Hi Girls
Thank you all for attending our Girls Night In and/or making a donation
to our fundraising efforts for Cancer Council and breast cancer.
It was such a wonderful night and so good to see you all.
We raised almost $2000! Jen is hoping Macquarie will match this with
their Matching Gifts Program.
We are very grateful to you all and lucky to have such good friends.
Best Wishes
Cathy, Jen and Maryanne
Tuesday, 6 November 2012
Thursday, 20 September 2012
GIRLS NIGHT IN for PINK RIBBON DAY
Hello Ladies
We are hosting a GIRLS NIGHT IN on Monday 22nd October for Pink Ribbon Day.
We would love it if you could join us for a drink and a canape or two. It will be a great opportunity to catch up with everyone after a very eventful year for Jen, and to say thank you for your prayers and well wishes.
Details are:
Jen's Angels Girls' Night In
Date: Monday 22 October 2012
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Where: Apt 3/ 501 Bronte Rd, Bronte
RSVP: Please let me know if you are able to make it by 15 October: ckovacs@me.com or text to 0411269545
We will be collecting donations at the door for the Cancer Council. Cancer Council is a community funded, community focused cancer charity dedicated to the defeat of cancer and is the ONLY cancer charity in Australia that helps those affected by breast cancer throughout their entire breast cancer journey.
If you can't make it on 22nd, but would still like to donate below is the link to the fundraising page.
See you on the 22nd.
Jen and Cathy
http://nsw.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/jensangelsgirlsnightin
We are hosting a GIRLS NIGHT IN on Monday 22nd October for Pink Ribbon Day.
We would love it if you could join us for a drink and a canape or two. It will be a great opportunity to catch up with everyone after a very eventful year for Jen, and to say thank you for your prayers and well wishes.
Details are:
Jen's Angels Girls' Night In
Date: Monday 22 October 2012
Time: 6pm - 9pm
Where: Apt 3/ 501 Bronte Rd, Bronte
RSVP: Please let me know if you are able to make it by 15 October: ckovacs@me.com or text to 0411269545
We will be collecting donations at the door for the Cancer Council. Cancer Council is a community funded, community focused cancer charity dedicated to the defeat of cancer and is the ONLY cancer charity in Australia that helps those affected by breast cancer throughout their entire breast cancer journey.
If you can't make it on 22nd, but would still like to donate below is the link to the fundraising page.
See you on the 22nd.
Jen and Cathy
http://nsw.cancercouncilfundraising.org.au/jensangelsgirlsnightin
Friday, 24 August 2012
Jen's Back!...and an Invitation
Hi Angels,
Well I think we called the recovery slightly early last time, but now I am happy to tell you that JEN K. IS BACK!
My last post was 2 months ago, and at the time Jen had completed radiotherapy and was expecting it to be smooth sailing from there. Unfortunately, the cumulative effects of all the treatment had a delayed reaction, and for a while there Jen was feeling pretty miserable.
Finally, those feelings have passed, and Jen is feeling well enough to face the world again.
After a long 11 months of treatment, honestly harder than she had envisioned, Jen is back to her old self. She is feeling healthy, less tired, more sociable and more capable of dealing with the hub bub of everyday life.
Last week, Jen and Will had a lovely family holiday with the girls in Fiji. Where better to shake off the gloomies? After a week with the sun on your back, the salt water in your hair, and the peace, love and kindness of the Fijians, everything seems rosy, and no mountain too big to climb.
Jen's now feeling ready to go back to work. The wonderfully patient team at Macquarie are welcoming her back in a couple of weeks. She'll start off slowly, and build up to her full capacity by the end of the year. This is a huge step in the right direction, putting behind her the trials of the last year. It is the last piece in the 'back to normal' puzzle she's been focusing on achieving.
22 October is Pink Ribbon Day, when we get together to raise awareness and funds for women's cancers. Jen would love it if we got the girls together for a Girls Night In. Ladies, please SAVE THE DATE. When we work out the details, we'll be in touch again.
I hope those of you in Sydney are out enjoying the spectacular day.
Take care all
Cathy (and Jen)
Well I think we called the recovery slightly early last time, but now I am happy to tell you that JEN K. IS BACK!
My last post was 2 months ago, and at the time Jen had completed radiotherapy and was expecting it to be smooth sailing from there. Unfortunately, the cumulative effects of all the treatment had a delayed reaction, and for a while there Jen was feeling pretty miserable.
Finally, those feelings have passed, and Jen is feeling well enough to face the world again.
After a long 11 months of treatment, honestly harder than she had envisioned, Jen is back to her old self. She is feeling healthy, less tired, more sociable and more capable of dealing with the hub bub of everyday life.
Last week, Jen and Will had a lovely family holiday with the girls in Fiji. Where better to shake off the gloomies? After a week with the sun on your back, the salt water in your hair, and the peace, love and kindness of the Fijians, everything seems rosy, and no mountain too big to climb.
Jen's now feeling ready to go back to work. The wonderfully patient team at Macquarie are welcoming her back in a couple of weeks. She'll start off slowly, and build up to her full capacity by the end of the year. This is a huge step in the right direction, putting behind her the trials of the last year. It is the last piece in the 'back to normal' puzzle she's been focusing on achieving.
22 October is Pink Ribbon Day, when we get together to raise awareness and funds for women's cancers. Jen would love it if we got the girls together for a Girls Night In. Ladies, please SAVE THE DATE. When we work out the details, we'll be in touch again.
I hope those of you in Sydney are out enjoying the spectacular day.
Take care all
Cathy (and Jen)
Saturday, 16 June 2012
The sky is clearing!
Hello Angels,
As the heavens continue to send forth the rain, Jen's clouds are clearing, and she can see the light on the horizon in terms of her treatment.
I won't recap the stats, but as you all know, it's been 9 months of hell for Jen and Will. Fortunately this is the last week of her radiotherapy, and Jen is really looking forward to getting off the medical treadmill.
As you'd expect, the end of treatment brings mixed emotions. She's relieved to have finished the treatment, so now..... we have to wait patiently to see the fabulous results of all those horrible drugs.
Over the next few months Jen is going to focus on her wellbeing, getting fit, and doing what makes her happy. The good news for all of us is that what makes Jen happy is catching up with friends and family. So I expect you'll all be seeing much more of Jen and Will from now on.
Fortuitously, the end of treatment coincided with Jen and Will's 4th wedding anniversary. Hard to believe it was only 4 yrs ago that we celebrated that great day. Jen and Will have definitely had plenty on in the last few years, and so much to celebrate - especially their strong friendship, and their beautiful girls. They celebrated at Momofuku restaurant at The Star. Jen said it was very special, although with 15 courses to get through, no wonder she was "stuffed" the next day.
For those of you who haven't seen Jen for a while and aren't sure of how she's feeling physically and emotionally, I can tell you that she has absolutely turned the corner. Her hair has grown back beautifully although still on the short side, she doesn't look like a cancer patient now - just a local Lilyfield 'chick'! Without the chemo drugs in the system she is feeling so much better. Also she has built up her emotional resilience and is feeling more positive than ever that she has beaten this beastly illness, and it is all behind her.
I know you all feel the same way and wish her well.
Thanks again for all your love and support. It has definitely helped, and we are so grateful for every little thing, and every thought and prayer you send Jen's way.
Love to all
Cathy
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
News from the Front
Hi Angels,
Thanks for checking in on Jen's Road to Recovery. It isn't as entertaining as the compelling Voice/Masterchef bonanza we are being treated to on Aussie TV at the moment, but I'll do my best to keep your attention for the next few minutes.....
A huge effort from Jen this week, as she commenced the next stage of her treatment - radiotherapy.
She had hoped to start sooner than this, however with a slower recovery from chemo than expected, root canal on a tooth ( yes, can you believe it!), and minor preventative surgery, all since chemo finished, she delayed the treatment until this week.
So with the chemo and surgery recovery well advanced, and a couple of days R & R in Port Douglas for Jen and Will, Jen was finally ready to hit RPA Hospital for a daily dose of radiotherapy to the effected area.
Jen will visit RPA for this treatment daily for the next 6 weeks. After which, god willing, her medical treatment will be complete, and she can focus on her general 'fit for life' health and wellbeing, like the rest of us.
The ever strong and constant Will is in Europe and China on business for a couple of weeks, so Jen and the girls came to stay with Rob, I and the kids on the weekend. We always love having them with us, and this weekend was no different.
We enjoyed a great Mothers Day with gourmet treats courtesy of Maryanne and plenty of home made Mothers Day cards from the children. Jen was also pleased to know that some of her dear friends were out running the Mothers Day Classic in the City - a Cancer awareness event. Maybe next year we can all do it together???
Which brings me to the continuing amazing support Jen is receiving from all of you. A number of you have helped Jen over the last couple of weeks while Will has been away, and Jen needed help lifting the girls. I was at Jen's last Wednesday night and the house was full of helpers. Jen is so grateful for this assistance. She's also had a few of you sleep over and has commented on how nice it is to bond with her girlfriends in this way again.
If there is a good side to this story, it is that Jen is far more comfortable these days asking for help when she needs it. I know she found it hard to accept that she wasn't as strong and capable as she has always been, but with friends and family like all of you, her journey is made so much more bearable.
For those of you supporting from afar, your words of support and encouragement are also highly valued, and much appreciated.
From all of us, to all of you...keep believing! Jen is a star and she will be back in full swing very soon.
Love to all
Cathy
Thanks for checking in on Jen's Road to Recovery. It isn't as entertaining as the compelling Voice/Masterchef bonanza we are being treated to on Aussie TV at the moment, but I'll do my best to keep your attention for the next few minutes.....
A huge effort from Jen this week, as she commenced the next stage of her treatment - radiotherapy.
She had hoped to start sooner than this, however with a slower recovery from chemo than expected, root canal on a tooth ( yes, can you believe it!), and minor preventative surgery, all since chemo finished, she delayed the treatment until this week.
So with the chemo and surgery recovery well advanced, and a couple of days R & R in Port Douglas for Jen and Will, Jen was finally ready to hit RPA Hospital for a daily dose of radiotherapy to the effected area.
Jen will visit RPA for this treatment daily for the next 6 weeks. After which, god willing, her medical treatment will be complete, and she can focus on her general 'fit for life' health and wellbeing, like the rest of us.
The ever strong and constant Will is in Europe and China on business for a couple of weeks, so Jen and the girls came to stay with Rob, I and the kids on the weekend. We always love having them with us, and this weekend was no different.
We enjoyed a great Mothers Day with gourmet treats courtesy of Maryanne and plenty of home made Mothers Day cards from the children. Jen was also pleased to know that some of her dear friends were out running the Mothers Day Classic in the City - a Cancer awareness event. Maybe next year we can all do it together???
Which brings me to the continuing amazing support Jen is receiving from all of you. A number of you have helped Jen over the last couple of weeks while Will has been away, and Jen needed help lifting the girls. I was at Jen's last Wednesday night and the house was full of helpers. Jen is so grateful for this assistance. She's also had a few of you sleep over and has commented on how nice it is to bond with her girlfriends in this way again.
If there is a good side to this story, it is that Jen is far more comfortable these days asking for help when she needs it. I know she found it hard to accept that she wasn't as strong and capable as she has always been, but with friends and family like all of you, her journey is made so much more bearable.
For those of you supporting from afar, your words of support and encouragement are also highly valued, and much appreciated.
From all of us, to all of you...keep believing! Jen is a star and she will be back in full swing very soon.
Love to all
Cathy
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Last Week's email..for the blog followers
Hi Everyone
We hope you had a lovely Easter, and for those in the midst of school holidays, you are managing to keep the kids entertained!
The great news from Jen is that she has finished her chemo treatment. Her last dose was last Tuesday. She is so happy/relieved/stunned to be finished, and is really looking forward to feeling fit and healthy again.
Before she starts radiotherapy in a couple of weeks, she is taking a few mini-vacations - one with kids, one just her and Will - getting some necessary dental work (after chemo that's a walk in the park) and having minor surgery as a preventative treatment. Radiotherapy is six weeks of daily treatment. This will happen at RPA as it is closer to home. Jen has a great radiotherapist and she feels in good hands for the next and hopefully final stage of her treatment.
Jen has been discussing her return to work plan with Dr Friedlander and the wonderful team at Macquarie, and she is planning to ease back in over the 2nd half of the year, so as to ensure she can maintain a healthy balance.
If you've spoken to Jen recently you've probably noted a more 'back to normal' Jen. She is truly amazing and those of us very close are very relieved that she is feeling much better, both physically and mentally.
I am sure she would love to hear from you, so please drop her a note when you get a moment!
As I said on the blog last week - Easter is a time of great possibility - in Jen's case - we know this to be true!
For those of you who are praying - please keep Jen in your thoughts. I remember when Mum had cancer 18 years ago, and her name was on the prayer list at St Therese Dover Heights for many years. We used to tell her to take her name off the list - she wasn't sick! But she insisted she still needed the prayers - and given she is here to tell the tale - she must have been right.
Love to all
Cathy
We hope you had a lovely Easter, and for those in the midst of school holidays, you are managing to keep the kids entertained!
The great news from Jen is that she has finished her chemo treatment. Her last dose was last Tuesday. She is so happy/relieved/stunned to be finished, and is really looking forward to feeling fit and healthy again.
Before she starts radiotherapy in a couple of weeks, she is taking a few mini-vacations - one with kids, one just her and Will - getting some necessary dental work (after chemo that's a walk in the park) and having minor surgery as a preventative treatment. Radiotherapy is six weeks of daily treatment. This will happen at RPA as it is closer to home. Jen has a great radiotherapist and she feels in good hands for the next and hopefully final stage of her treatment.
Jen has been discussing her return to work plan with Dr Friedlander and the wonderful team at Macquarie, and she is planning to ease back in over the 2nd half of the year, so as to ensure she can maintain a healthy balance.
If you've spoken to Jen recently you've probably noted a more 'back to normal' Jen. She is truly amazing and those of us very close are very relieved that she is feeling much better, both physically and mentally.
I am sure she would love to hear from you, so please drop her a note when you get a moment!
As I said on the blog last week - Easter is a time of great possibility - in Jen's case - we know this to be true!
For those of you who are praying - please keep Jen in your thoughts. I remember when Mum had cancer 18 years ago, and her name was on the prayer list at St Therese Dover Heights for many years. We used to tell her to take her name off the list - she wasn't sick! But she insisted she still needed the prayers - and given she is here to tell the tale - she must have been right.
Love to all
Cathy
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Big Milestone - Huge!
Hi Angels
(Apologies for the lag in news. I'm having email issues.)
Thank goodness for the blog - and those of you who can follow...because today is a huge day for Jen.
After 5 months of chemo, today was Jen's last session. She has officially finished the chemo stage of her treatment. She's feeling really good about everything, and ready to get on to the next stage - radiotherapy - with a quick stop in at the dentist for root canal in between (there is a positive side to cancer - root canal seems like a walk in the park!).
Over the next few weeks/months Jen expects to gain more energy, and get back to feeling like her good old self.
Dr is very happy with Jen's progress, and we are very proud of the way she has managed it.
Easter is a time of new birth and great possibility - may it be so for Jen and Will and all those who continue to support her journey.
Love to all
Cathy
(Apologies for the lag in news. I'm having email issues.)
Thank goodness for the blog - and those of you who can follow...because today is a huge day for Jen.
After 5 months of chemo, today was Jen's last session. She has officially finished the chemo stage of her treatment. She's feeling really good about everything, and ready to get on to the next stage - radiotherapy - with a quick stop in at the dentist for root canal in between (there is a positive side to cancer - root canal seems like a walk in the park!).
Over the next few weeks/months Jen expects to gain more energy, and get back to feeling like her good old self.
Dr is very happy with Jen's progress, and we are very proud of the way she has managed it.
Easter is a time of new birth and great possibility - may it be so for Jen and Will and all those who continue to support her journey.
Love to all
Cathy
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