Prayer request

My mouth sores have gotten worse. They have spread to my tongue and throat. To add further complications I have also developed thrush in my mouth as part of it all. The lymph nodes along my jaw line have swollen up and I feel like I have an ear infection. Along with a headache and sore throat I feel worse than I did in the week following chemo. I've ended bed ridden from this side effects tonight, which is very frustrating and hard for me emotionally, as I thought this last couple of days before my next chemo treatment would be the best for me. I'd planned to get a lot done in these days and have some great quality time with my kids and husband. I'm saddened by this outcome. I'm resolved to surrendering to the treatment process in the week following the chemo treatments, but not now. I feel as though cancer is robbing me of my time and energy, that would be better spent on my family.

Italy?!?...

So it appears that the birthmark on the back of my head really does exist! IT has not been seen in 35 years. My Mom told me of it's existence but I'd never seen it, until now! And now everyone has the chance to see it! IT reminds me of Italy, a country I have yet to see and I intend on seeing one day, and not just on the back of my head:) My friend calls such marks, "Stork bites", which I' d never heard but though cute. So next time you are close to my head, for a limited time only, in the next 9 months or so, feel free to ask and I'll give you a free tour.

Announcement...

In the category of "My life is a soap opera" Feather Janz has won acting honours for her realistic performances in, " The Bald and the Beautiful" and "The Young and the Breastless". Stay tuned for award winning and undeniable true to life portrayals of her own character. She wanted to be an actress since early childhood, though this isn't the role that she though would bring her the most acclaim. But since the role has served her well in the past and brought her to where she is today, she states that the script of her life is one worth reading and that she fully intends for you to see much, much more of her for many years to come! (JUST having some fun!!)

Seriously though, I am all of the above in one way or another....I'm Young, Bald, Beautiful and well..breastless. May I stress the Young and Beautiful part again, though I may be in denial, the reality is that I am also Bald and breastless. As of today my hair started coming out in handfuls, and before I could get it all over the house, my husband took me out side with the girls and shaved my head. Carmelle took a few hands fulls out to, she thought it was a fun game. I wanted her to understand why we were shaving it off. When it was all done, she said with the sweetest grin, "I still love you, Mommy!" Daddy said, "Mommy is still beautiful, isn't she?", "Yes, she is!!" Was Carmelle's response. Thankfully my good friend Rosslyn came by just in time to video and photograph the whole endeavor. So there it is, my seemingly attractive scalp, (or so I'm told) though I doubt someone would tell me I have an ugly bald head at this point. Telling me that bald isn't a good look for me, might get you removed from the, "Possible dinner guest" list.
I'm working it, though "G.I. Feather" doesn't have much of a ring to it, I am getting very comfortable in my camouflage digs.
I've got a collection of scarves and hats built up as well as two wigs, though I'm going to make a real effort to connect with my cue ball look, as it is the real look of my current circumstances. It is who I am right now, or at least a big part of it. I am what a breast cancer patient looks like. I can't deny to anyone around me that this is who I am and what is going on in my life.
I'm fighting for my life, and now I look the part. I intend to put in an award winning performance from beginning to end. Thanks for your votes, I need all I can get, and it is my goal to have everyone remembering my performance for many years to come. And if you'd like to offer a standing "O" please be my guest. I see you, I hear you, I can feel you urging me forward, onward to victory! I have a battle that needs to be won, and I'm approaching it head on!

From the set of my reality show,
Good-day,

Feather

What goes around, comes around!

Some of the full effects of the chemo are coming around now. I've got a mouth full of ulcers, so much so that my cheeks are swollen (makes eating difficult), my blood counts I can tell are low and my lymph nodes under my right jaw bone are puffy and sore, and my hair falls out more and more each day (thank goodness I have so much of it, it's hanging in there:) I'm having some trouble sleeping at night (night sweats, yeah menopause!) and my girls are sick with colds that I can't afford to get. They don't understand when I wear a mask around them and try to stay away from them, especially when they just want mommy hugs! Please pray for these things.

Chris is home, he enjoyed four days in Whistler with his best friend Chad. It was a much needed get away for him. Plus it's the last time Chris will have with Chad, his best friend, before Chad and Naomi move with their young family to the Phillipines as missionaries for 4 years. Please pray for them as they leave on Tuesday, we will miss them.

If you are interested in attending an evening dessert and music night, to support Chris and I, on Sunday June 24th from 6-8 pm, called "Friends for Feather" please email: friendsforfeather@hotmail.com to RSVP IT's at Northview Community church on 32040 Downes Rd in Abbotsford. It's a night of entertainment and fundraising. There will also be a silent Auction. Hope to see you in two weeks!

Please check out my Arbonne website: www.featherjanz.myarbonne.com
IF you have any questions about Arbonne please email me, fjanz@featherjanz.com

Five more days until Chemo again. Please pray that my white blood count is good, because if it's not it can delay chemo treatments and the medication to boost your count costs just under $3000 for one treatment!!!!

All the breast, oops:) I mean BEST,

Love,

Feather

Enjoying each day!

I had a wonderful time in Whistler with my friend Shannon. Even though it rained most of the time we enjoyed just spending time together and relaxing. We did fit in walks, shopping, a movie, naps, great meals and coffee time. The fresh mountain air was lovely, just what I needed. I've been feeling well, tired and needing naps each day, but well. Chris is gone for a few days so being alone with the girls has been interesting. As I struggled to get Cadence to sleep last night she fought and head butted me right in the portacath, it about knocked the wind out of me. The port site is inflammed and not healing very well with Cadence set backs, it's very sensitive and sore.
Today I'm heading out to Chilliwack to visit family and friends with the girls. It helps having other people around to help care for the girls. I get very overwhelmed very easily. I burst into tears at the pool, when Carmelle was at swimming lessons. I was upset because I could tell her behaviour has been effected by our circumstances. The hardest part in all of this is seeing those that I love most having a hard time and struggling in their own way. I didn't let her see me cry, and there was an old bible school friend there, someone I haven't seen in years, but had heard of my diagnosis, to comfort me. She reminded me of all those that are supporting me and holding me up with prayer, and that God's arms are always around me. I thank God for all of you!
The harsh reality of my situation hits me in waves, but most of the time I feel hopeful and enjoy every moment of every day!

The Fog has lifted...

I dare say that I even feel normal today, that nothing even happen out of the ordinary lately. We got up normally and got the girls ready for church. I still wanted my normal Sunday afternoon nap after lunch, and when I woke up I still felt normal. So I guess that's it, I've got about 13 days to live life normally before I go into the chemo fog again. The last week is very hazzy and I don't remember very much of it. But I don't suppose that's not really a bad thing:) I am worried about getting sick, right now I'm experiencing what I hope is just allergy symptoms. I really can't afford to get sick, as I'm highly prone to it becoming an infection. If I get an infection it'll take a long time to heal and would put off chemo continuing, which wouldn't be good. Now is when my blood counts will drop the lowest, 10-15 days post chemo.
My good friend Shannon, is out from Lethbridge, she had originally planned to come when I was on my second chemo, which would have been now. So instead she and I are going to Whistler for a few days, to enjoy her time out here. We'll be staying at Best Western, and hopefully it won't rain the whole time:) If it rains like crazy this week my parent's may end up coming to stay with us, they are on Flood watch in Greendale. I'll write again at the end of the week.

Heading out...

Day eight has arrived and I'm heading out for the evening. Chris is playing tonight for a Mission's Benefit Concert for our Friends Chad and Naomi Bjorgan, who are going to the Phillipines. I'm going to be there, I'd love to see you there!

WHEN: Saturday June 2nd, 7pm
WHERE: Life Center Community Church
3665 Kingsway @ Boundary, Vancouver

The evening will be full of great music by Chris Janz (www.chrisjanz.com), Russ Rosen (www.russrosenband.com), Badgentina (www.badgentina.com) and The Wildings. Chad of course, will be on drums. This is a child friendly affair and should be a great night of fellowship, worship and dancing. Admission is free and there will be a love offering taken for both the Stewart and Bjorgan families, who will be leaving for the Philippines to serve at the Mercy Maternity Clinic in the coming weeks. If anyone has questions please call Chad at 778-233-9493.