tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27800473913449977552024-03-12T21:47:56.609-04:00Living With Multiple MyelomaJean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-25876905569397245952015-04-03T12:17:00.000-04:002015-04-03T12:22:55.581-04:00Still Here<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guess what?? I'm still here. My only excuse I guess for not blogging in quite a while is that I have been too busy living. Life has been pretty busy and full since I last posted in 2013. Hard to believe we are now in April 2015. After a very cold and snowy long winter, it feels like Spring is slowly beginning to show us some signs that sunny warm days are ahead. The piles of snow are slowly melting, and little areas of brown grass are peaking out. The birds are beginning to visit in the yard again, and the voices and laughter of the neighborhood kids are starting to fill the air. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Dreyer household is busier than ever. With my 2 boys now freshmen in high school and my 2 girls in 6th grade I feel like I live in my Yukon dropping them off here there and everywhere from the time they get out of school until 9 pm most nights. They have had a great year in school. Sarah and Emily are still loving competing on their gymnastics team. When not at the gym, Emily is spending lots of time in a local art studio creating beautiful pieces to fill our home. Sarah is still loving playing piano. I just love it when she relaxes and opens that beautiful voice as well. It is truly heaven to me listening to her. Cam made the Varsity Wrestling Team and although he is small he worked just as hard as anyone on that team. It was such a great learning experience for him, and it has been wonderful watching him grow as an athlete. He has an absolute love for the sport. And I am learning to appreciate it more and actually uncover my eyes more during the matches. Now that wrestling has ended he is busy working out with 2 wresting clubs and also has begun his second season on the High School Crew Team. Looking forward to warm spring days watching them on the river. He also has become an avid Downhill Mountain Biker. Another way he likes to give me anxiety:) Mitch has been doing what he loves, Baseball. Winter didn't slow him down. He is on an AAU Team and has practiced all winter. After a week of tryouts, he is now officially on the High School JV Baseball team and he'll be playing on a Babe Ruth League as well. So, playing on 3 baseball teams, I see lots of time watching baseball this spring and summer as soon as the snow melts and the fields begin to dry out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As of January, I went back to work after almost 15 years at home. I am fortunate to be working from my home office, which I share with husband. I am loving it. Most days, our puppies are in the office as well with us hanging out on their favorite chairs. It is pretty perfect. It has been a bit of an adjustment, but I am getting used to the schedule. My morning starts off pretty early, as I try to hit the gym by 6 am and get home before the kids go off to school. And because as most people who know me, I am pretty OCD. Which means laundry, housework, etc. gets done before 7:30 , so that I can stay focused working. I stop working the moment the kids start coming home and switch on the mommy hat and then it's usually homework, dinner, go, go, go... collapse into bed, and start all over again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">So life has been pretty full and fast paced. Mike and I have also been busy training for the Spartan Season coming up. We are having a team sponsored by the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at the Citi Field Spartan Sprint Obstacle Race on May 9. After that we are signed up for a few more short distance Spartans and then the BEAST! So thankful for Brian Benoit at Pure Life Fitness who pushes me to do more burpees, more tire flips, more of everything that I don't want to do! Love that guy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak in Concord, NH in front of the new Hampshire House of Representative Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee in support of the SB 137. If passed, this bill would enable patients to have easier access to oral anti-cancer therapies. 37 other states have already passed The Oral Anti-Cancer Therapy Parity. The Senate has supported SB 137 unanimously. Since 2008 8 out of 11 chemotherapy drugs are in pill form. These pills are targeted therapies with less side effects on patients. They offer tremendous hope to many patients. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">As a Multiple Myeloma Patient, I have been on Revlimid, an oral chemo targeted pill since I was diagnosed back in 2010. Multiple Myeloma never really goes into a true remission. The goal is to keep it dormant and achieve a "complete response" for as long as possible. Revlimid when taken with Dexamethasone has significantly prolonged progression-free survival among patients with Multiple Myeloma. Patients are now living longer. The median survival rate is now 5-7 years and some patients are living longer. Hopefully me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">I have been on this maintenance therapy now for 4 years. Revlimid is truly a miracle drug. It is the reason why I am here today. It the reason I am here for my kids and my husband. I take a few pills every day for three weeks on and one week off every month. The major side effect for me is fatigue. It is a very small inconvenience to pay for living a healthy and productive life. I visit my oncologist every month, get my monthly bloodwork done, and receive an infusion every other month. Other that that, I live a somewhat "normal" life. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">We are fortunate that my husband works for a company out of Oregon which passed the Oral Chemotherapy Parity Law in 2005. We pay only $30 per month for my Revlimid. I will most likely be on this medicine for the rest of my life. Our health insurance is critical to us. Without our insurance, Revlimid will cost us $7,000 per month! If something happened to my husband's job and he had to take a position with a NH company, we would be fly through our savings and most likely run ourselves into serious financial hardship to pay for my prescription. it was truly an honor to speak for all cancer patients yesterday. I am crossing my fingers hoping the law passes. Other than the couple woman from the Insurance World who opposed the bill, claiming that it would increase the cost of premiums and therefore impact the quality of health care. This should not be a partisan issue at all. It is an extension of an existing benefit and it boils down to bringing legislation up to date with science technology. 1 out of every 4 of us will develop cancer in our lifetime. These targeted therapies extend the lives of patients like me. They offer us so much hope and they should be available to everyone. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Just recently I received some disappointing news. After almost 4 years of being in a Complete Response, ie: No M-Spike, No Myeloma Protein......it is creeping back. I now show an M-Spike of .12. Although this number is small, it is present. It is now showing it's face reminding us that Myeloma is always there. Which direction is it going to go? Is it going to slowly creep up or is it going to jump up quickly? We don't know. All we know, is it is active again. It sucks. There is just no other word to describe it. Or anxiety is up a bit. We are trying to not let it get the best of us. I visited my local oncologist yesterday morning who confirmed that my M-Spike held steady at .12 this past month. At the end of the month 4/30 we will visit Dr. Munshi at Dana Farber and see if we need to change up anything. Until then, I am going to go in for a full body x-ray to get a new baseline. Hopefully my bones are staying strong and will resist any bone fractures. I called in for refill on my Ativan prescription and now I just need to breathe, stay positive and keep myself busy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">On April 26th this year we will be participating in the 2015Team For Cures MMRF Race For Research 5k in Boston. This is will be our 6th race. This year will be more important than ever for our family. My kids know that my M-Spike has returned. So this day, which is event which is always positive and uplifting and full of hope will be instrumental in helping them to remain positive. Please consider joining us on this fun walk/run on beautiful Carson Beach in Boston. Or if you can't make it, any donation will be very appreciated. <a href="http://support.themmrf.org/site/TR/RaceforResearch/General?team_id=34130&pg=team&fr_id=2000">http://support.themmrf.org/site/TR/RaceforResearch/General?team_id=34130&pg=team&fr_id=2000</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Well off to enjoy this beautiful day. My little Emily is home sick today, so I think I'm going to get her out for a little lunch and find us some white eggs to start decorating for Easter. Have a blessed Easter weekend with all your family and loved ones. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Peace. Love, Jeanie</span>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-34700251627944550002013-11-28T09:04:00.000-05:002013-11-28T09:05:24.003-05:00To Be ThankfulTo be truly thankful. That word has taken on a whole new meaning for me. Three years ago today I can remember waking up in the hospital in my transplant bubble lonely, sad and scared. Instead of cooking and baking and preparing all the yummy fixings for the the big feast, I was lying in bed barely able to sit up. I wasn't going to be watching the Macy's parade in our pjs with the kids or having them help me set the table with our china we use twice a year. I remember wanting to just sleep the day away hoping the pain and sadness would melt away.<br />
<br />
Flash forward three years..... I am sitting here today in my kitchen, puppies at my feet under the table, hot cup of coffee by my side, blessed beyond my dreams. I am fortunate enough to be in "remission". Three years out, and there is no M-Spike present, ( Monoclonal Protein Level). Unfortunately, some of my Myeloma friends are not so lucky. Many have had recent relapses. Why not me? This is a constant reminder to me of how truly fortunate I am. Myeloma is still an incurable cancer, the goal is to keep it dormant for a long as possible. Today I am thankful my Myeloma is still sleeping!<br />
<br />
Having a diagnosis of an incurable cancer has brought on many other challenges. Learning to live truly present and to engage back in life has been my biggest challenge yet. I think for so long I just wanted to get better and get back to living like a "normal person". What I learned is that things were not going to be back to normal. In fact they never would again. How could they? I am not the same person I was back in 2010. After many sessions with my therapist, some good anti-depressant drugs, a very patient and understanding and loving husband, and learning to let go of guilt, I am re-engaging back in life. I am learning that it is ok to say the word "no" and to spend my time doing things that are good and positive for me. That includes learning to nurture those relationships in my life that are positive and to let relationships go that are draining and negative. It has not been easy to get to this point. However, I know that it is what I need to do to continue on this growing path. At times guilt sneaks up. That is when I need to dig deep and remind myself how hard I have worked to get to where I am today. I don't expect everyone around me to have the same "live in the moment outlook" that I have. Heck it took me a cancer diagnosis and facing my own mortality to truly get it. However, what I do know is that for me it is critical to surround myself with things and people that fill my life and not drain it. <br />
<br />
It amazes me the people and opportunities that have recently come into my life. I have learned so much about myself and continue to everyday. I am blessed beyond my wildest dreams with talented incredible people at work who have encouraged and inspired me to take risks and trust my instincts. And have provided me with an outlet for a passion that I have always had. I am thankful for the wonderful friends I have made at work who have become family to me. And I'm sure my husband thanks them too as he is painting our cherry cabinets white. Lol! He is a saint for putting up with me:)<br />
<br />
I am thankful for friends and family who continue to fill my life with love and laughter. Who remind me everyday how good it feels to be happy.<br />
<br />
I am thankful for a strong body with no chronic pain. This past October Mike and I ran the BayState Marathon together. We had a great race and it was so awesome to do it together. Mike taught me to train and fuel correctly and it was great to cross the finish line smiling and not being carried off to the med tent. Will I do another one? Absolutely. Just waiting to find the right one. Since the marathon, I run a couple days a week. No schedule, I just do it when it feels good. I've also started back up with kickboxing/crossfit classes. I'm trying to get there 3 days a week. Again, no pressure, doing things when they feel right.<br />
<br />
My kids have really been the source of my inspiration. Everyday they amaze me. When I find myself getting caught up in a "Myeloma Moment" they can snap me out of quicker than anyone or anything. I am so thankful for my 4 beautiful angels who are truly a blast to be around. Being their mom is my greatest accomplishment in life.<br />
<br />
Yesterday we just booked tickets for my parents to come here for Christmas. This will be the first time my dad will be here for Christmas in over 12 years. My parents have been Mike and my greatest support during the past few years. Our relationship is on a level that is so precious and we truly love having them here. I am so thankful to have my parents and am looking forward to making incredible memories this holiday. <br />
<br />
I am grateful for Dr. Munshi, Dr Hakemian, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, and all of my Myeloma friends. I am blessed to be here 3 years later after my stem cell transplant. And I continue to be filled with hope for the future. Although no one knows when I will relapse, I know there will be options and treatment available, as well as a whole network of support. Today I am truly grateful for all that is.<br />
<br />
I am dedicating this blog entry to my husband Mike. Words cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for him. Over the past 3 years, he has been right by my side. He has supported me, loved me, held me and lifted me up countless times when I needed it most. I am sure that it has not been easy for him. The diagnosis, the unknown, the depression. But he is there for me. He is truly the one constant in my life that I can always count on. I love you Michael Dreyer.<br />
<br />
Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving surrounded by all the blessings in your life.<br />
<br />
Love<br />
Jeanie<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-60898039525818346072013-06-27T23:35:00.000-04:002013-06-27T23:35:20.872-04:00My Husband's Journey to 70.3<br />
<br />
<br />
My awe inspiring husband just updated his blog. He takes the reader on the incredible journey of his first Half Ironman, every stroke, every pedal and every step all the way to 70.3. Be prepared to be inspired and to grab a tissue! I am so proud of this man I am so blessed to call my husband, best friend and partner in life! Just click on the link to read.<br />
<a href="http://70point3timeandacure.blogspot.com/">My incredible husband </a>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-2169307458676127752013-06-11T23:29:00.001-04:002013-06-11T23:29:34.549-04:003 Years LaterThis week marks the 3 year anniversary of when I was first diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma.<br />
<br />
It has been just about 10 months since I've written. For all of you who have wondered out there on cyberspace, no, I have not died. I am happy to say I am still here and still enjoying a "Complete Response" (ie: no Myeloma Detected!). So why have I been so quiet?<br />
<br />
I guess there are a number reasons I have been silent for a while. The easy answer would be that life got so busy that I didn't have the time to write. Or perhaps I didn't have much to say? Or maybe for a while I just wanted to try to get some sense of normalcy and not think about my Myeloma? In a way, it is all those reasons. But if I look back at my last post in August of 2012, it is difficult for me to read it. I had opened up and shared that I was struggling with my "New Normal" . At the time, I didn't realize just how dark my world had gotten.<br />
<br />
When the kids returned to school last fall, I made an appointment to see a therapist. I had struggled for so long. I remember how nervous I was waiting in the waiting room. Wasn't it easier to just carry on and block out all that bad stuff and stay busy? Did I really want to share all that happened? Did I really want to go back there? I wanted to just get up and run out that door. But before I could, a woman came out and called my name. Within moments I felt completely at ease with this person. I felt safe. And at the end of my first session, I learned that I was in very deep depression, and had been for quite some time.<br />
<br />
I believe that people come into our lives not by chance. That if you are truly present you realize the gifts that are sometimes right in front of you. Well, I have had quite a few gifts lately. One in particular, is a beautiful woman named Robin. She is one of the most compassionate people I know. Robin owns an incredible antique, collectible and home decor store. It is like no other store I have ever seen. In fact, customers often say that going to Robin's Egg is their therapy. That it just feels so great to be there. I was one of those customers. For a long time, I would find myself coming to the store just to walk around and take in all of the beautiful things inside. Robin always had a warm smile on her face. I felt peaceful and happy there,<br />
<br />
Week by week, I was making progress in my therapy sessions. I was also finding myself visiting Robin's Egg more and more. I started to experiment and play around with paint and began refinishing furniture. At the end of November, I asked Robin if I could help out at the store. I told her she didn't have to pay me. I would volunteer, I just wanted to be there. She took me up on the offer. My son Cam often told me that I was crazy to work for free. But I assured him that I was getting something much bigger than money in return. He of course could not comprehend this. Each day I spent there, I found myself feeling happier. I just loved meeting and speaking with all the customers coming in and I loved learning from Robin and all the talented people who worked there. In fact, I began to feel that passion, that spark that I had lost for quite some time.<br />
<br />
Doors began to open. Opportunities came along. And things just started to feel right. I now not only work at the shop, but I am dealer there. In fact I have been pretty successful. I have a garage full of projects. I'm enjoying every moment of it. I love finding the treasures, bringing them to life, and sharing them. I love that people appreciate my work and actually purchase them! I love the women I work with and the friendships we have formed. But I am most appreciative for Robin, for coming into my life and helping me discover something totally new and finding that spark, that thing that makes me feel alive!<br />
<br />
My kids just have about a week of school left. They have had a wonderful year of growth and achievements. They are really coming into their own. And although we need a chalkboard in the kitchen to keep track of where everyone needs to be and when, I just love how full of life they all are. My boys loved their first year of middle school. Cam loved being on the Cross Country Team, Wresting Team, Flag Football, Track and Student Council. He also has achieved his Brown Belt in Karate. Mitch had an incredible year discovering his love for piano, and enjoyed his first year on the Football Team. He played on Basketball Team, Flag Football, Track and of course Baseball. All Stars has just begun and we have our first of many baseball tournaments this weekend. Sarah and Emily are completely passionate about gymnastics and compete on Team. I am in complete awe as I watch how they can move their little bodies. Sarah has also become a beautiful pianist. I just love listening to her. <br />
<br />
It has been at times painful, yet amazing to watch my kids live everyday knowing that I have this incurable cancer. We may not speak about it everyday, but it shows up in their poetry, their writing and sometimes their doodles I find at the bottom of their backpacks. The boys in particular, as they are older, try to make sense of it all. Sometimes the boys will tell me a fact they have read regarding the life expectancy of a person with this disease. And they tell me I guess we are one of the lucky ones. I can see them worrying about me relapsing. Sometimes I can see the worry and concern in their eyes. When I'm tired or if I am not feeling well, I can feel them worry. If they hear of someone dying of cancer, the worry returns. As a mom, it is so hard to watch them struggle. I never had to worry about having a sick parent as a kid. This makes me sad.<br />
<br />
My husband Mike has also had a year full of discovery and new passions. In the fall he completed his first marathon. This is the same guy, that ran his very first 5k 3 years ago and always said that he could not understand why anyone would ever want to run 26.2 miles. Well he did it, and he rocked it! He didn't stop there. He has spent the past several months training to compete in his very first Half Ironman. Crazy!! I have never seen anyone so disciplined. Mind you, this is a guy who travels for work and is pretty much a workaholic. Now throw in the training that is required for this event. Well if anyone can do it, he can. And this Saturday, all that training will come together as he crosses the finish line. I am so proud of him. He is doing this not only as a personal goal, but also to raise money and awareness for Multiple Myeloma as a member of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation Power Team. Mike has kept his own blog on his training. <a href="http://www.70point3timeandacure.blogspot.com/?m=1">http://www.70point3timeandacure.blogspot.com</a>. Please click on the following link to support Mike<br />
<a href="http://www.active.com/donations/fundraise_public.cfm?ckey=2013mmrfYOR&force_a2=y&key=YORMDreyer">http://www.active.com/donations/fundraise_public.cfm?ckey=2013mmrfYOR&force_a2=y&key=YORMDreyer</a><br />
<br />
Tomorrow I have my appointment with my Oncologist and I'll receive my Zometa Infusion. I actually missed my appointment on Monday. I couldn't believe it. My favorite nurse Leslie called to see where I was. She laughed and said that it is a good thing when life gets busy and a cancer patient forgets their appointment. It is nice to finally be at a place where the first thing I think about in the morning is not the Big "C". <br />
<br />
Three long years. But here I am. Grateful, happy, healthy ,busy and filled with passion. <br />
<br />Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-30345679787682485542012-08-08T23:08:00.001-04:002012-08-08T23:10:27.172-04:00I'm In Remission, So What's Wrong?I cannot believe how many times I have wanted to sit behind my laptop and write. This blog began for me as a great way to share with friends and family on my progress, to reach out to those affected by Myeloma, and lastly if I am being completely honest, a free source of therapy for me. Yet time and time again I seem to find excuses for not writing. Some days while at the lake with my kids or while I am out watering my garden, thoughts and sometimes entire blog posts will enter my mind . Yet, I never take the time to write or type them. So lately I've questioned myself why I stopped. And I guess it's because writing for me has always been about being honest and open. And lately, that is becoming more and more difficult to do. <br />
<br />
It easier to get up each day, and stay busy entertaining the kids, running errands, trying to keep up with the garden and lawn (which is pretty pathetic now thanks to the lack of rain), keeping up with my recent obsession with Pinterest and my new found love for restoring furniture, choosing new paint colors for every room in my house, and whatever else I keep my mind busy doing, than it is to stop and reflect about what is really going on with me. <br />
<br />
I feel like lately I am stuck in a temporary in-between stage. Although I am considered "in remission", I am still on a maintenance regimen consisting of Revlimid and Dexamethasone 3 weeks out of every month, and I have monthly infusions, My hair is slowly growing out ( I can actually make a tiny ponytail), and I have regained some of the loss muscle and weight back. To most people I must look healthy and like life is back to normal. In fact, most people no longer ask how I am doing. Maybe they are afraid to ask, or just assume that is everything is fine. Honestly, it feels good to no longer receive the gloom and sad looks I was used to receiving a couple years ago as a sick cancer patient and mother of four young children. <br />
<br />
So what's the problem? I know right? That is what I keep asking myself. Well, for those of us who read up on Myeloma daily, we know that this disease is still incurable. That it really does not go truly in remission. Up until a few years ago a 3 year life expectancy was the best one would have. Fortunately with Revimid patients are living longer. The goal is to keep it at bay for as long as possible with the hopes that when I do relapse, my body will respond to the therapy. And if it doesn't, hopefully a new treatment is available. Ultimately, however the Myeloma usually wins the battle. Daily, I Google Myeloma and read up on every little piece of new news that is published. Of course what also pops up are far too many obituaries of Myeloma patients who have lost their battle. I follow many blogs from Myeloma bloggers and although many of their stories inspire me, there are also several that write about their struggles with relapsing.<br />
<br />
Although I try not to think about if and when I relapse, it of course enters my mind often especially during the late hours of the night. So although I am so very blessed to be "in remission", it is challenging at times knowing I have a ticking time bomb inside.<br />
<br />
Running used to help me through some of those challenging moments. I felt strong running, almost invincible. Crossing the finish line at The Boston Marathon was so powerful. I had so many doubts in my mind, even putting aside the extreme of that heat that day. For well over 6 or 7 months I have watch my endurance decrease. My body screams at me when I have passed the threshold. Whether it is the long term effects from being on Revlimid or perhaps the disease itself, the bottom line, my body has changed. Lately I haven't even had the desire to get out there and run, let alone hit the gym. I know the endorphins I get from exercise help, and that my body needs to stay strong, so why aren't I out there doing it? At the same time, Mike is training for his first marathon this fall. This should also motivate me. But no. I am crazy proud of him, but I really don't feel the need or desire to join him. What the hell is wrong with me?<br />
<br />
Sometimes I feel like the days pass and I can't feel passionate about much. Also as I mentioned, my energy has been pretty low as well. I know that a lot of that is side effects of the Revlimid and the lack of sleep due to the steroid and just being a busy mom. But I was desperate for some change. <br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
A couple of months ago I talked with Dr. H about slowly coming off my anti-depressant. I had been on a couple different drugs since my diagnosis. I ended up staying on Effexor which also has an added benefit of helping out with the hot flashes from being put in menapause. But the past few months I realized more and more that I was beginning to feel like I was going through the motions in life. I don't ever really feel like I can be really happy or sad for that matter. Also my energy has felt like it has been zapped. So after reading up on all the different side effects of Effexor, I thought I would try coming off of it and see if I felt any different,<br />
<br />
Well the first week pretty much sucked. My head was in a constant cloud. I had dizzy spells and felt like my brain was buzzing. I had a new found respect for anyone going through drug withdrawals. Day after day I waited for that to subside. It finally did after about 5 days. Then it was the tears. Once the floodgates were opened they just wouldn't stop. This was right around the same time of Marty's ride that I previously posted. It was such an inspirational day. It was a day full of emotion. When we got home that night from Maine, my son Mitch knocked at my bedroom door. He just looked at me with tears in his eyes and told me he was really sad. He said to me "I guess you are one of the few lucky ones who is living". Gulp! Yup, you try looking in your 11 year old son's eyes and come up with a quick response to that one. I just held him and cried and said "Yes I am".<br />
<br />
Mike and I were up late that evening on the patio. Basically him trying to console me. As always he stayed strong and tried to pick up all the pieces to put me back together again. <br />
<br />
From that teary moment there came many many more. In fact, I couldn't hide the tears from the kids. It reminded me so much of those first few weeks after I was diagnosed. One look at the kids and my eyes filled up. Wow maybe I really didn't need to be thrown into reality? Maybe it was good to be numb. Well after a few days of tears, I turned into bitchy mom who had no grip on life. My poor kids and Mike. I didn't even get like this when I was on the higher doses of Dex a couple of years ago.<br />
<br />
To top it off we were heading to Maine to spend a week with our closest friends and their kids. There was going to be a total of 28 of us vacationing together for a week (divided in 4 homes). Although we vacationed together last year and had a blast, the thought of it sent me in complete panic mode. I have been isolating myself, avoiding big social scenes. I couldn't handle myself, let along 28 people . <br />
<br />
I so much wanted to stay home and just send Mike with the kids. But deep down inside I told myself that I needed to go. What would happen if next year I was sick again and couldn't go? I knew how important it was to Mike and the kids. I couldn't let them down. I struggled for a couple of days, and then resorted to calling my doctor and getting back on my anti-depressant. We went to Maine and had a great week. The kids had a blast and I did have fun, especially on those fast tube rides. When I became too overwhelmed I would just tell everyone that I was tired and went to bed early. I am happy I decided to go, I wished that I could have enjoyed myself even more. I guess I did the best I could do.<br />
<br />
Last week when I was in for my monthly infusion I sat with Dr. H and the nurses and opened up to them. They are so used to me coming in and seeing happy Jeanie telling them that everything was fine. Well that day they got an ear full. My favorite nurse Leslie held my hand, as her eyes filled with tears and told me that she expected this to happen. She went on to say that some cancer patients go to therapy when they are first diagnosed and work on the mental stuff as well as undergo all their treatment. Others like me, dive into beating down cancer with all of the chemo treatment and then expel their other energy keeping everything else in their life (ie: kids, house, marriage flowing). So now comes the mental baggage with being a cancer patient with an incurable cancer. <br />
<br />
I had tried therapy when I was first diagnosed, but it really didn't do much for me. I am not sure if the therapist was the right fit or what. Or maybe it just wasn't my time. I don't view therapy as a sign of weakness. In fact, I find it to be a sign of strength. I know I can't carry on keeping myself busy, trying to avoid at all costs any down time. For me, the only down time I allow myself is at night. And I know how well that goes for me. Not! Hence the insomnia and my nightly dose of Ativan. <br />
<br />
So in two days it will be my 42nd birthday. Cheers to me. A couple of years ago I never thought I would be here today. I have decided to give myself the gift of me. That means the good, the bad and the ugly. It is time for me to finally do the dirty work of digging deep and facing my fears. This time around, it is not training to complete a marathon, but rather, explore all the hidden crap of fear, sadness and anger. I am so so tired of this in-between life. For those of you who know me, but don't want to ask me how I'm doing. Now you know. Not so great. I struggle with this "new life" of being a survivor everyday. So please forgive me for putting up a wall around me and not staying in touch. I miss being engaged in life socially, trust me. But I guess until you walked in my shoes, you really don't know. There is no manual on how to get to try to get back that life you once had. I know that cancer will always be a part of me. I didn't ask for it, but it's here. I don't want it to define me, or limit me, more than it has to. It has sucked way too much out of me physically and emotionally and it is really starting to annoy me. <br />
<br />
So stay tuned. I'm hoping to start shedding a little more light in my life.<br />
<br />
For all my Myeloma friends, I usually I take my Revlimid and Dex in the morning. I held off and took them tonight. I'm hoping this means I'll be be able to actually get some sleep. We shall see!<br />
<br />
Sweet Dreams-<br />
Jeanie<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-88416164571918291622012-07-02T23:23:00.000-04:002012-07-02T23:23:06.836-04:00Let's Hear It For Marty And His Cure For Cancer Tour!<br />
Tomorrow morning we will be all leaving the house early to cheer on Marty Perlmutter who has traveled on a 1,400 bike journey from Jacksonville, Florida to York, Maine. He is riding to honor his best friend, Roy Gross, who lost his battle with Multiple Myeloma in March, 2012. Marty has set a goal to raise $20,000 for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.<br />
<br />
Marty is staying in Nashua, NH tonight after traveling 100 long hot miles today. Tomorrow morning my husband Mike will be joining Marty, as he completes his journey to Maine. Mike was so inspired by Marty and asked if he could join him for a few miles. During the last couple of years, Mike has taken up cycling. He has participated in several sprint triathlons and charity rides. After talking with him, Mike convinced himself to ride the 80 plus miles with Marty tomorrow. This will be Mike's longest ride to date. <span style="background-color: white;"> I am so overwhelmed with love and pride for my Mikey. There truly exists nothing that man will not do to support me. As I sit to write this blog, my eyes are filled with tears. He is the hardest working man I know, yet he always makes his family a priority in his life. And now he is going above and beyond riding along with Marty supporting the fight against Multiple Myeloma. Everyday Mike shows me how determined he is to support me in every way to continue to fight this crappy disease that robs the lives of so many people everyday, like Marty's best friend Roy. I don't know how I got so lucky that June '92 back in UNH! Mikey, you are my one and only one and you continue to give me butterflies everyday!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I will be sure to take lots of photos tomorrow. The kids have packed up our cow bells, pom poms and signs. We will all be leaving early tomorrow morning to give them a fun send off as they hit the pavement. Of course, then the kids and I will go home and chill for about 4 hours and we will travel to York to see them get to the finish line at the beautiful Nubble Light in York, Maine!s</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">If you would like to view Marty's blog please click on the link below:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://2012rideforcancer.blogspot.com/">2012rideforcancer.blogspot.com</a> </span><br />
<br />
Also Marty's web page for donations is:<br />
<a href="http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfYor/MartyCure">www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfYor/MartyCure</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-56406448590254822592012-06-05T11:30:00.000-04:002012-06-05T11:30:14.452-04:002 Years Later....From Sadness To Heart PrintsJune 3, that date will forever be a day that I will always remember. It was 2 years ago exactly, that I received a call that forever changed my life. That morning started off just like every morning. Enjoying a nice hot cup of coffee, sitting with my dog Flower for a few peaceful moments before the morning craze of making lunches and getting all 4 kids off to the bus on time. I can recall that I was looking ahead to my morning workout after the kids got on the bus. I was already planning my workout schedules for the last few weeks of school, knowing that once the kids were on vacation, workouts would be more challenging to squeeze in. Instead, our days would be spent having fun at the lake and beach and entertaining my kids for the summer. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As a Type A girl who is constantly planning her days ahead, my big stresses in life were getting my kids up and out of the house in the morning (with as little drama as possible), making sure beds were made and the house was clean (yes, I am a total neat freak), all laundry was done and put away, morning workouts done, grass was cut and green, the fridge was packed with healthy yummy food, kids homework and projects and driving my kids to all their after school activities and sports. And of course, making sure the house was orderly and somewhat calm when my husband came home on a Friday night after traveling all week. Day in and day out this is what my days looked like. I seemed to fill my days completely allowing myself very little time to sit and ponder and think about what more life had to offer. Or to think about relationships I wanted to work on or goals (other than fitness) I wanted to set for myself. Life was pretty great. It was pretty predictable and very routine, just the way I liked it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But one phone call received on the morning of June 3, changed all that. In other words, it disrupted the neat and tidy little package of my" predictable scheduled life". That call was from a Plastic Surgeon who removed an "annoying cyst" on my sternum, that ended up to be a malignant tumor. A tumor that today, I am so grateful existed. I was one of the lucky ones who actually had a tumor that exposed itself and all the destruction that was taking place inside my physically fit body. From the outside I looked strong and in great shape. Yet inside my cells were being plagued with cancer and my bones were weakening. Over 80% of my plasma cells were being destroyed by Multiple Myeloma. Many patients are not so lucky. In fact many do not even discover that they are sick until their kidneys are no longer functioning. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was a strong healthy woman who felt great. I was in the best shape of my life. How could I have cancer? How could I have an incurable cancer with one of the poorest survival rates when I feel so great? I never smoked, I ate healthy, exercised, wore sunblock. Yes, I enjoyed my nightly glass of wine. But cancer! No freaking way!!! This was a cruel joke!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This was no joke. It was real. Who am I kidding? It was hell! My hell! Mike and I were slammed right in the face with the brutal reality that life was not going to be the way we had planned it out to be. Someone else was in charge and it wasn't us. We were helpless, terrified and desperate. We had a life with plans. We had 4 busy kids and a busy life and we did not have room for unexpected surprises like this. I can't be getting sick. I can't be dying. This was NOT Fair! I was a good person. And good things should not happen like this to good people. What did we do to deserve this???</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Wow, were we ever naive. Cancer has no prejudices. It doesn't matter how good you are, how healthy you are, how successful you are. Cancer affects everyone. And I guess my number was up. So I was the one sitting in the oncologist office squeezing my husbands hand every so tightly as the doctor was giving us my diagnosis. It was just like how you would imagine it to be, an outer body experience. I could see the doctor mouth moving and and sounds coming from his voice. Yet I could not even focus on what he was saying. My husband Mike was asking the questions, staying strong and I just sat there totally unfocused and in total disbelief. In my mind, I was dying. I had very little hope and I had never felt so lonely, scared, mad and heartbroken.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
Today, it is June 4, 2012. The last few months since my last post have been a whirlwind of exciting life changing moments. Where to begin? I think a photo of one of the greatest moments in my life will get us started!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqMbwNJ6bPY/T8z8LKY3k-I/AAAAAAAAAKk/9C_IJ1sVJVE/s1600/bostonmarathon21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TqMbwNJ6bPY/T8z8LKY3k-I/AAAAAAAAAKk/9C_IJ1sVJVE/s320/bostonmarathon21.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suz and I crossing the finish line of this year's Boston Marathon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The Boston Marathon was such an incredible experience. It was one of hottest days on record for the race. Over 4,000 registered runners decided not to run on that hot morning. Suz and I definitely had some anxiety as the temperatures climbed that morning. I know for a fact, our families were not very happy that we were running on such a hot day. Mike, my parents, and my sister as well as many friends and extended family members were hoping I would drop out. But Suz and I had trained so hard for this day. It was such an incredible honor to be running as part of the MMRF Power Team. Together Suz and I raised over $8,000 with the help of so many supportive friends and family (thank you all so much). We felt so honored to be running, we couldn't possibly drop out. Fortunately for us, the city of Boston came out and supported us, cheered for us, gave us ice, water, oranges, Popsicles, and everything else we could possibly need to help us run the 26.2 challenging miles! We met so many inspirational runners along the way. The MMRF Power Team was a group of the most inspirational loving people all running in memory or in honor of their loved ones affected by Multiple Myeloma. Each one of their stories touched me in so many ways. I know that seeing me run gave those who had loved ones struggling with this disease, so much hope for brighter days ahead.<br />
<br />
When we approached Heartbreak Hill, Suzi's sister Lolly met us with a big sign with our names on it and ran with us up the challenging hills. I can vividly recall one moment when Lolly and Suzi were running ahead of me. Spectators were yelling" Go Suzi and Jeanie !" I became so overwhelmed just thinking about all that had occurred over the last 2 years. How blessed I have truly been. To go from feeling so sad and helpless and weak to conquering each step of Heartbreak Hill in the blazing hot sun. The crowd, the excitement, the emotions, my exhaustion, it all become so overwhelming and the tears strolled down my face. And it hit me. Life is so freaking incredible!! This is what it means to really live your best and be all that you can be! Cancer has indeed brought me a gift. The smell, the taste, the joy of life! Damn it is fantastic! And it just keeps getting better and better!<br />
<br />
I knew that our families were at mile 25 with the MMRF. I think the heat and exhaustion got the best of me at about mile 21. I lost track of what mile I was at. Suz ran ahead ,( gotta love my Energizer Bunny) chatting with our husbands on the phone letting them know we were coming. My legs were moving but my mind was drifting. I felt as though I was once again in one of those outer body experiences. I could see the spectators cheering us on, but I couldn't make out what they were saying. My body wanted me to stop, but I kept going. I just wanted to see the kids. I knew that once I saw the kids and Mike I knew I would be only a mile away from finishing. Suz grabbed another bag of ice from the bag of spectators and threw it under my hat. It had to be almost 90 degrees. Suz was getting very concerned and tried to get me to keep talking. I finally got the energy to ask what mile we were at. Just I asked we saw the mile 25 marker and saw the big orange flags. The MMRF fans were just ahead!. Our incredible husbands and amazing kids were there cheering us on. They were there in hot sun all day giving out water and cheering on all the runners. Suz and I were so proud of them. When they saw us at mile 25, their smiles brought tears to our eyes. They looked so proud and excited and of course very relieved seeing us still looking strong and determined to finish. I know for me it was one of those life changing moments I will never forget. I stopped and hugged everyone supporting the MMRF. I didn't even know some of them. But I thanked each and everyone of them and gave them a big hug, as tears rolled down my face. Just seeing them all gave me renewed energy. Suz and I held hands as we ran the last 1/4 mile. We did it! We finished! Final time: 5:23.02.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvGHm6LqTrM/T8z-Uk-N96I/AAAAAAAAALM/GN399YWavNQ/s320/photo+(8).JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The greatest support system in the world. Our families! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXV3Pxh6FHQ/T8z8VUwxmgI/AAAAAAAAAKs/r6hjXlIaoH4/s1600/bostonmarathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pXV3Pxh6FHQ/T8z8VUwxmgI/AAAAAAAAAKs/r6hjXlIaoH4/s320/bostonmarathon.jpg" width="221" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suz and I. I absolutely love love this woman! I am so lucky to have her in my life! Together holding hands as we approached the finish line!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Next on the agenda was our surprise trip to Disney. The kids had absolutely no idea! We woke them up on a Friday morning at 5:30 AM and surprised them with the fact that they were not going to school and that the car was all packed up and we were heading to the airport. Our first lag was to Dulles Airport. So as far as they knew, we were heading to DC. Mike and I were bursting inside. Our total Type A son Cam started to search on the IPhone in the car for things to do in Washington DC. By the time we got to Boston Logan Airport (about an hour drive), he had the whole </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
trip planned out. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Once we got to DC, Mike ran in the bathroom and came out with a Mickey T-shirt. It was the exact shirt he wore 17 years ago when he proposed to me in Disney World. Our kids were totally shocked when we announced the surprise that we were actually spending the week in Disney. In fact, our son Cam who is never without words, was completely speechless for the first time in his life! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We had a incredible week. The kids kept us going 14 hour days everyday. We never stopped, and still we didn't see everything. It was so great to just have a whole week of fun with the kids! Our last night there, Mike and the kids surprised me. Just as Cinderella's castle was all lit up in pink and purple, Mike took out a ring that he and Sarah picked out at the park. Mike once again almost 17 years later, 4 beautiful children later, a cancer diagnosis later, pledged his love and commitment to me. It was beautiful. Needless to say I crying with happiness just like the day he proposed to me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qS97G6bYpcQ/T81o198jrpI/AAAAAAAAALY/8Wi-3HLuuIg/s1600/Photo0010FourBySix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qS97G6bYpcQ/T81o198jrpI/AAAAAAAAALY/8Wi-3HLuuIg/s320/Photo0010FourBySix.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-hiaAz55_Q/T84JXdCLOiI/AAAAAAAAAOA/fsBF9EcCfU4/s1600/photo+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A-hiaAz55_Q/T84JXdCLOiI/AAAAAAAAAOA/fsBF9EcCfU4/s1600/photo+%252811%2529.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When we got back to New Hampshire, my parents flew up from Florida to watch the kids while Mike and I flew to Bali, Indonesia! Wow, I still can't believe all the traveling we have done. I went years without going anywhere, and the miles that we have flown this year is just crazy! We literally were home for less than 5 days, and then we flew across the world. This time it was just Mike and I. The furthest we ever went away together since having the kids, was Vegas and that was for a long weekend. So before we got on that plane, we took a ride over to our lawyer and completed our Will. Just in case! Thankfully we didn't need to use it. But we felt more like responsible parents having completed it. After getting the Will done and spending countless hours figuring out the kids schedules for my folks and making calendars for them with every possible activity, responsibility, appointments, etc. it was time to get on that plane and head overseas! After a very long delay in Chicago, we finally headed to Hong Kong. After hours and hours of traveling (I think it was over 30 including the layovers, we finally landed. We were only checked into our beautiful hotel for less than 12 hours. But we managed to squeeze in a fun night out with one of Mike's friend/coworker who showed us some of the city's great night spots! Our next stop was about a 5 1/2 hour flight to Bali. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bali was an incredible trip. It was our first experience going on a Platinum Club Trip. I am so proud of Mike for having such a successful last few years (even with all that we had going on) and being recognized for his efforts and earning this trip. Although we didn't know many of the people on the trip at first, by the end of the week we connected with so many people who work for his company from all over the globe. The accommodations were beautiful. And every evening there was a beautiful gift in our room. The gifts included beautiful handcrafted treasures from the people of Bali. We were fortunate enough to have guided tours around Bali. We saw so many beautiful Temples as well as little villages and the beautiful rice fields in the countryside as well as the lush jungles. Unfortunately, to get to these remote areas, we spent way too many hours on a bus driving around in the crazy streets of Bali. The streets are narrow and the cars travel on the left side of the road. The road is filled with buses, cars, countless mopeds sometimes with a family of 4-5 including an infant, wild dogs, chickens and roosters. Oh and no one uses directional signals at all. It is a free for all. Yet no one seems to have road rage??? Of course all of us on the bus were having anxiety attacks! But somehow we all made it out alive, and none of our buses got into an accident. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One of the most memorable nights we all dressed in sarongs that were given to us as a gift. All our buses received a police escort to a small village. Once we got to our destination, we were greeted by the whole village. Over 400 men, women and children lined the streets all dressed in their finest beautiful traditional clothing. They sang and danced as they formed a parade. We then joined the parade, which led us to a beautiful Temple. It was decorated so beautifully, as if it was a wedding. The entire village served trays of incredible traditional food to us, while we were entertained by beautiful traditional music and dance. It was such a special night. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_fjr-Uaj6k/T84B8utj8oI/AAAAAAAAAMo/f4P1OTunZJE/s1600/Bali2012+148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M_fjr-Uaj6k/T84B8utj8oI/AAAAAAAAAMo/f4P1OTunZJE/s320/Bali2012+148.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Getting Ready to go on the bus all dressed for dinner!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iN2EA22_Hk/T84LvXsYEBI/AAAAAAAAAPU/qWROIhPPdMI/s1600/Bali2012+193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2iN2EA22_Hk/T84LvXsYEBI/AAAAAAAAAPU/qWROIhPPdMI/s320/Bali2012+193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the Temple for Incredible dinner and night hosted by the most wonderful people of Bali</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_1839652290"></span><span id="goog_1839652291"></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcr1lCmY75E/T81xCEY2fII/AAAAAAAAAMY/cL0V1wKnTWA/s1600/Bali2012+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xcr1lCmY75E/T81xCEY2fII/AAAAAAAAAMY/cL0V1wKnTWA/s320/Bali2012+120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stopping for lunch along the countryside!</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We also had the awesome experience of playing with dolphins! It was incredible. They are the smartest, most playful creatures! I wish they have hidden one in my suitcase to take home. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DWfg4fXDBc/T81wIFJ4xkI/AAAAAAAAAL4/1ZQumFz1JcQ/s1600/Bali2012+108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DWfg4fXDBc/T81wIFJ4xkI/AAAAAAAAAL4/1ZQumFz1JcQ/s320/Bali2012+108.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hZyqftYHDg/T81wSzwHFXI/AAAAAAAAAMA/_lfvwtSn-pU/s1600/Bali2012+021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hZyqftYHDg/T81wSzwHFXI/AAAAAAAAAMA/_lfvwtSn-pU/s320/Bali2012+021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Giving Kisses!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sC15shV_R8/T81wcqkNnoI/AAAAAAAAAMI/0mrLoicXi0w/s1600/Bali2012+030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4sC15shV_R8/T81wcqkNnoI/AAAAAAAAAMI/0mrLoicXi0w/s320/Bali2012+030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And a hug!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdEvFmZVa2M/T81wmFVyBZI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/_Ufkiv-_qTY/s1600/Bali2012+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EdEvFmZVa2M/T81wmFVyBZI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/_Ufkiv-_qTY/s320/Bali2012+032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Even Mikey got some loves from our little friend!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One of other awesome Bali adventures was driving to the jungle and going on an elephant safari. That's right, we rode the elephants! Incredible! Our guide has giving elephant rides for over 12 years. We rode through the jungle, which was full of so many sounds and sights, including the "Tsunami", (as our guide called it) every time our elephant needed to relieve himself. I would not want to be the one responsible for cleaning that mess, Yikes! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hMC37MxLRo/T84NSnpTGPI/AAAAAAAAAPg/0Cx1Bf3ibVM/s1600/Bali2012+319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hMC37MxLRo/T84NSnpTGPI/AAAAAAAAAPg/0Cx1Bf3ibVM/s320/Bali2012+319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wy6F0Vs6t7E/T84NabeIFRI/AAAAAAAAAPo/2dWfKE_GWqc/s1600/Bali2012+329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wy6F0Vs6t7E/T84NabeIFRI/AAAAAAAAAPo/2dWfKE_GWqc/s320/Bali2012+329.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsHv0V1e68U/T84NflERexI/AAAAAAAAAPw/m9QOGDaop9M/s1600/Bali2012+333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsHv0V1e68U/T84NflERexI/AAAAAAAAAPw/m9QOGDaop9M/s320/Bali2012+333.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The elephant actually placed this wreath over our heads!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We had such an incredible time. It was so wonderful just to be that fun loving couple spending so much time together exploring and and just being "us". After the crazy unexpected path our lives took two years ago, to be where we are today is just pure bliss. I am so grateful to my mom and dad who came out and watch the kids and made it possible for Mike and I to take this trip of a lifetime. Love you Mom and Dad! Maybe next year we can book you again? Lol!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since we have been back from our adventures, we have celebrated some great events:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxspTfnjJS4/T84ZiLUVBLI/AAAAAAAAAP8/sOoUOVlvdyg/s1600/049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxspTfnjJS4/T84ZiLUVBLI/AAAAAAAAAP8/sOoUOVlvdyg/s320/049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our Beautiful Sarah on her 9th Birthday!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hUWuCaLwxM/T84ZkzPJr8I/AAAAAAAAAQE/tzskeDfuHKQ/s1600/050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hUWuCaLwxM/T84ZkzPJr8I/AAAAAAAAAQE/tzskeDfuHKQ/s320/050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our Beautiful Emily on her 9th Birthday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgHXQkt6dQ8/T84arU6CG2I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/-qmeZgeMmnQ/s1600/7999_3707478692972_1455691057_3082181_1530386074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgHXQkt6dQ8/T84arU6CG2I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/-qmeZgeMmnQ/s320/7999_3707478692972_1455691057_3082181_1530386074_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me and my girlies at Sarah' s first piano recital! Sarah was a rockstar!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
School will be ending in a couple of weeks. Yeah!! I think I just might be more excited than the kids. It is hard to believe, Mitch and Cam will be graduating from Upper Elementary School and be going into 7th Grade at the Middle School. Sarah and Emily will be graduating from the Elementary School and heading to the 4the Grade. All my babies are growing up! Our nights and weekends are spent most of the time at the baseball field (when it isn't cancelled for rain). Mitch has been selected once again this year to be on the Hollis/Brookline All Star Team! We are so proud of him and can't wait for the many games ahead! Sarah and Emily have their big gymnastics show this weekend! Most of their days at home are spent doing back walkovers and cartwheels! And Cam has been very busy starting his lawn mowing service. He already has two customers on our street! With all the rain we have been getting he will be pretty busy over the weekend! He is quite the little Entrepreneur. And his new favorite show is Shark Tank and he has been taking mental notes! I expect to see him on that show someday!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have not retired my running sneakers. However I am enjoying nice shorter runs with my favorite 4 legged running partner Flower. I am not missing the long training runs. As a family we will be participating in the Hollis 5K coming up on June 14! I also have dusted off my boxing gloves. I have gotten back into another one of my passions that I took a break from over the last couple of years. It feels so great to hit and kick that bag and get my butt kicked a few days a week with kickboxing and cross fit training. On my days off from my workouts I look forward to carving out more important time to catch up with friends going out for lunch, coffee, shopping and taking our dogs out to play. I realize I have not been the best at taking time for those special relationships that I am so lucky to have. So that is going to be one of my priorities this summer. It is all about bringing back balance in my life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_896134870"></span><span id="goog_896134871"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On this second anniversary since my diagnosis, I would like to take this opportunity to look Cancer right in the face and say a few things to it:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u>Cancer</u></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may have smacked us right in the face with your unexpected and unwanted arrival. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may have scared us and made us sick to our stomachs with fear and sadness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may have made me lose my hair, made me weak, and made me stare at death right in the face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may have put fear in my poor innocent children. You may have made them grow up and face the harsh reality of life that they may lose their mommy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may have made my husband feel helpless and scared and think that he may lose the love of his life.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may have made my parents feel like they can no longer protect me and that they may lose their baby girl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may have made my sister and brother think they are going to lose their sister.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You may have made my friends feel helpless and scared and desperate to do something to take the pain away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Although we did not choose to have you in our life and have all of this negative energy that comes along with you,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
we do thank you for the hidden blessings we have discovered because of you. The little whispers in life that we may have ignored before. All the precious beautiful moments that we may have been too busy to notice and enjoy. We thank you for our new found open spirit to celebrate life everyday and take risks and adventures that we may not have taken before. We thank you for pointing out all of the beautiful relationships we have with so many wonderful people in our lives who have shown us just how amazingly loving and supportive people are. We thank you for reminding us to tell our loved ones everyday just how much we love and appreciate them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We know how blessed we are that YOU have not yet won this battle. You have however taken the lives of TOO many loved ones close to us and continue to show your presence with TOO many. Every day we hear of a new loved one struggling with your unwanted arrival, our hearts sadden and tears are shed. However, YOU will not break our spirit. We will be stronger and ready to fight, if and when you return. Until then, WE LIVE, WE LOVE, AND WE CELEBRATE!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Love and Hugs,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jeanie</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-76085862471578027592012-04-04T15:39:00.000-04:002012-04-04T15:39:29.703-04:00Learning and Allowing Oneself To LiveIt is a beautiful day here in New Hampshire. The sun is shining and feels so so good. I just got back from spending time with my close friend Beth at the dog park with our puppies followed by lunch outside at one of our favorite local spots. Today reminded me of the days we would spend together before my cancer diagnosis. Just 2 girlfriends chatting about life while watching our dogs run freely through the woods. It felt so familiar and so comforting. Yet it has been absent from my life for way too long. But why? <br />
<br />
Beth and I talked about this very subject today. Why had it been so long since we spent time together doing what we love best? Is it that life has just gotten too busy? We all have busy lives with kids, work, sports, family obligations, etc...... But is that reason enough not to do that the simple things in life that bring us so much joy? <br />
<br />
Lately during my runs, I have thinking about life since cancer, more specific life, since remission. I have found that I have thrown myself back into completely dedicating myself to my family. I have always loved being a mom and a wife. It has brought me so much joy and happiness. During the year of treatment and recovery from my transplant, it was torture for me to step back from my responsibilities. We were fortunate to have my parents as well as close friends come in and help with the kids and many of the household duties, so Mike could focus on work and I could focus on getting better. My children actually became very independent. My parents had them trained like a well oiled machine. <br />
<br />
Today, my kids have willingly allowed Mommy to come back and assume many responsibilities as I am willing to accept. My poor mom and dad will be so disappointed when they come to visit and watch the kids in May. All their hard work! A part of me knows that I should be proud of the independent kids they became. And I am, however, there is still a bigger piece of me that really missed being able to do for them. I feel like they had to grow up so much when I was sick. And I'm sure that guilt and sadness supports my desire to continue to do for them. But digging deeper, I am realizing that I have not allowed myself to do once in a while step away and do more things for me, like spending time with girlfriends, embracing those beautiful relationships I am so fortunate to have. It is almost as if I feel like I am selfish to want to spend time away from the family. Crazy, huh?<br />
<br />
Today I confessed to Beth these feelings. Fortunately for me, she is one of those special friends who truly support me and stands by me without judgement. In fact, she got it. Gosh I have missed her! She completely understood my crazy messed up thoughts. It was as if a cloud of guilt I have been carrying was lifted away. The guilt of not being a good friend and being active again with friends in life. I have shut myself off from life in a lot of ways. Filling my days with being the best mom and wife I can be and training for this marathon, all while trying to stay mentally and physically strong while living Multiple Myeloma. <br />
<br />
The medications I am on have taken their toll on me. I find myself very fatigued. Who is tired these days right? And add to that training for a marathon. Anyone would be tired, right? But I know myself better than that. I used to be able to just go go go all day long like the energizer bunny. And now, the long runs wipe me out. No longer do I relish in the "runner's high" I used to enjoy. Instead, I physically pay for my runs with feeling wiped out and tired for the rest of the day until I collapse in bed. Running this marathon is more than just a bucket item for me. Training for it has played such a huge part for me in fighting off the depression of living with an incurable cancer. It has proved to me that cancer has not robbed me of my strength. It has showed my kids how strong I am and that Mommy is once again healthy. I ran every step of the 26.2 through Boston back in 1992 with Suzi. It was a time when we just graduated college and we had our whole lives ahead of us. Now 20 years later, married with children with lifetime experiences, ups and downs, and cancer, we are running it again together! What a beautiful way to celebrate life all at the same time as raising money for the Multiple Myeloma Foundation, an organization near and dear to us. I have come turns with the fact that my days of running a sub 8 mile are gone. In fact lately I am lucky to run a 10.20 mile. How is this possible after months and months of hard training? I struggle keeping my blood sugar level balanced and hydrating enough, side effects I believe are related to the Revlimid maintenance drug I am on. So why do I feel the need to do this marathon, given all of this? <br />
<br />
Beth and I talked about my anxiety about the race. And she keeps telling me to stop calling it a race. Call it a "day". She admitted that a part of her wishes I wasn't doing it, because she knows how much I have been struggling. However Beth is a competitive athlete herself and can understand the drive and desire that comes with endurance races. She did ask me what I see after this marathon? Will there be more in my future? And you know what, I finally admitted that I am looking forward to living more balanced. Trying to find that runner's high again. Maybe that means only running a couple miles a day. I used to think that settling like this would mean that I am accepting my limitations and my fate with this disease. Maybe it just in my head that I am hitting this rock wall with running. Maybe it is not really a physical thing at all. But slowly I am beginning to allow myself to start being more honest and accept it and not take it as a sign of weakness. <br />
<br />
Living life with Multiple Myeloma. This is a day to day learning experience. There is no how to guide. It's getting up in the morning and doing what feels best that day. The other day a fellow Multiple Myeloma friend called me to inform me that he has had a relapse. This is only after a short 2 year remission. This is a gentle reminder of how precious life is. These days of feeling strong and being able run whether it's 4 miles or 20 miles. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Today I know that I got up, had a great morning with my kids, ran 4 miles, and then spent the afternoon spending time with one of favorite people on this planet. And now I am able to share all of that with you while waiting for my kids to get off the bus and share their day with me. Not a bad day! <br />
<br />
Hope you were able to carve some precious moments to yourself as well. If you would like to support me in my efforts to raise money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, please click on the link below: <a href="http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfBoston/JDreyer8">http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfBoston/JDreyer8</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Love to you all-<br />
JeanieJean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-1157498492309322152012-03-28T16:50:00.003-04:002012-03-28T17:16:40.326-04:00The Marathon is Less Than 3 Weeks Away...So Why I Am I Doing This?Here it is less than 3 weeks before the big run, The Boston Marathon. The last time I ran that challenging course was back in 1992. This year I am fortunate to be running as a member of the MMRF Power Team. The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation is an organization very near and dear to my heart, as I am a Multiple Myeloma Survior.<br />
<br />
I have been blessed to be a stay at home mother with two sets of twins. Back in 2010, at the age of 39, ( my children were 9 and 7 ) I made the commitment to get into the best shape of my life and participate in my first triathlon. Training was going very well. I had a few setbacks however. I developed what looked like a cyst on my chest. I saw my doctor and she removed the cyst in her office. She sent a sample to the lab and it came back benign. However the area on my chest where the cyst was located, was still tender. One day in the gym, I was working out with a friend tossing a medicine ball back and forth. Unfortunately, one toss resulted in a direct hit on my chest where the cyst was removed. It just about knocked the wind out of me. The pain was excruciating. I later went to to the Emergency Room for an X-Ray. No break was confirmed. It looked as though I just badly bruised my sternum. <br />
<br />
I learned to deal with the pain of my sternum healing and did physical therapy while continuing my training. I completed my first triathlon in May. My next race was a triathlon in July.<br />
<br />
Life came to a complete halt in June 2010. My cyst on my chest grew back and I had it removed by a plastic surgeon in May. I received a call a week later, with the unexpected news. It was a malignant tumor. Before I knew it I found myself receiving my first bone marrow biopsy. It was confirmed by my oncologist that I had Multiple Myeloma.<br />
<br />
It seemed as though along the the shock of receiving news that I had an incurable cancer, I began to experience excruciating pain in my ribs and sternum. It was confirmed that I had indeed broken my sternum with the medicine ball incident. Apparently my x-ray was misread. Also I had a few broken ribs. The disease was weakening my bones. I began my chemotherapy regimen in July 2010. <br />
<br />
I went from being in the best shape of my life, to being a cancer patient supported 24 hours a day on morphine. My body appeared to be weakening by the day, along with my spirit and hope. My children saw me go from "super woman" to a tired, weak, depressed soul. <br />
<br />
Our lives quickly become consumed with doctor visits, pills and chemotherapy. By late August, I felt relief from the bone pain and began to gain some of my energy back. I started back running and in September I ran the MMRF Race for Research 5K in Boston. In November 2010, I went in for my life saving Stem Cell Transplant where I received an autologous stem cell transplant. The recovery was slow. But in March I found myself ready to regaining my strength and building back the muscle and endurance I had lost. I started with lifting light weights. But returned quickly to my first love, running. Not only did I start to regain my strength but also started to rebuild my broken spirit.<br />
<br />
In October 2011, less than 11 months after my stem cell transplant, I completed the Bay State Marathon. The race was an incredible challenge. I battled fatigue and severe dehydration the last 5 miles. Once I crossed the finish line I was quickly carried to the medical tent where I received some much needed fluids.<br />
<br />
I have trained all winter (fortunately outside thanks to Mother Nature) for the Boston currently in a complete remission. Today, there is no myeloma detected. However, I am still on a maintenance regimen consisting of Revlimid and Dexamethasone, to improve the quality of my life and prolong the recurrence of the disease. Although my legs have endured the long miles logged, my endurance has been my biggest challenge. The side effects of fatigue from the medicine I am on have taken it's 'toll. What might just be a cold for someone becomes a month long struggle for me. As soon as I start to feel strong and energetic, it seems like I hit a wall plagued with illness and or fatigue. This is life as a Multiple Myeloma Patient. <br />
<br />
It has been a struggle to keep my spirits high especially during these last few crucial weeks before the marathon. I have learned that I need to re-evaluate and set realistic goals for myself, even if that means taking days off from my training. Even today, I was planning on running a good 7-10 miles; however, I am still struggling with feeling run down with a nagging cough from over a month ago. So, I took the day off. Completing the course in less than 4 hours will probably not be feasible. However being blessed to be running each and every 26.2 miles of that challenging course with my MMRF Power Team Shirt , albeit it however long takes me to finish, is reward enough for me. I am proud to be running and raising money to support the MMRF and their goal to cure Multiple Myeloma, a disease that has taken the lives of so many. It has challenged me in more ways than I ever thought possible. It has changed the priorities in my life completely. Although the future may be unknown, today I am strong in mind, body and spirit. Running has renewed that broken spirit. I run today because I can.<br />
<br />
If you would like to support me in my efforts running this year's Boston Marathon in LESS than 3 WEEKS (Yikes) with the MMRF Power Team, please click on the link below:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfBoston/JDreyer8">http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfBoston/JDreyer8</a>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-4093410099059341752012-02-24T12:26:00.000-05:002012-02-24T12:26:16.615-05:00Embracing Each And Every Day The Good, The Bad And The UnexpectedI can't believe how quickly time seems to be passing by. It is already the end of February and here in New England it almost feels like we haven't even had winter. Usually by this time we are all feeling pretty housebound and desperate for warm days, sunny skies, and to be able to see the ground beneath the several feet of snow. But this winter we have been blessed with days in fifties and no snow on the ground at all. OK, not such good news for skiing and my love of snowshoeing. But the fact that I have been able to run outside all winter and that we have not had to shovel or snow blow the driveway....... I am loving it! <br />
<br />
Up until a couple of weeks ago, my training for the Boston Marathon had going really well. I had been really sticking to a training program which involves following a nice running program averaging about several 4-6 mile runs a week and then a nice long run once a week. Also hitting the gym for some weight training. I have also been really committed to learning all I can about fueling during my runs so that I do not end up in the medical tent this marathon. Much to my surprise it has really made a difference in the way I feel during my runs, as well as my recovery. As I was saying, I really had been feeling great and was gearing up for my long runs coming up in the next several weeks. <br />
<br />
Well, as things seem to go, just as I was feeling great I hit a few brick walls. When I was out in California I experienced some "womanly issues". This was a quite surprise to me. as my doctor had confirmed to me that I was post-menopausal. My menopause was drug-induced thanks to a shot of Lupron before my stem cell transplant. Last spring/ summer I had the joy of experiencing some major hot flashes and all the other lovely things that come along with menopause. I really had it in my mind that I was now past all that. But to my surprise out in California all that came to a halt. I called my doctor right away and she confirmed with me that I would need to go for an ultrasounds as soon as I got home from my trip. So that is what I did. Like most tests, it took several days to get the results. When I did get the results, the phone call went something like this......" Can you talk? We found a few concerns with your ultrasound. " Oh crap, here we go again. Apparently I had a thickening Endometrian wall and Hydronephrosis (blockage of the kidney). What the hell was that? The nurse explained vaguely that there appeared to be a blockage of my kidney and that we would have to schedule a CT Scan and I would need to see a OBGyn Specialist for another ultrasound and perhaps a procedure. <br />
<br />
I got off the phone and just wanted to cry. What did all this mean? Does this have anything to do with all the chemicals I continue to push in my body to keep my Myeloma quiet; ie: Revlimid and all the risks of secondary cancers associated with it? Mike was away on business but I knew I had to tell him. I caught him while he was driving. He pulled over and began looking all this stuff up. We did as we have been told by doctors many times not to do....we googled. Together we read that these two conditions exist, the thickening of the Endometrian Wall and Hydronephrosis in stage 3 cervical cancer. Really? Come on!!!!! This cannot be happening!!! Mike did his best to calm me down, but I could hear in his voice his concern. He offered to fly home early, but I told him there was no reason. We had to wait until I had the additional tests to really find out what was going on. We promised each other we would try to remain calm and not freak out. What ever the situation was, we would deal with it, just as we had done before. <br />
<br />
I was fortunate enough to get a CT Scan right the very same week. Mike was home and took me. We both were scared with so many thought running through our heads. We both felt like we were paralyzed. We had no focus on anything but worrying. The next day we went to see the OBGyn Specialist. When we arrived at the doctor's office we were escorted to her office. We were told she wanted to speak with us first. Oh brother. In the past, sitting with the doctor has not usually meant good news. She could see the concern in both of us. Mike and I sat down and squeezed each other's hands. At this point we just wanted to know what we were dealing with, what ever it was. Just tell us! Well, immediately addressed all our concerns. And then quickly dismissed all that we had been so worried about. She explained that she was going to do another ultrasound and take a sample of the Endometrium wall to rule out any abnormalities. Cervical cancer was not a concern at all. Damn WebMd! And we know better! Ugh!<br />
<br />
So in to the ultrasound room I went. Everything looked good to her, in fact very good. In fact most young women would LOVE to see what she saw on the screen. Yup I was a spring chicken again! She saw follicles, lots of follicles! I was ovulating! Really? Heck even in my twenties I had trouble with that. In fact Mike and I had to go through Invitro-fertilization to have our four beautiful babies. And now I was ovulating? It was as if we reversed the clock! My Endometrium wall was thin as it should be and everything looked great. She still did take a sample (ouch!) just to confirm that all was OK. I guess Mike and the kids are going to have to be prepared to ride the hormone roller coaster with me. And on the bright side when I do go through Menopause again, at least I'll know what to expect!<br />
<br />
As soon as we walked out of her office, I received a call from my other doctor's office with my CT Scan results. Everything looked normal. The kidney looked fine. There were no blockages and no concerns. Ok so went from thinking I was dying to now being a fertile young thing with a great looking functioning kidney! What the heck! What a roller coaster ride. Mike and I fell into each others arms and let out a few tears. He looked it me and said OK, can we now go out for coffee and make some travel plans this year?<br />
<br />
So lesson learned..... Stay off WebMD. Yeah like I'll do that the next time. Probably not! We are our worst enemies.<br />
<br />
So I got back to my running last week and in fact Suzi and I did 16 miles last Friday. It was a beautiful February day. It hit almost 50 degrees during our run! I had been battling a cough on and on but other than that, I felt great. I was pumped to pass the 16 mile mark and I was looking forward to hitting 20 the following week. But as things go, I once again hit a wall. Saturday I woke up feeling worn out and coughing more. By Sunday morning I had the chills and a very high fever. So off to the emergency center we went. They did a chest x-ray. Although my lungs looked OK, they treated me for pneumonia and gave me a shot ( a booster to jump start things) , and inhaler and prescription for antibiotics. So this meant a week without running. I focused on eating well and getting some much needed rest. Thursday was treatment day at the hospital. Usually the nurse starts off my appointments with asking if I had any hospital visits, scans, x-rays since my last visit. This time I had to answer yes to all those questions thanks to my eventful last few weeks. Thankfully all my blood work came back normal. I slept during my 3 hours in the Infusion Room. After a bag of fluids and my Zometa infusion I was free to go home!<br />
<br />
This morning I finally felt like I was getting some energy back and my cough has finally for the most part gone away. Mike, Flower and I went for a very slow 3.2 mile jog. It felt so great to move again. I took it very slow. I know it is going to take some time to get back to where I was. I am hoping to get a few 3-5 mile runs in Florida and hopefully in a couple weeks I'll tackle that 20 miler. The Boston Marathon is only 7 weeks away. I just keep reminding myself that I am better prepared for this one. I am not trying to break any records. I just want to feel good running it and have fun and to avoid the med tent so that I can celebrate at the finish line! It is going to feel so good running with the MMRF Power Team! Please visit my link to my fundraising page <a href="http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfBoston/JDreyer8">http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfBoston/JDreyer8</a>. I have a big goal of raising $5000 and I'm hoping to get there. Anyone who would like to honor a loved one who is fighting a cancer battle or has lost their fight, I would be be so honored to wear their name on my running shirt. With your donation I will honor your loved one as I run the many miles to the finish line. <br />
<br />
So like seemed to get back to hectic normal. It seems like the kids are getting busier and busier and therefore I am getting busier and busier. Having four very active kids all the same ages in different after school activities doesn't leave much time to be lazy. Between karate, baseball camp, piano, gymnastics team, basketball, ski club, and drama practice and homework, the endless piles of laundry, grocery shopping and cleaning and keeping up with my running it feels like there isn't enough time in the day. But busy is good. Busy equals normal! And normal is nice for a change. After my little health scare Mike and I decided we are longer going to put things off. We need to embrace these healthy days! So we decided to start filling up our calendar. Next week, I am taking the kids to Ft. Myers, FL to visit my parents for a week. We are so excited! My parents are counting down the hours until we get there. In April we are planning a surprise trip (details soon!) And recently Mike was awarded with Salesman of the Year! I am so proud of him! He is so dedicated to his job and it is wonderful that he has been recognized for all of his incredible efforts. In the past 3 years he has been the top salesman of the year. And to think they have been the most stressful years here at home. As part of his recognition, he has been awarded an all expense paid trip for two to Bali, Indonesia!!!!!! Yup all the way across the world to Bali!! My parents are coming to stay with our kids and we are going to have a second honeymoon in Bali!!! We just confirmed our trip and made our reservations to go on an Elephant Safari (I get to ride on an elephant) and to swim with Dolphins!! I still cannot believe we are doing this. Before cancer I don't think we would ever get on a plane together and leave our kids behind and fly across the world for a week. But there is no way we are passing this up! This will be a trip of a lifetime! Not to mention my parents are very excited to spend the week with the kids and Flower! So between all the traveling and baseball season, it is going to be a very busy spring. <br />
<br />
This past week a couple of my dear friends have lost their mothers to cancer. My friend Shayna's mother lost her courageous fight after years battling esophageal cancer. She was an incredible strong woman who lived a full life and kept an amazing attitude despite her many years fighting this terrible disease. Also, my friend Leslie lost her mother very quickly after a recent diagnosis of Leukemia. My heart and prayers are with them during this very sad difficult time. At my friend Leslie's mom's funeral service the minister said alarming message in his sermon. He told us that at each funeral we are reminded that we are closer to being "in the box" than outside "the box". I could see around me that everyone was shocked as I was at his statement. In fact at the cemetery my friend Melissa and I talked about how we thought his message was very morbid. I still do think he could have stated it more appropriately but I think I am understanding his message more. Every day is truly a gift. We really don't know when we wake up in the morning if today will be our last day. So every day should be embraced. We don't know when our time will be "to be in the box". I still can't believe he put it that way. <br />
<br />
Barbara, a high school friend of mine has recently been diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer. She is just beginning her battle. Every time I hear of a new person diagnosed my heart aches for them. Just knowing firsthand the fear that comes along with a cancer diagnosis. As I read her CaringBridge updates tears roll down my face. I feel like I am holding on to each update waiting for more positive news. My prayers and thoughts are with Barbara as they begin this roller coaster ride.<br />
<br />
Recently at dinner Mike and I had a talk with the kids. We said a prayer for our friends who lost their mothers. We talked about how blessed we feel that I was doing so well. In keeping it "real" we also talked about the fact that we should embrace all these healthy days that are a gift. Our kids know that I may likely relapse at some point and that is why I stay on maintenance medication. They asked what we would do when the cancer comes back. We explained that we would fight that much harder this time and that together as a family we would get through it. My beautiful sensitive Sarah broke down in tears and cried. She told me that she can never lose me because she wouldn't know how to live without me. My beautiful baby. I am so truly blessed in so many ways.<br />
<br />
I hope you all enjoy the weekend ahead. Ours will be busy as usual. The kids have ski club tonight. I will be going to support my friend Shayna celebrate her beautiful mother's life and mourn her loss. Tomorrow between flag football, birthday parties and play dates I'll be heading to the salon hoping my stylist can do something with this crazy hair! The kids begin their February Vacation after today so it will be time to pull out the shorts and flip flops for sunny Florida! <br />
<br />
Embrace today and Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
JeanieJean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-69493915663313887482012-01-27T11:46:00.000-05:002012-01-27T11:46:52.149-05:00A Trip of A Lifetime!I'm back from California! Although I just returned on Tuesday night, it seems like so long ago. Yesterday, I was back in the infusion chair for several hours. I was in for my monthly Zometa infusion. My labs came back with my potassium low, which meant it was not going to be a quick visit. After receiving a bag of fluids and potassium, about 4 hours later, I was given the thumbs up to leave! Never a dull moment living with MM!<br />
<br />
Well, that's enough with the drama, now on to the fun stuff! What a trip Suzi and I had! We were busy from the time we stepped off that airplane on Friday! Let me first start off with saying how CRAZY the drivers are in LA!! Everyone is in a rush to go who knows where! Not to mention the multiple 5 lane freeways! Thankfully we had a our little GPS friend "Betty" on my Iphone who got us everywhere! Sometimes she led us the long not so scenic way, but she got us there! Our first day we headed to lunch at the Ivy in Hollywood! No celebrity sitings, but we had an incredible lunch! After that we headed to Rodeo Drive! <br />
<br />
The next day, we hit Hollywood Boulevard! It was fun to see the Hollywood stars and visit the Wax Museum. It is crazy to see how dirty Hollywood Blvd. is and how run down and not so glamorous it really is. Once we got our fair share, we headed out to the hills. Yup, we did our own tour of Beverly Hills. We just followed the numerous tour buses and headed to Robertson Blvd. Our GPS buddy Betty led us some pretty crazy narrow hilly roads. But we were able to find Michael Jackson's house! <br />
<br />
Once we got our share of LA we headed out to Pasadena. Ahhhh...... there was a definite slower pace there. What a beautiful city! It is full of beautiful shops and incredible restaurants. Everything is beautiful and clean. The drivers are polite and drive slower! It has a little New England Charm to it, but on a larger scale. Our first night we enjoyed a delicious dinner at a great Mediterranean restaurant. We were able to walk everywhere from our hotel. After dinner, we walked a couple miles back to our hotel, but realized we needed a chocolate fix. So we headed out again and found a delicious pastry shop where we purchased cupcakes! Again, we walked back to the hotel, put on our comfy pjs and indulged! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The next morning, Suz and I headed out to do a 12 mile run. We were both a bit nervous. We hadn't run over 10 in a while. We headed out towards the Rose Bowl to do our run. We quickly were distracted by the incredible smells and sights! The air smelled like Eucalyptus! The flowers and lush greenery were beautiful and definitely a nice welcoming change to brown New England! As we got closer to the stadium we noticed a lot of runners. Well, it turned out that the Rose Bowl Half Marathon happened to be going on. So what did we do, join in! We had a blast! It was definitely a great way to see the city. And for a few miles we were led on a dirt rocky trail with some challenging hills! The spectators cheering us all on carried us through! Although we didn't have a bib number, we were definitely invested in this race! We crossed the finish line which ended right in the stadium with the crowd cheering and the announcing commenting on our smiling faces! Once we finished the race, the people at the finish line tried to grab our timing chips on our ankles. Oops !!! We of course didn't have any! The race was great! We are definitely getting excited to run the Boston Marathon in April! I am just so happy Suzi was able to run without any pain in her hip and I didn't have to visit the med tent! After the excitement of finishing the race, we then realized we were still several miles from the hotel. Trying to get our legs to move again was a bit of a challenge! After we climbed the first hill, they loosened up and we ran back to the hotel!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q1p2MgC6-w/TyKyg2IhCjI/AAAAAAAAAJc/Lvbd4HtZ8Us/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Q1p2MgC6-w/TyKyg2IhCjI/AAAAAAAAAJc/Lvbd4HtZ8Us/s320/IMG_0087.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suz and I at the finish line at the Rose Bowl Half Marathon, Pasadena, CA</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>After we showered we got ready to meet some very special people for lunch. Let me start by sharing with you, that since I was diagnosed I have been in touch with a guy named Mike from California who is also a Multiple Myeloma survivor. During the first few weeks of my diagnosis when I wasn't getting much sleep at night, I spent a lot of time researching my cancer. I was desperately looking for anything positive. In a sea of negativity, one night I received a glimmer of hope. I was on the MMRF facebook page. There was a question about how Multiple Myeloma was affecting your life. I decided to write in. In my words, it was quite clear that I was scared. Mike responded to me about his situation. From that initial contact, our relationship blossomed from corresponding in long emails, to text messages, to long conversations on the phone. Mike, was also 40 when he was diagnosed. As an avid boxer and mountain biker he was in great shape. Multiple Myeloma attacked him fast and furious, as he was in renal failure at diagnosis. He had recently completed his transplant when he reached out to me. His honesty and willingness to share his experiences with me helped me tremendously. Although we had never met, I felt this incredible connection to him. As we both were dealt the similar cards. Mike and wife drove out to Pasadena to meet us. As I exited the elevator in the hotel lobby I spotted Mike and his beautiful wife Kathy. Tears filled my eyes as we greeted each other with a big hug. That moment was so overwhelming. I felt so connected to both of them. We traveled a similar journey in a lot of ways together, although we had never met before that moment. We all talked effortlessly at lunch. Time seemed to stand still. I could of spent hours chatting with them. Here we were sitting across from each other both currently enjoying life in remission! We are both enjoying getting back into shape and figuring out life living with an incurable cancer. When we walked back to the hotel and got ready to say good bye I felt sad. I wished so much that my husband Mike could have met them. I felt so close to them and didn't want our visit to end. Suz and I both encouraged them to come out and visit us in New England. I really hope they do some day. Mike and Kathy are two beautiful blessings that came into my life with cancer!</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2UvLWIQDHfU/TyK4qj5WxjI/AAAAAAAAAJk/ttQ3RnKbwVg/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2UvLWIQDHfU/TyK4qj5WxjI/AAAAAAAAAJk/ttQ3RnKbwVg/s320/IMG_0088.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My good friend Mike and I in Pasadena!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
</div><div>After another awesome day spent in Pasadena we headed to Burbank for the Ellen Show! Suz and I were so excited. When we got to the Warner Brother's Studio we registered and we were handed our VIP Tickets! There were so many people there. At this point, we really didn't know what the significance of VIP tickets was. There were several people with them. We had also put together a present for Ellen. It was here birthday this week so we figured, why not. You should have seen us in Pasadena trying to pick out the perfect gift bag and card. It is not everyday you get the opportunity to pick out a card for someone as special as Ellen! In the hotel, we spent about an hour writing a message in her card. We put together (with the help from our friends at the MMRF) a bag full of goodies! A MMRF Power Team Shirt, and hat and socks, along with pom poms and Multiple Myeloma burgundy bracelet. We also included a fun hair clip Sarah and Emily made for Ellen. We were thrilled when people from her show collected our gift. Hopefully Ellen received it! </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4MqmMXUwfUc/TyLHjhBihVI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/ktOKNS654kU/s1600/IMG_0091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4MqmMXUwfUc/TyLHjhBihVI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/ktOKNS654kU/s320/IMG_0091.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Before the show started, Suz and I headed over to a local bar for a couple of glasses of wine to celebrate and loosen up! We were so excited and nervous at the same time. Suz had written to Ellen several times about my story. Also our friend Alicia over at the MMRF had got in touch with a member from Ellen's production team. Although we tried not to get our hopes up, we were hoping to have the opportunity either on or off camera to talk with Ellen. She has made such a difference in so many people's lives. She uses her platform in such a positive way. It would be so incredible to share my story and educate her a little about Multiple Myeloma. It is such an unknown cancer with such a low 5 year survival rate that affects 20,000 people every year. Just the remote possibility of Ellen being touched and inspired to give this disease a little attention would be so wonderful.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOpoYTkX858/TyLI58EX6HI/AAAAAAAAAKE/G9IxB4rddB8/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wOpoYTkX858/TyLI58EX6HI/AAAAAAAAAKE/G9IxB4rddB8/s320/IMG_0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h52b4FGrze4/TyLJp_Bj5CI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Gbbp9YYfHM4/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h52b4FGrze4/TyLJp_Bj5CI/AAAAAAAAAKM/Gbbp9YYfHM4/s320/IMG_0100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8Jm9ti9NqQ/TyLKg7VSahI/AAAAAAAAAKc/QiT5NttyVVc/s1600/IMG_0102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8Jm9ti9NqQ/TyLKg7VSahI/AAAAAAAAAKc/QiT5NttyVVc/s320/IMG_0102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Well the time came to take a seat in the studio. With our VIP tickets in hand, we were told we could take a seat in the second row from the stage. At this time, our tickets did not have our name on them or any other identification. The studio began to fill up with music, excitement and energy! About 1 minute before Ellen was introduced on stage, a member from her production team came up to us and confirmed that we were in fact Suzi and Jeanie! Before we could even react, Ellen came out on stage! The show was so much fun! Ellen danced right by us! She is even more adorable in person! We were very surprised that the show runs like a live show with no takes. Ellen also doesn't interact a whole lot with the audience. But it was a lot of fun to be there. Sam Worthington from Avitar was there. He was adorable and very charming. Also Michael Strahan, former NFL Giant's player and current sport's commentator. He was hot to say the least and so funny! Also Ellen had the very first interview with Seal since the announcement of his separation from Heidi Klum. Seal definitely has a presence. He is so tall and handsome. Who knows what the real situation is, but he came across very loving and such a gentleman. And in fact, sounds like he is very much in love with his wife. Although, it was very awkward hearing him sing "Let's Stay Together" based on his current marital status. </div><div><br />
</div><div>All during the show there were unexpected moments. Suzi and I kept thinking are we going to be called up on stage? Why did the producers point us out? Ellen sat in her chair and announced she had a letter to read. And our hearts began to pound. Unfortunately it wasn't our letter. Before we knew it the show was over. Ellen came out on stage one more time when the cameras stopped rolling. We thought, maybe this is it. But instead she informed the audience that the paparazzi was outside hoping to get information from the audience about Seal's interview. There was a little part of us that was crushed. We almost wished that the producer never approached us. The show ran long, and perhaps they were planning on doing something but ran out of time. We will never know. It wasn't that we wanted a moment of fame, we were really just hoping to give Multiple Myeloma some much needed attention. I am still hopeful that she will be touched by our gift and card.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Well that is a little recap of our fun girls long weekend away! It was a trip full of fun, excitement and emotions! I am getting back to my "mommy world" now. I have a sick boy home from school today. Yesterday with the day spent at the hospital I haven't had any time to run this week. I am hoping to get in a nice long run this weekend! The Boston Marathon is only 79 days away. I feel so blessed to be healthy and strong enough to be running! I would love to honor all those who are fighting for the lives and those who have lost their fight. Please visit my page if you would like to sponsor me. I will proudly write your loved one's name on my running shirt! Every little bit helps and together we will run miles to save lives! The innovative treatments that are being funded by the MMRF are also being used in over 30 other cancers. The MMRF has recently been awarded by the Charity Navigator, America's premier independent evaluator of charitable organizations, its 4-star rating. It is the highest rating possible for the ninth consecutive year, demonstrating exceptional fiscal responsibility in the MMRF's efforts to bring patients the next generation of treatments and find a cure for multiple myeloma. You can be sure your donation will go directly to improving and extending the lives of so many. <a href="http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfBoston/JDreyer8">http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfBoston/JDreyer8</a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Enjoy all your blessings this weekend!</div><div>Love,</div><div>Jeanie</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
</div>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-42790671857534180042012-01-18T09:27:00.002-05:002012-01-19T21:05:16.885-05:00A New Year.... New Adventures!Happy New Year! I cannot believe it has been so long since I last posted. That is an indication of how well life is going. Life has resumed to it's busy pace. Lately it has been hard to carve out some quiet time to myself to reflect and to write. Today before the kids rushed off to school I was giving them all a lecture about being responsible for their gloves, hats, etc. Yup the small stuff matters again, yeah!<br />
<br />
The holidays this year were wonderful. It was great to be my energetic self again. I cherished every moment of decorating the house, picking out special presents, the wrapping and of course all of the baking. The smells and sounds of Christmas that fill our home is absolute heaven! After being so sick last year, it was so great to have a big hand in creating the "magic" of Christmas!<br />
<br />
After the holidays, as I was packing up all many boxes of decorations, I couldn't help think what next Christmas may bring. I can only hope and pray that life continues to blossom and that we will be all together celebrating. <br />
<br />
In my previous posts you may have read how my friend Suzi and I won VIP Tickets to the Ellen Show at the MMRF Fall Gala in October. Well the time has finally come and we are flying out to California on Friday. We are so excited! It is so funny how irony works. When I first got diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in June 2010, Suzi wrote to the Ellen Show. She shared my story and all the efforts we have been making with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Although we never heard back from anyone from the show, I believe it planted the seed for what was to come. So in October at the Gala when Suzi and I saw the auction item for the The Ellen Show, we knew we had to bid. When we found out we won the tickets we were so thrilled! <br />
<br />
We are not quite sure what VIP tickets mean. What we do know is that we will be at the studio on Monday, January, 23 for the taping of her show. I think it may air on Tuesday, Jan. 24. We hope we get the chance to meet her. The MMRF is putting together a fun package that we can hopefully give to Ellen personally. I will be sure to post lots of pictures! Look for Suz and I dancing in the audience!<br />
<br />
In addition to getting ready for my trip I am in week 14 of my training for the Boston Marathon. This Friday Suz and I will be doing our long 12 mile run in California! It's been so cold around here lately so we have had to run indoors. It will be so great to run outside! I think we will definitely make it a nice coastal run! Hard to believe race day is only 88 days away. This time around, I am following a comprehensive running/strength training schedule from the book The Marathon Method, by Tom Holland. Hopefully being better prepared in my training as well as with my nutrition and fueling I will avoid the medical tent this race! <br />
<br />
Please click on the link to visit my fundraising page. We are running as part of the MMRF PowerTeam! My fundraising goal is $4000.00 I appreciate any contributions! If you would like to honor a loved one who is battling cancer today or has lost the big fight, please sponsor me a $1 per mile for the big day, and I will wear your loved one's name on my running shirt! <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfBoston/JDreyer8">http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfBoston/JDreyer8</a><br />
<br />
I will keep you all posted with our adventures in California. Now time to figure out what to pack! Have a great day!<br />
Love,<br />
JeanieJean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-62125049560490576042011-11-24T06:37:00.001-05:002011-11-24T06:40:05.018-05:00Many Blessings On This Thanksgiving MorningHappy Thanksgiving everyone! I woke up at 5 this morning full of emotions and thoughts racing in my head. I decided to head downstairs while the house is still quiet. I've poured myself a nice hot cup of pumpkin spice coffee and I'm going to just type away.<br />
<br />
It seems as though life for us has found the "new normal". The kids are keeping us busy with school and sports and activities. I have returned to subbing in the schools. With the exception of taking a few pills a day and going to the doctor's once a month, I really don't have to think about "cancer" all that much. It is crazy. I wonder how I even got here. Last year, on November 18 I had my stem cell transplant. Looking back at all my journal entries of that time, I can still remember every moment like it was yesterday. I can remember how the top of my head tingled as my hair follicles died. I can remember the smell of the Transplant Unit after I received my stem cells. Ugh, who knew something that could save your life would smell so bad! If I close my eyes I can still hear the beeping of all the monitors in the room. I remember the exhaustion I felt just from getting out of bed to go to the bathroom or to take a stroll in the hallway. <br />
<br />
Last Thanksgiving, Mike, the kids, my brother Rob and my parents came in to visit me in the morning. I can remember as they left to go have their dinner at my sister's house, how sad I felt. I was sad that I was stuck in the hospital on of my favorite holiday. But even more, I was scared that this was a glimpse of how the future may be. Was I ever going to be able to really enjoy the holidays again? Would I even be healthy next year? I was so scared and felt so lonely. I can remember the nurses coming in and holding me and letting me cry on their shoulders. When I didn't have any more tears left, I fell asleep and slept the day away. I literally slept 18 hours.<br />
<br />
The day after Thanksgiving it is our family tradition to go to our favorite Christmas Tree Farm in Sterling, MA and pick out our perfect tree. We have been doing it for years, every since before the boys were born. Although Mike expressed to me that he didn't want to do it without me, he rallied and did it for the kids. I can remember him sending me photos of them cutting the tree down. Once again I was a puddle of tears in my hospital room.<br />
<br />
It is really easy to let life get busy and just go through the motions. When I allow myself to slow down and really reflect on the last year I quickly become overwhelmed with emotions. I cannot believe a year, as difficult as it was, has passed by so quickly. I have way too many blessings to even count. First and foremost is of course my health. Today I still have no Myeloma detected! Thanks to incredible doctors, amazing medicine, and the power of prayer. Family and friends are next. Without all of you, I would not be here today. You have given me so much strength and love. There have been countless other people that I have met over the year. Your stories inspire me and continue to give me strength. I have seen first hand the incredible human spirit that exists. The hundreds of letters, emails and messages I have received have touched my heart and kept my spirits up on my saddest days.<br />
<br />
Last month I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation 2011 Fall Gala. The best way to describe the night is magical! The gala took place in a beautiful tent, while a snow storm was going on outside. Over 1300 people braved the weather and attended. $2.1 million were raised that night. Incredible! There was a silent auction and Suzi and I won tickets to the Ellen Show! Wahoo! We can't wait to go to LA! Stevie Wonder, Michael MacDonald, Darius Rucker (from Hootie and The Blow Fish) and Javier Colon (winner of The Voice) were the entertainment. Over the top, right? Together on stage, they were amazing! Stevie Wonder was honored with the Spirit of Hope Award. His acceptance speech was very moving and he left us with this thought, " Don't just talk about it, be about it." That is exactly what the MMRF is all about. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPAR6odJpm8/Ts4qzzix4iI/AAAAAAAAAJE/iz9jLsIS5Rs/s1600/298797_10150391129858128_831923127_8604186_1530463289_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vPAR6odJpm8/Ts4qzzix4iI/AAAAAAAAAJE/iz9jLsIS5Rs/s320/298797_10150391129858128_831923127_8604186_1530463289_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric, Suzi, Mike and I </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2WKIYQgCvo/Ts4rAdx7FSI/AAAAAAAAAJM/T8melumvnhA/s1600/310302_171999889557578_100002427038219_321891_1899814219_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2WKIYQgCvo/Ts4rAdx7FSI/AAAAAAAAAJM/T8melumvnhA/s320/310302_171999889557578_100002427038219_321891_1899814219_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22HU2McI5W0/Ts4rJ6ze2GI/AAAAAAAAAJU/tHKEz9cnJfc/s1600/383766_2406498089270_1455691057_2543003_642784498_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22HU2McI5W0/Ts4rJ6ze2GI/AAAAAAAAAJU/tHKEz9cnJfc/s320/383766_2406498089270_1455691057_2543003_642784498_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
I had the incredible honor of meeting Kathy Giusti, founder of the MMRF. She is an incredible woman. Being in her presence alone is in inspiring. She is an incredibly warm beautiful woman with such awesome drive and determination. I couldn't help but tear up when I met her as I tried to formulate words to express my gratitude for all that she has done. She then told me how much I reminded her of herself. Wow! This is coming from the woman who has given me so much strength hope and has inspired me so much. Meeting Kathy is definitely one of those magical blessing that has come out of my cancer diagnosis.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDpQY9S972I/Ts4qhipzAOI/AAAAAAAAAI8/y0mMmiQCekw/s1600/384722_2405043412904_1455691057_2541257_1525989964_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jDpQY9S972I/Ts4qhipzAOI/AAAAAAAAAI8/y0mMmiQCekw/s320/384722_2405043412904_1455691057_2541257_1525989964_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzi, Kathy Giusti and I</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
The MMRF 2011 video was played during the Gala. This was the first time we had seen it. It was overwhelming to say the least, listening to our voices and seeing us on the big screen in front of so many people. The video came out beautiful and it truly was such an honor to be a part of it. I have attached the file here so you can watch it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DctXyaX9X8W8%26feature%3Dshare&h=QAQEIr3xAAQEeuFtuM6SW7PWh57Xhr54c5NdI7VMwvWPDRQ">MMRF Gala Video 2011</a><br />
<br />
During the Gala, I had the opportunity to talk with so many people. Both patients and caregivers. One woman in particular Deborah Dietzler stands out in my mind. Suzi and I were waiting in line to go into the ladies room when we met up with Deborah. Her sister is the patient. Deborah's energy was infectious! I could just tell in the short time that I spoke with her how much she loves her sister. Deborah has dedicated herself to supporting her sister in every way possible. She has dedicated her time and energy to the MMRF. She had just completed the Chicago Marathon in October to help raise money and awareness for Multiple Myeloma. Her sister is about to go through the stem cell transplant. I could see the fear in Deborah's eyes. It was wonderful to be on the other side of that, and show her how strong and healthy I am now. My thoughts and prayers are with Deborah and her sister and her family as they travel the difficult path that will hopefully lead to years of health.<br />
<br />
Well, the table is set, the pies are made, the vegetables are chopped and the big 21 lb. turkey will be ready to go in the oven shortly. Soon the house will be filled with the incredible aromas of a Thanksgiving and the kids will be sitting in the living room watching the Macy's parade. Our challenging year is behind us as we celebrate so much this year. Thanksgiving has a whole new meaning in her home. I have to pinch myself to really truly believe that I am here. I am healthy and heck I'm hosting dinner today! Amazing! Tomorrow we will go to our favorite tree farm and pick out this year's Christmas Tree!<br />
<br />
On this Thanksgiving Day I wish you all beautiful moments of love and family. You will all be included in my blessings around my table today. Thank you for all your continuing love and support. <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
JeanieJean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-44764155608230037962011-10-17T11:34:00.000-04:002011-10-17T11:34:57.617-04:00The Morning After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
It's the morning after the big race, the Baystate Marathon in Lowell, MA. I am happy to report that I actually walked down the stairs this morning without too much pain and made it down to the bus stop and back! The legs are feeling pretty good and no blisters! But this is not to say that the marathon was uneventful. It was anything but. What would life be with just a little drama, right?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eIZvHkd55s/TpxGCaDSQCI/AAAAAAAAAHE/PhGR9oxoxY0/s1600/310848_2359909244578_1455691057_2507695_1162993061_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4eIZvHkd55s/TpxGCaDSQCI/AAAAAAAAAHE/PhGR9oxoxY0/s320/310848_2359909244578_1455691057_2507695_1162993061_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mike, me, Leslie, Beth and Sarah before the race</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
Yesterday morning, Mike and I woke up very early to make sure we could have a power breakfast of oatmeal and 1 cup of coffee. With that, we woke up the kids up and we were out the door by 6AM. It was a beautiful cool autumn morning. Fantastic day for a long run. A little windy but overall just beautiful. Our first stop was to drop off the kids at Beth's house and pick up Beth and Leslie. They were running the half marathon along with Mike. Once we reached the start of the race, we were all excited and our nerves were in check. We of course had to capture some pre-race shots! Notice all the smiles! When it came time to leave Mike and the others to get in the marathon start line I was feeling confident that I was going to have a great race. Suzi and I had trained so hard for this day. The miles we clocked, especially in the heat of the summer. My only hesitation, was how I was going to get through the last gruesome miles after mile 21 without Suz. She injured her hip about a month ago, and unfortunately could not run. This was such a disappointment to both of us. But, she would be on the sideline cheering me on. She was certainly going to be in spirit with me every step of the way. But, I knew those last miles were going to be the most challenging. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYd6TT-QNwU/TpxGN5w9NVI/AAAAAAAAAHM/p1VEOWYZcIU/s1600/318380_2359876483759_1455691057_2507676_87112540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lYd6TT-QNwU/TpxGN5w9NVI/AAAAAAAAAHM/p1VEOWYZcIU/s320/318380_2359876483759_1455691057_2507676_87112540_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MIke and I before the race</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9b4Nfar8aZ0/TpxGV3RwpOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/1aF3jJeG-aU/s1600/297116_2359878243803_1455691057_2507678_303654400_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9b4Nfar8aZ0/TpxGV3RwpOI/AAAAAAAAAHU/1aF3jJeG-aU/s320/297116_2359878243803_1455691057_2507678_303654400_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good luck kiss!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
The start of the race was great! For those who have not experienced it yet, just the sight of all those runners together all setting out to run the long 26.2 miles. Everyone was there for different reasons. Some, to qualify for the Boston Marathon, others as a goal to check off their bucket lists. And then there was me. Why was I there? What did I have to prove? Well, it has been 11 months since my stem cell transplant. Eleven months since I was given the gift of life again. I can't help think how all of my health issues have affected my 4 children and my husband not to mention, my parents, siblings, and close friends. I felt like I needed to prove to them and to myself that I am strong and I am determined not to be defined by my illness But rather, accept it for what it is, (a crappy diagnosis) and live everyday stronger, happier and so determined to win in the end! So that's how I started the race.<br />
<br />
I reached the 13.1 mile mark at 1:58. Halfway there, and so far I felt great! I met some great people along the way, and really found my groove. Now, if I could only keep it up. My next goal was to reach 16. I passed 16 and was on to 18 still feeling great. No pain, no major issues. I tried to be good with fueling. I finished my water pack and was on to the water give at every couple miles. I finished off a package of Clif Shot Blocks. I was really going to do this and do it within 4 hours. I was so pumped. The head winds started to pick up a bit, which added a little challenge as well seeing runners dropping out. But, I tried to stay focus at each step, and move forward. <br />
<br />
By mile 21, fatigue had certainly set in. My left quad was really tightening up and my stomach was not feeling so great. I so much wanted to stop and stretch, but I knew if I did, it would be hard to get running again. So, I tried to just run through it. My pace certainly was slower, as many runners were beginning to pass me. It began to feel like each mile mark was 10 miles away. Mile 22, only 4.2 more. I can do this. I kept repeating myself. After all that I have been through in last year and a half, this is nothing. Well, it sounded good. But my body did not agree, and did not want to listen. My stomach was feeling weaker and nausea had definitely set in. Fatigue was at a high and my quad was burning. God, did I want to stop. But I couldn't, not with my kids at the finish line waiting for me. I tried every mind game to ignore how I was feeling. Finally, I reached mile 24. Only 2.2 left. I could do this. I grabbed a cup of water from the sideline, took in some pretty deep breaths and tried to kick it in. Of course, at this point it felt like my legs were barely lifting up. Seriously, I think I could have walked faster. I finally reached mile 25. Only 1.2 left. At the most 10 minutes left and then I would be done. For a brief moment I felt a high and a little burst of energy. But that was quickly replaced with sharp pains in my stomach and feeling light headed. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CM9Lb9ze-ww/TpxGs55pUJI/AAAAAAAAAHc/USwuSAYShLM/s1600/303279_163816323709268_100002427038219_294397_1423675042_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CM9Lb9ze-ww/TpxGs55pUJI/AAAAAAAAAHc/USwuSAYShLM/s320/303279_163816323709268_100002427038219_294397_1423675042_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My amazing kids literally pushing me to the finish line!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xf3139r3Za4/TpxHbfCO3tI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Lh47fi4O3pw/s1600/IMG_1370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xf3139r3Za4/TpxHbfCO3tI/AAAAAAAAAHs/Lh47fi4O3pw/s320/IMG_1370.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><br />
<br />
<br />
Well after the excitement of the finish line, the drama set in. I guess I was looking very pale and even a little green. As well as the fact that I couldn't walk a straight line. I was quickly escorted to the med EMT's where I was put on a stretcher to the med tent. Just as I suspected, my blood pressure had severely dropped. I usually have very low blood pressure to begin with, but it had dropped to about 80/48. At the same time I was shivering. Well, this was nothing that a bag of fluids couldn't fix. So that's what they did. After several attempts, they finally got an IV in me. I guess being so dehydrated, even makes it hard for people like me with great veins. I think the worse part of all of this, was the fact that my legs began to really tighten up as I was lying there. Fortunately a nurse by the name of Maureen, was also a massage therapist. She was the woman with the magic hands! She also hooked me up with some warming blankets! This wasn't so bad. It almost was like a little spa treatment with the exception of of the the IV! Ironically Maureen, shared with me that her brother-in-law also has Multiple Myeloma and was just released from the hospital from his stem cell transplant. She was amazed that I ran and she shared with me that she couldn't wait to tell her brother all about me. He is an avid skier and hopes to hit the slopes soon. I told her to tell him to do it as soon as he feels strong enough. Getting back to things I love and are passionate about has been the best therapy for me.<br />
<br />
After a couple of hours, my blood pressure finally reached 90/62. Low for some, but pretty normal for me. So, they let me go! Once we picked up the kids, I took a much needed hot hot shower , as I was still shivering. After my shower I collapsed on the couch and slept for 3 hours. I woke up just to drink some water, and eat a bowl of cereal. Finally my stomach was feeling a little better. And then I was back to bed by 8:30.<br />
<br />
So after some much needed sleep I am finally feeling alive again. I now finally am realizing all that occurred yesterday. My husband had a major accomplishment. He not only ran his first half marathon, but he did it in an impressive time, 1:58. I am so proud of him! He says I am his inspiration for running. I think he had it in him all along. Also, my friends Beth, Leslie and Sarah had an awesome race as well. I am so proud of all of them! Although, I did not sprint across the finish line with a smile on my face, I did finish it. And I have the photos to prove it. They are not the most flattering photos, as I look pretty pale and pretty slow.<br />
<br />
So what's next? Well, some very much needed rest and recovery. I am looking forward to taking a little time off from the long runs and maybe switching it up a bit with a little boot camp and kickboxing and much needed strength training. In another month or so, it will be time to start training for the Boston Marathon. Hopefully I can learn to fuel better during the race and hopefully avoid another trip to medical tent! <br />
<br />
The MMRF Gala is coming up on Oct. 29th and I am so excited. I just got my dress and now I just need to find the perfect shoes. Mike has decided he is going to wear a tux! I can't wait to see him all dressed up. <br />
<br />
Thank you all for your love and support. So far living with Multiple Myeloma isn't so bad! You all really know how to make a girl feel loved and special! Enjoy this beautiful day for all it has to offer!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Jeanie</div>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-60800671448681017742011-09-29T15:48:00.000-04:002011-09-29T15:48:52.260-04:00Cancer Sucks But Life Rocks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It is a rainy dark morning here in New England. I skipped out of my morning run today so I could bake a pumpkin apple bread and finally do some writing. It is starting to smell yummy! I have so much to write about, as it has been a pretty busy and exciting last couple of weeks. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0ZCi0Z81O0/ToTKTPYHg6I/AAAAAAAAAHA/IbfaUPR-W6k/s1600/ry%253D400.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W0ZCi0Z81O0/ToTKTPYHg6I/AAAAAAAAAHA/IbfaUPR-W6k/s320/ry%253D400.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My mom and dad flew in from Florida to visit. We all had missed them so much. Our relationship with them is so tight. A blessing that has come out of my illness has been the incredible relationship we all have. My parents were so supportive over the last year and continue to be. Mike and I would not have gotten through the last year, was it not for my parents. They literally left their lives in Florida to come and take care of my children. They have become so intimate with the kids schedules and routines. In fact, even when they are back at home in Florida their daily calls are to check in to get an update on the kids' days. Watching their relationship blossom into this incredible bond has been such a gift. They have also been so strong and supportive of me. They listen to me during my dark moments, as well as embrace all the happy times. I never understood what people meant when they discussed the gifts that come from cancer. Now I get it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On the 17th of September we all participated in the MMRF Race for Research in Boston, MA. It was a beautiful morning. We had about 60 members of our team Cancer Sucks But Jeanie You Rock! Together, we raised over $12,000. And the donations are still coming in! We had a big presence at this years' race. Our team had a tent where we all met. There we had hats in rainbow colors for everyone to wear. My Uncle John, being the fun guy he is who will do just about anything, agreed to wear the rainbow costume. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9LwvmwyFjc/ToS_Xp9JO9I/AAAAAAAAAGk/gfPQJ70cfc0/s1600/ry%253D400.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9LwvmwyFjc/ToS_Xp9JO9I/AAAAAAAAAGk/gfPQJ70cfc0/s320/ry%253D400.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My Lovable Uncle John!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ypNopme9d2o/ToTAeRE6bGI/AAAAAAAAAG0/ZQf1sXiOBtM/s1600/ry%253D400.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><br />
</a><br />
<span id="goog_925983881"></span><span id="goog_925983882"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was so wonderful to see everyone who have been so supportive of us during the last year. This was a celebration of how far we have come. I say "we", because we have all had to go through this cancer diagnosis together. My family, friends we all went through the many emotions together during this journey. Last year we were all terrified of this Big "C". Scared of the year ahead. Now, 10 months later, I have fully recovered from my stem cell transplant and I am in a complete response, zero M-Spike (ie: no Myeloma detected!) Prior to the race, I spent time talking with fellow Myeloma patients as well as families who have lost loved ones to this disease. Their stories were beautiful and truly inspirational. Some families continue to participate in the MMRF Race as a way to honor their loved ones and to be encouraged by people like me who are benefiting from all the advances in treatment.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This year I was honored with the Spirit of Hope Award. It truly was an incredible moment to listen to my story being told in front of all the people gathered that morning. And then to step on stage with Mike and the kids to accept the award, I was speechless. I couldn't help but be overwhelmed. How did someone like me get here? I can still feel the fear and sadness I felt when I first got diagnosed. I remember how weak and beaten down I felt those first few months. And now I was on stage feeling strong and healthy looking out at the crowd of people many who had been my shoulders to cry on and sources of strength over the last year. Tears rolled down many of their cheeks. It really was a moment I will never forget.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUo59YFMRas/ToS_4x0ed3I/AAAAAAAAAGs/ozkS63we3oo/s1600/ry%253D400.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUo59YFMRas/ToS_4x0ed3I/AAAAAAAAAGs/ozkS63we3oo/s320/ry%253D400.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Receiving the Spirit of Hope Award</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">My beautiful kids were selected to start the race. They were so excited to do the countdown and blow the air horn. During the race I had the privilege to personally meet Dr. Kenneth Anderson. and Dr. Paul Richardson, both whom are leaders in the Myeloma Community for their research. For the first half mile, Dr. Richardson, Suzi and I chatted about running and my treatment. This was real treat to speak have this awesome opportunity to talk with a man I am so grateful for. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dj3tQG_m1w/ToTB_fLq1vI/AAAAAAAAAG4/jViUyVb6Gjo/s1600/ry%253D400.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Dj3tQG_m1w/ToTB_fLq1vI/AAAAAAAAAG4/jViUyVb6Gjo/s320/ry%253D400.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Mike and I with Dr. Richardson and Dr. Anderson! What an honor!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukjuwSOxna8/ToTAHedm5TI/AAAAAAAAAGw/w1YNayhfQf4/s1600/ry%253D400.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ukjuwSOxna8/ToTAHedm5TI/AAAAAAAAAGw/w1YNayhfQf4/s320/ry%253D400.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My Awesome kids starting the race!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Even with chatting with so many people while running and listening to such compelling stories, Suzi and I managed to both tie for second for our age group! This seemed so perfect! Suzi has been so supportive with me during my journey. And together we are committing our efforts to raising money for the MMRF. We were so excited that we surpassed our goal of $10,000 this year! Her dedication, love and loyalty is truly one of my greatest blessings in life. When I was sick she cared for my children, as if they were her own. A lifelong friend who has been more like a sister to me since the age of 4. This year we have even closer than ever before. We have running and training together since April for our participation in the Bay State Marathon in October and Boston Marathon in April 2012. This past week Suzi injured her hip and will be unable to run in the Bay State Marathon, which is in less than 3 weeks. She is devastated. It just will not be the same without having her by my side chatting about life and whatever other subjects come up during a long run of over 4 hours. We are hoping she has a speedy recovery, so that we can run over the winter and train for Boston. But for Bay State I know she will be on the sidelines cheering me on (even if she is holding crutches).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lW841gvCiLE/ToTFb-uHcZI/AAAAAAAAAG8/3iWgMP7tlog/s1600/ry%253D400.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lW841gvCiLE/ToTFb-uHcZI/AAAAAAAAAG8/3iWgMP7tlog/s320/ry%253D400.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Also on our team, our close friends Beth, Jay and their daughter Kaitlin all placed for their age groups, as well as our niece Chloe! Team Cancer Sucks But Jeanie You Rock was a powerhouse of incredible athletes this year!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">After the race we spent time speaking with so many other team members. Patients themselves, as well as people who had lost loved ones. They would come up to me and share their personal experiences , give me a hug, and tell me to never stop fighting. At times, it was too difficult to hold back the tears. So many of these people I had never met before, yet I felt that we were all connected. We have all been thrown into this Multiple Myeloma Crazy World. It is not something we asked for, yet this is the card we have been dealt. We have all had to face the pain, sadness and sometimes loss that this disease brings. Yet on this day, we were all filled with love, happiness and real hope for the future. It truly was an unforgettable day. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The day topped off with a fun party at my Aunt Sue and Uncle John (you know the rainbow guy!) It was such a fun day My Uncle John, a beautiful singer, dedicated and sang a beautiful song to me. Again, tears strolled down my face. The love I felt on that day by my amazing Aunt Sue who put together the party and all who attended was overwhelming. I am so so blessed to have each and everyone of them in my life. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> Well, the rain is still falling and my kiddos are going to be coming off the bus soon. I hope you all feel as blessed and peaceful as I do today.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Love,</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jeanie</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"></div>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-78303021953210267072011-09-16T15:22:00.000-04:002011-09-16T15:22:16.993-04:00Welcoming ChangeI just got back from an incredible run this morning with Mike and Flower. It was a crisp autumn morning only about 50 degrees and sunny and the leaves are beginning to change. Just as the air is changing in New England, my life is welcoming some new exciting changes. The kids are all back to school and the busy fall schedules of sports, homework and activities have begun. My days have become very full with lots to focus on. Tomorrow is the big MMRF Race for Research in Boston, MA. Our team, Cancer Sucks But Jeanie You Rock has earned so far over $11,000.00! I am so excited and overwhelmed by the support we have received. We have over 59 participants running and walking with us on our team tomorrow. I think back about our last year when we participated in this Race. It was only a few months after I got diagnosed. We were all so scared. We had no idea really what we were up against with this disease. But being a part of that day brought us so much hope. We were so inspired by all the people that were there. In fact , the walls in my house are full of beautiful photos that were taken last year at the MMRF Race for Research. My mother-in-law Trish did a beautiful job capturing all the emotions of that day; fear, sadness, love, hope and excitement. <br />
<br />
This year we are returning to Carson Beach in Boston with full enthusiasm. Today I am healthy and strong. Today I have no detection of Myeloma, M-Spike of Zero! We will be having a big presence at the race. We will have a tent. Also the MMRF has selected me to receive the Spirit of Hope Award. This award is given to individuals who show strength and inspiration. I am honored to be the recipient and to be recognized by such an incredible organization. It is because of efforts from the MMRF that I am healthy and alive today. Velcade and Revlimid, 2 drugs that have been critical in my treatment, were funded by the MMRF. I will be so proud to be standing on that stage along side with such dedicated people.<br />
<br />
Also I received a message that my four children will stand on a platform and start the race. No air horn needed with the four Dreyer children. I am so excited for them. Tomorrow will be a great day. A day that we can all fully enjoy, look straight in the face at Cancer and tell it that it sucks and that it will not win. We will DOMINATE it! After the race we will party it up at My Aunt Sue's and Uncle John's!<br />
<br />
Attached is a link to my MMRF Race for Research Fundraising Page. If you would like to donate we would be ever so grateful! You can feel great that 90% of your donation will go directly to research to prolong the life of a Multiple Myeloma patient. In addition, these drugs are also being looked into treating 30 other cancers. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://support.themmrf.org/site/TR/RaceforResearch/General?team_id=13580&pg=team&fr_id=1290">http://support.themmrf.org/site/TR/RaceforResearch/General?team_id=13580&pg=team&fr_id=1290</a><br />
<br />
I hope you all enjoy this beautiful weekend. I'll be sure to post some pictures of the big day next week!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
JeanieJean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-81760142311998955652011-08-12T09:40:00.000-04:002011-08-12T09:40:02.830-04:00In The Spotlight!<a href="http://www.themmrf.org/donate-now-take-action/join-an-event/inthespotlight_jeaniedryer.html">http://www.themmrf.org/donate-now-take-action/join-an-event/inthespotlight_jeaniedryer.html</a><br />
<br />
We made the MMRF Newsletter! Check it out with the link above! So exciting! We are having so much fun raising money for this incredible organization. It is wonderful to be recognized by them! We are hoping this leads to even more awareness! Thank you all for all of your incredible support! <br />
<br />
Love,<br />
JeanieJean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-36973568960663093032011-08-11T08:06:00.000-04:002011-08-11T08:06:05.684-04:00A Beautiful Gift<br />
<br />
<br />
Yesterday I celebrated my 41st birthday. Funny, I have never been happier to be a year older. I woke up yesterday with a beautiful poem in my email box written by the love of my life, my husband Mike. He was traveling on my birthday, and on his flight he wrote this beautiful poem. He has always had an incredible gift of expressing himself. I wanted to share this with you, so you can get an understanding of the incredible strong man I have by my side. Mike's love and support has given me so strength over this past year. I am where I am today, because of him!<br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Ships quietly sail by</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>as she stands watch</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>passive, waiting, ready</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Over the years, built with the bricks and mortar of support and strength by many,</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>her presence is strong, majestic, interminable, certain.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Character built by the absorption of power from crashing waves,</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>brilliant sunlight, </b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>turbulent storms.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Her beacon of light provides guidance,</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>direction, spirit, with unwavering stability</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>firmly rooted in the foundation of desires,</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>hopes, and dreams of many;</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>to live through the storms and to be a point of flight for those</b></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>who need her, and a symbol of courage for those who regard and admire her.</b></span></i>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-60395561107768554542011-08-08T10:16:00.001-04:002011-08-08T20:03:04.733-04:00A Night of Hope-An Incredible Night of Love and Inspiration!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-az6MCsPevSA/Tj_uqs09hSI/AAAAAAAAAGg/iXW8JgCB3AI/s1600/A+night+of+hope+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-az6MCsPevSA/Tj_uqs09hSI/AAAAAAAAAGg/iXW8JgCB3AI/s320/A+night+of+hope+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suzi and I </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/rHw165WysQU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
</div><div>Click on the above link to watch My Story of Hope we showed at last night's event!</div><div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last night we held our first annual "A Night of Hope". I am still smiling just thinking about it. The night was absolutely perfect! The room was filled with so much friendship, love and support. It was the first big fundraising event Suzi and I have ever planned. We were completely overwhelmed by the support from local businesses who generously donated to our Silent Auction. We had beautiful items and all of the guests had so much fun outbidding each other. We had 21 items that varied from beautiful jewelry from Lia Sophia, a Vera Bradley collection, A Coach Bag, custom made dresses, gift certificates, gym memberships, a private airplane ride, to even a complete Party on a Patio (that included wine, tequila, a cooler, a bistro table set and fire pit)! We had so many generous fun bidders! A big shout out to David Kubick and Beth Falkner, our highest bidders! With all of your donations, the auction items alone have brought in over $3000! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dinner was amazing! Giorgio's in Milford, NH did an incredible job putting together an unforgettable night. The food was absolutely perfect and paired with such delicious wines! My brother Rob with his incredible talents really made the night flawless! In addition to the great menu and auction, Suzi did a fantastic job giving an overview of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). Everyone there was so inspired by all that Kathy Giusti and her sister and all the incredible people at the MMRF and their efforts to raise money and their forward thinking to advance efforts to find a cure for Multiple Myeloma. Suz is a natural public speaker! My husband Mike help me put together a short movie that I am so proud of! It really captures all the emotions and love over the past year in our lives. And it truly displays all of the awesome energy and determination that we and so many of our supporting friends and family have to help raise awareness and money to help the MMRF! I can't wait for all of you to watch this! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So where do we go from here? Well first on the calendar, is to celebrate my birthday this week! I have never been more happy to celebrate turning another year older! This year is the big 41! And what better way to celebrate than to bring my kids to an amusement park and ride the most thrilling rides with them! This girl has no fear now!! And then we are heading for some much needed R&R time with the kids for a week down Cape Cod! I can't wait! Before long, fall will be here and busy schedules and school will start up again. We have so much to look forward to! Suzi and I got up to the 16 mile mark the other day. We are hoping to reach 20 miles by the end of August. Our first marathon is in the middle of October! And before that, the Sept. 17 MMRF Race for Research in Boston. We are so excited for this race! We are planning on having an even larger team than last year! We are going to have a tent with lots of goodies for all our team members. We hope all our team members from last year come out to join us again and we welcome new faces as well. We hope everyone brings their kids along, as it is such a fun day! Last night, my beautiful Aunt Sue told everyone she is going to have a big party at her house after the race! If we are lucky, Uncle John will entertain us with his amazing voice! Every year, the MMRF honors someone they feel demonstrates hope. This year I am honored to be the recipient of the "Spirit of Hope Award". I hope many of you can come out and celebrate with me! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, off to have some fun on this humid August day! I hope you all enjoy the little movie we put together. Thank you all for your continuing love and support!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Love, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jeanie</span></div>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-8718152540428083922011-07-10T11:03:00.001-04:002011-07-10T19:33:04.591-04:00A Night of Hope<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 48px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 26pt;">Join Us For<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 48pt;">A Night of Hope<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt;">Sunday, August 7, 2011 6-9 pm<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt;">Giorgio's Ristorante and Meze Bar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt;">Milford, NH</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt;">Come for a night of fine dining, entertainment and a toast for hope. Join us for a chef inspired four course dinner and wine pairing. There will also be a silent auction. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt;">Please call to reserve your table by 7/31/2011 by calling Giorgio's at 603-673-3939. Cost for this event will be $65 per guest.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 35px;">We are still looking for donations for our Silent Auction!</span></div>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-19957044767690129632011-07-07T22:57:00.001-04:002011-07-07T23:08:40.967-04:00ZERO!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQvh-AuUZXc/ThZw4d-S3PI/AAAAAAAAAGc/M6ORMzireQk/s1600/269458_2086099719511_1455691057_2223690_660815_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQvh-AuUZXc/ThZw4d-S3PI/AAAAAAAAAGc/M6ORMzireQk/s320/269458_2086099719511_1455691057_2223690_660815_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well we got some great news from Dr. Munshi at Dana Farber....... There is "Zero" Myeloma detected in my latest biopsy! Yup ZERO!! It feels so good to say that! All the treatments I have received for the last 12 months including the Stem Cell Transplant worked! And I'm sure all the prayers and positive thoughts have helped as well. I was told by Dr. Munshi to keep up my running and that he would see me in October! I will be continuing my maintenance therapy of Revlimid and Dexamethasone and my monthly infusions of Zometa. But that is just fine. My body, so far seems to be tolerating the drugs fine and my energy has never been better. So hopefully my body will continue to get stronger and I can focus more of my energy on what is most important my four beautiful kids who are the center of my universe and my incredible husband. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now with all my new found energy, I am excited to focus my time on helping others fight this incurable cancer by supporting organizations such as the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF). The MMRF is the largest non-profit sponsor of myeloma research and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> has raised over $160 million since its inception to fund nearly 120 laboratories worldwide. In addition, the MMRF has facilitated 30 clinical trials. An example of success has been the development of Revlimid by Celgene which was made possible by support from the MMRF.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have begun several fundraising efforts which you will all hear about in the upcoming months for MMRF. All these events will raise money towards our total goal of $ 15,000.00 between now and April 2012. I'd like to take a moment to share more about them and the fantastic people that are helping me.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First, Lindsay Silvestri and Suzi Larson are helping me organize a neighborhood yard sale with baked goods on Sawtelle Road on July 17th from 9-3. All the proceeds will go to support the MMRF.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Second, o</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">n August 7, 2011 we are holding a Night of Hope at Giorgio's Ristorante and Meze Bar in Milford, NH. It will be a night of incredible food, wine and entertainment. We will also be having a silent auction. All of the proceeds from this event will benefit the MMRF. If you would like to reserve your table please call by 7/31/2011 (603) 673-3939. The cost of this event will be $65 per guest. If you have an item you would like to donate for our silent auction, please contact me at </span><a href="mailto:dreyerfamily@mac.com"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dreyerfamily@mac.com</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rO7Q0qNgs6U/ThZttNvCR7I/AAAAAAAAAGY/3Jall3bOllw/s1600/IMG_6329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rO7Q0qNgs6U/ThZttNvCR7I/AAAAAAAAAGY/3Jall3bOllw/s320/IMG_6329.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Third, on September 17th, we will be participating in our 2nd annual MMRF Race for Research - a 5K Walk/Run. This year will be bigger and better than last year, and we hope that many of you who joined us last year will come back this year for a morning of family fun in Boston.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally, I have also begun forming Jeanie's FEAT ( Fitness, Endurance, and Athletic Team ) to participate in fitness/endurance events as part of the MMRF Power Team in support of MMRF's messaging and charitable fundraising. Members of my team will be able to participate in endurance events of their choice and help to raise money/awareness for the MMRF. I will be participating in the Bay State Marathon in October and the Boston Marathon in April. One of the benefits is that you can sometimes get into exclusive events such as the Boston Marathon ( which sometimes require qualification ) by running on behalf of a charity. If you want to be part of the team and help raise money for the MMRF, I can get you some really cool gear as well.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Well as you can you can read, there are lots of things to look forward to. But first up is the big State's Tournament for Mitch's 10 Year old All Star Team this weekend! It is going to be so exciting! Well it's time to catch up on some much needed rest. I think tonight I am going to sleep better than I have in the last 13 months! Thank you for all your continuing support and prayers! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Sweet Dreams!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Love,</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Jeanie</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-48972309287475541972011-07-07T07:02:00.000-04:002011-07-07T07:02:34.968-04:00Early Morning ChatterGood Morning. It is a beautiful morning here in New Hampshire. Despite the warm temperatures, everything looks nice green thanks to the powerful storm that rolled in last night. I found myself sandwiched in bed this morning between Mike and Sarah staring at the ceiling wide awake. So I decided to come downstairs and enjoy the silence and try to write a bit. Today I have my follow up appointment with Dr. Munshi at Dana Farber. We will discuss the results from my bone marrow biopsy. This is the first biopsy since my transplant in November. Mike and I have decided to take the kids into Boston with us so that they can meet the incredible Dr. Munshi and take a tour of the new Dana Farber Institute. We are also going to take advantage of being down in Boston and hang out at Faneuil Hall. We are expecting positive news so we thought it would be a good time to bring them down. Let's hope my expectations are right!<br />
<br />
Summer in New Hampshire has been great. The weather has been beautiful and we already enjoyed many beautiful days down the lake. My mom recently flew back home to Florida after a wonderful 6 week visit. We loved having Nana here and we all miss her so much. My mom and dad have really been so supportive and incredible to us this past year. They have been here so much that Brookline has become their second home. I think my mom knows half the town! While she was here she was the biggest cheerleader at my son Mitch's All Star Baseball Games. And she watched them come in first place in their last tournament. We are heading to State's this coming weekend! Mitch's 10 year old All Star Team is like a Dream Team. It is made up of incredible baseball players and the coaches couldn't be any greater! We are getting pumped up for the big weekend! <br />
<br />
Last week my friend Kristin lost her battle with cancer. Kristin was a beautiful vibrant woman. She had just turned 40 and was a mother to two beautiful small children. Kristin and I were friends in college. She was diagnosed with a rare carcinoma in March, 2010. When Kristin heard of my diagnosis she reached out to us last summer. Her strength and courage amazed me and fueled me. We spent lots of time talking on the phone. We totally got each other. We spoke about our frustrations, our fears and we cried together. Last year, while at Dana Farber, I ran into Kristin. It was the first time we had seen each other since college. There we both were in the waiting room bald cancer patients. When our eyes met, we both filled up with tears held each other, and said, "how the hell has this happened to us?" It was a moment I will never forget. I don't think I have ever felt more connected to anyone so quickly in my life. Mike and I had a chance to meet her wonderful husband Brian and we talked about the four of us getting together. Well, unfortunately we never got to. Last week, cancer won and took the life of my beautiful friend. I still am having such a hard time comprehending it. I stood in line for over 1 1/2 hours to pay my respects at the Wake. The Funeral Home was filled with all the people Kristin has touched in her lifetime. While there I couldn't help but think, why am I standing here and she is lying in that coffin? It just didn't make sense. She was a strong positive woman with an incredible faith who was determined to beat this awful disease. Why didn't she make it? And why am I doing so well? I spent time speaking with her husband and family about how Kristin's strength had enriched my life so much. Her father-in-law read me like a book. And reached out and held my hand and said, "This must be so difficult for you! I know how scared this must make you. But just remember more people make it than don't." Tears rolled down my face as I squeezed his hand. <br />
<br />
The next day was the funeral. It was a beautiful celebration of Kristin's life. Her sisters and friends got up and spoke about her and shared beautiful stories and moments that they had with her during her lifetime. The way Kristin approached her cancer with her positive spirit and her desire to be "The Best at Cancer" reminded me so much of myself. I am left so sad that ugly cancer won and took this beautiful soul from earth. It does not make sense to me at all. Everyday I find myself thinking of Kristin. She was a positive spirit right to the end. She was determined not to let cancer rob her of her precious moments while on earth. She worked real hard at staying present and enjoying all the gifts and blessings of life. Although her life was cut way too short, I truly believe her life was so rich with love. Her death is a reminder to me of how very precious life is . I know I am so fortunate to be here today. The fact that I can wake up every morning without any bone pain and spend the day being an active mom to my four beautiful babies overwhelms me with such joy. <br />
<br />
Well I can here little footsteps upstairs. It looks like my day is about to begin. My appointment is at 1:30 today so send me some positive energy if you can! Enjoy your day!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
JeanieJean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-50973397339145189922011-06-11T09:54:00.000-04:002011-06-11T09:54:43.158-04:00Jeanie - One Year Later<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Na0XK4d4yzI?fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-45296459545458416072011-06-03T06:21:00.000-04:002011-06-03T06:21:17.319-04:00One Year Ago Today...Life Changed ForeverOne year ago this morning, I received a phone call that changed my life forever. It's true what they say about those life changing moments. I can remember exactly where I was and what I was doing exactly at that moment. It was a beautiful June morning and I was the only one up in the house. Flower and I were on the back porch and I was enjoying my first cup of coffee. Life was great at that moment. I had just had surgery a week before on a stubborn bump on my chest which at that time was believed to have been a cyst. I was getting the stitches out that morning. After that I was going to go for a nice run and get some things done around the house. The kids only had about 3 weeks left of school. Which meant I only had about 15 more mornings to get up and make the lunches! <br />
<br />
After I finished my last drop off coffee, I returned in the house for a refill and to start making all the lunches and prepare for the day. Flower was waiting patiently for her piece of turkey. Just as I was slicing the last sandwich, the phone rang. I looked at the clock and it was only 6:30. I thought it was the school looking for me to sub that day, as that was the usual the time they would call. I was surprised to hear my doctor on the other end. It was my plastic surgeon that had done my surgery on the cyst. I was due in his office that morning to get the stitches out. Maybe he was just calling to confirm? He was very serious on the phone and asked me if Mike was planning on going in with me this morning. I thought that was odd. He suggested that he come. At that point I was getting nervous. What the hell was going on? He said that received the lab reports back and that it was not good. I insisted that he tell me what was going on. Mind you, I still had the knife in my hand. In a very serious voice he told me that the lab confirmed that it was a malignant tumor. Well, at that point, the knife fell and I nearly collapsed on the floor. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My heart began racing and I felt like I was going to vomit. Was I dreaming all this? Could this just be nightmare?<br />
<br />
I carried the phone up to my bedroom, and handed the phone to Mike, who was still in bed. I could not even speak. Mike knew from the look on my face that what ever the call was, it wasn't good. I can remember then going in the kids rooms and waking them up for the day. Holding back the tears I gave them all a big hug and told them how much I loved them. They all came down for breakfast, Mike and I held it together and only once made eye contact. The look in our eyes told it all. We were both in complete shock and scared to death. What was happening to our lives? How could this be? Everything was fine just a few minutes before. Why did I answer that phone? <br />
<br />
I don't know how we did it, but we managed to get the kids down to the bus stop. As we waved good bye to them as the bus pulled away, we clenched our hands together. As soon as the bus passed, we held each other and cried. <br />
<br />
The next few hours of that day are a bit blurry to me. Mike got on the phone with his mom and I made the difficult call to my parents. We had an appointment with the doctor at 9. I can remember standing in the shower with tears rolling down. I had never been so scared in my life. The drive to the doctor seemed to take forever. Mike and I barely spoke a word. We were so scared. We were too young to be dealing with this? Hell we have 4 children under the age of 9. This should not be happening! When we walked into the hospital, Trish (Mike's mom) was waiting for us. Again, no words were spoken, she grabbed us and held us tightly. The waiting room was another moment that seemed like an eternity. Mike and Trish held my hands as we waited. There was nothing to say. What could we say that was going to make all this go away. <br />
<br />
Finally they called me in to the doctor's office. The three of us walked in and took a seat. Dr. Chatson walked in. He went over the lab results with us. At this point I could see his mouth moving but I couldn't quite make out what he was saying. I was in a complete daze and could not comprehend a thing he was saying. What I can vividly remember, is how sincere he was. In fact he had tears in his eyes and he looked at me and said, "Now you are a cancer patient. You will fight this and you will be stronger because of it". He gave me a hug and then he left the room. You could tell that he was just as shocked as we were. <br />
<br />
I should mention that this "cyst" had grown back in November/December of 2010. It was causing me discomfort and I had it removed right before Christmas 2010. The lab results should that it was in fact a cyst and that it was normal. So when it grew back, no one was worried. We knew that cysts can grow back. I had already had it tested and it was fine. So how is it that now it came back as a malignant tumor. I was still convinced it had to be a mistake.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, jump ahead exactly one year later. I am once again the only one up drinking my coffee. Only this time I am stronger, healthier, and confident that I am going to beat this. In fact, I have been waiting for the perfect opportunity to make an announcement and I think now is the time. I am currently training for the Boston Marathon with my lifetime friend Suzi. We are going to run the Marathon next April as part of the MMRF Endurance Team! We have been running for the last couple of months and actually ran 13 miles this past Tuesday. To get us ready for Boston we are going to run the Bay State Marathon in October. Mike is helping me put together a team to help us raise money. We are going to be forming "Jeanie's FEAT", Fitness and Endurance Team. FEAT as in a notable act of skill, endurance, imagination and strength. Mike came up with the name! We are super excited to get started. I feel so fortunate that today I am strong. I plan on running every day I can and to raise money for Multiple Myeloma at the same time, well that is the icing on the cake! If any one would like to join our team please let me know. Mike and I are putting together our website. So if you are active and like to participate in races from cycling, to running to triathlons consider joining our team. I'll hook you up with some cool gear and you can feel good about what you are doing. You will really be making a difference.<br />
<br />
I no longer see my cancer as a death sentence. It has truly changed the course of my life and of those close to me. Yes cancer sucks! The stem cell transplant sucked! Chemo sucked! Being bald sucked! But you know what, I came out the other end stronger and better. Cancer is no longer holding me hostage. Yes it is true, it may come back. I may get real sick again. And it may get harder and harder to fight it. But I will be strong and both physically and mentally with my gloves on ready to give the fight of my life ready to dominate!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czM8hnVNZbo/Tei017dxfyI/AAAAAAAAAGU/5XEHej3UPzk/s1600/DSC04251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-czM8hnVNZbo/Tei017dxfyI/AAAAAAAAAGU/5XEHej3UPzk/s320/DSC04251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>To mark this one year anniversary, I toast (with my coffee) with a smile on my face. Here's to enjoying every moment of life! As I have experienced first hand life can change in just moment or with just one phone call. Get out there today and live it, love it and have no regrets!Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780047391344997755.post-47368449315680843652011-05-07T16:41:00.000-04:002011-05-07T16:41:05.393-04:00Another Special Mother's Day<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's been way too long since I last posted a blog. Life has gotten busy! Which is a good thing. Most of our free time these days are spent on the soccer and baseball fields. I feel like I am being pulled in a million different directions. Every night I plan on sitting down to write, but usually collapse on the couch and fall asleep!</span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, tomorrow is the big day. Mike and I are competing in a Mother's Day Sprint Triathlon in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sudbury</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, MA! Before I went into the hospital in November before my transplant, Mike wanted to make sure that we both had something BIG to look forward to and to strive for. So he registered us for the triathlon. I had participated in it last year. Swimming is definitely not my strength but the race itself was so exhilarating. Just being surrounded by so many people (of all shapes and sizes) all participating in the same event. It is amazing to be there and especially to be a part of something so great. For so many it has been a fitness goal or on their bucket list, for others, it is a training triathlon for a bigger race in the future. I can remember last year Mike telling me that he had no desire to do one. And now today, he has gotten in the best shape of his life, he has become a great runner and he has been swimming for the last 12 weeks. I am so proud of him. I know initially he signed up for me, but you know what, he really is excited about doing it! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have not physically trained for this race all that much. Although my running is stronger than ever, Thursday was my first time in the pool since last year. I managed to swim the 16 laps necessary for tomorrow. It is not pretty and not fast, but I can get from point A to point B. Yesterday Mike, my friend Shayna and I did a brick. We did a 9 1/2 mile ride followed by a 2 1/2 mile run. I forgot how challenging the transition is from riding to running. My legs felt like tree trunks! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's funny I can feel the anxiety from many of my friends doing the race tomorrow. And all of them have been training for it. I am probably the one who is least prepared for it! Yet I am so excited to do it. You see, it is coming up on my one year anniversary since I was diagnosed with Multiple </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Myeloma</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Last year at this time I was still struggling with a healing sternum and I had a strange bump on my chest which was later confirmed to be a </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">plasmacytoma</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I can remember swimming in the last triathlon and struggling with the pain in my sternum. Little did I know what was really going on with me. The fact that it is one year later, a stem cell transplant later..... I can't freaking believe it!! In the last year I have felt so close to death. I honestly was doubting whether or not I was going to make it to see my kids begin school last September, let alone be running again or participating in a Triathlon!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I explained to Mike on the soccer field this morning, I feel like I need to pinch myself everyday. I feel so happy and so incredibly blessed for how my life is today. It's funny so many people tell me that I should move on. That last year was last year and this is now. But you know what? Every day I do reflect about the past year. But I also think of where I am today. I feel stronger than ever. In fact I am up to running 10 miles! I think reflecting on the last year helps me really appreciate today and how lucky I feel and how happy I am. As we all know today is all we have. Life can change on a dime as I have experienced firsthand. So everyday I feel great, I get out there and run and enjoy it fully. I beat this cancer this time and I only plan on getting stronger from this point. So when it tries to attack again I'm ready to put up a good fight!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I was running the other day, reflecting on all that has happened, a special person came to mind, Kathy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Giusti</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, Multiple </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Myeloma</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Survivor and founder of the Multiple </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Myeloma</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Research Foundation, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">MMRF</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Kathy was diagnosed in 1996 and at the time was told that she only had 3 years to live. Today she is still in a "Complete Response". I am so grateful for all of her efforts with the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">MMRF</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. The </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">MMRF</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> has played such a big role in bringing four new treatments for </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">myeloma</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> in the past four years. These treatments, now the standard of care for multiple </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">myeloma</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> patients have helped to almost double the life </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">expectancy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> among some patients. Kathy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Giusti</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> was just recently named one of Time Magazine </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">World's 100 Most Influential People. Tomorrow I am dedicating my race to Kathy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Giusti</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. I feel strongly that I am here today largely because of her efforts. It is my way of thanking her for all that she has done for the Multiple </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Myeloma</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> World. Her strength and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">perseverance</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to be there for her daughters, her refusal to give up hope, and her dedication to finding a cure, has truly been such an inspiration for me. So on this Mother's Day, I will be thinking of one very special woman. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Kathy, as I am struggling in the pool swimming my last lap, pedaling to the transition area, and running to the finish line, I will be thinking of you!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's out there. To my mom, I love you and miss you so much and I am counting the days until you and dad come out to visit!</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Love-</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Jeanie</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1em; font-style: inherit; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0em; margin-top: 0.5em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div></span></div>Jean Dreyerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15568024579358078101noreply@blogger.com4