BLOG 24
12 April 2010
Hello All,
Easter 2010 has now come and gone (Im hoping you all had a lovely time remembering the true meaning of the season) the family is all fine here & doing well & school will soon be back in session after a busy Easter season. For me this Easter, spending time thinking more about God's ultimate sacrifice, was this year more important to me. Finding frequent time alone and taking more time out for prayer is becoming a greater focus for me, day by day.
It is now time for a new blog, as a lot has happened since my last entry & I must update you all. When I say a lot, I mean regarding the website & getting the journey out there. The interest in my journey this year has really sky-rocketed & accelerated. Most of the activities & interest listed below have been, as a result of people approaching me. A lot of varied people are hearing about my story & journey & telling their friends, linking to my site. This is great just what I was hoping would happen more this year. I had a feeling that 2010 would be a big year for JJ. It has been almost three years that www.jodiesjourney.com has been up & out on the web. I wish I could get out & promote a bit more, but my fatigue & body halt me often reminding me that everything can be done from my JJ office.
Health wise, I am glad to report that my blood counts are slowly rising.this is way behind the norm. My Hematologist believes that it has a lot to do with the depletion of my bloods prior to the last chemo regime, now 1 year ago. She has also attributed it to the 10 doses of radiotherapy I had on my R Sacrum, when I was first admitted this lowers my blood counts overall & all the treatment in total has weakened my bone marrow over time. My marrow did not stand-up well to the last 3 doses of chemotherapy/Fludarabine. The last BMA (Bone marrow Aspirate) revealed Hypo cellular Marrow, common in cases like mine.
We are pleased to see that my bloods are finally recovering, however slowly. We will however continue the Plasma infusions during this autumn & winter to ensure I stay healthy and bug free & continue to evaluate. I have found out since that my 4 bottles of Octagam/Plasma every month are the result of 14,000 plasma donations from healthy blood donors. Just a staggering figure and I praise God also for my Port-A-Cath, which eliminates painful searches for veins in my arms. After a lot of fishing around around for them, over the years - they have started to disappear in my arms, I guess similar to addicts who have to look for veins in other parts of the body.
The whole family has now had their H1N1 shots & I continue to wear a mask as a precaution, as recommended by my Hematologist. I have also mentioned to my Heam consultant that I have had 2 significant falls in the last month, due to my weaker R leg, we are watching this leg for further signs of weakness & I am taking a cane with me, when I feel it is needed. Every time, I see my Hematologist, we test both of my legs for strength to make sure, we are on track. I am still totally enjoying being part of the consulting team of the Family Advisory Council for the new Queensland Children's Hospital and learning a lot about the work involved in setting up a better children's hospital for our state.
Some of the great steps forward that have occurred since my last blog are:
8 letters now displayed on NEW page: www.jodiesjourney.com/world-leaders.html are from The Queen (Buckingham Palace),
The Duke of Edinburgh (Buckingham Palace),
The Prince of Wales & The Duchess of Cornwall (Clarence House),
The Duke & Duchess of Gloucester (Kensington Palace),
The Duke of Kent (St. James's Palace),
The Duchess of Kent (Wren House),
Her Excellency Ms. Quentin Bryce AC/Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia (Government House),
Mrs. Terese Rein, wife of the Prime-Minister of the Commonwealth of Australia (Office of the Prime-Minister).
2 new radio interviews by KRDU (Fresno, CA) talent Ken Adams
Jodies Journey published on website: www.christiannotes.com.au
Jodies Journey also published on the printed version of Christian Notes, with a circulation in the Sydney area, listed on the media page.
Jodies Journey was featured as a Faith Journey (P. 34) of the QLD bi-monthly state-wide publication of The QB (QLD Baptists State Magazine), listed on the media page.
On a rainy morning in early March, I briefly met both Karl Stefanovic & Lisa Wilkinson (Channel 9 Australia Today Show) & handed my information to them at the end of a live broadcast.
Madonna King from 612ABC Brisbane, mentioned Jodies story & website live on radio on 10th March, whilst the station supported the Leukaemia Foundations Shave For A Cure promotion.
Mid-March, Jodie talked to hundreds of potential sponsors at the Brisbane home show & acquired 3 sponsors, who are in the process of donating items/services to JJ. I am appealing to companies and sponsors to assist me to complete a list of home improvements.
In March & continuing discussions, Jodie has been discussing consultative & advisory opportunities with a Sunshine Coast Christian radio station, for a possible health radio show.
In March & April & continuing discussions - possible assistance in some health & Christian related areas of a Redcliffe Community radio station.
On 8th April, Jodie gave a live interview to the Good News Show on Redcliffe station (99.7FM) with station talent Jeuel Pavitt about Jodies Journey (Station signal from Brisbane River to Caboolture).
Testimony submitted to www.challengenews.org upon request for a future publication.
Jodie has also made initial contact with management from the Office for Women the primary office for consultation/advice to state government and other sections of government, in regards to women's issues. Jodie will be meeting with a management team in April for a series of discussions on ways the office can assist more women dealing with illness & disability, statewide.
So, as you can see interest in JJ is very intense this year I am very pleased about this my hours of sitting at my PC developing the site, has really now started to pay off, in terms of awareness and interest.
I am also happy to offer assistance and consultation to consumers/patients worldwide on the following issues: Dealing with GPs, Negotiating with hospital staff to get better outcomes, Consumer rights, Consumer complaint procedures, Blood cancer from a consumer prospective, Accessing emergency services for respite and many other consumer health topics. I am also available for online, telephonic or in-person speaking engagements and/or media opportunities, as my body permits.
I love hearing from you all and will continue with another blog, as more interest about my journey continues to be generated. Bless you all and thank you constantly for your consistent support & healing prayers.
Blessings,
Jodie Guerrero.