There’s a simple explanation for why it has taken me so long to get back on here and jet out another update: Cancer. People can tell you cancer is a bitch but until she runs her blackened claws through your hair and you feel the bitter coldness of her tongue mark you with a capital C as you tremble with fear and uncertainty you don’t quite understand the depths of her depravity… especially when she partners up with the other big C: Chemotherapy.
Back in February I was at Centra Care getting antibiotics for what I thought was pneumonia. If you had asked me if I had any trips planned for the summer I would’ve told you about Greg’s niece’s baptism in New Jersey, or my brother and sister-in-law’s first baby due in July in Utah, or the wedding in Vegas we were planning to attend, or the Jay-Z concert in August. I never imagined the only trips I would be taking would be to the cancer center for chemotherapy. It’s amazing how much life can change in such a short amount of time.
LESS THAN THREE MONTHS AGO…
Less than three months ago… I used razors. Now there’s nothing to shave. Anywhere. See? There’s a positive! (no, there’s not a photo)
Other changes? Some days my bones feel too brittle to open up a bottle of water. The only time we’ve gone out to eat has been at the hospital cafeteria (fortunately, my mom does to food what Mother Nature does to sunsets; makes every meal a unique explosion of awesomeness. It’s like we have our own personal Betty Crocker!).
The first two or three bites I take of any meal send these weird, painful cramps shooting through the salivary glands of my jaw. Just another odd side-effect, I’m told. If the jaw pain doesn’t discourage me from eating, the mouth sores usually do. Canker-like sores pop up on my tongue and all throughout the back of my throat. They only hang around for a week at the most but they’re proving to be a rather effective form of losing weight. If only that was my goal.
Oh, and I guess it isn’t just your hair you lose when going through chemo. My nail beds are starting to darken so I shouldn’t be too surprised if my nails start to come off.
So all of this I’ve been experiencing just in the past three months. It’s been moving so quickly! Every day the thing I pray for the most is the strength to stay positive and follow the #1 piece of advice I get from everyone: Take it one day at a time. It sounds so cliché but it’s so true! I barely recognize the life I lived less than three months ago, and it’s even harder for me to imagine what a “normal” life will be like when this is all over, so the best I can do is concentrate on today. And I’ve learned to treat every day like a learning experience instead of a hassle. It’s easier to keep your spirits up that way. You know what else keeps my spirits up? All of the comments on Facebook and Twitter, and the emails I receive every day that rally for me to stay strong, offer prayers, words of advice, or simply let me know they have been there, too. It has truly been overwhelming. Every positive word of encouragement warms my heart more than you know :).
83 comments
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May 4, 2013 at 5:26 am
Bill Lundell
Jess you’re the reason I give blood.Im up to 93 gallons and counting and will see Lauren Rowe this Sunday @the donor appriciation banquet. On Facebook there is a brave young teenager I hope you can look up. Angels for Talia. Like her your an inspiration and couragous woman.Keep up the sense of humor you rely on and good will follow. Please write more and keep up the fight. In my thoughts and wishes you will conquer this disease….
May 4, 2013 at 5:45 am
Gail
God bless you dear lady…prayers for a speedy healing!
May 4, 2013 at 5:46 am
Mike
Reading this I feel your pain! But you are not alone and you will not walk this path alone we (and by we I mean all your friends, your family, and all that watch you on TV) are with you. Everyday we pray for you, everyday we take another step with you, we will not let you fall or weaken, we will be your strength, when your feeling down we will pick you up. We love you Jess and know you will beat this its just a matter of time. Just remember everyday we are praying for you, and everyday we love you more. God Bless keep up the spirit, keep up the fight in the long run everything will be alright. Mike
May 4, 2013 at 5:59 am
Mike Gonzalez
Jessica, your story has totally touched my heart!! In Feb 2011 my mother had very aggressive lung cancer..She to like you , was a little beautiful powerhouse of a lady!! BTW, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your New Orleans video bomb, I ALWAYS watch it for a good laugh… I thank god or the higher power that your cancer is treatable… I was with mom every single say of treatment, and I saw the toll it takes on the body!! But something beautiful I noticed, I always knew she was a strong lady,but I learned to appreciate her courage, and now I am SO PROUD of her as I am of you!! You got this sweetheart! Keep your eye on the prize, one day at a time is all we can live anyways, so one day at a time it should be!! Keep smiling, and keep kicking cancers butt!!!! You have a huge fan in Key West, well there are two of us in my house hold, my partner and I. He used to watch you in Orlando before he moved here to the Keys recently!! Like I said, keep smiling!! Lots of positive energy, love, and prayers for you and your support system, oh yeah, and your poor bald cat!! LOL I totally like you sense of humor!!
May 4, 2013 at 6:36 am
Valerie
Jessica I miss you on the air every morning but I am so proud of your fighting spirit! I pray for you to get well soon and astound your physicians with your fast healing. I watch the news still and when they throw it over to traffic, I still hear Eric saying your name.. I recently joined Team in training, we raise money to help patients with cancer.. Specifically blood cancers, but I think you are my inspiration, and you will be my inspiration when I’m running that half marathon for for our team at the end of my training. I don’t know you personally but personally you touch me, and lots of people with your strength! Please stay encouraged. Your victory is coming! God bless you!
Valerie
May 4, 2013 at 8:02 am
madeline
Wow. Jessica you are in my prayers and I am proud of you. Like you said, take INS day at a time and don’t loose Faith. The Lord Jesus love you and He is there with you and for you. Call into his name, seek him and you will see his glory. God bless you always Jess.
Madie Caraballo
May 4, 2013 at 8:19 am
Thomas R
mmmmm, js, luv u…. You look so funky cool with tha styled out hair styles… can ya work us up for tha encore. Lets see one mo… -riff.
May 4, 2013 at 8:35 am
mommyof6babies
Jessica thank you for sharing your story. I am deeply sorry for the pain you are going thru and that this horrible cancer has done this to you. I truly wish and pray for you a quick recovery. God bless you and your family!
May 4, 2013 at 9:23 am
Orianna
Stay strong & keep fighting! You are a beautiful person inside & out.
May 4, 2013 at 10:29 am
Mary Sims (@MaryPSims)
Jess, miss ou in the mornings but you are such an inspiration so so many. Keep up that fighting spirit. You are strong, you are loved and you have so many people pulling for you.
May 4, 2013 at 10:44 am
Danielle Dupin
Hi Jessica, my name is Danielle, I hope your doing ok.
May 4, 2013 at 10:47 am
Jennifer Pacifici
Good Morning Jessica, we have only had one opportunity to met and that was at Marietta’s house for Emma’s 1st Birthday. I am Greg’s older cousin Jennifer (well not that old – lol). We have had you in our prayers since we heard the prognosis. You have Staten Island on your side 🙂 I teach 1st grade religion on Wednesdays and my 6 and 7 year olds pray for your speedy recovery. We wish you happiness, love, and we hope you keep up your remarkable wittiness. You are an inspiration to so many young woman and as a mom of a young girl I hope my daughter can be as strong as you are each and everyday of her life. May God Bless you and may you keep up the courage to fight forever
May 4, 2013 at 11:18 am
christianprayercircle
Praying for you Jessica. Thank you for the details of how you really feel. So many people just put they do not feel well. Explaining each step, the sores in your mouth, the queasy feeling in your stomach, you have no idea how that helps others that are going through this wondering what this or that means and if that is supposed to happen, how long it will happen, you said about a week for the mouth sores, and if only they are going through it. You are helping so many with this blog. I am sending it to all my friends with cancer. I hope you have God in your heart because he is the only one that can take the pain away. God Bless
May 4, 2013 at 11:30 am
Stephanie Robinson Tittle
We are sooo proud of you! Keep fighting! We send positive thoughts your way every day. It is those cliches that get you through “One Day at a Time”, “This too Shall Pass”! I hope you know how much your TV family loves and misses you. Good Luck and keep fighting!
May 4, 2013 at 11:46 am
Marian Knop Elavsky
Jessica, I miss you also on the morning news. I think about you a lot and pray that you continue to have the strength to pull you through this terrible ordeal. I have faith in you. You are surrounded by people who love you and your friends who only know you through your work. You have a lot of people praying for you and wishing you well. Stay strong.
Marian
May 4, 2013 at 11:49 am
Mike C
Hi Jess. I only know you from TV, but I recognize your beautiful spirit. Your strength is GREAT, your beauty is deep, your smile shows your friendliness. KNOW that you are going to be fine once again. If you need to smile, just ask your boyfriend who the luckiest man in the world is. My love and good thoughts to u, Mike
________________________________
May 4, 2013 at 11:59 am
Tina Welch
I eagerly await your blogs, and worry for you in between. My husband and I think your a strong brave young lady, and wish you well through this life changing experience. I believe your hard cold facts about the illness is a great way to educate us on how cancer has cursed our world. Prayers your way, and so glad you are loved by many, and have much support.
May 4, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Sandy Nielsen
Hang in there one day at a time. Jessica. I am praying for you.
May 4, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Carol broughton
Hi Jess,
A good friend of mine had Non HL almost 30 years ago when he was in law school. He just had his 50th birthday! I am keeping you close in my thoughts and prayers. Will be glad to have you back on Channel 6.
May 4, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Diana Young Dunham
you are an inspiration dear heart for all those struggling.. stay strong and now you are loved….If God brings you to it.. He will bring you through it.. of this I know.. Love you!!
May 4, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Karen
Girlfriend, You should know that “normal” is just a setting on the dryer. I am praying for you to be back to your best self.
May 4, 2013 at 12:50 pm
Missy Cannon
Thank you, Jessica, for allowing us to be part of your journey. Keeping you in my prayers for strength to get through this daily struggle.
May 4, 2013 at 12:57 pm
Rachel
Hang in there Jessica. I’ve been through it. Keep your sense of humor. You still look beautiful.
May 4, 2013 at 1:03 pm
Megan Henderson
the pink wig is EVERYTHING.. (as are your pooping pets)! continuing to send you love and strength beautiful girl xo
May 4, 2013 at 1:06 pm
Kelly Stutts
My prayers for your continued strength enduring this test in your testimony that will defeat this C word. I pray the peace that God brings promising that this to shall pass will be a comfort while renewing your courage to take one day at a time . So proud Of you as a young beautiful and strong woman to share your walk with so many of us who care and share a testimony. God Bless
May 4, 2013 at 1:25 pm
jellwood98
Good morning Jessica!
My day starts with prayers for your complete healing and fewer side effects!
My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 NHL 4 years ago and thanks to prayer and a great Oncologist and her team, Rich is now in remission. Not all of the healing process was fun or pleasant. But the results are great indicators of my husband’s strength and willingness to battle cancer just as you are.
The specifics of his cancer battle now enable me to pray for things in your experience that other cancer affected families learn in this not asked for part of life’s journey.
The learning of all of the different areas of challenge is a full time job. I am sure that you never wanted to learn this much about cancer!
We miss seeing you on the air and love hearing some feedback about your journey. You are a beautiful strong lady and there are prayers literally around the world that are sent up on your behalf.
I am sorry that we won’t be physically present in Apopka today for the Rally, but our hearts are there with all the rests of your supporters.
Thank you for sharing your journey to inspire and to encourage others, as well as to let us know how you are making progress. It is amazing that although we have never met in person, we feel that you are part of our family.
The picture today are a lot of fun and my personal favorite “hair” photo is the pink wig!!! Laughter goes a long way to lift your spirits and keep the frown lines away.
May God bless you and grant you wisdom and clarity in the decisions that you make along this journey. And may He give you and your family strength to meet the challenges of each day as you heal. And may you feel God’s presence and love each day.
May 4, 2013 at 3:27 pm
Jocelyn Faulkner
You have a wonderful ability to write what I was thinking. I, too, am praying daily for Jessica. I met her a couple times and she is truly a light being with a difficult journey. She is helping so many people with her humor and strength, and I know she will continue to help many people in the future with her experience. Thanks for sharing all that you did in your posting, and I’m happy for your husband’s recovery. God has blessed me with people like you!
May 4, 2013 at 1:26 pm
patrick
never never never give up!!!! thank you for alowing us to be a part of your journey
May 4, 2013 at 1:45 pm
Sally
Day by day is all you can do. Try vitamin B6 for your fingernails it worked for me. Praying for you everyday!
May 4, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Bruce Clukay
Jessica, recvd your newsletter in NH visiting an ailing Dad. My sons and I enjoy you immensely we are Windermere residents. We thank you for your taking care of you. All the world that knows you loves you. You are not alone and we look fwd being on your journey in some small way that we may be able to help encourage and love you through.
Thank you for keeping us all infomed.
All our best with energy,
Bruce Clukay and sons
Sent by mobile
May 4, 2013 at 1:57 pm
David Moya
Good Morning Jessica !!! You are a power of example with Godly courage ! ! I believe you are one special lady with an abandons of family love 🙂 My prayers are with you and your family !!! Wishing you a wonderful day ! God is good 🙂
May 4, 2013 at 1:58 pm
CShriver1
Thank you Jess for writing this blog and doing an excellent job of it! Hang in there each day you get closer to the end of treatment and on to getting back to your “old self.” My husband of yes, 42 years has just completed his chemo treatments. He was in remission for 5 years before his non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma reappeared in January 2013. You can do this so continue to take it one day at a time The Lord is watching over both of you. I can hardly wait until you get back to channel 6 you are a great asset to the news & traffic report you are missed each morning by so many of your fans! Prayers for you are on their way! Sincerely, Cksm1950@yahoo.com. 🙂
Sent from my iPhone
May 4, 2013 at 2:09 pm
Cindy
Jessica…so glad to get your post. You are in my prayers. Can’t wait to see your smiling face on the news again! Keep your positive attitude. It helps all of us!
May 4, 2013 at 2:13 pm
Marie Bernsrd
Jessica
You don’t know me at all. Just a viewer who has watched you on Tv. I am retiring in July after 25yrs at the same job. I wish you the same! You are the sweetest girl. It is not fair that you have to go through this. Keep your chin up and enjoy those meals from Mom when you can. We all love you and miss you on ch.6.
Marie from Palm Bay
May 4, 2013 at 2:33 pm
John Waligora
Jessica,
I never had a clue you were battling cancer. So much for my Paramedic skills via FB. I am literally in shock and you are living proof that cancer doesn’t discriminate. I will include you in my prayers because I know if God can get you through this, through your journalism, you’ll be an inspiration to so many others. I’m glad you have such a loving boyfriend & family supporting you through the most difficult challenge you’ve ever faced. Take one day at a time… But never give up fighting to make to the next day~
I don’t even personally know you, but I love you, I’m proud of you, and I’m inspired by your courage… As a Lieutenant with the Fire Dept, YOU have just as much courage as any of us. Don’t ever forget that!
May 4, 2013 at 2:41 pm
Pam Wallace
I have been thinking about you and wondering how you are doing. I know this is difficult but it sure helps with loving family and friends by your side. My brother had this and made it through it. He is still cancer free. I hope and pray the same for you dear Jessica! Will continue to pray for you while you are on this most difficult journey.
Pam
May 4, 2013 at 3:03 pm
Walt Yeomans
Jessica you are an inspiration to cancer patients everywhere, we have told our brother in law Paul Winkler from Edgewater FL who is fighting brain cancer and improving, about your struggles and EMails and he sees what you are going through and it helps in his fight. Never give up you will be back soonbetter than ever.
May 4, 2013 at 3:22 pm
Jose Colon AKA/ ALF
Your right just one day at a time is so cliche, but your a trooper and will be back at work so and at in the community as well. the best to you and the family.
May 4, 2013 at 3:28 pm
Zomy
Stay strong! It will get better…God bless you!
May 4, 2013 at 4:22 pm
Jim Venedam
Jessica. I’m glad you came back. I’ve wondered a few times how you were doing. Those drugs sound nasty, but considering what they do to your body (oops. I said “your body”…) imagine what they’re doing to those teeny tiny cancer cells. Don’t tell anyone. It’s a secret, but I hear there’s some kinda funny cigarette that eases symptoms. (and no. I’ve never used it, but am a believer).
Also, I remembered the name Norman Cousins. You should check him out on Wiki. Dunno if I read the book or the movie, but he claimed that 10 minutes of bellylaughing earned him 2 hours of satisfying sleep. He used The Marx Brothers. I was more into Laurel & Hardy. Then there was the 3 Stooges but women of taste generally avoid them.
With all the smiling you do, I imagine you have a good sense of humor. Try it. Like the Doctors all say “Couldn’t hurt”
Good Luck. I hope the Chemo and the side affects go away soon.
Jim
May 4, 2013 at 4:26 pm
sandrajs@att.net
Jessica, I can completely understand where you are coming from, as I am battling a brain tumor.. very tired at first. after biopsy, then chemo and radiation got to me. Some of your same symptoms . mouth sore and jaw that didn’t feel like it could opens. Hair loss, I got a few nice wigs from cancer society ,though I ended up just wearing a hat most of the time , too. I avoided many foods, like spicy things which I normally love or acid foods. because they caused sores in my mouth. After some time, my side effects from the chemo are getting a little better. And my tumors are looking better on the MRI, too. I wish you health .and blessings to you. Hang in there! Sandy Off subject – I got a kick out of the way you handled the drunk lady when you were reporting from New Orleans. Cant wait to see you back on Channel 6!
.
May 4, 2013 at 4:36 pm
Dr. Tom Tufts
Jessica, I don’t know you, nor have I ever heard of you. But your story really touched me. I will pray for you, and your family, in these tough times. Dr. Tom Tufts, Orlando, FL
May 4, 2013 at 6:19 pm
heather connell
We are so happy to hear from you…its got to be so hard but you are so strong and brave you will definitely beat this…lots of prayers coming your way from us all.take care and we love you
May 4, 2013 at 6:21 pm
Carolyn
Stay strong, You are beautiful inside and out.
May 4, 2013 at 6:34 pm
Mary Bassett
Sending positive thoughts and many prayers your way! Mary Bassett
May 4, 2013 at 6:46 pm
Pete Delis from WESH
We are pulling for you at WESH! Hang tough and keep up the good fight. Pete Delis
May 4, 2013 at 6:55 pm
Donna Green
Hi Jessica. So happy to read your update. I can so totally relate to everything you have written. Your comment about using the hats and scarves is exactly how I have felt during my chemo journey since Jan. 22nd. I purchased two wigs, but most days I’m so exhausted I have no energy to put on a wig, and my hats are just too cute and so much easier. The ones you bought are adorable!! Well, my journey with chemo for my Ovarian cancer is coming to an end on May 28th. You are so right when you say that life after a cancer diagnosis is different. It’s your life before cancer, and then your life after cancer. I am wishing the month of May away so I can finally be done with chemo and all it’s nasty side effects. None of us know what our future holds after treatment. I pray to God my blood work stays good and I will remain in remission. I am still in the five year timeframe for my lung cancer diagnosis (2011), so I still have to worry about that too. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. It is so hard to explain to everyone what chemo does to a person. I hope and pray everyday that eventually all forms of cancer will be cured. No one should have to endure what these chemicals to do our bodies. But, we do not have a choice right now. I know you want to live a long life and so do I, so we do what we have to right? Keep staying positive and strong even when you don’t feel like it. Did you ever research the patron saint of cancer, St. Peregrin? I pray to him a lot asking for strength everyday. Again, thanks for sharing Jessica. You remain in my prayers. God Bless.
Donna
Melbourne, FL
May 4, 2013 at 8:20 pm
Ronda Grant
Hi Jessica, Although it is difficult, you are halfway through the treatments and you continue to be strong and positive! Wishing you a comfortable, speedy and complete recovery! You are in our thoughts and prayers! Sending lots of love and good thoughts your way! 🙂
Ronda & Ed Grant
May 4, 2013 at 9:22 pm
Cathy turner
Hi Jessica, thank you for sharing your difficult journey. You are truly an inspiration. Keeping you in prayer.
Cathy Turner
May 4, 2013 at 10:33 pm
.
We think of you and say a prayer daily
May 4, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Eelyn
You are truly an inspiration,,,,,,keep your head up and prayers your way for a speedy recovery,,,,
May 4, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Shanna Edwards
You look beautiful! You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you posiitive vibes and love from Utah.xo
May 5, 2013 at 12:26 am
Allen Long
Hi Jessica, We all admire your strong will and bravery for sharing everything with us. As tough as you are you will beat this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. (like the blond wig the best) Keep the sense of humor.
May 5, 2013 at 1:50 am
Nancy Barry
Hi Jessica, my prayers continue to be with you. Keep up the great attitude ! There are brighter days ahead for you and your family ! Take care and God bless !
May 5, 2013 at 4:03 am
koalafiedbaker13
Hi Jessica, have been thinking about you lately, wondering how you’re doing! Staying positive is really important! Having your family around and near is great…and I know that helps alot…sounds like your Mom is an awsome cook! My kids say the same about me…I bake and cook as much as time allows! I will check in with you soon…take care…praying for you and missing you on Local6! ❤
May 5, 2013 at 4:45 am
lisa sanders
I have been thru some agonizing times myself first from being a single mom for 21 years with no help from my daughters dad and then the stress i have been put thru ruined my health and left me with 5 bleeding ulcers and I almost died. My kidneys have failed,I have a messed up back from a car wreck,you name it. I have just woke up everyday and put one foot in front of the other rather I wanted to or not. I do take it one day at a time and pray for strength to keep going. You will come thru this and be the wonderful person you have always been. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
May 5, 2013 at 11:06 am
Dennis Halloran
Good Morning Jessica. My name is Dennis and I also have lymphoma – a strain called Mantle Cell. I was diagnosed with it on Jan. 21, 2008 – my wife’s 60th birthday. I have been under the care of MD Anderson since that time and am doing great. Went through chemo most of the summer last year. I still go back every 60 days for an infusion of a drug called Rituxan – suppose to increase remission time. I pray that your results will be as good, or better, than mine. Keeping a positive attitude, strong family support, and the desire to “live” with cancer are the keys. I found it easier to deal with this bump in the road when I was able to talk to others in the same situation. I would be happy to be one of those people for you if you ever need that type friend. Stay strong Jessica. This is a very treatable, beatable cancer. May God wrap His arms around you and your family during this trying time.
May 5, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Arla
Jessica, you are such a bright light even in your darker days. Your grace in writing will surely help someone else, so please don’t stop writing.
You are moving along at God’s pace and he will take care of you!! I forgot about the jaw pain, but the bone pain, oh yes I remember that well. As we all say, take one day at a time, stay focused and let those meds do what they need to do. You will come out of this stronger, judt as lovely, and with compassion unlike before. Prayers up sweet girl. We are all out here cheering for you!!
May 5, 2013 at 5:18 pm
Charlie
Best wishes, Jess. You are the reason I changed to watching channel 6 in the morning and I can’t wait to see your gorgeous face on the air again.
May 5, 2013 at 9:43 pm
Dave Engel
Jessica,
You are so courageous. You seem to have a wonderful support mechanism behind you with your mom and other loved ones being there. I miss seeing your smiling face in the morning while I have my breakfast each day. I know we are total strangers but if there is anything you want or need I would gladly get it for you. You are truly inspiring.
Dave
May 6, 2013 at 1:11 am
Caroline Jenkins
You are in my prayers, Jessica. I have never had anything comparable to this and I am 75 years old. I pray that after you beat this awful cancer you will pick right back up where you left off and have nothing but a wonderful life. Let me know when to stop praying!
May 6, 2013 at 1:11 am
Amy Morton
Jess, my name is Conrad the Great. I am a big black labrador who is a therapy dog at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Last July my life changed when my mom noticed a few small drops of blood from my nose. After two biopsies and surgery I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in my nose. My mom then took me to a doggie oncologist. With a good prognosis, I started six weeks of daily radiation. In September of last yr. I completed my treatment and MD Anderson allowed me to ring the bell that cancer patients ring after they complete their treatment. It was a great day! Lisa Bell came and did a great story on me. I am now 7 months cancer free. I continue to visit patients at MD Anderson’s chemo floors. My motto is to never give up and always give back. With your awesome attitude and thousands of prayers and support you too will beat your cancer. My family will keep you in our daily thoughts and prayers. Stay Strong. Love Conrad.
May 6, 2013 at 11:58 am
Tommy Orndorf
Psst… You’re going to be just fine Jessica. Easier said than done I know; but soon you’ll look back on this experience and be an inspiration to others in your same position. 🙂
May 6, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Brian Foster
It times of despair, you realize what is important – family and those who care for you. And it looks like there are a lot of each in your corner. Keep positive, we just want you (and others) to beat this..
May 6, 2013 at 1:38 pm
Rina
Jessica ,You are a inspiration for other to keep going God Bless you !
May 6, 2013 at 1:40 pm
Rina
Jessica, You are a inspiration for other to keep going God Bless you !
May 6, 2013 at 2:10 pm
Shelly Burlon
Wow I just finished reading this and I must admit this is unbelievable. I have many friends who have Cancer but to read exactly what you have gone through really is heartbreaking. You are wonderful to want to share this with all of us. I am so proud of you and your strengths during this time.
Attitude is everything, you are very loved and very lucky to have your mother there to help you. You will beat this! You are an inspiration. I continue to pray for you and my friend Cathy in New York who is going through this again and has to stay in the hospital for another four weeks.
Keep the faith!!
May 6, 2013 at 2:34 pm
Jim Venedam
I’m back. Been sorry I didn’t comment on your pink hair. It’s fantastic. Very exciting, and I’ve never been an expert on “excitement”. The purple one is 2nd. Even those “before and after” pics are great. Nice, big smiles, even tho I see pain in the “after” face. I just scrolled up for a refresh of the top pics but had to stop a while on the pink wig. Looking forward to some hat pics. You should have a couple of those Kentucky Derby hats. Make hats have a comeback….
Three months have probably passed pretty slowly for you, but better days are coming and you’ll be flouncing around Orlando in your fancy wigs and hats and making all the boys crazy.
Have a good day
Jim in Palm Bay
May 6, 2013 at 5:24 pm
Judy
Jess you are in my prayers everyday. Miss you on the morning news. I have been watching channel 6 news since I moved here to Titusville 3 years ago. So I sure do miss seeing you every morning. Looking forward to seeing you back on the morning news.
.
May 7, 2013 at 1:31 pm
Anita Michelle
Hey Jess, keep going. We keep praying that each day gets better for you. We ask God to heel you and that we can see you on the news again soon. Please when the going gets tough remember that it will not last forever. It will be over soon. When it seems like forever remember that there are people out there that are routing for you to win this battle. We are on your side. God bless you sweety, love to you and your family. Anita and Ramon Arce.
May 7, 2013 at 11:54 pm
Lorraine Wegerif
Jess, I am praying for you. You don’t know me but I am Jason olson’s mother in law. Keep us posted on your progress! You inspire everyone!
May 8, 2013 at 3:34 am
Thomas Smith
Jessica, I do understand, my sister, Arla Tweedy, has suffered through Breast Cancer, She is so strong, they took both breasts but shs still here. She experiences many daily difficulties, depression, “chemo-brain”. Her bones are the equivalent and/or comparable to that of an 80 year old. We go on dail bike rides of about 10 miles a day, and hen we go to a fitness center and work out, her size and shape has doubled, she lost her house even though sh never missed so much as one payment, but Wells Fargo wouldn’t come off the high interest rate of 10%, She paid 75,000.00 on a 67,000.00 house, and that only covered her ridiculous interest payments. HER HEART IS BROKEN, Shs a retired Veteran, 22 years, also retired from the Melbourne PD. NO ONE did anything for her, NO ONE. BUT she didn’t give up. She has a dual Masters Degree from Barry University where she will be a teacher this year. When you lose as much as her, then say NO ONE understands, I live with her, I KNOW, I KNOW VERY WELL, but I truly wish you the very best Lady Jessica, I only hope and pray that you don’t have to lose everything you spent your life working for, especially as a single mother of 2 boys, who are both college graduates and both very successful, she has so many accomplishments and no one did anything to help her, she could use some new friends too…Arla Tweedy @ Facebook. Check her out. Love to you Jessica Sanchez.
May 8, 2013 at 5:09 pm
Diane B
Dear Jessica, your strength and optimisim is so inspiring to all. Your beautiful smile is the only accessory you need. Your smile is infectious to all of us. Always in our prayers. Cousin Diane from Vegas 🙂
May 13, 2013 at 10:00 pm
Ken
There is nothing I can say that is better than this:
(Isaiah 41:13) 13 For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I myself will help you.’
I hope this bring you comfort. Ken
May 15, 2013 at 11:31 am
Richard
Hang in there Jessica, i know is not easy but you still young and have lots going for you, we all behind you
May 15, 2013 at 2:31 pm
Lisa
Jessica, I am so sorry for what you are going through. First of all, God will not give you more than you can handle. I know you have probably heard that a million times. Most of us cannot fathom how drastically your life has changed or the horrific pain you endure daily. I loved watching you on channel 6 and loved your demeanor & sweet smile. My work schedule changed a little over a year ago so I had no idea you were diagnosed with cancer
but found out on FB when a friend posted on your timeline. I just want you to know that I will be praying for you & your family. You are a
strong & determined woman and I know that you will
thatat you will persevere your
June 14, 2013 at 2:02 pm
Bruce Chesson
Jessica, I miss not seeing you on the news every morning and look forward to the day you return. Remember “life is what you make it” your choice to remain positive will lead you back to what you want to do in the next chapter of life. You are strong. Bless you
June 23, 2013 at 4:03 am
kacie
I used to live next door to your brother a few years ago. He is good friends with my husband. Anywho…I always read the updats he posts about you. And even though ive never met you I find myself extremely inspired by you and your amazingly positive attitude. Ioften find myself in tears reading your posts…not only because I cannot imagine what you are going through and how hard it is, But with how positive and optimistic you are. It makes me tale a step back and look at my life and the things that are hard….and it doesnt ecen compare. I send you all the love, light, and positive energy that I have. I hope you kick your cáncer right in the ass 🙂
July 2, 2013 at 4:54 am
andrewedmangoewey
Reblogged this on edmangoewey and commented:
Vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc., can help cancer quite a lot and even heal it, but also faith healing can heal it more reliably, healing through prayer. I have gotten healed of chronic myeloma symptoms 4 or 5 times through prayer at prayer@cbn.com and also prayer@tbn.org, which healed the symptoms every time. Also for heart attacks in the making. I had 3 in January of 2000 and that situation got healed completely. To this day I have a perfectly healed/healthy heart and no chronic myeloma symptoms. That is leukemia for those of you who don’t know. May God bless all of you, esp. Jessica.
July 4, 2013 at 5:55 pm
andrewedmangoewey
Jessica, you know one thing I used to know that I was reminded of is that if you Ph level is acidic it causes cancer or makes cancer thrive, but if your Ph is positive, it kills cancer and cancer cannot survive in it. I think a Ph above 6.8 is positive enough to help t, but get advice from a doctor who knows about this. Dear God, I pray that you would heal Jessica’s lymphoma 100% with no symptoms left and that she would remain in good health for many years if not forever. Please heal her side effects of the chemotherapy and any treatments. Let her doctors realize the phenomenon about the positive Ph is true. I am sure they can find advice in the literature or online. I speak healing to Jessica’s lymphoma in Jesus’ Name!
July 14, 2013 at 10:29 pm
Pat Houser
Have not seen any updates in a very long time; but I just wanted to say you are still in my thoughts and prayers and I pray thing are going much better for you. God Bless you and give you strength. Pat from Michigan
October 7, 2013 at 1:12 am
Arla
Hi Jess – Thought about you today. The “Guardian of the Ribbon” (from St Augustine) was here in W. Melbourne today. Saw it coming off Hwy 95 and had to stop and see that big beautiful PINK fire truck!! Funny, that God knows how to throw in special little surprises for us, huh? It was perfect timing for me. I hugged the fireman, signed the truck, talked a while – and left with new friends and a lighter spirit. All this to say, I lift you up in prayer still and hope you are feeling much better. Waiting to hear your update on your health…..do what your doc says and listen to your body!!! From your 4-year survivor-friend out here. 🙂
November 15, 2013 at 1:18 pm
Yvonne
I first want to say your amazing person, as a cancer survivor my self I know how you feel. God is amazing and doesn’t give us anything we can’t handle. When I was going through mine I always leaned on this verse…..So do not fear,for I am with ; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you ; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…..Isaiah 41:10…….God Bless you