Saturday, November 13, 2010

I'm in NJ on an open-ended trip to be with Tina through her hardest time yet. I left on Friday, November 5th and have been here with family from all over the country.

Tina has gotten weaker since her trip to see the doctor. They told her that they were going to stop chemo and only treat her pain and anxiety. It seems that news triggered her body's response to begin the final process. Although the family and priest have told her that it is okay for her to let go, she is not yet ready. She is fighting to stay with us.

Your prayers, as always, are welcomed and very much appreciated. If you are wondering what else you can do, I think it would be great to find a family in your area going through the same type of situation and ask how you can help them. Tina has such an amazing support system but not everyone going through these types of situations do. I'm sure that would be a gift Tina would love for you to give. She has always volunteered and been a part of clubs and support groups that she would love for you to take that spirit of hers and share it with those you can.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Latest on Tina

It's been rough for Tina lately. She has been in and out of the hospital I think 7 times in the last month and a half. It's mainly been due to breathing issues. Although she does have cancer in her lungs and recently had a lot of fluid drained from them, the trouble seems to be stemming from anxiety. I can't imagine how she feels once the issue starts but I'm sure it becomes an unbreakable cycle. She can't breathe so she gets upset, the more upset she gets the more she can't breathe. Once in the ER, they usually run tests which take hours and most times they admitted her. It takes a lot out of Tina, from the transportation of getting in and out of the car/ambulance in a hurry to just the stress of the whole situation.

On her last visit to CTCA in Philly, she had a meeting with the doctor. Due to the tumors in her liver, she has become jaundice. To aleviate some of the strain on her liver to filter out medication, they have taken her off some of the supplements.

I've planned a trip to NJ this coming Friday. I'm really looking forward to seeing Tina.

Family and friends always ask, "Is there anything I can do to help?" We all feel helpless in this situation. There are a few people who have in the past brought over food so mom can spend more time with Tina and less time at the stove. It's easy, yet expensive, to order in or get take out. I think it's important for them to eat home-cooked meals and have some normalcy. I asked mom if she would like people to bring over food and she welcomed the help from people in the area. Nothing fancy but if you're making a meatloaf, just make one more and bring it by the next day. If you're interested in cooking for them, please get in touch with my mom as to the best time when they'd be home. I can't promise that Tina would be up for company but the gesture alone would mean so much to her so she can have more time with mom by her side. If you need mom's contact information, email me: jlzeimetz@gmail.com. Thank you all for your support!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Tina's Home in Time for Brownies and Cheese

Brownies and Cheese? Ewww, okay so maybe it's not what you think...let me go back.

Tina was released from the hospital on Monday, Sept 13. The doctors were unclear at first if Tina did have pnuemonia or not but it turns out she did. Her calcium and potassium were better so they let her go home with just an inhaler, unfortunately, no oxygen.

On Wednesday, Tina had a lot of trouble breathing in the morning so she had mom call 911 so she could get oxygen quicker than waiting until they got to the hospital. They didn't get into a room til about 11:30 pm. By 11pm on Thursday, she was tucked in bed at home resting and recouping after a family birthday party for Ashley. I can't believe it, she's 7 already! They said the party was a blast. I wish I could have been there.

Sadly, the next few days were pretty rough. She didn't have an appetite and was nauseous and vomitting. She was still having a hard time breathing. Her care manager from CTCA in Philly said to take the drive up on Monday for tests.

On Tuesday they did a CAT scan and drained almost a liter of fluid from her lungs. I didn't know it was even possible for lungs to hold that much...not that they're ever meant to hold fluid. She was sore afterwards. The nurse had her doing excercises to reexpand her lungs. My heart just goes out to her. With the breathing problems, I feel guilty calling her because if she can't breathe well, she can't talk. I also feel guilty only being able to get updates through mom instead of first hand.

She spent a lot of time resting in the hospital and came home today. She was home in time for Ashley's first Girl Scout meeting for Brownies. Tomorrow is Ashley's party at Chuck E. Cheese. See, brownies and cheese. :)

It's been a rough time recently. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers to feel better.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Hospital Trip aka Family Fun Day

Tina wasn't feeling well Friday morning; she had a little trouble breathing. Her doctor said to go to the ER. She really dislikes Freehold hospital so they drove an extra 10 minutes to Jersey Shore hospital. Her bloodwork came back high, possibly due to an infection in her lungs. They started her on IV antibiotics as a precaution before any results came in.

It's Tina's weekend with Ashley so on Saturday, they had a family fun day. Paul, Peyton, Mom, Tina and Ashley sat around playing board games and card games. You've got to make the best of the situation.

Speaking of "the situation", when I heard she was at Jersey Shore Hospital, all I could think of was a too-tanned guido with a six-pack and a stethoscope as her doctor. Nurse: "Doctor, what's the situation?" Doctor: "I AM the situation!" Laughter really is the best medicine. It really helps and doesn't make you feel all crappy like chemo. :)

The results weren't ready on Saturday and they spoke with the pulmonogist today (aka The Situation). He compared the xray from two months ago when she was in the ER the night before the wedding to the one from Friday. He said they look the same. The fluid in her lungs is not new, they just thought there was an infection this time. Mom didn't mention anything about the cultures but did say that if she had pneumonia that the doctors wouldn't be releasing her today...but they are. Tina and the family will be home soon.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Ups and Downs Recently

Tina has started a new chemo. It's once a week for two weeks, then one week off. About a week and a half ago, Tina had a cracked molar surgically extracted. That was pretty rough between the chemo "hangover" and the sedation drugs.

The good news is she and mom got to see one of the last Brooks and Dunn concerts before they stop touring forever. She said the wheelchair seating was pretty close. With that, you never can tell if it's gonna be up front or close to the back. They lucked out. I think she even got an autograph from the opening act. Who knows, maybe it'll be worth something someday.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

New Test Results

It's time for another MD Anderson visit. She had her appointment yesterday for new scans and got the test results today. The brain and bone scans showed no progression of the cancer. The scan of her organs showed that it spread in one of her lungs and shrunk in the other. Unfortunately the liver shows growth. Sigh. I don't know how much though. They are going to try some new medication.

Mom and Tina are on their way in driving to Austin. Over the next few days I will get more information to update. I'll also see if I can scan some pictures from the Florida trip.

Keep praying. Keep positive. Keep the faith.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Some Pictures!

Of course we're still waiting on the photographers pictures, but here are some preliminary ones to hold you over.

Tina and Paul's Wedding Photos


If you have any, please email them to supporttina@gmail.com or upload them to a site and email that link to supporttina@gmail.com.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

What an Amazing Wedding!

Paul and Tina's wedding was one of the best nights of my life. There is so much that I want to say about the day leading up to it, the ceremony and the reception, but I'm still writing it all up. The good news is that the Asbury Park Press has beaten me to it and I can share that story with you. It says Tina was in the hospital Thursday and Friday. She was in the ER for about 5 hours on Friday to get a chest xray and some fluids, but the article made it sound worse than that.

Asbury Park Press Article


Here are the pictures from the ceremony that the paper took:

Asbury Park Press Pictures


If you were there and have pictures, please send them to SupportTina@gmail.com . If they are too big, you can upload them to a site like Photobucket, Flickr or Picasa and send the link to that gmail account. Since they don't make bridesmaids' dresses with pockets for cameras, we're waiting anxiously on family, friends and the professional photographer.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The day is almost here

The day is almost here

Well, it's already Wednesday on the East coast which means Tina and Paul's wedding is only 3 days away. I am so incredibly excited. Although it's been extremely stressful for Tina, after this is over, this cancer thing will be a breeze.

I leave for the airport in 9 hours. I'm mostly packed and ready to hit the hay, but I really doubt there will be much sleep tonight. I think all of the details that can be dealt with on my end are handled, but it still won't stop the tape reel from playing over and over of this checklist. Was this done, was that done? Yes. No wait, I still need to call...STOP THE MADNESS! As the maid of honor, my job is to take any stress off the bride. Stress? Bring it on! I got this!

I'll post pictures as soon as I can (unlike my extremely long breaks I've been taking between posts...oops, my bad). You'll get the see the amateur party pics just as soon as I have computer access. Love you all for reading and supporting. Wedding, here we come!

The recent MD Anderson visit

As per usual, the trip was great. I miss mom and Tina both so much in between visits and I wish they weren't trip that are just a couple of days at a time.

Tina and I watched Goonies...well, some of it. Of course we quoted a lot of lines, "Stay to the right!" and "con las cucarachas para dos semanas sin agua y sin comida." Because they had subtitles, that's how I learned my first Spanish words. We also visited our parents' house which is currently on the market. It was strange to see it empty. Then we visited my mom's friend Kimberly. Sadly, that was about it; then they were off to Houston again. Luckily, the wedding is just around the corner.

The doctors performed tests at MD Anderson. The results were not what we were hoping for. For some reason, they haven't found a chemotherapy/drug that seems to work on Tina's bones, brain, and organs all at the same time. They seem to be one or another. The most recent bone scan showed no major change in the cancer in her bones, although the scan was "foggy" or hard to read. The scan of the brain showed no growth. Phew! Unfortunately, the test of her organs did not yield the same results. It showed more leisions in her liver and lungs and also fluid in one of her lungs.

Obviously no one would be happy with the news, but she is looking forward the wedding and staying strong as always. She has so much to fight for and the beginning of her life together with Paul that this isn't going to keep her down. It's all about attitude...and this week, the attitude is love. If anything's going to spread, let's have it be love. The next time you say, "I love you" don't let the words just come out, pause and say it like you mean it because deep down you really do. Whether it's to a good friend that you wouldn't normally say it to and it might seem a little awkward, or to a relative that you're not that close to, or to a loved one that you tell all the time, say it like you mean it.

I love you, Tina!

Friday, May 28, 2010

We did it!

The fundraiser was a HUGE success. I had my doubts a week before it ended, but people really came through. We raised $6,305 to help with Tina's wedding and medical bills.

And the winner is...

KELLY LUSK!!!




If anyone has any good ideas for other fundraisers, please let me know because those hospital bills do not stop coming in. Tina still needs the bathroom renovated.

Tina will be back in Houston for another MD Anderson appointment this week. I'm excited that I get to see her again so soon. Please pray for good news.

The wedding is less than a month away! I'm getting so excited, I can hardly wait. I can only imagine how she feels.

There's a new email address for people to contact for any questions about Tina. Click here to send an email. If you wish to send her a personal email, Click here

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Tina's Famous!

After a news paper article and then a radio station, Tina is becoming a fixture in the press. Maybe soon she'll have her own swarm of paparazzi. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating, though she is in the Asbury Park Press again which means she was picked up by about 230 other online publications. I remember when I first started this blog, I had googled "Tina Tinervia" and she had 15 hits, mostly by being on social networking sites. Go ahead, google her now...almost 900 hits. Okay Oprah, time for you to pick up this story. Ellen? Regis and Kelly?

You can see the story here: Matawan Boutique Comes to Aid of Freehold Twp. Bride with Cancer

We had a little glitch with the fundraiser, but we're up and running again. You cannot buy raffle tickets. Now don't freak out, you can still win a cruise, but you are only entered in the raffle as a thank you for a donation to Tina. That's the glitch. There is no gambling allowed through that button on the right, but the rules of the cruise remain the same so please continue to spread the word. There are only 20 days left until the drawing!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Austin, MD Anderson and Fundraising

Written 4/22/10
It's been a busy week for Tina. She flew from NJ to Houston on Thursday and got to see our cousin's T-ball game with the family. I was very happy that she traveled to Austin to see me again. We watched movies, ate pizza and ice cream sundaes then went to a happy hour with my mom's friends. A couple of Tina's friends from school were there too. Even with the rain on the patio, it was a great time.

Unfortunately, the weekend flew by and she had to go back to Houston for her Monday appointment at MD Anderson. She had scans done to check if there was any progression of the cancer. There are no new tumors in her bones or brain, although it has developed a little more in her liver and lungs. We are hoping with this new chemo she is on that it will soon shrink the new growth. The struggle is finding a chemo that works equally well on both. She has found that the different chemotherapies seem to work better on one part than another. Unfortunately scans can't be done every week so it's a waiting game to see if the new therapy is actually working.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

The Fundraiser Launches Today!

We have had a few fundraisers in the past, but we're hoping for huge results on this one. We are thankful for Beers for Boobs at TGI Friday's, the We've got your Back, Tina Facebook group, everyone that came out to Plucker's in Austin, and the tupperware fundraiser. We're hoping that this fundraiser alone will be able to cover the wedding and help with a lot of hospital bills. Trips from New Jersey to MD Anderson in Houston are not cheap either.

WIN A CRUISE FOR TWO FOR A GOOD CAUSE


If you donate to a good cause, to show our gratitude, you will be entered in a raffle to win a vacation cruise of a lifetime to the destination of your choice. Spend four days and three nights on a fabulous Carnival cruise for two with an ocean view room. We're even throwing in a free carry-on suitcase.

This raffle is a fundraiser for Tina Tinervia. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2006. Just two years after remission, the breast cancer returned as Stage IV in September 2008. With mounting medical bills and the cost of raising a six-year-old child, Tina needs your help. She and her fiancé, Paul Velez, are getting married in June 26, 2010. Your generous donations will contribute to hospital bills and the wedding. If you would like to read more about her story, go to Tina's Elevator: Chronicle of a Strong Woman's Ups and Downs.

The amount of your donation determines how many times you are entered. The more you donate, the more chances you have to win. $10 equals 1 entry, $20 equals 5 entries, $25 equal 10 entries. You can donate by the clicking the button to the right or you by mailing by check. Be sure to include your phone number and email address so we can contact you if you win. Make the check payable to Tina Tinervia and mail to:

Lisa Mutchler
155 Georgia Tavern Rd
Farmingdale, NJ 07727

The prize does not include airfare or taxes. If we reach our goal of $6,000, we will pay the taxes* on the cruise for you, so please help us get there!

The raffle will be open from April 14 through May 19, 2010. The drawing will be held Sunday, May 23, 2010. Tina will draw the winner who will then be contacted by phone or email on the same day. A video of the drawing and the winner's name will be posted here.




Help spread the word.

Click "Flyer" to download a flyer you can print and post to your company bulletin board, your favorite coffee shop or local grocery store: Flyer
Click "Letter" to download a letter template you can edit and mail to people you think might be more apt to read it through the mail: Letter



For questions or comments, click here to send an email.
For full details and restrictions, click here.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

The Full Radio Interview

I did some editing and I think I got everytime they mentioned her. It's 15 minutes and you can listen here:

LISTEN ONLY HERE

SEE THE VIDEOS BY THE STATION HERE

94.3 The Point...Great Radio Station!

Wedding plans have been coming along slowly but surely. Tina had some things that were taken care of already, such as picking out bridesmaids dresses, her colors, and the best part, her wedding dress. Last week, she found out that after she paid her deposit on the dress, the store, Enzo's, closed its doors taking her deposit with them and had never even ordered the dress from the manufacturer. Since so many other women went through the same situation, the Asbury Park Press picked up on it. You can read the full story HERE, featuring Tina.

The story from the Asbury Park Press was then picked up by a New Jersey radio station, 94.3 The Point. They asked her to be on the morning show today. I'm hoping to have a recording of it to post so you all can hear it. An incredibly generous man, Maurice Payami with Castle Couture, was also on the air and offered to donate a dress. People have been so giving with their time, money and services that someone else had already offered to buy the dress for Tina. Instead of taking back any offer, he is donating $2000 to whatever she needs for the wedding. He has also extended an offer to all of the other brides who were caught in this same situation. They can go to his store with proof that they put down a deposit at Enzo's and that will go towards a dress as his store, Castle Couture. Don't quote me on this; that is what I understood to be his offer from the radio interview. For details on his store and contact information, you can go to Castle Courture's site.

Although so many people have been incredibly kind and forthcoming, there are still a lot of medical bills to pay and a wedding is definitely not cheap. We are set to launch the big fundraiser next Wednesday, April 14. It's a raffle for a four-day, three-night cruise for two to the destination of your choice. The room has an ocean view and it's fully upgradable to add more days or more guests. All details will follow next Wednesday, but in the meantime, let your friends and family know so they can get their paypal accounts and checkbooks ready. :)

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Lots of Updates

Tina, mom, and I had a great couple of visits while they were in Houston. They drove to Austin to visit me on the weekends. We went out to eat a few times, saw Avatar in 3D and visited with family and friends. It was a good trip. While in Houston, Tina saw the doctors at MD Anderson. They gave a few recommendations to give to her doctor in Philly. As of right now, she cannot do any of the drug trials, but they are hoping that when she comes back to Houston in April for a follow up that she will be stronger and ready for whatever new meds they want to try. Mom and Tina booked their flights today, April 15-21. I can't wait.

I also heard that the dates for the Disney World trip have been submitted; it'll be some time in July...shortly after the wedding! Well, they're still trying to work that out with the reception hall. I know that they have looked at some places but not made any final decisions.

Speaking of the wedding, we're gearing up for a really big fundraiser. This will also help pay for hospital bills as they are always coming in. We're doing a raffle for a vacation for two. We're still working on the details, so I can't say much, but there will be a website to buy the raffle tickets online so this is a nation-wide event.

My Aunt Lisa sent me the family photos from this past Christmas. This one came out so good that I just had to share it with everyone.


Monday, February 8, 2010

Tina's in Houston at MD Anderson!

About two weeks ago, Tina had a Pet Scan done to check on the progression/regression of the cancer. It showed that the cancer in her organs (liver, lungs, chest nodules) has shrunk. (yea!) Unfortunately, the cancer in her bones has spread. That's why she's looking to MD Anderson to find a treatment that will help with both.

Tina has been trying to get into MD Anderson since her hospital in Philadelphia told her to get second opinions and try to get into any clinical trials. This trip was pushed back due to her hip surgery. That healed nicely and on Thursday, she and my mom made the trip.

Thursday was also Tina's 33rd birthday! They spent the evening celebrating with our family in the Houston area. We're really lucky to have family that is near the hospital that is willing (and happy) to help. Tina and my mom are staying at Debi and Joe's house, our cousins. Debi is the one that organized the Tina's Texas Team Mother's Day Walk last year. She's getting everything ready again for the walk coming up in May.



Since she doesn't have appointments on the weekends, they drove to Austin to come visit me and to see her best friend, Casey. For Tina's birthday we went to our favorite restaurant, The Melting Pot. OMG, YUM! I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate...you know, other than a cure for cancer.

She has an appointment with the specialist at MD Anderson on Wednesday to find out what type of treatment they recommend. Depending on what that is, they may treat her there, or hopefully, the hospital will relay the information to CTCA in Philly so she can be back with Paul and Ashley. I know it's hard for her to be away from them and equally hard on them.

Wedding plans will be getting going very soon and very quickly. She's thinking June 26, 2010. Clear your calendars!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Update

Tina was at the hospital on Friday. Instead of getting chemo, they gave her fluids and some IV pain medication. They are holding off on the chemo to see if she can get into MD Anderson soon for the trials and second opinions. If they don't hear by Monday or Tuesday about a date to go, they will start chemo back up until they hear from MD Anderson.

She is going to get a PET Scan on Tuesday to check out the status of the cancer. She has a follow up with the surgeon to have the stictches taken out and for him to check the site.

I'll give more updates after the PET scan results come in.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Ugh, Surgery

While Tina was in the hospital earlier this week, the doctors made a discovery. She was getting an MRI done to check on the nerves in her lower extremities to figure out what was causing the pain. They found that she has fractured her right hip. Oddly enough, this is not what's causing the pain, but it's a good thing that they caught it now because it's not displaced.

They scheduled surgery for Saturday. I got to talk to her just before she went in yesterday. She sounded good, not nervous at all. My mom said it went very well. The docs put in three pins to make sure it's fully stable. The last time, when she fractured her left hip, she was up in one day walking. This time the recovery will be a little longer, but they should release her in about three days.

I do have to say, the title of this blog is really true, lots of ups and downs lately. Hopefully we'll be able to stay away from the latter. There's a homonymal joke (yes, I just made up that word) in there about ladders and elevators, but I'll leave that one alone.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Tina Update

Tina went to Philadelphia today for a chemo treatment. She's been in a lot of pain over the last few days. When she went and described her pain, they opted not to do the lumbar puncture and the chemo through her spine today. Instead they admitted her overnight tonight and most likely tomorrow night.

I hate to hear that she's in pain, but the good news is that the hospital has a lot of drugs to make her more comfortable. I talked to her about an hour ago and she said she was feeling much better. What a relief.

Right now she's hanging out with my mom and doing whatever she can not to be bored. It's difficult when you're stuck in a bed, but she does have the Internet. Write a comment on here, send her an email or contact her on Facebook. She always loves to hear that you're thinking of her. I love you all for your support. Keep those prayers and positive thoughts coming.

Monday, January 4, 2010

The Good News Continues

I received a call while at CTCA just before I went to the airport. It was from The Dream Foundation. They make dreams come true for adults. I spoke with the representative today and got great news. Since wedding plans are underway and it might be a difficult dream to fulfill, they have decided to go with Tina's back up dream. The Dream Foundation, in conjunction with the Memories of Love foundation, is sending Tina, Paul, Peyton and Ashley to Disney World. It's six days and five nights including park tickets, airfare and meals. This is incredible.

There is one draw-back. The trip includes the family of four, but not my mother who is Tina's caretaker. It makes sense that they only include two adults since usually the other is the caretaker. Since Tina won't be able to go on all the rides and the kids are too young to go alone, if Paul went, Tina would be left by herself and you know how long those lines can get. My mom is also there day in and day out; they have their routine down. I'm going to try to raise money to pay for my mom's airfare, the additional money for the room, and food/expenses. I know this may not sound like a worthy cause, but it is the only way to grant Tina's wish. If you can help, please donate to the right, anything helps.

Everyone has been so amazing and now that help is coming in (finally), it really does relieve some of the financial burden.

Right now I'm working on wedding plans for June. Most items/services have been donated, but we're still looking for invitations, the reception hall, and a caterer; the latter being the two most expensive wedding services. Tina's "Wedding Team" is also working on ways to get all of the details taken care of. Thanks to everyone for all your support!