Update on Joanna

Wednesday, February 28, 2012

Joanna’s first chemotherapy treatment was yesterday (Monday, February 27).  Every two weeks, Joanna will go through the same routine.  She will go into the hospital where they will access her veins through her port.  She will carry home with her a * portable pump that will slowly administer the chemo over the next two days.  Then she will go back to the hospital and have it removed.  The chemo is not the same regimen that is given to breast cancer patients, so she will not be losing her hair for quite awhile.  Dr. Logston said that most people are able to go through this type of chemotherapy and still continue to work.

I did receive this note from Joanna on Monday evening after she was finished with her treatment.  “Hey, we're on our way home.  I wanted to let you know that the chemo makes me cold-sensitive, meaning I can't drink cold stuff or touch cold stuff because it will make those areas exposed to cold to feel like they are numb.  They said if I drink cold stuff, it will make my throat feel like it is closing up even tho it's not.  For example, when we walked outside to get in the car, the air was brisk, and my fingertips immediately started to tingle and feel like little pins were going in them.  Also, the nurse said the steroids they gave me today will make me feel more energetic for about 48 hrs, and then it will feel like I got hit by a truck.  Well, I'd like to play the piano Wednesday, but the Lord is going to have to help me make it through that.  I'd love for people to pray that I can play for church Wednesday.  We'll see.  So, it sounds like the worst of this chemo is about two days down the road. =(  Thanks for everyone's love and concern!”

This morning, I received this note from Joanna’s sister.  “Joanna got up at 1:30 A.M. with nausea but didn't heave.  And up at 5:30 A.M. with pain.  She said the * pump makes a little noise every now and then which disturbs her sleep but doesn't totally wake her up.  She said she feels "different" today but can't describe it.  She ate quite a bit last night which made us happy.”

Thank you for remaining interested and prayerful concerning Joanna.  Your praying for her means everything.  This chemotherapy treatment is the first of twelve to be administered over the next six months.

Again, if you would like to send correspondence to her via e-mail, send it to:

joannajax@timberlinebaptist.org

If you would like to send something through the mail, please send it to:

Joanna Jackson
Timberline Baptist Church
512 Canon Avenue
Manitou Springs, CO  80829

These updates are also posted on our website.  Simply go to http://timberlinebaptist.org and click on “JoJo’s Updates.”  There, you will find everything I have sent out so far with the most recent one at the top.  Be sure to refresh your browser page to make sure you get the latest update there.

Thank you, and God bless you,

Pastor Dan Parton