Support our friend Jackie

Jackie's Story

The beginning...

As most of you know, about 13 years ago Jackie our precious friend and coworker from Piedmont/USAirways had a grand mal seizure at LaGuardia Airport.  Only to find out she had a very aggressive form of brain cancer.  Her treatment at that time included surgery, chemo, and radiaton. (if you would like details of Jackie's "Naked in New York" adventure, stay tuned) I will update later with some of her travel tales.

13 years later...

No changes during her annual check-ups for 13 years, then in March of 2013, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma multiforme. It is in the same area, but even larger and more agressive than the first tumor.  This time surgery was not an option.  She started by getting treatments of Avastin every other week and daily chemotherapy. At first the tumor seemed to be shrinking, then a few months later that wasn't the case any longer.  Her Dr's decided to try radiation again to see if they could slow it down. They stopped the pill form of chemo (said the cancer had outsmarted it) so now she gets a 3 hr infusion of chemo and her Avastin treatment.  She will have another MRI in late November to see if this form of treatment is helping. 

Here's where I come in...

I have been Jackie's primary caregiver since her first treatment in April. A lot of you have asked, "is there anything I can do to help?" I'm really having a hard time saying this, but the time has come that both Jackie and I could use some help. I have depleted all my savings on gas, food, and hotel stays for our many trips to Duke, and since I am unemployed extra funds were slim to begin with. To make matters worse, due to a mistake by Social Security Jackie hasn't received any income since May and it's very possible she won't see any money until January of 2014. A few close friends and family have helped us out when we needed it most. And for that I am very grateful!  If you would like to help towards gas and lodging or any other assistance for her, it would be most appreciated.

Current situation...

Jackie seems to be getting weaker, but still has such a wonderful strong spirit!  She has been staying with us, until 2 weeks ago when she went back to her home because I had a family emergency in WI.  Her mom and brother came over to her home when they could, but I was very torn, as her Dr had advised someone should be with her as much as possible.  Jackies mobility on her left side has been greatly affected and has pretty severe vision and memory issues.  So for now, we will continue to make the bi-weekly trip to Duke and my daily (3 hrs roundtrip) to her home to care for her (as long as I can) this way she can be closer to her family.  If there is some way her mind can be eased about all the medical bills & other misc. expenses coming in and let her know our travel expenses are already taken care of...I know it would mean the world to her.

In conclusion, for today...

Thank you for all your time and reading just a small part of "Jackie's Story". As any of her friends could tell you, if you want a story, Jackie has plenty of them, and is just waiting to share them with you!!

We greatly appreciate your continued thoughts, prayers, and any support.

I will continue to update with photos and information as time goes on...

Blessings to all.

Andrea

 Nov 11 Update & THANK YOU

Jackie fell on Saturday nite. She gave herself a pretty good shiner, and some nasty bruises and broke a small bone in her cheek.  I have been over at duke hospital today, and staying overnight so I can be there when her Drs go through tomorrow morning. They are not sure if she had a seizure or not, may have been because she is so weak on her left side. It does concern me greatly because she can't remember anything about that night, the fall, the ambulance, the people that helped her.... she will be going to a nursing home/rehab facility, possibly as soon as Wednesday. I will still be coming to see her daily and just make sure she knows someone is there for her. I don't want her to feel alone during this difficult time. She deserves the Best of care and compassion!

Today I brought her the new jitterbug phone all of you have helped her get! She is so excited, and can't believe how everyone is helping so that I can be there a large chunk of every day.

 I just wanted to say thank you all from the bottom of my heart!!  I could not be doing any of this now, without all the help and support from you, our friends and family. You are the best!!! i am so blessed to know each of you and thank God always for watching over us and placing just the right people in our lives, just when we need them most! I hope that someday, I can do as much for all of you as you have done for Jackie and me! THANK YOU