Mother's Day Update

Dear Family and Friends,

            I’m writing you today to thank you for your kindnesses in April & May.  They have come in the form of visits, flowers, food, gifts, a discretionary fund and donations to Team Monica in the Race for Hope.  Our team which raced on May 5^th raised over $3000 and was ranked 164th out of 593 teams in our fundraising efforts.  I also want to thank anyone who has given me or my daughter a ride somewhere since I am unable to drive.   I am overwhelmed with love, care and support from everyone.  My network of friends and family and your prayers is such a comfort.

            My routine at the moment is to get up at 6:30 a.m. with Franklin and Jessica and help get them out the door.  Franklin has been doing this alone for the past 4 years because I normally left for school at 6:30.  I get dressed quickly since I don’t have to take any time to do my hair.  I have several beautiful wigs, great hats and scarves!  A friend or family member picks me up daily (Mon. –Fri.) at 9:00 a.m. to take me to radiation at Southern MD Hospital in Clinton where Georgetown has a satellite office.  I’m usually home by 11:00 a.m.   My side effects include headache, nausea, red forehead, hair loss, brain swelling and fatigue.  I will finish radiation on June 7^th, take a break and then begin chemotherapy.

            I’m trying to stay active with running, working Algebra problems, reading lots of books, caring for my 24 year old horse, Dolly and keeping up with my family.  Speaking of family, Franklin has done a fantastic job doing all of the paperwork required for this journey; he does my share of driving Jessica to her daily activities.  Jessica has been incredibly mature, caring and nurturing.  Alan was awesome to spend his Spring Break at the hospital with me and to create the blog www.monicasstatus.blogspot.com.  Thank goodness Franklin’s parents live next door.  They pick up Jessica from school, take her to feed Dolly, shop for me and cut our grass.

            My wish is to get better so I can enjoy my life with family and friends.  I have faced the reality I will be dealing with this the rest of my life and it will kill me eventually.  My prayer and deal with God is to help me be here until at least 2020 to see Jessica graduate from high school and to be with Alan and Franklin.  Thank you for all of your love, support and prayers.

                                                                                                Love,

                                                                                                Monica Chaney

Good News!

We heard some good news yesterday. The doctors from Georgetown and Johns Hopkins reviewed Monica's case and her tumor was downgraded to a Grade 3 Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma tumor. This is still a very serious condition but the good news is there will be no chemotherapy at this time. Radiation is scheduled to begin on April 23rd. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Monica update 4/5

First off Monica wants to thank you all for the food, flowers, cards, support, and prayers. This week we met with two interns, the director of the brain center, and her radiation clinician. It appears her aggressive radiation and chemo treatment will start on April 22nd at the Georgetown satellite office in Clinton. Now that the staples have been removed Monica has started taking short jogs. She has had a speedy recovery from the surgery. Please continue to have her in your prayers.

Visitors Welcome

Monica is continuing to get stronger everyday. She is moving around the house very well and is way ahead of where she was two years ago physically. She is looking forward to seeing all of you and if you wish to see her please text or call Franklin at 410 991 6873

Home Sweet Home

Monica is now home from the hospital. She does not want to have any visitors at this time.

Update 3/21

The pathology report for Monica came back and her tumor is a Grade 4 GBM, which is cancerous. The next step is figuring out her chemo and radiation treatment schedule, which will get figured out in the couple of weeks. Please keep up your prayers and we will update you shortly.

Strides in Recovery

Progress is being made every hour. She is now eating solid foods, drinking Starbucks, and taking walks. Again all is going according to schedule and there will be another update tomorrow afternoon.