Three Years and Moving Forward

Jenna here

I was moved this year to re-publish the Jess Fights Back blog. I don’t know why this year, and not last or next. But it’s published and I’m glad. I’m glad that people can re-read Jess’s journey and hopefully be re-inspired by the love and hope and dedication and faith woven into every word posted in this blog.

 

I recently listened to a Ted Talk that spoke about different ways people mourn. This particular speaker lost her husband. She said people will often say “you’ll move on from this…get past this…” She said she didn’t want to move on, but she did want to move forward. I liked this. 

 

Jess’s passing very much represents the future for me in so many ways. Because of her, I have a future. Because of her, my daughters will have a future. Because of her, I can move forward.

 

I recently had to make a hard decision to move forward with scheduling my hysterectomy. The surgery is a result of an increased risk for ovarian cancer due to our family history and BRCA gene. The finality of this decision gave me pause. But after reflection, I would be putting my future in jeopardy if I didn’t move forward. And how could I take advantage of the opportunity to live a long and healthy life that Jess’s illness afforded me?

 

Nearing the anniversary of Jess’s passing, I invite those who wish to post a tribute to please do so in the comment section on any blog post that happens to move you forward.

PET Peeve and Support Please

Jess has her next PET scan coming up in early July. While we’re all hopeful for good results, the time leading up to the scan and the results can cause increased anxiety. During this time we’d like to ask all you Jess Fights Back supporters to step in and show Jess a little extra TLC.

Here are some ways you can show your support:

-Send a positive note via mail, text, e-mail or Facebook
-Offer to babysit so Jess can have a day to organize appointments and read up on medical research (or better yet, so she and Jonathan can go on a date!)
-Bring a healthy meal for Jonathan and the kids
-Contribute to her daily regimen by supplying her with money, gift cards (for example, Whole Foods, and other vitamin and natural-foods stores), or fresh, organic produce
-Purchase Jess Fights Back gear, take a picture, and send it to her

Thanks so much for your continued support!

xo
The Care Team

Jess Update

from Jo

Please keep Jess in extra prayer while she recovers from mercury filling removals. The champ continues to add weapons to her arsenal in her fight to win! Recently she went to see a highly recommended holistic dentist to have old mercury fillings removed. Many times women diagnosed with breast cancer found that they had mercury fillings on the same side of the body that had tumors. Many cancer patients who struggled to go into remission were able to finally conquer cancer once the fillings were carefully removed by a highly trained holistic dentist. Jess’ fillings were on the same side as her original tumors. Some patients experience allergic reactions after the procedure, especially if you have a compromised immune system. Our champ unfortunately has experienced severe side effects. She has endured unrelenting pain in her bones, muscles and head. It has also elicited debilitating fatigue. Of course my super twin sustains all of this with a smile!

She does need a lot of extra help until she begins to finally expel all of the toxins. If there is any way our team of Jess Fights Back Supporters could help her in any way, it would be greatly appreciated.

Jess has been extra busy seeing her naturopath more frequently over the last month as she gears up for testing to evaluate her progress. We are also looking into taking her to the Nava Center where they can do Vitamin C IV therapy. We want to do everything we can to boost her immune system. She does take vitamin c orally, but sometimes not everything is absorbed as it goes through the digestive process. She also needs an extra boost since tests revealed that her kidneys and lymphatic system were backed up from trying to release toxins. The procedure is expensive, but more than worth it!

Jess is more determined than ever to continue her strict, organic, mostly vegan diet. She consumes a large anti-cancer salad everyday along with an anti-cancer smoothie(filled with the top anti-cancer fighting foods and a great source of fiber). She also juices 40 oz or so of anti-cancer veggies daily. She is only allowed 1 serving of fruit per day. She usually tries to have 1 organic apple each day. Apples are high in pectin which grabs onto toxins and helps cleanse the body. She is only allowed 1 serving in order to keep sugar intake minimal. Even though it is naturally occurring and full of vitamins she has to keep it at a minimum. We do not want anything to feed tumors.

She has not missed a day of working out in months even when she felt awful. When I say exercise I mean rebounding. Rebounding is the most efficient way to cleanse the lymphatic system which is basically the garbage can of the body. Dr. Dori says that it is even more important to do when she is fighting a cold. She must keep blood, oxygen and nutrients flowing all throughout the body while promoting the transport of waste and toxins out of the body.

Another new protocol for her is foot soaks and infrared sauna treatments. Both of these release toxins and make her feel like a million bucks.

Jess has also increased her daily coffee enemas. This treatment promotes liver and colon health while boosting her energy. She needs so much energy just to do her daily regimen. It seems like a full time job to me!

By God’s grace He gives her strength to take care of two energetic kiddos, take care of the house and help promote their remodeling business. It amazes me how disciplined she is to do all of this daily. She does it with a smile because she wants to be there for her family.

I witness her at parties turning down cake, declining social events in order to get her required sleep, getting up before the kids to make sure she she preps her smoothie, juice prep, supplements, exercise, all day clean ups(tons of dishes from cooking, juicing, etc). It takes Jess several hours a day just to clean up after her protocol. It was taking so long that she recently started having young Rachel and Seth help with the dishes. It is so cute to see a 5 year old and a 2 1/2 year old do dishes. Sometimes it creates more of a mess, but even their little hands can help.

I thank God everyday for giving her the strength to be so disciplined and determined. I watch her take a fist full of what looks like horse pills day after day with such a great attitude. I made this special anti-cancer tea for her that looked incredibly disgusting and she looked at the cup, then looked at me and gulped it down fast. I think I threw up in my mouth just watching. The look on her face told me “this is gross, but I will do it for you. I will do whatever it takes.” It means so much to me that she is willing to do all of this in order to get healthy.

If Jess is not healthy then I feel like I am so lost. I thank God all day everyday for my sweet twin.

I cannot thank everyone enough for their sacrifices for our family. We know this journey has been so long. We could not do this without you.

Before I close I want to share how much we enjoyed the Believe Big Dinner last weekend. God is using Ivelisse Page to help make the world a better, healthier world! I was so touched by how many friends and family members have volunteered to help Believe Big with their time or through donations. I was brought to tears as I heard stories of how Believe Big gave cancer patients hope and direction. I honestly don’t think Jess would be here today if we had not talked to Ivelisse and Jimmy Page. They were the first ones to give us hope when the oncologists said it was hopeless. They helped guide our steps and taught us to become experts on our own care. Jess and I now own dozens of books on cancer fighting strategies and we have consulted with multiple naturopaths, cancer coaches and wellness centers. If you or anyone you know is battling cancer I urge you to contact Believe Big! Later this month we test her progress. We appreciate your prayers.

As always we are Believing Big!

Jess Update

From Jo

April has been a busy month for our champ! She met with her oncologist last week and had a great visit! Jaws dropped at St Agnes when they saw how good she looked. They were amazed with how energetic and vibrant she was and with how long her hair has become. It is so curly! I think I might start calling her “Curly!” Since I am Jo she might call me “Mo” and we can be two of the three stooges.  Her oncologist told her to keep up the great work. The other doctors and nurses were so happy to see her. They had missed her so much. The chemo lab always had a much better feel when she was there. I remember the nurses always putting her next to patients who needed more encouragement.

St Agnes called Jess two weeks ago to see if she could put together a list of her regimen so other patients could see it. They want Jess to share what she eats, her vitamin plan/schedule, exercise regimen and any other tips for success. It is such a blessing to be able to give back.

Jess has had several holistic dental appointments this month. Many people are slowed in the healing process if they have had mercury dental work. She is getting rid of any and all dental materials that could lead to the release of toxins. We are leaving no stone unturned! Also, Jess was not allowed to have any dental work over the last two years until now.

This week she is getting her port flushed and is making a plan for removal. It causes her a lot of pain and makes for awkward conversations when kids see it! Jess always has a funny response when asked.  Blood work at St Agnes is coming up before she goes to DC to see a special doctor about another scan that has no radiation involved. Please continue to pray for great results, encouragement, strength for each day in doing her regimen, etc.

Next month we are going to the Believe Big Dinner on May 10th, hosted by Ivelisse Page. We will get to learn about the groundbreaking mistletoe trial at Johns Hopkins, hear stories from cancer patients and more.

Thank you for helping Jess Fight Back and WIN!

Climbing High

The only climbing must of us do is climbing out of bed in the morning. Jess never fails to impress us, here she is doing the rope climb at Jo Ann’s gym. Jess fiercely climbed that rope and wouldn’t stop until she reached the top. She kept saying “I’ve got this, I’ve got this!” Just another example of when Jess sets her mind on something, she is unstoppable!

 

Peapod Grocery List

For those of you who are willing and able to send groceries via Peapod, here is a list of items that are sold through Peapod:

PRODUCE

5 LB Natures Promise Organic Carrots

Natures Promise Organic Salad Spring Mix 16 oz

1 Bunch Beets Organic

Celery Hearts Nature’s Promise Organic 16 oz

Mushrooms White Whole Nature’s Promise Organic 8 oz

Nature’s Promise Organics Broccoli Florets 16 oz

Nature’s Promise Organic Salad Baby Spinach and Spring Mix 7 oz

Cauliflower Organic 1 Head

Nature’s Earthly Choice Premium Quinoa 100% Whole Grain Organic 14 oz

Organic Tomatoes 1

Nature’s Promise Organic Green Peppers 2 ct

 

OTHER

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Vanilla Almond Milk Unsweetened 64 oz

Nature’s Promise Organic Cage Free Eggs Large 1 Dozen

Nature’s Promise Organics Almond Butter 16 oz

 

Thanks in advance for helping! Please send Peapod orders to: 2039 Deering Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230. Please schedule deliveries for Sunday evenings.

xo
The Care Team

Jess Update

From Jo

Last week Jess and I went to the Wellness Center to see her new naturopath. The visits are usually pretty lengthy. One visit can take up most of a day, but it is always productive and educational! Jess had to endure a long series of tests. The questioning is so intense it can feel like you’re on trial. I love that at this center they leave no stone unturned. Results revealed that Jess has been hard at work and it is paying off!
I am so proud of how dedicated she has been with her diet! She has had to get super creative since being on the vegan diet. She was also not allowed to have any gluten, no sweeteners, no fruit, no dairy, etc. The diet is time consuming when it comes to prep and clean up! After one day it could easily take up to two hours just to do the dishes, clean her blender, juicer, and kitchen! Jess has been juicing up to 40 oz of organic veggies/day and has a 40 oz organic, anti-cancer smoothie/day! Thank you to all of you who have sent her groceries. Her grocery bill is astronomically high from buying so much organic produce! Since she is so dedicated she was rewarded with being allowed to have 3 servings of organic, cage free chicken or wild caught salmon/week and 1 serving of low fructose fruit per day! Jess has missed having fruit! I cannot imagine not being allowed to have so many food items. Jess took it like a champ. So proud of my Super Twin who happily eats like a rabbit!!
Jess has been required to exercise 30min/day 7 days a week. Her naturopath was very firm about this. She reminds me of a boot camp instructor! She will turn people away if they are not willing to make extreme sacrifices. These sacrifices are so worth it! Jess showed signs of improvement, but her doctor told her she has a long way to go. Dr Luneski was not happy that her liver is still bogged down by toxins. She increased some of her supplements and is now requiring 40min minimum of exercise per day with no rest days!
Dr. Luneski increased some of her supplements, which means that it will be more time consuming. The supplements she takes require special prep before she ingests them. She also has all of these breathing exercises she has to do. The doctor really wants Jess to eliminate stress. Dr luneski told us that lowering Jess’ stress should be our primary goal right now. We are researching yoga, meditation and other methods used for relaxation.
Extra prayers are needed right now because while Jess is progressing nicely, she is experiencing a lot of detoxing symptoms. Over the last month she has a record number of colds and headaches. Dr Luneski reminded us that these symptoms are normal. In the past she wasn’t healthy enough to release toxins. The toxins were trapped in the cells. As she improves, the cells will release the toxins and cause temporary symptoms. Jess makes me smile when she is super excited about these brutal symptoms because it means she is healing. I have never known a happier person while in pain. This joy definitely comes from the Lord! Even though Jess is so chipper she needs extra encouragement. This road has been long and hard, but God has been faithful. I pray all day everyday that God will provide continued support and encouragement for the Rehns. Their tank needs to be filled to keep going. A kind word of encouragement in the morning can give her the strength she needs to keep giving this battle everything she has all day long.
Jess is also experiencing painful spasms in her abdomen and hip area. We believe it is due to adhesions forming after her ovary and fallopian tube removal surgery. She has to see the doctor to be sure this is the cause for her pain.
Pray that Rachel and Seth continue to adapt well. They are showing more and more concern over mommy. They wonder how much longer will mommy have to see so many doctors? How long will she be so tired? Jonathan has been working extra hard to take the kids away during these times so they only see their mommy at her best. Pray that God will provide extra strength for Jonathan.
This month is a super busy month filled with extra appointments. She has two holistic dental appointments, lab work, oncologist visits, thermography tests to check her progress and a scan. Rachel and Seth finish school at the end of this month too. Jess has been hard at work taking them to school(she is required to go and help teach) and going over daily school lessons. She might be more excited about the Summer break than Rachel and Seth! Rachel turns 5 this month! She is growing up so fast.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. We are blessed beyond measure. If you have a spare moment please encourage Jess and Jonathan any way you can. While Jess is experiencing intense/painful detox symptoms and gearing up for testing they could use the encouragement more than ever.

-Jo

Stronger Harder Better Faster

Jess training hard under Jo’s watchful eye! I think after this routine the cancer cells will be too exhausted to even think about multiplying. If Jess isn’t inspiration to get off the couch and move, what is?

Jess Update

From Jo
It has been almost three months since my last update on my super twin. Jess has really outdone herself again. The last two years have taught us so much. There is so much information out there on fighting cancer. The tricky part is finding the right regimen and determining the root causes. We do not want to just take care of symptoms. We believe that God has given us the perfect plan for success. Jess may be small, but she is so fierce! She fiercely went after her latest routine with the vehemence of a hungry lion! Her attempt at a vegan lifestyle proved to be quite successful. She also met with a new naturopath in order to get another perspective. The new naturopath was at a wellness center that performed special tests unique to Jess’ needs. We discovered Jess had a few allergies that were slowing the healing process down. She continued her mistletoe treatments and incorporated much more exercise. Daily exercise is new for her. She is finally getting her strength back after all the surgeries and rounds of brutal chemo. Rebounding on a trampoline aids in cleaning the lymph system which is basically the garbage can of the body. Exercise is the only way to get the lymph moving. Rebounding is the most effective way to do this. In order to heal properly she must detox her body. Jess usually does this outside with the kids. She was encouraged to get 30 minutes of sunshine daily. Each day the goal is to get to bed early. It is recommended that you get 4-4.5 hours of sleep minimum by 4am. Juicing is a big part of the Rehn household these days. Juicing daily has been one of the most valuable parts of her new regimen. We have incorporated a lot of Dr Max Gerson’s therapies. I have been so proud of Jess’ dedication to her time consuming routine. The raw vegan diet requires so much prep and clean up. Jess’ hands keep cracking from washing all those dishes. One of the most challenging aspects of her new plan is that it is hard to juggle kids and treatment. Jess has allowed Rachel and Seth to help mommy. It is so precious to see them help her juice, make big anti-cancer salads, exercise, get outside, rest, etc. I love seeing how God has used this journey to shape Rachel and Seth into two of the most kind, compassionate and health educated kids I have ever known. Recently I was helping Jess with the kids and asked Rachel what she wanted to do. She said that she wanted to go outside and exercise and get vitamin D! How many 4 year olds say that? We see her new naturopath again in a week. More testing will be done to determine her level of success on the new program. We are super excited. Jess saw a holistic dentist this past Monday. The last time she saw her cardiologist her heart issues had basically vanished. Last summers chemo almost caused her to go into heart failure. Fingernails have grown back and the itching in her forearm is gone. The itching was a side effect of too many toxins in the body last summer. These improvements would not be possible without all the support we have received. I have learned there are no bad days. Only good days and great days. Our generous family and friends have made this ride so much easier. We are so grateful for the financial support, meals, cards, encouraging Facebook messages, calls, babysitting, prayers, etc. It amazes me that people who only met Jess once or not at all have helped her like she was family. Some time next month Jess should be getting another PET scan. We are praying hard and believing big! We have a lot to look forward to this spring! Rachel turns 5 next month on the 25th. Where did the time go??? Thank you all for everything you have done for us. We can never thank you enough.

Picture Perfect

Fighting the Healthy Way

Here is a video from Jess’s health coach, Chris Wark:

http://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/kay-healing-pancreatic-cancer-naturally-after-treatment-failed/

We Need Your Help!

Hi Everyone! We know that beyond asking for your emotional support we’ve also communicated that financial contributions are super helpful. We wanted to introduce a new way that you can contribute to helping Jess, and this is something that is super critical to her new regimen. It’s been a challenge for Jess to get to the grocery store when she needs to, and because of her new diet regimen the Rehn grocery bills are growing and growing, so we wanted to extend an idea where you can add a few extra groceries to your weekly shopping trip and drop them off at the Rehn house.

Here are the top ten grocery items that would be super helpful for you to provide to her on a weekly basis. If you are willing to add these extra items to your weekly grocery cart and drop them off Sunday evening, we’d appreciate it. To avoid multiple people dropping off groceries, please email Jenna at palfrey(dot)jenna(at)gmail(dot)com to schedule your week.

• Bob’s Red Mill Organic Gluten Free Oatmeal
• Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• Organic Spring Salad Mix (preferred brand: “Olivia’s”)
• Organic Carrots
• Organic Celery
• Organic Beets
• Organic Avocados
• Organic Cage Free Eggs
• Organic Broccoli
• Organic Cauliflower

If you want to contribute but don’t have time to drop off groceries to the Rehn on Sunday evening, you can also use PeaPod.com. (For those of you who attend church with the Rehn family, you may bring the groceries to church on Sundays).

If you’re willing and able to provide more than the “critical 10” listed above, here is a list of additional items.

• Sweet Potatoes
• Organic Kale
• Organic Spinach
• Avocados
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Organic Carrots
• Organic Oatmeal Rolled Oats
• Navitas Superfood Powder
• Navitas Goji Berries
• Organic Hemp Seeds and Organic Chia Seeds
• Organic Almond Butter
• Organic Flax Seed
• Leeks
• Organic Brussels Sprouts
• Organic Asparagus
• Organic Brown Rice
• Organic Beans
• Organic Quinoa
• Bananas
• Organic Apples
• Organic Red or Green Peppers

Back and Forth

Since Jess’s most recent recurrence of cancer and her decision to postpone chemo treatment and pursue a more aggressive alternative, all natural approach to treatment, many of you have expressed concern and doubt. We understand your concern and understand your worry. Chemo is the most widely understood treatment for cancer, but in many cases it doesn’t work, and in many cases the recipients of the drugs, overtime, become resistant to that type of treatment. Jess’s cancer may be incurable, but that doesn’t mean that it’s terminal, and that doesn’t mean that it can’t be managed by methods other than chemo. There is no one that has more at risk than Jess, and no one more determined than her to manage the recurrence and spread of her cancer. To assuage your concern, we encourage you to ask questions about her approach to treatment; we’re happy to explain the research, and the process by which she is committed to following. In addition to her team of advisors (natural path, nutritionists, and other specialists), Jess will continue to see her oncologist at St. Agnes. She is also pursuing opportunities for clinical trials at well known facilities such as the NIH, Johns Hopkins, and possibly MD Anderson. Additionally, Jess will continue to have regular PET scans, at which point she and her team will discuss her treatment plan and decide what is the best past forward.

During this time, while we recognize that the back and forth recurrence of cancer may be Jess’s new normal, we do ask that you continue to share with Jess encouraging, uplifting, and motivating words and gestures. Here are some ways you can show your support:

-Send a positive note via mail, text, e-mail or Facebook
-Offer to babysit so Jess can have a day to organize appointments and read up on medical research
-Bring a healthy meal for Jonathan and the kids
-Contribute to her daily regimen by supplying her with money, gift cards (for example, Whole Foods, and other vitamin and natural-foods stores), or fresh, organic produce
-Purchase Jess Fights Back gear, take a picture, and send it to her

Thanks so much for your continued support!

xo
The Care Team

 

From Jess: Thankful

I am so thankful for my amazing twin sister’s post and all the encouraging comments. Though our trials may seem tough our God is tougher and he continues to see us through! It has been remarkable to see how God has moved in this journey. With God we believe I will be healed again.

I’m thrilled to celebrate 6 years of marriage with my amazing husband! He works so hard to provide for our family, care for our children, lead our family in a Godly way, love and care for me constantly, and so much more! He worked over 12 hours today and came home to help put the kids to bed. Then he helped me juice for 45 minutes. ( It usually takes an hour). Then it’s time to make my coconut fruit smoothie, Budwig protocol, take more supplements, more rebounding on the trampoline, more supplements, take mistletoe, devotions, and bed time. That is less than usual.

I am also so grateful for the way our church family looks out for us. So many have sacrificed a great deal to be a blessing and encouragement to us. It has left me speechless! ( That is hard to do!)

Thank you friends and family who love on us, make me healthy meals at holiday parties for me to enjoy, help us cover the high cost of food and supplements, and show us their support in so many ways.

I am so undeserving of such kindness and love!

Psalm 86:15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

-Jess

Jess Update

from Jo

2014 has already been a busy year. We did not receive the news we were hoping for with the scan. Just because we did not get the answer we prayed for it does not mean that God is not moving. In fact, He is moving more than ever.

We were told by Jess’ oncologist that she could not go back on chemo and stay on it for very long. At some point her body would resist it and cause the cancer to grow more rapidly. She told us that whatever Jess does outside of St Agnes is helping tremendously and that she needs to not only keep it up, but do more. St. Agnes frequently asks Jess to share with other patients her strict regimen. Nurses have been in tears asking her to share about which vitamins she takes, her diet and other alternative methods.

The doctors never expected a clean scan from Jess. The first time she got one the hospital was in tears. Her oncologist said “keep doing what you are doing!” Jess was the only patient on chemo not totally wrecked by treatment. She was the only one who could exercise, eat regularly, not lose her hair and who could avoid a plethora of other horrible side effects.

God provided generous friends and family to support her in her fight. Your support allowed her to see a highly trained medical doctor who was also a naturopath. We put Jess on a strict diet that while it was incredibly expensive it has helped save her life. Her diet and supplementation plan kept her from having heart failure. Another reason why her oncologist wanted to delay chemo was because of the damage it was creating in her organs. She was on the brink of heart failure. Her supplement plan helped to save her heart and even cause improvement. She was also experiencing allergic reactions from the hormone drugs. If she had not been on her strict diet she could have been hospitalized many times.

I thank God constantly for the Page family who directed us to Believe Big. Ivelisse Page encouraged us to be proactive and to become our own advocates. Before this diagnoses I would never have thought to see a naturopath. Jess and I have learned so much over the last two years. We take time everyday to read about cancer fighting strategies. This research has increased significantly over the last month. We learned that you must be the expert when it comes to your health. St Agnes told Jess that “clearly you have done your research”. It amazes me how many times I met patients who had no idea what meds they were taking and why. We are questioning everything.

We were definitely surprised by the reoccurrence. This just means that we are close to the right formula for Jess. The growth that occurred was small. We just have to make some adjustments. We decided to take Jess to a Wellness Center that does more therapies. A couple weeks ago we spoke with a health coach who helped us determine that Jess still had to fix her environment. She got a special water filtration system to take out the toxins in her water. Wow, what a difference that made. You don’t realize how bad it was until you drink the right water. She got filters for the shower head, changed out her cleaning supplies and soaps, got rid of her candles, changed out her pots and pans, etc. All of these things were bringing toxins into her body. She stopped using the microwave and started a strict raw vegan diet. Jess is experiencing amazing results just from these changes. She ate super healthy before, but this is even more hardcore. Her energy is increasing, her blood work is improving, side effects from old chemo treatments are disappearing etc. The challenge with this diet is that it is more expensive and incredibly time consuming. It is totally worth it though because these things are boosting her immune system. Together with the help of doctors, nurses, naturopaths, and nutritionists, Jess has a new plan of attack! Now that Jess is getting her strength back it was recommended that she exercise an hour everyday. The Wellness Center that has helped patients with even worse diagnoses were adamant that Jess do this. All of these things will reverse the tumor growth, boost her strength and heal her organs from the damage caused by treatments over the last two years.

We are also in communication with NIH. We are doing whatever it takes. We do know that it is God who heals. We just want to do our best and let God do the rest.

I cannot thank the Birmingham family, Mary Ray , Julie Daniels and Gayle Brooks for their help with Jess and the kids. They have gone above and beyond for our family. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. I believe that because of their help Rachel and Seth have barely noticed what their mommy is going through. They are happy, well adjusted kids who feel loved. One big thing Jess has been told many times is that she has to live a quiet, peaceful life. We are doing everything we can to keep her stress down.

The next three months will be super critical. Please continue to pray for healing and peace. Thank you so much for all the letters of encouragement you send her. I know she looks forward to your encouraging words.

Could you also pray that she could get help with her lawsuit against her original doctor who was negligent and misdiagnosed her? We waited on doing this so we could focus on her healing, but now she has to submit something to a lawyer before the case closes.

We are extremely excited to see what God will do over the next few months.

As always we are Believing Big!

-Jo

From Jess

Jonathan and I are doing well. In fact we’re excited about new therapies! This has given us the opportunity to explore great therapies with no harsh side effects. God prepared us for this! We’re giving it to God. Psalm 27:14 Wait for The Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Wait for The Lord!

Difficult Times, Double Positivity

From Jo
Unfortunately the scan revealed a little growth back on the bone. Even though this is not what we wanted to hear Jess responded amazingly. She bravely took the news and told her oncologist that she is excited to see how God would heal her again. She embodied more Christ like strength than ever before. Jess is eager to add some new weapons for her attack against this disease. Jess and Jonathan walked out of the hospital with smiles on their faces. This response can only be powered by God. I am so proud of my brave sister. Please continue to pray. Your prayers have not gone unanswered.

Praying Hard

From Jo
Praying hard and believing big for a clean PET scan for Jess today. If you have a moment let Jess know you are praying. God has given her so much strength through supportive friends and family. We thank God for you everyday.

“I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new That’s what faith can do
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard Impossible is not a word”

Merry and Bright

Merry Christmas from the Rehn family!

Jess Update

from Jo

Jess has recovered very well from her surgeries back on November 15th. We are grateful for all the help and support she received over the last month. Helping with the kids and preparing healthy meals allowed Jess more time to recover properly. It was hard for Jess not to pick up or wrestle with her two insanely cute kiddos! Rachel and Seth kept offering to take care of mommy. They frequently dress up and play “doctor”. One of the many blessings we have seen in all of this is how nurturing her young children have become.

November brought quite a few colds in the Rehn household. They battled and won victoriously. Jess even had a bout of the stomach flu that reminded me of her chemo days.

It has been wonderful not having to do chemo. Jess is still super busy receiving hormonal treatments in the chemo lab, frequent blood work visits, heart tests, naturopath visits, oncology check ups, etc. Getting treatment is like a full time job by itself. She is also busy with medical phone calls and paperwork.

She has become quite creative with organizing her vitamins, supplements, medical paperwork and research papers. Everyday she studies the latest anti-cancer information. She wants to learn more so that she can have the best arsenal possible in fighting and winning and so that she can help others.

Jess came with me to an interview on tv about my powerlifting training and overcoming a prophylactic double mastectomy. They were running really behind schedule, but as usual she was sweet and so patient. It was such an honor and blessing to share how I dedicated my powerlifting training and comeback to my brave sisters Jess and Jenna. Jess and I were interviewed in front of a live audience. We received a standing ovation. I hope and pray that God will bless us with more opportunities to share Jess’ miraculous story and how there is always hope.

Jess has a PET scan coming up on Monday, December 30th at about 7am. She has to do a strict fast the two days prior to her scan. We will meet with her oncologist on December 31st to get the results. We are praying hard and Believing Big for another clean PET scan.

Jess is doing her best and allowing God to do the rest. She has been super diligent with taking her supplements, eating a very strict ant-cancer diet and exercising. The next 3 weeks will be super critical. Pray that she feels well and that she can sleep through the night. She rarely sleeps through the night anymore due to side effects from her old chemo treatments and her current drug regimen. Sleep will allow her to heal.

As the year comes to a close I want to thank you all for your unending support. You have no idea what it means to Jess and our family. I am frequently amazed at how many people I don’t even know tell me that they have been praying for Jess. I think I am brought to tears probably once a day because of how generous and kind people have been. Before the diagnoses I could not remember the last time I cried. We are eternally grateful. May you all have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

All I want for Christmas is another clean scan for my super twin!! Please spread the word to pray for Jess!!

-Jo

Keeping Score

While getting some lab work, Jess tested her ph levels and got the best score – 7.5, very alkaline-healthy!

Tis the Season

Happy, healthy, and having fun!

From Jess

Praise God for his provision for me. Thanks to the amazing help I have received from meals, cards, prayers, help with children, etc I am recovering quite nicely. I’m ahead of schedule! It was more painful in the beginning than I expected but doing better this week than I expected. God is good!

-Jess

Jess Update

from Jo

The surgeries Friday were a success, although Jess has been in much more pain than expected. Even in the midst of all the pain she is always smiling. Jonathan has been sick too. Even though he has been sick he has been so loving and nurturing towards Jess. We were getting up every 30 minutes throughout the night to give her meds and to move her around to ease the pain. We are so blessed to have people provide meals and to help with the kids. Having the extra help allowed me the opportunity to tend to Jess and Jonathan around the clock without interruption. Julie (Jonathan’s sister) has been incredibly helpful! I don’t know what we would do without her! I have enjoyed spending time with my twin sister and brother in law. We have bonded so much over the last two years. We got a bad case of the giggles when Matt came over to help make food. Poor Jess kept saying her incisions hurt because we kept laughing so much. God has blessed Jess with such a fun loving spirit. I am amazed at how well she manages pain. She makes the best of every situation. Please pray that Jess will heal quickly. Thank you all for your support.

-Jo

From Jess

Praise God, the surgery went well. The doctors, nurses, and other St. Agnes staff gave me the royal treatment today. I can’t thank them enough for making everything so pleasant for me. I’m extremely thankful for my awesome care team, Jonathan, Jo, Matt, Marcus, Julie, and Lilli for doting on me at the hospital and at home. God gave me great peace today. I wasn’t afraid, the Lord took that burden from me. The fact that I loved being at the hospital seemed crazy to the staff but that was the work of God. I feel so blessed and encouraged by all the touching posts, texts, notes, kind words, meals, and help with my children. I’m having such a great time with the family at home that it makes it difficult to go to bed. I’m in quite a bit of pain despite the medications but I’m still having a blast. Thank you Lord for turning seemingly difficult trials in this life to something good, even something to be thankful for. God is good!

Psalm 100:5
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

-Jess