Enjoying Life While Fighting for It

Three days before Christmas, Jen and Chris Ireland were shopping with a more vigilant purpose, but not in the way most young parents would be.

They have gone to Dallas and Chicago in the same week.

Jen started having intestinal problems not long ago which resulted in her having to undergo chemotherapy to shrink a tumor the doctors found.

In the midst of living, she had major surgery to remove the tumor in May and struggled with the effects of chemo and drug regimens. Scans and blood counts were encouraging after the surgery but on Dec. 7th her oncologist told her that her tumor marker had climbed significantly, resulting in her tumor growing very rapidly.

"If not taken care of soon, I will be in a lot of pain," she told friends a few weeks ago. "My oncologist said he was out of options and suggested we research experimental work taking place in other cities."

Jen said friends and strangers responded with contacts at cancer centers around the country.

Jen will be 32 on New Year's Eve.

On Dec. 8th she made peanut brittle for the first time.

The American Cancer Society's North Texas' office will have their kick-off rally for their annual Relay for Life fundraising event Jan. 4th, 6-7:30 p.m. at 3301 W. Freeway in Fort Worth. Food and beverage will be served and there will be fun and door prizes while learning about how you can be involved in the Relay for Life. Inspirational moments include the Survivor's Recognition, a Survivor's Story, and the beautiful luminaria ceremony. Feel free to dress up Hawaiian style because that will be the theme for next year's relay.

RSVP by Dec. 28th to Mandy 817-570-0625 or Sheila at 817-688-4524.

In related cancer news, a report released by the Society today showed that specific symptoms may signal ovarian cancer, which is typically detected only after it has spread beyond the ovary, making it difficult to treat.

Now researchers from the University of Washington say they may have a way to help find this disease earlier and potentially save lives.