The reason for writing this particular posting, is that many of you have wondered how you can help us. Lots of you have figured out creative ways that have been extremely useful and/or fun. We feel a little overwhelmed with a full-on fundraiser at this time, but we are not adverse to your assistance in other ways.
If people would like to give, or have questions regarding what, how, when, etc., you can contact the Hellestos at bradandwithe@juno.com. Our friend Witherly will have a current list of needs, wants, etc. She has the credit union account number for financial donations, and an updated list of other things we typically could use. (The most current list is included below.) Please don't feel confined to this however. We've received tickets to the movie theater, house cleaning, dinners out, and other fun things. We can get caught up in our own little world, and it can help to have it expanded.
So...here's the list as of September 5th, 2006...
Financial donations: An account has been set up at OSU Credit Union. You can go to any branch, and simply tell them to deposit into our contribution account. This money goes toward medical bills, travel to appointments, co-pays, alternative treatment (supplements, acupuncture, IV vitamin C, herbalist and other consultations, etc.)
Meals: are being coordinated by Lillian Edmonds or Denise Cipolone. You can contact the church office at 541-753-2802 for their phone numbers.
Gift Cards are welcomed...we frequent the following stores:
Safeway - gas
Fred Meyer, First Alternative, Bald Hill Farms, Winco
Trader Joe's (Portland/Eugene), or Whole Foods (Portland)
Local or Portland restaurants, preferably ones with organic foods
Labor: Steven Bjork is coordinating a revamping of our back yard and fence re-building. You can contact him or Sue Brim to participate. The church office will have their numbers.
Mechanical Skills: Car or appliance repairs are occasionally needed. If there is a person that is willing when the need arises, we'd appreciate the help.
Fun Stuff: It's been difficult to justify the time or money to do fun family activities. Admission passes to places like the Zoo, the Aquarium, OMSI, or some concerts (Not of the Madonna or MTV variety) would be well received.
We were just given a weekend at a friend's coast home, and Pat and I realized we haven't spent any time away together, that hasn't been cancer related, for almost two years.
Thank you again.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Sarah, Sept update
One reason we created this blog is to keep you in touch with our family and with my cancer in specific. Since our daughter Sarah's treatment is happening in tandem with mine, we can keep folks updated with hers as well.
Sarah, our thirteen year old, has had her 2nd dosing of chemotherapy now, and is not QUITE as chipper, but is hanging in there. The plan is to go to OHSU for the first dosing, (the 1st Monday was August 21). The 2nd dose, which is 3 different drugs, happened the 2nd Monday, Aug. 28th in Portland. Since she tolerated the first time ok The second dose can happen in Corvallis. She was on oral Prednisone for 2 weeks, and an oral chemo drug for one week. Now, she gets two weeks off with no drugs!! Two weeks on, then two off. She has to get her PICC line dressing changed weekly, which is a real drag removing tape, cleaning around the tubing, and replacing the tape and gauze so nothing can get in there and provide a host for bacteria. We're glad that we can do that in Corvallis. If the clinic wasn't tired of Hazletons after 20 weeks of one-day a week of Jeanne and Pat, we can really test their mettle now, by adding even MORE to their already crazed weeks!!!
And for those that didn't know, Nicole, our 24 yr. old was involved in an auto accident and is in some physical therapy for that as well. She's making progress as long as she doesn't overdo it. That can be a problem :D
And the latest update, as of Sept 7th, Valerie, our 21 year old, also recently was in an accident, and her car was totaled. She went to see a doctor as a precautionary measure, to check for injuries. So, hopefully there will be nothing long term to worry about.
Sarah, our thirteen year old, has had her 2nd dosing of chemotherapy now, and is not QUITE as chipper, but is hanging in there. The plan is to go to OHSU for the first dosing, (the 1st Monday was August 21). The 2nd dose, which is 3 different drugs, happened the 2nd Monday, Aug. 28th in Portland. Since she tolerated the first time ok The second dose can happen in Corvallis. She was on oral Prednisone for 2 weeks, and an oral chemo drug for one week. Now, she gets two weeks off with no drugs!! Two weeks on, then two off. She has to get her PICC line dressing changed weekly, which is a real drag removing tape, cleaning around the tubing, and replacing the tape and gauze so nothing can get in there and provide a host for bacteria. We're glad that we can do that in Corvallis. If the clinic wasn't tired of Hazletons after 20 weeks of one-day a week of Jeanne and Pat, we can really test their mettle now, by adding even MORE to their already crazed weeks!!!
And for those that didn't know, Nicole, our 24 yr. old was involved in an auto accident and is in some physical therapy for that as well. She's making progress as long as she doesn't overdo it. That can be a problem :D
And the latest update, as of Sept 7th, Valerie, our 21 year old, also recently was in an accident, and her car was totaled. She went to see a doctor as a precautionary measure, to check for injuries. So, hopefully there will be nothing long term to worry about.