Saturday, January 13, 2007

And Away We Go!

Welcome to Jeff's Daily Update. I've started this blog as a way for Jeff to leave regular updates about his progress and for family and friends who are far away to stay informed.

As most of you already know, on January 11, 2007 Jeff was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastacized Melanoma that has spread to his liver and kidney. His oncologist encouraged our decision to seek additional/alternative treatments at the M.D Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas in Houston. Jeff and I are leaving from Chicago on Monday, January 15th to fly to Houston. His appointments at M.D. Anderson are on Tuesday and Wednesday. Jeff's parents, Mary and Gary, will be holding down the fort in Milwaukee. We do not yet know when we will be home. We hope to receive M.D. Anderson's treatment recommendation while we are in Houston and that they will immediately implement it. In the meantime, thank you all for your very generous prayers and offers of support and assistance. I'm sure that we will begin taking you up on them as we transition into our new routine. Until then, please check back for frequent updates and feel free to leave your comments!

33 comments:

Scotty SOS said...

Our prayers will be with you at all times....

The Dineens said...

Hello, Dodd family! We are hoping for the best for you and praying for all of you. Aubrey, if you ever want to talk about your dad to anyone, give me a call or an email. I love you all!
-Rose Hayes-Dineen

The Dineens said...

just wanted to say hi one more time. We are praying for you!

The Dineens said...

see you soon. we have some presents for you all.

SandyS said...

Am sending prayers, just started working for the church here, so I hope that makes me elgible for a miracle, if I am I'm sending it to you. Glad you can keep us posted. Grandma & Me

mka said...

The whole town of Ogallala is praying for you. The episcopal church also put you on their prayer chain plus Kelly and your family. A man I saw on tv said, "Every morning when you get up celebrate what you CAN do, don't mourn what you CAN"T. I like that saying, it might help make you stronger when the treatments start. We all love you and wish you the best.

ksu_rock said...

Dodd Squad,
We are definitely praying for you all, and for Jeff's complete recovery. Good luck with Kelly's pregnancy also, we hope that is not an additional stress factor for you.
God bless,
Anna & JJ Schuster

Peter said...

Jeff, God Bless you and your family on this difficult journey...we will keep you in our prayers...Peter & Nancy

Runges said...

Thank you for letting us know about Jeff's illness so we can keep you in our prayers. We would like to help in any way. We hope the appointments lead to a positive and definitive treatment plan.

Emily said...

You are all in our prayers. Love,
Emily Broyles and family

JoAnn said...

Novena to Saint Peregrine
Saint Peregrine, whom Holy Mother Church has declared patron of those suffering from running sores and cancer, I confidently turn to you for aid in my present need (Mention your request). Lest I lose confidence, I beg your kind intercession. Plead with Mary, the Mother of Sorrows, whom you loved so tenderly and in union with whom you have suffered the pains of cancer, that she may help me with her all-powerful prayers and consolation. Obtain for me the strength to accept my trials from the loving hand of God with patience and resignation. May suffering lead me to a better life and enable me to atone for my own sins and the sins of the world. Saint Peregrine, help me to imitate you in bearing whatever cross God may permit to come to me, uniting myself with Jesus Crucified and the Mother of Sorrows. I offer my sufferings to God with all the love of my heart, for His glory and the salvation of souls, especially my own. Amen

Joseph E. Tierney IV said...

Hey Dodds!

Thanks for letting us know. Our family will pray for yours! Remember, we are just up the street and over a block, so let us know how we can help.

JET

Mary M Clay said...

Bryan and I will be praying for you, Jeff, and for an effective treatment!!

Also, if anyone is working in the Chicago loop area, I will be attending the 12:10 daily mass at Old St. Pat's church as often as possible. All are welcome to join me in offering the mass up for Jeff.
- Mary M.

Unknown said...

Jeff & Family,

My prayers will be with you and your family throughout these tough times.
Stay positive!!

~Holly (Mary M.'s friend)

Ryan Crowley said...

Hi Dodd's,

Have a safe flight down to Huston and we are all praying for good news from the doctor tomorrow!

Ryan and Nicole

Sheila said...

Jeff and Kelly, You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. I ran into Barb Wickowitz at Mass and she has added you to the Cathedral prayer line. Take good care of each other and know our love is with you. Jeff, you're like one of my own. Mary and I share so many family stories that you've all become one big family. Kuchtas

Jerry and Lu Olmsted said...

Jeff and Kelly: We send our love and prayers. Keep us at the top of your lists for anything we can do. Uncle Jerry and Aunt Lu

David said...

our prayers are with you

BC said...

Good luck with everything in HOuston. I'll be praying for you.

Ron & Mary said...

Jeff and Kelly and family,
We will be praying for you all. Try to get as much rest as you can Kelly. We know that God will give you all the strength to get through this difficult time. We love you all and thank you for keeping us posted.
Love Uncle Ron and Aunt Mary, Kelsie and Leslie

Tam said...

I am a distant relative of yours in Hastings, NE. I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. I will keep you in my prayers -- and I spend a lot of time praying these days.

David said...

David is your second Cousin I am your Dad's cousin--David Lewis & wife George Ann We will keep you in our prayers

Natalie said...

Jeff and Kelly,
Patrick and Tracy emailed us with your update. Lots of prayers coming to you from Denver.
Natalie Tysdal

TheRamFam said...

Jeff,

You are such an amazing person. I firmly beleive that with your positive attitude and outlook, nothing can get you down or hold you back. Kerry and I and the girls are praying for you and your family as you embark on what will be a victorious journey. May God be with you and protect you.

With Love,

The Ramsden Family

The Gardiners said...

We are thinking about you and praying for you all the time.
We admire your strength in mind and spirit and we have great faith and hope. We are here for you.
Our love, Meaghen, Brendan, Grace, Clare.

Katie Clancy said...

Best of Luck in Houston! Hope everything went very well. We're keeping you in our thoughts and prayers and hoping you get to come home soon! Lots of love,
Katie Clancy

Roop Group said...

I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES!!! Sending our love and thoughts to you both. Loved the planning on the due date of your little one. I am rooting for the 21st of May. Consider yourselves hug-g-g-g-g-ged

Aunt Merry Beth and Uncle Junior

John & Peggy said...

Jeff and Kelly,
Peggy and I will be thinking of you and praying for you. Peggy has added you to her prayer list at her bedside. The best to your family.
John & Peggy Niemer

The Shopp's said...

Jeff, Kelly and Family,
First and foremost we love you and are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. I've put you on our prayer list at work and at church. Please remember God will not put you through more than you can bear. Be strong and know that we are with you in spirit - every step of the way.
All Our Love,
Reagan, Angie and Family

Terri said...

Jeff, the power of prayer is powerful is it not? Good luck with your chemo. We are praying for you every step of the way and also for a speedy recovery. We hope all goes well, and remember the sweet is sweeter when there is sour.
P.S. Kelly we would like an address where we could send something to you guys.
All our love, The Studley's

Rita said...

Dear Jeff and Kelly

When you feeling distraught remember Phil4:6-7. We love you Dad and Rita

Zek said...

We'll be praying for your family.

mark murphy said...

Hey Jeff & Family !

Let me know if I need to pull a bedside shift in Houston (seriously). I'd just need some dates so I can clear my calendar and get a flight :) I have above-average bedside manner, if that helps. Kelly has my email.

In the meantime, believe please continue to believe in the power of positive thought - and the power of the Almighty.

May God continue to bless you all !

Mark, Jen, Abe, Ben, & Mac Murphy