Read all about it!

Since so many of you have asked me to keep you updated about my progress as I go through cancer, I've decided to take my first shot at keeping a blog. Here's the facts as I know them so far:

On December 7, I had a routine physical where a chest x-ray was ordered because I complained of shortness of breath and fatigue. This led to numerous more tests, ending with a biopsy confirming that I have Adenocarcinoma, or simply put, lung cancer not resulting from smoking.

It appears that about a dozen lymph nodes in my chest area are also involved, which makes operating seem impossible. However, there is a slight chance these lymph nodes are not malignant as first thought, so another biopsy may be ordered. If the biopsy shows they do not contain cancer, I could have surgery to remove the growth in my lung, followed by chemo and radiation. Otherwise, aggressive chemo/radiation treatment will begin soon. I see my oncologist tomorrow, and will hopefully have more answers.

That's about all I know as far as my illness. The past months and even year or so have been a very trying time in my family, with numerous deaths and illnesses, but it has also been a time of reawakening to the involvement of the Lord in our everyday lives, and His power to comfort us even in the hardest of times.

As I sit at my computer, I can think of countless instances where God orchestrated our lives in order to allow us to be there for one another. Here are just a few:

As some of you know, I have been blessed in the past four years with three beautiful granddaughters. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer about two and a half years ago, only one of them had been born, Annabelle. I had the joy of caring for her during the week. When we learned of my mother's illness, it coincided with Annabelle entering school, which gave me more time to care for my mother properly, by taking her to her many doctor's appointments, simply spending time with her, and ensuring she was happy and knew she was loved until her time of death. This timing could only be God's design.

A month later, my eldest sister Jeannie was also diagnosed with cancer, and I had the free time to visit her many times in Wisconsin and see her enjoy life and keep her contageous vibrancy right up until her time of death. Jeannie was an example to me in this area. She showed me that a cancer diagnosis is no reason to go into a cacoon of depression, but rather a reason to live most joyfully to your fullest every day you are given.

More recently, we were fortunate to have my dad, Teachy, spend the holidays with us in Fort Lauderdale. Due to our many families having to schedule Christmas celebrations, ours was moved up to three days before Christmas. My youngest daughter, Mackenzie, grudgingly titled it "Fake Christmas." But again, in God's divine planning, it was that very evening that Teach had to be admitted into the hospital where he spent his final 10 days. I am so thankful that he spent "Fake Christmas" enjoying our family and we were able to enjoy him.

I realize this first entry has become a little long, so I'll stop and have to tell you many many more stories of God's intervening another time. But I would like to thank everyone for their prayers and encouraging words. I am so moved by your support. Keep it coming!! Feel free to contact me at:

Jayne Kaminski
3373 Lakeshore Drive
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442

And also feel free to comment on this blog entry or any other. I'd love to hear from you!

God bless each of you.


PS - I thought this was too cute to leave off. It's an email I got from my daughter-in-law, Dawn and her little ladybug.

Dear Gram-
I heard the news and I think it really stinks!
I love you!
Emma