Marco Jo

Congrats! She is a beauty!I hope you are feeling great. I am due any day...

HI Teri- My sister tolerated the first line well as well(8 rounds). Then she had radiation for some small spots on her brain, and her back about a month later. Then about a month after that finished, she started topotecan(Hycamtin). Unfortunately, the topotecan did not work as well for her. She tolerated it ok, but it isn't as effective for as many people. Radiation seems to be more reliable, but you can't have it everywhere. Best of luck to you! Marco Jo

Flowergirlie- I am so sorry. I am sending prayers to you and your family as you grieve. You have been such a great caregiver. I hope you can find peace in that. Best wishes to you husband on his new journey as well. He must have some important work to do. Love, Marco Jo

Heather- I am very sorry. Prayers to you for peace and healing... Marco Jo

Jeannine Clate Schirripa March 1, 2007 Jeannine Clate Schirripa, of Kirkville, passed away Thursday surrounded by her family, at St. Joseph's Hospital. She was 47 years old. Jeannine was a founder and former owner of Wise Guys Comedy Club in Syracuse. She is survived by hersons, Jason Schirripa of Orlando, FL, and Marco Schirripa of Kirkville; by her sister and brother-in-law, Marco Jo Clate and Joseph White of Brooklyn; stepmother, Andy Russell; brother and sister, Joseph Clate and Tonia Bilbe, all of Elmira; and aunt, Mary Austin of Wellborne, FL; as well as an extended family of close friends. A memorial gathering will be held Friday evening, March 9, from 4 to 7 at Hollis Funeral Home. A service will be held Saturday evening, March 10; details to be announced. The family requests no flowers be sent, but donations be made to Team Jeannine. For further information regarding the service as well as the Team Jeannine benefit on Sunday, March 11, please visit www.teamjeannine.com or www.thecatisback.net. Hollis Funeral Home Charlie Hollis (Holocinski), Owner 1105 W. Genesee St. 422-7966 www.hollisfuneralhome.com

So Sorry. Sending you prayers for peace. Marco Jo

Flowergirlie, I am sorry you are going through this. I just went through it w/ my sister as well, and even though it has been almost a month, I still sometimes feel like I wish I could have done more, because I was the person she looked to for care and answers...Just know you are doing your best. I hope you are surrounded by people supporting you. There is a very good book, called Final Gifts- by Maggie Callanan and Patricia Kelley. It is about helping your loved one through their final time. It is very good. It is about understanding the language of the dying- even if they are on lots of morphine etc...It helped reinforce for me the things I would do for my sister. I sincerely hope you get to take your trip. Best of luck to you and your family. This is no easy journey. Peace, Marco Jo

Kimberly, I am praying for your healing now. So sorry for your loss. Peace, Marco Jo

Hey Everyone- My sister, Jeannine passed away Thursday at noon... She had a rough night, pain med every hour. I left her room to go downstairs for my sonogram, and her breathing was a little agitated. I asked the nurse to try to reposition her so she could breathe better. My nephew was in the room with her. I returned an hour later ready to tell her that her nephew was doing well (I am 28 weeks along), and her pastor and the nurse were in the room as well. She had just taken her last breath. It was such a surprise. Although I knew it was coming, I expected more notice. They though it would be a few more days or weeks. I am grateful that she is at rest- I did not want her to suffer any longer. It was heartberaking to her unable to use her body.She was very frustrated. She was a dancer growing up, and loved to do yoga. She was in so much pain. I know she is dancing and flying free now...But I will miss her so much. Marco Jo

Grace- I am praying for peace for you and the girls-It is so hard to accept our loved ones dying so young-it makes no sense-but time heals-slowly but surely. And you will be three strong women standing together. I wish you courage and comfort- Love, Marco jo

HI Everyone- Well, we though Jeannine would come home a few days ago. She finished rt on her lung and was walking the stairs,preparing to come home. But all of a sudden she started to get pain in her back and legs.They were going to do rt to her pelvis for this- then she bacme quite confused, and the doc discovered that her ammonia level was high, which meant her liver tumors were acting up- they gave her latchulose to get the ammonia out. It seems that she is not coming home after all. All of a sudden things turned. They moved her into a private a few days ago, and I have been spending the nights (and days) in the hospital w/her. We have had many family and friends visit. She struggles with the pain both physically and emotionally. She understands what is happening, but is also confused. It is a challenging time. My heart has been breaking. She feels bad that other people are hurting. That is who she is. Her sons, who are 17 and 23 have been here everyday, and are doing such a good job of being here for her. Although it is really painful some of the time, I am grateful that we are getting to process together.I just hope she will not have to struggle too long. She doesn't deserve it. She is such a good person. The nurses on this floor are so gentle, respectful and kind. And I am so glad that they got to know her in the past couple of months. I am even writing from a laptop they put in her room. I tried a few weeks ago to put up some pictures of us, but couldn't make it work, not sure why. I am now 27 weeks pregnant! thank God for this little baby- he is getting me through. I am sorry my sister won't be here when he is born, but of course, I know she will be with me in other ways. Sorry for rambling-i am sure you all, understand. Marco Jo

((((Peace and prayers to you and Carlton and your family Grace.)))) I wish I could help make it easier- Marco Jo

((((Grace)))) I hope you are taking care of yourself, and that you are allowing people to be there to support you too! You have so much to handle! I am sending you and Carlton and your girls lots of prayers. And definately don't second guess your choices. It is really hard, and hopefully the hospital staff are doing their part to help guide you through this difficult time... Peace to you and your family-Marco Jo

HI Bobby- As far as i know it is ok- my sister found that sometimes water hurt worse than food... It was sort of hit or miss which foods hurt. Is she taking carafate? That is a liquid med they use to coat the esophagus so that you can eat with less pain.I do believe that the pain passed within a week. I hope she is enjoying food again soon! Best, Marco Jo

Lots of prayers for you and your family Grace!

Hi Laurie, There was a lot of uncertainty about my sister's bone mets as well.They finally confirmed them with MRI. They were not showing up on the pets or bone scans, but she was having pain. They have been able to alleviate them with radiation. Also, as far as sclc goes, her docs have said that although sclc usually responds well in the begining, that once it returns it is sort of relentless. I don't want to be discouraging, however. I am also amazed at the way they have helped her to bounce back time and time again. And everyone is different. Best of luck. My prayers are with you... Love, Marco Jo

Grace, It's amazing isn't it, how one day things can seem like they are going one way, and the next things seem semi normal. Emphasis on semi. Carlton sounds like he is fighting like hell. I think that counts for so much! My sis and I are going through a very similar time right now. You and your family are in my prayers. YOu are a strong lady! Love, Marco Jo

The ultrasound pics are funny- I feel shy about showing them to people- very revealing! As for my sis, she is still in the hospital. They are going to try radiation on her lung tomorrow. We were hoping she would come home today, but the doc is concerned about her stairs.(20 leading up to her apt.) So she may have to stay in the hospital for radiation. She is having a hard time getting up and brushing her teeth etc right now, so the stairs are pretty daunting. I wish I was a big guy so I could carry her, but I am a petite pregnant girl! Peace, Marco Jo

Is your Dad eligible for long term disability or SSI? I would try calling your local chapter of the Cancer Society. They have been very helpful to us. Best of luck. Sorry you have to worry about all of this. Peace, Marco Jo

Boy! And I am now almost 24 weeks along! Jeannine is on her third admission to the hospital since January 1st- Thia time for shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain- They thought she had pneumonia, and treated her for it, although it doesn't seem that is really it. They will drain some fluid tomorrow. The docs seem to think it is her lung tumor acting up. She is in the middle of chemo-(topotecan). They aren't sure yet if it is working. It has been three weeks of it so far, and it seemed she had instant relief at first, but now I don't know. She is in a lot of pain. They may stop chemo and do radiation... On a positive note, her friends are some incredible people. They created a group called Team Jeannine to help raise funds for all of her bills etc... They just put up a website www.teamjeannine.com. It is so moving to see people come together and take action out of their love and respect for her. There is a spot for her to blog, but I'm not sure if she'll be up for it. We'll see. Looking for the best in the hard stuff. Cancer sucks, but people don't... Marco Jo

yes- radiation can cause esophagus burns. My sister had a prescription called carafate- a liquid that coats the esohpagus. Her pain was like heartburn or acid reflux. Hope this helps. FI- it didn't seem to last any more than a week! Marco Jo

Grace- Hang in there! My sis is in the hospital too-3rd time this month! I am sending you and your family lots of prayers. How is his sodium? That can cause seizures also. I hope the docs get to the bottom of it soon-and formulate a plan of attack. No retreat! Don't forget to care for yourself as well- Marco Jo

Dear Frank, I am inspired by your courage, strength and honesty. My prayers are with you and your family. I wish you a peaceful journey no matter where the day takes you. Thank you for your generosity. You are a powerful person. Love, Marco Jo

Hi Lisa- yes, my sister had problems with blurry vision after chemo. The docs ended up switchng out one of the nausea pre-meds-I can't remember which one, but if you search my posts it might say. You should definately ask the docs. Let them know every little change- the earlier the better. Good luck to you and your family. Marco Jo

(((Crystal))) Peace and prayers to you and your family... Marco Jo