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Jennifer had her bone marrow biopsy on Monday.  And late yesterday afternoon, the doctors shared with us her diagnosis.  Jen has what is known as Acute Myeloid Leukemia or AML. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloblasts (a type of white blood cell), red blood cells, or platelets. Later this week we will hear exactly what cells are being effected and a treatment plan.

The plan for today is to get a central line put in that she can receive chemo and other drugs through.  It is a short procedure that she will remain awake through.

To learn more about about AML, please go to http://www.cancercenter.com/leukemia/types/tab/acute-myeloid-leukemia/

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Egg Harvesting | A Word From Jen |

So today while talking with the doctor. If it is leukemia it could possibly be pre leukemia.

The plan was if I were to have chemo done to harvest some of my eggs to save so that I could have a better chance at having kids in the future.

Unfortunately due to how long it takes to prep my body for an egg harvest it would postpone any treatment. Which my doctor strongly advises against.

As hard as it is to hear that everyone person and body is different and I still may have viable eggs even after treatment.

But I also am ok with looking to other options for a family in my future.

Not the best news to hear, but I won’t let it stop me from getting better. I can become a mom on other ways but need to be healthy for that.

My transfusion went well with no side effects. I also had my CT scan this morning.

My mom is here now for the day and I have the possibility of having some visitors later today.

I am in good spirits and ready to give it my all.

Please if you can donate blood whether you are my blood type or not please do so. One donation = 4 transfusions. Although your blood may not go to me directly it will replenish what I used today or be used to help someone else in need.

Thank you for all the prayers and good vibes. I truly and blessed to have such great support.

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Enjoy Life

 

I know we have all heard the saying ‘Life is short, so don’t waste a second of it.” But never do any of us think bad things will happen to us.

Leukemia is a word I never thought I would need to learn to spell, let alone understand. But yet here we are. I’m still holding out hope that Jen’s bone marrow biopsy points to something less scary as I know there still is that outside chance. But I am also thinking to the future dealing with all this. It is very frightening.

But I am going to make sure we make every day count and never let cancer take away us enjoying life. The first time I picked up a camera I really started understanding the words ‘enjoy life.’ I get lost in my camera sometimes. It is where I find my most peace. Somehow I hope I can still find that over the next several weeks. And I hope Jennifer can enjoy life even from a hospital room. That is all I really wish for her in this moment. Well that and to get well very soon.

I love you girl!!

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