JOEY'S UPDATES
On 16 June, Cindy Johnstonbaugh writes: I just left Joey's room. When I showed her the website, she got tears in her eyes. She is thrilled by the website and the response by the Airedale community and friends. She especially enjoyed the pictures - she loved the one by the hearth - and some of the heartfelt comments moved her to tears. Her comment was that we know good people. Well, we do know good people, and thank you for your support for Joey. On 23 June, Bette Leyden writes: I did go over to see Joey on Saturday. She looks pretty good! She is very tired and I can understand why. Joey is also very excited about getting her dogs out of the kennel tomorrow and bringing them home! Her friend Cheryl is going to spend part of the day with them, too. On 24 June, Cindy writes: I stayed with Joey from Wednesday through Friday. Joey is ambulatory and doing pretty well. She has a few doctor appointments this week. Today, she will have the staples removed. She should also find out about the biopsies this week. She is getting around well and has a good appetite. Joey is in good spirits and was thrilled to see me go home. On 28 June, Cindy writes: The good news is her dogs are all back home and being very gentle. Joey's staples were all removed on Monday. She is very alert and seems to be taking good care of herself. Since the dogs are being so protective, she is meeting people in the back room/grooming room for visits. It is easier than trying to physically move the dogs away from the door. She is very moved with the cards that are still arriving and appreciates the outpouring of support for her. On 30 June, Cindy writes: Joey got her first checks yesterday. She's very humbled. Dominique Kliger brought soup, fresh fruit & other food. People are so nice. On 1 July, Cindy writes: I'm really excited about meeting the Bathroom Magic guy on Friday and hopefully getting a start date. Hell on Earth is listening to that jingle while being put on hold. They are also the Kitchen Magic people. I think it is a hovel of elves. On 8 July, Anne Townley writes: Jim & I were at Joey's today. She had a list of things for him to do around the house and yard. He got some of them done; we will be going back so he can get to the others. The man came today to measure the bathroom. He had all the samples of the things she had picked out and drew up the plans after doing all the measurements so she could approve them. She will hear from the company in a few weeks to set up dates for installation. I can tell you that she is very excited to be getting it done and says she can't thank everyone enough. She looks good and will be going to see her doctor on Friday. KATHY ENOS: Bless everyone who has helped Joey. I wish I lived closer . . . it's a comfort to know how everybody has helped. Prayers still coming your way, Joey. 

	TAKING A SABBATICAL by JOEY FINERAN 20 JULY 2013
Joey writes: It was early Spring 2013 when I went to the doctor with stomach issues - indigestion or gastroenteritis, I thought. In mid-April, the doctor ordered a CT scan of my abdomen, which showed a large tumor on one ovary. At that point, I was already filled with fluids, which were subsequently drained three times. My Gastroenterologist, specializing in liver ailments, found I also had liver problems that needed to be figured out before surgery could be done. Finally the operation took place in early June. The tumor was cancerous and although there were no visible signs of spreading, it was recommended that chemo be given in case of a stray cells. Chemo commences on July 24. For someone who had never been sick a day in her life, all of this was overwhelming, throwing me into a tailspin, making me wrap myself in a cocoon. All of my friends were eager to help and many, many did - shopping & cleaning & transporting me to most of my doctor visits. Sera & Mike Lurski took me to every appointment at Fox Chase Hospital. Sera (retired nurse) took notes, kept records and asked questions I wouldn't have known to or remembered to ask. She stayed close by until my surgery was over and I was declared stable. It wasn't until I was discharged by the hospital and finished with all appointments that they returned their attention to their own lives. They and so many others have left me with debts I can never repay. Although the cancer part of my illness has been addressed & planned for, the cause of the liver damage remains a mystery and how to stop/stall it is still in question. I now again look like a 90-year-old, eight-months-pregnant woman, but have been told that further tapping the fluids within my abdomen would only cause it to get worse. As most of you know, Andréa Denninger, who does so much for Airedale & Cairn Rescue) nationwide by featuring events and dogs on the internet, put together a story of my plight at the behest of Pam McKusick & Cindy Johnstonbaugh. Well wishes, cards & donations toward a safer bathroom came pouring in. I am dumbfounded by people's generosity and humbled by the reaching out of so many Airedale people across the country. And last but far from least, I am forever grateful for each word, card & generous gift. Although I haven't emerged entirely from this strange world, untouched by the thing that is closest to my heart (Airedale Rescue), I am determined that if God is willing, my dedication to rescue will return with my strength and one of these days life will be normal again . . . with foster Airedales sharing my home and my love. Meanwhile, I have my two (adopted) Airedales at home with me. They are probably bored to death, but don't show it . . . and share nap time with me as often as I need to rest and are gentle & caring all of the time. Thank you, everyone for everything. With me, please pray that all will return to normal by 2014, in hopes that I again can make Airedale Rescue the most important thing I have to think about.

JOEY'S CHEMO SESSIONS BEGIN
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