Penny's Fight: 2009

The Fight Continues...

Whether you know Penny personally or not, I set up this blog so that people could know her story.You couldn't tell from looking at her that anything was wrong. She is the mother of 3 beautiful children. She is a loving wife. She is going to school to be a dental hygenist. But all of that didn't seem to matter to the unseen enemy.

In Spring of 2008, after having a seizure, Penny discovered she had a golf-ball sized malignant Astrocytoma - Grade IV tumor in her temporal lobe of her brain. She had surgery and it was removed. She then went to Saskatoon to expidite chemotherapy and radiation. In spite of best efforts the tumor re-occured. In January 2009 surgery was once again performed and once again they got it!

Penny followed up with monthly monitoring including MRIs. The MRIs were all clear up to July when it showed that a new tumor had grown and was significantly larger than the previous ones - in the frontal lobe. Penny’s prognosis was not good. The tumor proved to be inoperable. The doctors said that chemotherapy and radiation would have a 20% chance of slowing the tumor down. The news was devastating. As if cancer is not enough, Penny had surgery on a slipped disc in her back on the 6th of August.

Penny opted for an alternative cancer treatment. It is called DCA - a treatment still in it's infancy. There are clinical trials going on at the University of Alberta - but the only clinic offering treatment is a private clinic in Toronto. Because Medicor is a private clinic - Health Canada cannot fund Penny's treatment. This left Penny and her family harboring all the medical expenses themselves.

Along with her cancer treatments, Penny travels periodically out to Winnipeg for PET scans to monitor her health.

In November she received the latest results from a PET scan. The doctor was surprised when Penny actually walked into her appointment. He was surprised that she could talk. He was dumbfounded that she was not unconscious. The size of the “tumor” on the scan and how aggressive the cancer had been previously – left no doubt that Penny’s days were numbered. The doctor then proclaimed that he did not believe she had cancer anymore.

This was the miracle that we have all hoped for and prayed for.
Shortly after given this good news, Penny stopped the expensive DCA treatments. The PET scan showed that there is “something” of significant size, in her brain, that is showing up on the scans – but the mass is still undetermined. The only way to know for sure, is another brain surgery.

Penny finally qualified to get her drivers license back – having had no seizures for over a year. Life was beginning to feel like it was returning to normal. In January, Penny returned back to dental hygiene school to finish her program. It proved to be too much physically and she had to scale back and finally come to the hard-decision to put school on hold, perhaps indefinetly.

Over the past month Penny has faced more disappointments. On an evening in late February, Penny ventured down to the local dollar store to pick up some necessities. She drove into the parking lot and was preparing to park when a seizure took hold. Penny’s foot hit the accelerator and she hit three parked cars and took out a tree. Luckily, no one was hurt. Penny didn’t have any passengers. This was devastating, as her short lived freedom came to a screeching halt. Penny continues to have periodic seizures. The doctor has changed her medications hopefully eliminating any more seizures.

Penny and her family are trying to “find normal” as Penny deals with incapacitating fatigue. Penny’s husband Brian is a full-time student, finishing up his Masters Degree in Counselling. Penny, now a full-time, stay-at-home-mom is trying to keep up with three busy kids.

The financial expenses involved with previous DCA treatments and the ongoing trips to Winnipeg continue to tax the family.

Penny and Brian have been so amazed with all the support they have received. It has made a tremendous difference in their lives. Those in Regina and neighboring communities in Saskatchewan, friends, family and even perfect strangers have given to Penny’s Fight. It is terrific when so many come together for a good cause.

If you feel like you can help ease the financial situation that Penny and her family continue to face as a result of this sickness, we would like to provide you with an opportunity to do so. It’s true that even a little bit helps. The money donated goes to directly help pay for medical and living expenses. You can click on the Paypal link on the side of the page and donate securely. Penny's e-mail is pennydosen@yahoo.ca - or if you would rather you can send donations directly to Penny or Brian Dosenberger at:

99 Trudelle CresRegina SKS4T 6W8

Thanks to all of you who have helped and continue to do so.
Penny and her family humbly thank you for all of your support too.

Check the blog for continued updates on Penny's Fight.
Sincerely,

Kathy (Fenske) Tanner

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

No news is good news!!

I've been told I need to post more? What can I say there isn't much new. I have an MRI date of Nov 6th, I will find out the results, probably about a week after, but I will let you know. My scans have to be sent to Toronto and then measured and compared to my baseline scan. Then the Dr. there will let me know by email if the DCA has had any effect on the tumour?

I went in to SIAST last week and started the process for my return to school in Jan. A lot of things have to fall into place for that to happen, but I am being optimistic! I only have six months left to finish my dental hygiene diploma!!!

Brian and I just celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary and he surprised me by taking me to Vancouver and Whistler for 2 nights at each. It was a fun time and beautiful this time of year. All the leaves had changed colour, but were still on the trees. We were able to take in a hockey game, the Canucks vs the Oilers. The Canucks won unfortunately and we were publicly mocked for wearing Oilers apparrel. We also went to the Vancouver aquarium and strolled through Stanley park. The kids had fun at home with Grandma and Grandpa D. Now it's back to real life and cooking and cleaning again. The break was very nice, but it is very nice to be back at home

Penny

Saturday, October 3, 2009

DCA two cycles done

I am not very good at this blogging thing! Just a quick post to let you know how treatment is going. I have finished two cycles of the DCA and have one(3 weeks) more left until they will see if it is working. Still waiting for an MRI date. So far the treatment has been easy; pills three times a day, and No side effects. Way Way better than chemo!

Thanks so much to all of you who have donated and said prayers on my behalf. Some of you have sent messages and letters with inspirational stories; I've enjoyed reading them.
Thanks so much to all!!
Penny

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Steak Night - A Great Night

Just wanted to thank everyone who was able to attend the Steak Dinner Fundraiser. It was a great success. Thanks to Brewsters, Tracy Malcolm and all those who donated to the silent auction. We raised $1035 from the Steak Night and $1687 from the silent auction. Well done!

Thanks also goes out to Canada AM who picked up this story. Great Job!!!

Great job Brandon and Jenna for your mighty efforts.

It is not a small thing when so many people care to make a difference...

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Newsworthy...

A big shout-out to Brandon Malcolm for his Lemonade Stand yesterday. He pulled in $1230!!! Great Job!!! Way to go Brandon and Tracy!

Also, CTV had a segment on their news last night about Penny also highlighting Brandon's hard work. Fantastic!

We have to say thanks to CTV, Leader-Post and all the other media in Regina. We have had some great publicity to share Penny's story. We appreciate your community spirit. Thanks for helping make a difference!

Friday, September 11, 2009

In The News...

Check out a recent article in Leader-Post, Regina's newspaper.

http://www.leaderpost.com/health/Friends%20helping%20Regina%20mother%20raise%20money%20fight%20brain%20cancer/1984928/story.html

Thanks.

Penny's computer has gone down and she wanted me to post a Thank-you for her. She wants to thank all of you who bought tickets for the Steak Supper and have sent donations or supported her in countless other ways. It has meant so much! She feels a tremendous weight has been lifted thanks to the generosity of so many.

So again - Thank You.

Supporting...

Tracy's son Brandon will be having an Iced Tea Sale this Saturday from 10am - 6pm @ 6707 Dalgliesh Drive, Regina. If you're in the area be sure to swing by.

This will Brandon's 3rd Iced Tea Sale to support Penny's Fight. Way to go Brandon!!!

The sale will be announced on the radio stations in Regina.

The Leader Post (Regina's newspaper) is also doing a story about Penny also highlighting Brandon's sales.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Sold Out!!!

Tracy just let me know that all the tickets have sold for the Steak Fundraiser!!!

Thanks to all of you who bought tickets!!!

Here is a little sneak peak at a few of the items for the silent auction. If you are still wishing to donate items contact Tracy at t.malcolm@accesscomm.ca

We hope you have a great time!

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Silent Auction

Hey everyone!

Thanks again and again and again for all the support for Penny and her family. There are no words to express the amount of thankfulness, wonder and amazement that is felt!

There will be a silent auction at the Steak Dinner, September 17th at Brewsters in Regina. If you would like to donate any item for the auction - craft, artwork, tickets, etc, etc, etc. (whatever goes) Contact Tracy Malcolm, t.malcolm@accesscomm.ca

Thanks again and again...

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Steak Dinner Fundraiser

Hey all,

I just wanted to pass on some information regarding an upcoming Steak Fundraiser for Penny.

Date: Thursday, September 17th

Time: 5-9 p.m.

Location: Brewsters @ (Normanview - McCarthy Blvd., Regina)

Cost: $15 includes your Steak/garlic tst, caesar salad and baked potato

$5.05 from every ticket sold will go to Penny's Fight. There will also be a 50/50 draw.

Kids are also welcome. They have family dining as well as a lounge.

For more information or to get your tickets please contact Tracy Malcolm at t.malcolm@accesscomm.ca . She could also use some help with selling tickets if your interested. She needs to sell at least 100 tickets for the night.

Thanks Tracy and everyone else your help and support. It is simply amazing!

DAY 1

I started my DCA treatment yesterday and so far things are good! It is an oral medication that I take 3 times per day along with some vitamin supplements to help lessen any side effects.
;P

Monday, August 24, 2009

DCA treatment starts today!

I went for a Dr. appt today in Regina with my oncologist. This appt was to let him know what treatment I have decided to go with. I told him about the DCA treatment in Toronto and he agreed to monitor me here by ordering blood work and MRI's. He was very surprised to see how well I am doing! He said that based upon what they are seeing on my last MRI and the size of the tumour and it's location I should be "very sick, very very sick" I am almost without symptoms! I am attributing this to the many prayers that have been given for me and my family! Thanks everyone and to my Heavenly Father!
;P

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Thank you

Thanks so much to everyone who has donated to our fight!! I would like to be able to respond to each of you to individually thank you, but I am afraid I can't keep up. I didn't expect to have this kind of response! People from all over are sending us donations or notes of encouragement; some don't even know us or anyone that knows us. There is a lot of good out there
Also very importantly I do not expect everyone to donate. I didn't expect anyone to donate actually, but I have had people email and apologize for not donating, but have offered to pray for me and our family. To me prayer is worth more than gold!
Love
Penny and family

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Bald is beautiful!

Kathy (Fenske)Tanner is so amazing to have created this blog for us. Thanks to all of you amazing people who have already donated to help us out, we are in awe. I am going to try to post some blogs on here to keep people up to date on my treatment.

So far all of my reports and documents have been faxed to the Toronto clinic and will be reviewed by the Dr. there. He will write a report indicating my treatment plan and then my medications will be sent here. I have payed a little extra(way less than the cost of travel) so that my treatment can be remote. Meaning I won't have to travel to Toronto every month. They will monitor me through my Dr. here with blood tests and MRI's similar to how they have been monitoring me so far. I am starting to have mixed emotions regarding a two tiered health care system. This clinic has been amazing for corresponding with me. They guarantee an appt within a week if you are in their area, and if needed they can get you an appt in 48hours for only an extra $200. Sure that's great right if you have the money or have good friends like I do, but it sure is nice having the option, instead of being put on a 8 week waiting list just to start treatment. That is what it was like last year for many Regina residents. I was one of the lucky ones who was referred to Saskatoon and started treatment within a few weeks.

On another note I am considering reshaving my head. It is at a length that is quite difficult to manage! The past two summers have been nice not having to bother with my hair. This is a picture from last year. Bed head was not even an issue!

My back surgery went well and I am up and moving around really well! I am even off of the pain killers. darn it!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Share...

Hey there,

Let everyone know about Penny's Fight. Let's get the word out. E-mail your friends, let your fellow facebookers know. Feel free to also post comments here to Penny. Thanks.

Penny's Fight

Penny's Family