Jesse's Staying Strong!

My apologies for the tardiness of this post.  I've been so consumed with planning our amazing pancake breakfast fundraiser, that I have failed to provide timely updates on Jesse and the family.  Here's where we're at:

Round four of the 6 round bout of chemo took place a couple weeks ago.  As has been the case throughout treatment; during the few days of chemo, Jesse is not doing much.  He laid around on the couch and watched his beloved Hawkeyes win another football game.  The chemicals are tough on the body.  During treatment, he's pretty down and dragging.

Things turn around pretty quickly in the 3 weeks between treatments.  Jesse is himself.  According to Andrea, "He's the same person he's always been when not on the pills."  He's the same old caring, fun-loving Jesse that we all know and love. 

Kalen, (his 7 year old son) has started flag football, and he wants to be the star QB.  Dad (aka Jesse) is a proud papa and has been working hard with Kalen in the backyard.  He says Kalen has a pretty good arm on him.

So, how about the prognosis, you ask?  Well, only time will tell at this point.  The doctors have said that they won't know much until after all of the chemo treatments.  My assumption is that they will do another MRI at that time to see how things are going.

That's all we have for now.  We're busy making final preperations for the Jesse Haworth Benefit Pancake Breakfast, on October 2nd, 2010 from 8am - noon at the Meredith Drive Reformed Church in Des Moines, IA.   I hope you all will be able to attend and help us raise money to cover Jesse's medical bills.  As I'm sure many of you have been touched by cancer already, the medical bills can really start to pile on.

Have a good weekend.....and check out our flyer!  And check out the awesome Raffle and Auction Prizes!!

R&R Time

Jesse is now starting to feel better during this 1st round of rest and relaxation time (of course....how much R&R can one truly get with a 7 year old at home ;) He's staying strong, but is also happy that the first round of chemo is over.  He's been hangin' out with Andrea, watching Kalen play baseball, and staying productive at work on the "good days." 

Jesse will go in for blood work on July 1st.  If everything looks good there, the doctors will "up" his chemo dose for round 2 of treatment in early to mid July.  Please just continue to pray for healing and strength for Jesse and his family.  And, don't forget to check back here regularly for more updates.  "Player introductions" to come soon.

Here's to a good week!!

Chemotherapy Has Begun

Jesse is well into his radiation and chemo regimen. After a successful surgery in the winter, followed by 6 weeks of radiation therapy, Jesse has now begun his chemotherapy. Today will be his last day of his first cycle of chemo. Jesse will be undergoing 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Each cycle consists of 5 days of treatment. The good news is that he has been prescribed chemo in a pill form, so he is able to stay home for his treatment. Jesse will take 6 pills each night for 5 nights, and then will have a three week "rest" before the next cycle begins, resulting in a 6 month treatment program.

Jesse has stayed strong and positive through this entire process, and is determined to overcome this "bump in the road." I've been told by Andrea that the chemo has given him quite an upset stomach, but as far as I know, that has been about the only complaint. Although you never wish this on anyone, Jesse is definitely a person that will persevere and battle through. He has already been an inspiration to me, and many others, as we've watched him meet this challenge head on. We'll continue to post updates on his progress on this blog, so please stay tuned and visit regularly.

Finally, please keep Jesse and his family in your prayers and let's join to help them fight this battle with friends and family close by. If you have the means and are willing to help out financially, I ask that you'll look to the top of the blog for information on how to donate to the "Jesse Haworth Benefit." My personal goal is to help them raise $3,000 - $4,000 for ongoing medical expenses for the next year. If your generosity helps raise more than that, Jesse and Andrea will donate any excess to the American Cancer Society.