Fall 2009: Jake and Nancy learned that Nancy's breast cancer was stage four. Winter 2013: They are still fighting. This is a gathering place to follow their story, offer support, love and prayers... to be by their side.



Thursday, October 29, 2009

FIX A BUG FOR NANCY


Nancy's project team held an Oktoberfest “Pinkluck” for Nancy today. The 80 member CHARMS team turned out in pink for their beloved project manager and friend. Lots of sweets were consumed in honor of sweet Nancy: the team is channeling their nutrients to Nancy to keep her strong! Over the next two weeks, before the next round of integrated system testing, the project team will be working to knock off some system issues; the team is making great headway under the tagline of "fix a bug for Nancy!” Since they expect Nancy misses the joys of project management, they are developing a “Get Well Gantt Chart” to help her reach her wellness milestones!!



Monday, October 26, 2009

Laughter, smiles and love-- a potent addition to chemo

Yesterday a group of Nancy's friends swept her away for an afternoon of much needed fun. She is feeling the effects of chemo quite a bit now, but she was incredibly touched and encouraged these friends.

My dear friend, Brent, had a great idea to rent a limo/party bus and take a tour of Washington wineries. I was so excited to have an outing with old friends and even more excited that two of my friends, who I hadn't seen in years, flew into Seattle and surprised me for the big event. I decided to try out my long hair wig for the day, then after it got itchy and annoying decided to pass off for everyone to try. I think my friend Al looked like quite the rock star in the Jennifer Aniston wig!

You know how I talk about those unexpected silver linings that come from having cancer? Today was one of those moments. It was so fun to hang out with my friends, most of whom I've known for over 15 years. I ended the day a little tired, but completely uplifted and encouraged. Thanks Brent, Tiffany, Steve, Al, Mindy, Heidi, Rebecca, and Sue! You guys are awesome!


Sunday, October 18, 2009

Kindergarten Prayers in Nashville

Last Monday, I took Graham (aka 'Nephew Awesome', deemed by 'Uncle Awesome'-- Jake) to visit his former kindergarten teacher. When sweet Mrs. Anderson heard about Jake and Nancy, she gathered all of her little kindergartners on the floor to pray for them. Little voice after little voice asked for healing and comfort for "Uncle Awesome and Aunt Nancy." One little boy, who is the son of a famous musician who recently underwent chemotherapy and is now in remission, prayed that, "like a bow and arrow, God would shoot the cancer and make it go away." God hears those tender, precious, kindergarten prayers.... 

Friday, October 16, 2009

Chemo Week Three


Dear family and friends,


Thank you again for continued thoughts/prayers and well wishes. I had chemo today and it went smoothly. My friend Wendy was sweet enough to keep me company and bring lunch - thanks Wendy! She snapped a photo of us while we were waiting, so I thought I would send along for Kate to post.


As for medical updates, my back pain has improved a little in the past couple days, which is really encouraging. It isn't gone completely, but feels less intense since Tuesday. This is good news because we assume the chemo is starting to work. The plan is weekly chemo for 4 - 6 months, then switch to a treatment called an aromatase inhibitor (AI) which is easier to tolerate (just one pill a day versus the weekly infusions that last for hours and make me feel crummy). You can see from the picture I still have hair, but it is starting to come out and I'm guessing in another few weeks it will be falling out like crazy. Since this is the second time I've lost my hair, it isn't that big a deal. I have scarves and wigs on hand.


Thanks again for all the encouragment. It truly helps lift our spirits. Love and hugs, Nancy and Jake

Monday, October 12, 2009

Week Two of Chemo- a note from Nancy

Dear family and friends,

We continue to be so encouraged by the amazing outpouring of love and support. We can't thank you all enough for the prayers, cards, flowers, dog treats, emails, phone calls, and meals...oh my gosh, the meals are incredible! We are overwhelmed with gratitude.
So far, chemo is going smoothly. I had my second treatment on Thursday and the side effects are manageable. I am still having back pain from the area of cancer along my spine, but my oncologist thinks I'll have some relief in a few weeks as the chemo starts working.
Thanks again for all the support. We appreciate it so much!

As an aside to this note, I want to say something about Jake, or rather "Uncle Awesome"... According to Nancy, he should win the "husband of the year" award. Nancy relayed a humorous story which was so sweet and tender too ... Apparently on Friday, Nancy discovered a terrible bruise on her back. Perplexed by how it got there,  she trekked downtown to her doctor's office, hoping she could explain the enigmatic sore spot. But she couldn't. They agreed to watch it closely for any changes, and left it at that. It wasn't until that evening when she was relaying the sequence of events to Jake, that he remarked, "do you remember falling asleep?" Apparently, Nancy nodded off at the computer, and  as tenderly as he could, given her awkward position, Jake gently scooped her out of the chair and tucked her into bed. Nancy's guess is that he probably smacked a wall while trying to step over Jojo or something. In any case, sweet Jake, Uncle Awesome, you are so dear!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Biopsy Complete!

Treatment is underway for Nancy, and with the biopsy which was successfully taken this morning, her doctors will be able to better understand her cancer and target it with the most effective drug. Nancy is in quite a bit of pain right now, but with the chemotherapy she is undergoing, her oncologist hopes that her discomfort will subside shortly.

Please continue to shower Jake and Nancy with your prayers and love. The meals everyone has been providing have been a wonderful, real way to support them, and your words mean so much as well.

This morning the Nashville YMCA spin room was packed and wearing pink in your honor, Nancy-- rocking out to some good "girly music". I have done the same class in years past, in your honor, and I always am inspired by your strength. We all thank you for that and continue to stand with you in this fight.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Waiting with you...

Jake and Nancy are at the hospital and waiting to meet with their oncologist this afternoon. Another biopsy will need to be taken because the last one did not provide all of the information they needed. But Nancy will begin treatment today. She has a new port and is ready to start this fight.

We all continue to shower you with prayers and love.

(photos taken last year...)